Thoughts of Hope from The Christ Child Video

It is never too late, right? Sharing my thoughts from a #LightTheWorld challenge a few days ago. Which is to share The Christ Child video (https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world-2020/the-christ-child) along with a specific moment in the video that gives me hope.

One of the many moments where I feel hope in the movie The Christ Child, is just before Mary gives birth. It is when Joseph and Mary look into each other’s eyes with worry, concern, probably fear and surely a lot of physical pain for Mary (after all, no sterile and comfortable hospital and no epidural). They unite, clasp each other's hands. What I hear them say to one another is, "this is going to be so hard", "we haven't come this far only to come this far", "we can do this", "God will continue to help us." I think Mary quite possibly had moments where she thought this really was not what she thought her life might look like. Joseph probably had similar thoughts. Yet, these two important human beings were humble and willing to do God's will. So it can be with all of us. I doubt any of us have had our lives turn out just the way we had thought. Look at this 2020 year, none of us knew what laid in store for us. Many of our plans and hopes have had to be adjusted. And adjusted again. However, because of Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven there is hope. Hope in knowing that They know the bigger picture, They understand, They will lead and guide us into new ways and new paths, if we let Them. How? Through the spirit, which is the light of Christ that is within each of us, we can hear Him to know what to do. Listen for the guidance, be humble, trust, and do. Just like Mary. Just like Joseph. Just like the shepherds. Just like the wise men. 

We may not always see the big picture or know the end from the beginning, but God does. So why wouldn't we want to hear Him? At times we might see just a little ahead to make a right step. And then the next right step. Seeing just enough ahead to give us hope to move forward. The Holy Ghost, or the spirit of the Lord, "communicates to our spirit and carries far more certainty than any communication we receive through our natural senses."  Mary and Joseph had those moments of spiritual communication to give them hope and direction. "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)  We should all be thankful that there were moments when Mary and Joseph were enlightened by the Holy Ghost, received words spoken from an angel, and listened to words from other helpful people God placed in their path. Surely these moments came back to their mind, giving them hope and encouraging them to move forward. When Joseph and Mary clasped their hands, I see their hope and hear them say, "this is going to be hard", "with God we can do this", "we'll do it together", "let's do the right next thing", "we will let God prevail". And He did. 

Listen. Be Humble. Unite. Trust. Do.

#LightTheWorld 

Sunday Gratitude Journal

    “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” (John 1:10)  In a recent study I had of "Jesus Christ, Creator"  from the scripture Topical Guide - this verse made me sad. It was written long ago, biblical times, but this scripture indeed has application today. 

As the world continues to fight a pandemic and more and more are becoming ill with the virus, many think Christ is not in the world. Perhaps they are unaware of Him. Many may feel He is not helping in this situation, I would say He is. I see His hand guiding and directing my life. I see Him working in the lives of many of my loved ones and friends. I hear Him giving me guidance and whispering words of comfort and peace. Jesus Christ is “in the world”, evidence of Him is all around. Christ’s creations are beautiful - look around today and notice all that He has made. We can find joy and gratitude for His beautiful creations. Nature is healing. (This reminds me of this recent message from Music and the Spoken Word specifically about that -https://musicandthespokenword.com/spokenwordmessages/just-what-the-doctor-ordered-sunday-november-15-2020/). 

“And the world knew him not”. That part of the verse causes me sadness. Jesus Chirst, the Savior of the world, and yet “the world knew him not”. Let me introduce you to my friend, my big brother, my Savior and champion, Jesus Christ. I love Him! I depend on Him! He is my rock and my salvation. Want to know Him too or know Him better?  If you are intentional about it, let me tell you some ways that have helped me and might help you:

1. Pray to your Father in Heaven and ask that His son, Jesus Christ may bless you and give you His power today with the worries, concerns, anger, and challenges you are facing. In praying, ask that you may feel of His love and peace in your life today. Then notice, just notice, His hand in your life. I am grateful for prayer, and that I can pray anytime and anywhere. 

2. Read Christ’s words in the scriptures. He is there. Open up almost anywhere and begin to read, He will show up. He shows up especially in The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  A few years ago I marked any reference made of Jeus Christ and he was there on almost every page, multiple times. Amazing! Sometimes after I have prayed or written down my concerns and then opened up my scriptures, I can hear a message just for me from Him. The more I am in the scriptures, the more grateful I am for them. 

3. Look at pictures of Jesus Christ, feel the peace and see the light that can come to your heart. A few new favorite artists that I particularly enjoy are: Eva Koleva  Timothy "The Lord is My Light", and Kate Lee. 

(You may want to check out this recent news article, which tells more of Eva and her magnificent art.) I am grateful for talented artists that fill my soul with beauty and light. 

4. Read and ponder upon the words of The Living Christ. A testimony of Him by living prophets and apostles. I am grateful for the testimony and witness of truth from others. 

5. See Him lovingly portrayed in these Bible videos  or in this new series, The Chosen. If you’ve seen The Chosen, don’t you love it? The Chosen has helped me see Jesus in a new way and has connected me closer to Him. I am grateful for talented people that can act and direct and create such uplifting media. 

6. Listen to a prophet of God who knows Jesus. Isn’t it amazing that there is a living prophet of God upon the earth today who speaks of Christ and speaks to Christ?  A few days ago, our prophet had a special message for us. A message of hope and healing. A prescription to make us better. Which is to express our gratitude. I don’t think our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ need our thanks and grateful hearts as much as we need it. As we recognize the blessings and notice where the blessings are coming from, it is healing to our souls and it helps us to “know Him”. A prophet of God speaks words of peace, comfort, and shares what the Lord would have us do in our lives right now to make us feel better. I am grateful for President Nelson. 

7. Hear the many songs and read the lyrics of songs and hymns which express praise to Jesus Christ. Again, many talented artists that help me feel Christ's love, His peace, and know Him better. For which I am grateful for. I am also blessed by Spotify to create playlists and hear such songs quickly and easily.

8. See and read even more about Jesus Christ at this Come Unto Christ webpage. I am profoundly grateful for my Savior. 

 

We all want this pandemic, the coronavirus to end. Perhaps what will help end the pandemic, to return to “normal living”, for us to again “prosper in the land” - is for us to know Him. Jesus Christ has all power, “all things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3.) This verse causes me to have respect, awe, and gratitude for all the things He has created for me and you. Without Him not anything was/is made. We need His guidance, His light and the inspiration He desires to give. I would think scientists and doctors have felt that guidance as they have sought a cure and developed a vaccine. Perhaps some professionals don’t recognize the guidance, but I am certain it has been there because thousands upon thousands of us have prayed and asked for His help to find a cure. And because “without him not anything is made”. I think for the cure to come quicker and for less of us getting the coronavirus, there needs to be more who see Jesus Christ in the world, more believers and followers of Him, and a lot less in the world “who know him not”. 

I stated above how I am grateful for prayer and that I sometimes hear the Lord’s voice as I read the scriptures. This past week I had such an experience where the following verses spoke to my soul and I was able to personalize it for me and for you. It is a prayer of the brother of Jared found in the book of Ether 3:2-5  from The Book of Mormon. 

2 O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the [coronavirus]. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy [people] because of [our] weakness[es] before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.

3 Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many [months] we have been in [unnormal living conditions]; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon [us] in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that [we] shall [continue to] go forth [among this pandemic lifestyle] across this raging deep in darkness; but behold [the good intentions and efforts of so many of thy children trying and desiring to make things better.]

4 And [we] know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch [our hearts and minds], O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare [us] that [we] may shine forth in [these troubling and sometimes dark times]; and [that Thou shalt continue to] shine forth unto us in [our lives], that we may have [Thy] light while we [endeavor to endure COVID19].

5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men. (Ether 3:2-5)

    I am hopeful that through gratitude more of us will see Christ in the world, be grateful for this beautiful world and all the other creations and blessings in our life He has made, and that the whole wide world will know Him or know Him better.

A Rocky Summer

It has been a rocky summer; I can blame most of it on COVID-19.  Vacations for our family had to be changed and adjusted, in doing so we saw a lot of rocks.

July 10, 2020 was a date that happily took a few of my family members and I to Idaho for a wedding. We decided to make a road trip out of the occassion and stayed the night in a hotel (first time for us to do so during COVID). On our way we detoured to see the City of Rocks in Almo, Idaho. Impressive, large boulders that seemed to pop up just like a little city as we came around the corner and caught our first view. "Camp Rock" (not pictured) was one of our favorites.

"The City of Rocks National Reserve, also known as the Silent City of Rocks, is a United States National Reserve and state park lying 2 miles north of the south-central Idaho border with Utah. It is widely known for its excellent rock climbing and rock formations."

The following day, on our return from Idaho Falls, we drove to Craters of the Moon, the vast area was created by lava flows over time. 

"Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a U.S. national monument and national preserve in the Snake River Plain in central Idaho. It is along US 20, between the small towns of Arco and Carey, at an average elevation of 5,900 feet above sea level." 

Then on to see the Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, where rocky canyons is the landscape for the sparkling waterfalls. The falls have been called the "Niagara of the West".

It was an enjoyable couple of days to escape home, get out and see new places. Every time I saw these rocks the scripture from Heleman 5:12 would enter my mind.

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Back in February, we planned a trip to Disneyland for August. There was a time we thought that might happen, but California Disney never opened up. Instead, we opted for a road trip to see something we have wanted to see but hadn't seen before - Mt. Rushmore. Originally our vacation week would have been during Sturgis, an annual motorcycle rally through the Black Hills. We adjusted the time of our arrival to South Dakota and went to Yellowstone first. There is so much to see in Yellowstone! Over 3,000 square miles of land! Clearly one cannot see it all in a day or two, and that is all we had. But the various landscapes, impressive geological sites, beauty of canyons, waterfalls, and lakes, and the occasional sighting of wildlife were all things to behold. We exited Yellowstone out of the east side and drove through the mountains and canyons on North Fork Highway. Such a beautiful drive to Cody, Wyoming. Again, recalling these words, "remember that it is upon the rock of [y]our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation;..." played through my mind.

In South Dakota we saw Mount Rushmore, which I loved seeing so much! It was remarkable. Such a special feeling there. I am grateful for the service, leadership, and dedication to our country of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The majestic carvings is a memorial to them. 

We drove through the 8-foot wide Needles Eye Tunnel, which is part of the Needles Highway drive filled with unusual and impressive rock formations in the Black Hills. The air was cool, and the rocks and landscape sights were too. 

One place I wished we could have visited longer was the Crazy Horse Memorial. It is a mountain monument under construction on private land in the Black Hills - not too far from Mount Rushmore. It depicts the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land. Learning a little bit about its history and seeing the evening laser show was inspiring. I got to bring home a granite rock, from which this mountain monument is being carved out of. I hope to visit this memorial again in my lifetime. 

Every time I saw these impressive, massive, meaningful and beautiful rocks, the spirit would fill my mind with remembrances of and a connection to where my foundation lies. Additionally, I would be reminded of the children's Primary song about the wiseman building his house upon a rock. I am so grateful for my knowledge of Jesus Christ. He IS my Savior, Redeemer, and my firm foundation of faith. I can trust Jesus.

"He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock." (Luke 6:48)

The rocks would remind me of how beautiful the world is. Sometimes, within just a few miles, the landscapes and formations would quickly change. There is much variety and beauty in this world. I am so grateful for this beautiful world, created for me and you, by an all-knowing, and loving God. There is no denying His handiwork. "... yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and call things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44)

Incidentally, we drove past Devil's Gate near Martin's Cove and Independence Rock on our return drive home. More rock formations to keep my mind remembering who my true rock is. AND, while on this trip, my son was with many of his friends on their own excursion at Island Park. While there, he gave his girlfriend a rock, a really special and expensive rock, and asked her to marry him. She said, yes! :)

Thank you COVID for making my summer so rocky. It has been a reminder of where my true foundation lies. Which is in the creator of all these great rocks! My Savior, Jesus Christ, is my rock, my sure foundation. 

Why is He my rock?  Because He is constant, true, and someone I can rely on always. Think about it, since the coronavirus (March for me), our lives changed and things around us started shutting down. Details about our way of living were changing hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly. God is not changing. "For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever", I can rely on Him!  People, places, and circumstances around me might change, but Jesus Christ will always be there and so will my Father in Heaven. I am the one that moves and chooses to distance myself from them, but like like the firm, strong, and steady rocks I've seen this summer, He will always be there. I know it. When the distance happens, God is still there. Always calling me to return, to come unto Him, partake of His gift of repentance, change my heart, and partake of the goodness, peace, light, and joy He offers. Oh, it is wonderful!

Thank you, Jesus, thank you Heavenly Father, and thank you to the Holy Ghost that communicates to me teachings, testifies of truth, and helps me see spiritual connections along my journey. 

As extra thoughts...

On the heels of our Yellowstone trip, the Music and Spoken word for Sunday, August 23,  showcased pictures from Yellowstone and the history of the National Parks. Would highly suggest taking a look, or at least fast forward to the speaking part. So cool!  August 23, 2020 - #4745 Music & the Spoken Word. https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/videos/august-23-2020-4745-music-and-the-spoken-word/

Additionally, "How Firm a Foundation" (Hymn No. 85) supports many of my above thoughts. 

1. How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!

What more can he say than to you he hath said,

Who unto the Savior, who unto the Savior,

Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

2. In ev’ry condition—in sickness, in health,

In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth

At home or abroad, on the land or the sea—

As thy days may demand, as thy days may demand,

As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

3. Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

4. When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow,

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee, and sanctify to thee,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume,

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

6. E’en down to old age, all my people shall prove

My sov’reign, eternal, unchangeable love;

And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn,

Like lambs shall they still, like lambs shall they still,

Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be borne.

7. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never,

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

(Text: Attr. to Robert Keen, ca. 1787. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835. Music: Attr. to J. Ellis, ca. 1889)

Today (Tuesday September 8) as I get ready to share this post, with walking up to hurricane-force winds at up to 95 mph, causing big damage in my yard with trees falling, I am reminded again of rocks. The rocks don't move in the fierecest of winds. They are strong, firm, and steady. So is Jesus. Life has always been a bit messy, but there is always a way through as I lean on my Savior. He IS my sure foundation!

One Enemy and Thoughts on Flag Day

There is only one enemy. One enemy who is attempting to tear our nation, our communities, our world apart. Doing so with anger, rioting, division, and hostility. The enemy, call him what you want - satan, the devil, the adversary, evil one, prince of darkness - it is him that is causing the havoic. Satan gets a hold of men’s and women’s hearts and decevies and tricks, distracts, binds, discourages, hardens hearts, distorts the truth, tempts, and stirs anger and hatred. We are not each other’s enemies. It is the adversary who is the enemy. I imagine he and his minions are having a hay day, smiling and cheering with glee with the riots happening in our cities, states, our country, and throughout all the world the past few weeks. Satan tries and often succeeds to do the same thing within marriages, families, and extended families. He does not care about families, he seeks to destroy them. He is all about division and stirring us up inside to see each other as the enemy, frustrating peace. In reality, he is the enemy. There is only one enemy.

Today is flag day. Opening up my blinds this morning and seeing the flag outside my window and lining part of my street, sure put a smile on my face. I thought because of Covid the neighborhood flags would not be put up today, so it was a happy surprise. Seeing the flag caused me to say the pledge of allegiance in my mind. “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America” - at this time, we are not united, there are many fighting against each other, racial turmoil, creating divisions, causing harm and destroying others, not taking responsibility for actions and shifting blame. “And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God” - seems to me that less of us are seeking to listen to God and take counsel and direction from Him or even acknowledging Him and His goodness in our lives. “Indivisible” - doesn’t that mean undivided? Today, we surely are a people more divided. “With liberty and justice for all” - there are many of our brothers and sisters who feel they have little liberties and are denied justice. This makes me sad. Shouldn’t our attitude and actions be to listen to each other, try to understand one another, show more love, extend hands of mercy, kindness, and extend forgiveness to one another when we get it wrong?

We are all God’s Children. We should all be one - one big, happy family. (Sounds so nice, doesn’t it?) But as family, let’s look out for each other, help one another, be happy for one another, show care and concern for one another. When I hear the news about the riots, I feel the contention and hatred, the divisions, the anger towards others. Destroying people’s lives and God’s beautiful creations, must cause our Heavenly parents to weep. 

In our family we have a big brother, even our Savior Jesus Christ. What would He do? He is our example, He showed the way we should treat and care for one another. We don’t get it right a lot of times, we mess up and hurt one another. But His grace, His forgiveness, and mercy allows us to learn from our mistakes, repent and do better next time. We can be like Jesus in this way too. Our Savior saves us from our sins and mistakes. He is the only one that can save us. There is only one Savior, and it is our elder brother, Jesus Christ.  

There is only one me. I have not had the experiences of others. Others have not had the experiences I have had or think, believe, or feel as I do. We can’t always see inside another person’s heart. So how can we pass judgment on his or her journey through life?

What can I do? I am going to better keep the first and great commandment - to love God. I am going to better keep the second commandment too - to love my neighbor as myself. “Jesus said… Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

I’m also going to watch for the adversary, that one enemy, who seeks to destroy my peace and attempts to stir my soul to anger, who tells me untruths about myself and others. I will better seek and listen to what Jesus tells me, I will Hear Him. I am going to continue to teach and be an example for my family. I desire to speak up about a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and how we need to treat one another with more kindness and love. I won’t be able to change the world. However, I can start with improving me, my family, and my home, hopefully a small ripple will be the effect. “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Vince Gill

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

Songwriters: Jill Jackson / Sy Miller

A Letter to God and Cheerfully Doing

Dear God, 

Thank you for a good, and complete night's sleep. Thank you for this quiet moment now. Thank you for the spirit I felt yesterday watching a few movies about the Restoration, adding to my preparation for General Conference. Thank you for the video chat I had yesterday with my sisters, for another sister that reached out to me via text, and thank you that my parents drove up from Sandy to stand at the edge of our porch to welcome Andrew home from his mission and talk to us for a bit. Thank you for that. 

This self-isolation and safe distancing hasn't been too bad. Especially compared to the 5+ months Joseph, Hyrum and others endured with terrible circumstances at the Liberty Jail. How horrible! As I watched those movies yesterday I was quickly filled with gratitude once again for my little struggle. I am self isolating with my family around me, in the comforts of my own home, with plenty of things to do to keep me busy and happy, and being able to have much digital contact with others and even safe-distancing contact. There is plenty uplifting and encouraging material to read - Thy word. I can pretty much carry on with my life. I have windows to look out at and occasionally see neighbors and friends walk or drive by, I can step outside and enjoy fresh air, or go for a walk and be cheered up by the daffodils. I am warm. I have a comfortable home and bed. I have plenty of food and can go to the store or a restaurant to get more. I have a bathroom (with plenty of toilet paper), running water, and electricity. Thank you Lord! 

This pondering and writing of these blessings brought to my mind the thought to look up and read more about the Liberty Jail. Which then led me to read this moving and powerful message from Elder Holland, "Lessons from Liberty Jail". He gave this talk in 2008 to young adults. Wow! As in typical Elder Holland style, I read it while hearing his voice in my mind - delivered with passion and full of spirit. Reading these items just adds to my gratitude. I have been given insight, and hope, and it has caused some inner reflection on my own struggle at this time, which actually seems so minuscule - how can I even complain or murmur? Please forgive me. I have it so easy. I see an end in sight. I wonder how long it took Joseph and others to see an end to their cold, damp, stifling, hungry, uncomfortable condition. It lasted for months!  But you were with them. 

Needless to say, this morning I kind of feel things have come full circle a bit for me today in your messages back to me. The scripture message you gave me as an answer of guiding strength almost two weeks ago (March 22) was from D&C 123:17. What I heard you tell me:

"Therefore, dearly beloved [LuAnn],... cheerfully do all things that lie in [y]our power; and then may [you] stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

Those were reassuring words. The phrase that came to me with great force and increased my faith, was "with the utmost assurance". Filling me with such hope and firmness to that which I was praying for. This verse of scripture has been a guiding light and a strength for me in the days since as the spirit has brought to my mind this scripture in times in which I have needed it. Thank you!  Connecting this verse to me even more was to be reminded in my study this morning that this verse was actually spoken to Joseph Smith from Thee while he was in Liberty Jail. Wow! His suffering then has eased my struggle now. Not only did Joseph receive by revelation section 123, but also sections 121 and 122 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Who can doubt personal revelation? I can't and I won't. 

I am so blessed! I am grateful. I will remain faithful. I see your hand and notice Thy blessing and tender mercies to me and those I love in this crazy time of the corona virus pandemic. There are miracles in the mess!  I see you doing your work. Thank you God! I so look forward to what other messages you have for me as my family and I participate in General Conference. I am ready! 

Your beloved daughter,
LuAnn


A few more things to add to this experience that I want to remember. There are many scripture verses in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, that have verses about cheer. Doctrine and Covenants 61:36 and John 16:3 are good ones. Sister Franco wrote an Ensign article "Be of Good Cheer" (December 2019), which is inspiring and joyful. 

Back on March 19 (wow, that seems so long ago), I received an email from Hang a Ribbon on the Moon  about a free "Be of Good Cheer" banner printable.  It was so cute!  With events canceling, families staying home, home schooling beginning, people still hustling to find toilet paper, and a day after the earthquake, I knew I needed to print up and color this banner to hang in my home. It has been a cheery reminder to be happy and notice the blessings! We've been able to send pictures to a few family members hopefully increasing their cheer at this time. I wish I could make this banner up and give to everyone I know! 

Additionally, our neighborhood hosted a parade on Monday this week (March 30). We made posters to hang out the windows and decorate the cars. Driving past the homes of the recently returned missionaries, as well as nurses and police officers giving much to help others at this time, we honked, waved, and cheered. I thought it was so much fun! Guess what I had written on the back my van? Yep, "Be of good cheer!"

Speaking of Elder Holland, he shared current words of hope and direction just a few days ago. His words gave me peace - "Shelter in Place".

Finally, there has been a quote that has resurfaced and been going around the internet these few weeks by Fred Rogers which says, "When I was a boy I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" I think this statement is so true. We have so many people helping at this time, giving of their safety and comfort to help others. But I would also like to suggest, look for God helping you. Notice the many ways God is helping you. Write them down (record) so you remember and your can rejoice now and later.  "...cheerfully do all things that lie in [y]our power; and then may [you] stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (D&C 123:17)

Seek the Lord Early and Receiving Personal Revelation

The following words and tune have been going through my mind for weeks. Do the words to this song sound familiar to you?  

I’ll seek the Lord early while in my youth,

And he will help me to know the truth.

I’ll search the scriptures and find him there,

Then go to our Father in fervent prayer.

I’ll seek the Lord early, and I’ll obey

His living prophets in all they say.

I’ll keep his commandments; his love will abound.

I will seek the Lord early, and he will be found.

It is a children’s song, "Seek the Lord Early", with words and music by Joann Bushman Doxey. 

I have learned a few things as these words have been playing in my mind and while humming the tune. 

The prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, recently invited the world to hear the voice of the Lord in a video asking us how we #HearHim? The words of the song can be a recipe for doing just that, which is one of the things I have learned. (Except I like to pray first and then see what Jesus has to tell me when I read his words in the scriptures and words from his living prophets.)

Another learning that has been impressed upon my mind is the timing, or the when. I don’t feel the words to this song only imply for us to develop a habit of seeking the Lord at a young age, “while in my youth”. In fact, consider the timing of the moments the past few days or weeks when we have felt frustrated and scared, when we have questions, felt hopeless or overwhelmed, perhaps our faith is being tested, being tempted with sin, wondering what to do with a missionary child coming home early or temporary, or perhaps someone might be challenging our truth.What can we do? Seek the Lord early. Go to him first. Earlier, rather than later. With our problems, our heartaches, concerns, it is wise for us to seek the Lord early. Turning to Google first is not always our best resource,especially with matters of our soul.  But seeking the Lord will. I know it! 

How do I know it? Because I've tried it again, and again.

A few years ago, a friend taught me how to receive personal revelation with power journaling. She shared her formula for seeking the Lord. A desire to #HearHim . While it took me some time to get into a good practice of doing it on purpose, below is how it looks for me.

I love to write down my thoughts! It helps me to feel less frustrated to do some PoWeR journaling each day! I have learned that if I do this first thing in the morning, when I can have my own quiet time and before I check in with the world, I am in a much better place. This PoWeR not only blesses me, but the whole family. You know the saying, “If mom ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy!” It’s simple – Pray, Write, and Read. 

Pray - Pouring out my heart to God with a meaningful and purposeful prayer. Thanking Heavenly Father for specific blessings, asking Him for blessings I need, asking and inviting His spirit to be with me. Then I put my Bic multi-colored pen and power journal to work. In green I write a power statement, a declaration of truth or fighting statement. A few days ago my declaration was “I am trusting in the God and rock of my salvation; wherefore I become conqueror of the enemy” (thanks Jacob 7:25). Switching to blue ink...

Write - I write a letter to God in blue ink. I tell Him whatever is on my mind, what I am feeling, my concerns. I write down my feelings – good or bad, worried or sad. I ask for His guidance and that I really want to hear Him. 

Read - The next step is to read His words and listen for what He has to tell me. Sometimes I choose to read the Come Follow Me assignment for the week, lesson prep I need to do, a general conference talk, or at times I have just randomly opened my scriptures. In black ink, I write in my power journal things I might be learning or noticing. I might copy down from the scriptures/words of prophets. 

Red ink is incredible because in red I record the things I am learning from the spirit or inspiration I am receiving to do something. I am creating evidence that I am hearing Him! Thumbing through my notebook I love to see the red. When I start to get into a mood battle or need to reset my mind, it helps to go back and look at my truth statement and see the evidence, because I know what the enemy is up too - trying to get me to forget my truth and see everyone else as the enemy. Oh, I still have plenty of less-then-pretty moments, but this sure helps me keep my sanity. Additionally, this practice feels me with peace and love from my Heavenly Father and empowers me with strength and courage to move on in my day in a happier, more grounded place. I am better able to hear the Lord throughout the day and receive revelation for me and my family. 

The past few weeks specifically, because of the Covid-19 issue, I have had many opportunities to seek the Lord and ask for his comfort and direction. If you are reading this, I bet you have too. Searching answers to questions such as: how am I to make Sundays work at home without going to Church and partaking of the Sacrament? How should our family adjust to home schooling and working from home? Starting the day with an earthquake and aftershocks was unnerving, help guide and give me and our family comfort. How shall I minister to my family and friends who are also self distancing? My missionary is coming home in a few days, will you guide and help us all with that change in our plan? So much change is happening, help me maintain peace and feel Thy love and comfort.

As I seek the Lord early in my challenges and difficulties, He will be found comforting and guiding me. I know it! I am better able to watch and notice the tender mercies. A grateful heart for my blessings finds me turning to the Lord again with prayers of gratitude. I hope He finds me expressing that quickly and early as well. 

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I'd like to reference this 2018 talk from President Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives". One of the quotes from his message continually comes to my mind and drives me to seek the Lord and to #HearHim. He said, "But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."