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)
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