Be Wise and Happy, Not Stupid and Miserable

The above quote from President Hinckley has been a most repeated message in our home. My children will remember it from their youth. The quote is so great! It really causes one to pause and think. I guess that is why I liked saying it often to my children. Because, really, who wants to be stupid and miserable?

Gordon B. Hinckley might have said this quote other times, but he did say it at a youth New Year's Eve gathering in 2006, when he counseled again about some of the "Be's" he orginally shared with the youth earlier in 2000.

In my kitchen is this black quote board with the 6 B's. It was a gift given to me by my sister, Sherrie, years ago. A reminder to: Be grateful, Be Smart, Be Clean, Be True, Be Humble, Be Prayerful. Don't be stupid and miserable. Rather, be smart, be wise, be happy.

I have been reminded of President Hinckley's quote a few times while reading from the Book of Mormon with the Come, Follow Me study this year (2024):

Including this week, Jacob 6:12 - "O be wise; what can I say more?"

2 Nephi 2:27 - "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."

2 Nephi 2:18 - "And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind."

What is Satan's purpose? It is to make people miserable like himself.

Even the words miserable and misery sound heavy, sad, and difficult.

How about the words wise, smart, and happy? How do they make you feel?

In October 2023, Elder Yoon Hwan Choi began his message in General Conference saying:

"Do you want to be happy? What makes you unhappy? President Russell M. Nelson said: “If you want to be miserable, break the commandments—and never repent. If you want joy, stay on the covenant path.” Isn’t it simple to be happy? Just make covenants and keep them in your lives."

Which is very similiar to what Jacob says: "O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life." (Jacob 6:11)

While it might not always be that simple. Especially when the enemy of our souls will lie and discourage us. Putting into our minds unkind thoughts and lies such as: "it is too hard"; "you can never change"; "you are too far gone"; "there is no hope for you"; "you were born this way, this is just how you are"; "you'll be happier if you ________"; "just hide, isolate, and cover this up, because you can never tell anyone about _________"; and on and on. The enemy is not very orginal, I bet he tells you some of the same lies too.

Because Satan seeks to make all men miserable like himself, "he and his followers try to lead us away from righteousness. He directs his most strenous opposition at the most important aspects of Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. For example, he seeks to discredit the Savior and the priesthood, to cast doubt on the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ, to counterfeit revelation, to distract us from truth, and to contradict individual accountability." (See "Satan" in Topics and Questions.)

I rejoice and am grateful for a loving, kind, merciful Jesus Chirst who always wants me and you to come to Him. His hands are always stretched out. He always wants me to return and come back to Him when I fall short, sin, or make an unwise choice. I am never "too far gone" and neither are you. Change is hard, but with Jesus Christ He strengthens and helps and blesses us. He will do it again, and again, and again. I cherish the gift of repentance and the opportunity to improve each day. He truly is my Savior!

I rejoice in the gift of agency and the opporutnity to learn from my mistakes and sometimes even from others. I am continuing to learn "to be wise and happy" and strive not be to "stupid and miserable". I do have a choice.

I rejoice that our leaders are talking more and more about keeping our covenents with God and the power and the strength our covenants give us. I am grateful to know more about what walking the covenant path looks like.

I am grateful to know that mistakes and wrong choices were always part of God's plan. He knew those experiences could add to our wisdom. But let us not forget, central to His plan is Jesus Christ, who overcame it all. God's fabulous plan is wonderful! God be blessed for gifting us His Son in helping us to be wise and happy as we live out this plan. Because of Jesus Christ we can do it!

The Apostle John; Nephi, from the Book of Mormon; and Château d'Angers in France

One of the many fascinating things Eliza has been able to share while being on her mission in France is this tapestry of the apostle John's revelation. It is in a castle and museum of the first area she served - Château d'Angers. Eliza shared that the tapestry was commissioned by one of the old kings, is well over 300 feet long, and depicts the entirety of the Book of Revelation. Isn't this massively impressive? Someday, I hope to go to France and see this for myself. I have since learned the tapestry is called the Apocalypse Tapestry.

From the Book of Revelation (last book in the Bible), the apostle John has a vision of Jesus Christ, the end of times, and more. His vision - wow!

Do you know who else had a vision and learned from an angel? 

Nephi, from the Book of Mormon. Nephi is shown the interpretation of the Tree of Life, also a vision of Jesus Christ, and so much more – including seeing the apostle John! 

In my previous readings of the Book of Mormon, I don't recall noticing him seeing John. But I easily saw the connection this time! Nephi's vision is about 600+ years BEFORE Jesus Christ AND before John even comes on the scene. Amazing! (See 1 Nephi 14:25 and 27)

I think the bridging of the Bible to the Book of Mormon is remarkable. As are both visions shown to God's chosen servants - Nephi and John. These men, who lived so long ago, as well as so many other prophets and apostles record important truths. Yes, even God's word. Their writings are for us today as well as in the final days to come. Helpful, inspiried words. Things God wants us to know. 

This was all a cool discovery for me! I am grateful for the spirit teaching me and opening my mind to understand and see these connections. Personal revelation at work! Eliza’s share is wonderful, too.

I’m adding my witness that the Holy Ghost is the teacher and testifier of truth. The Book of Mormon IS God's word, and it is the real deal, Joseph Smith could not make this stuff up. The Bible and the Book of Mormon work hand in hand to teach and testify about Jesus Christ. He is also real. Someday, He will return. Oh, how glorious that will be. Come, Jesus come.

The Museum of Clean

Have you been here? To the Museum of Clean?  

It's a unique museum dedicated to clean. 

​The museum ​is impressive, ​with a massive collection of brooms, vacuums, window washing tools, and so much more​. The museum can be reflective​ and memorable. Which was my experience as I saw items I remember having in my own home growing up.

 

  

 

Don Aslett, pro-cleaner, the real Mr. Clean, has an incredible museum of all things clean in Pocatello, Idaho. Lance and I visited the museum February 2020, just before the COVID shut down.

The museum advertises "leave inspired", and I did. 

One of the things that really impressed me about the Museum of Clean was not only the value of keeping things clean around us and the many tools available to do so, but I left feeling a renewed importance of keeping my spirit and soul clean. 

A few months following my Museum of Clean experience, and when​ you and I and the rest of the world were more vigilant in keeping our hands clean, sanitizing countertops and work spaces (remember that? Covid-19?), the thought of "clean" connected better in my mind. Such words as "clean, cleanse, unclean, filthy, sanctify, spotless, wash..." seemed to jump out to me while reading the scriptures and ​studying General Conference talks. So much so that I felt nudged to begin marking these words with a light blue box around them. (​The light blue color best represent​s clean, clear water; purity.) 

The result has been revelatory! It's been amazing for me to notice and better understand how important "clean" is to God. Such as in ​last week's Come, Follow Me reading from 2 Nephi 9. ​Like words even showed up in this week's Book of Mormon reading too. I'm noticing these words are everywhere and words are powerful. 

Because of God’s great plan and the Atonement of Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ's mercy and amazing grace - we can be cleansed by the process of repentance. We humbly get to come unto Jesus Christ and give Him our uncleanness and filth, if we choose. He will help us as we desire to make ourselves clean and will purify us. His gift of repentance is amazing! Jesus is a master cleaner and purifier! "I cherish the gift of repentance and seek to improve each day." 🩷💕  (please see note below with additional quote)

The ultimate mission and vision of the Museum of Clean is to sell the idea and value of clean, to put clean into the minds of all who visit. Indeed it did for me. 

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Pro tip, if you go to the museum on a Monday, it is NOT open. A few of my family members will completely understand.   😜

Speaking of clean, check out @sarah_cleans, my niece's new IG account, for cleaning tips. 

#museumofclean
#donaslett
#cleanhandspureheart
​#repentance

🩷💕 I found this quote after the fact. It spoke to my heart. Because it connects so well with what is in my mind and heart, the rejoicing I feel because of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ - their plan and mercy. While rejoicing, I also want to record this so I remember.

"The gift of repentance is an expression of God’s kindness toward His children, and it is a demonstration of His incomparable power to help us overcome the sins we commit. It is also an evidence of the patience and long-suffering our loving Father has for our mortal weakness and frailties. President Russell M. Nelson, our beloved prophet, referred to this gift as “the key to happiness and peace of mind.”

My dear friends, I testify to you that as we genuinely repent of our sins, we allow the atoning sacrifice of Christ to become wholly effective in our life. We will become free from the bondage of sin, find joy in our earthly journey, and become eligible to receive eternal salvation, which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all who believe in Jesus Christ and come unto Him."  "Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of Our Soul", by Elder Ulisses Soares,

I feel the "clean" in Elder Soares words and it sounds refreshing and good. Years ago, I experienced this clean feeling walking out of a bishop's office. This "happiness and peace of mind" I experienced and it felt amazing! As I use the gift of repentance daily and seek to improve, it is a good feeling. What a gift! 

Temptation

I have been thinking about the following verse, as it was part of the Sunday school lesson I taught yesterday. Plus, an upcoming event I am helping to coordinate.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

The webinar will be focusing on how to break away from pornography. But really, breaking away from any kind of temptation or challenges with self-mastery. The webinar will help teach the doctrine of Satan and his purposes, pointing to the power and hope in Jesus Christ, while highlighting helps and resources available. Plus, hearing from others share their journey of overcoming or from professionals who help others to overcome. (I am totally biased, but I think it is going to be powerful – ALL should come join.)

We probably can all agree that pornography is a common temptation of our day. The temptation is starting at a younger and younger age. Women and young women are not immune (@sistersonthefrontlines). It is a common temptation for many. Many of our families have been affected in one way or another by pornography.

Whenever we give in to our appetites and passions, the enemy (Satan) is quick to say in our mind things such as: “hide, you should be ashamed, don’t tell anyone, you are the only one with this problem, you should just isolate, you did it again, you are worthless” and blah, blah, blah. A lot of blame, shame, and lies. His purpose? For us to be miserable like himself. He wants to keep us from feeling the love and acceptance of a loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He wants us to forget our truth that we are children of God and to cause a disconnect and contention in that relationship and in all our relationships. The enemy tells us we are not worthy of the open arms and the invitation which the Savior always extends when He says, “come unto me”.  He doesn't want us to reach out to anyone for help. 

But my God is faithful. He is good at keeping His promises. He sent his Son to die for us. That loving act and sacrifice has already been done. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer from our mistakes and sins. He will be faithful in inviting us to use the gift of repentance again and again. He is faithful in forgiving. He is faithful in mercy. He is faithful in giving His strength to lift and help us. Faithful in His grace, His enabling power. Are we faithful in seeking Him, especially in our moments of temptation? Are we faithful in using our power to choose good over evil? Are we humbling ourselves before God and praying for strength to not be “tempted above that [we] are able? Are we willing to obey the commandments, which strengthens us against temptation? There is much we can do and might consider faithfully doing to guard ourselves against temptation. My God provides ways to escape temptation. His spirit is one of the ways. Am I choosing to listen to the Holy Ghost which warns me and offers a way to escape?

Truth statements and declarations from scriptures and church leaders are empowering to me. Such as:

My Personalized Declaration of Truth: I will “…humble [myself] before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that [I] may not be tempted above that which [I] can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering [for my body and soul]; Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that [Jesus shall help me with my health desires and goals]; having the love of God always in [my] heart, that [I] may be lifted up [and guided every day, noticing His helping hand and tender mercies].” (Alma 13: 28-29)  

This truth from a living project helps put things in perspective for me: 

“What is Satan’s purpose? It is to make people miserable. He has no body, and he's envious of those who do. So, Satan tempts you and me nearly every day. He tempts us through our appetites. Our Creator gave us appetites in order to perpetuate the species. We have an appetite for food, we have an appetite for drink, and we have an appetite for love. Without those appetites being fulfilled there would be no perpetuation of the species and no fulfillment of God's great plan of happiness for his children. So how does Satan tempt us? Through those very appetites. He tempts us to eat things we should not eat, to drink things we should not drink, and to love in ways we should not love. Therefore, we have to be very careful to control our appetites so that we can enjoy the blessings of Heavenly Father and choose to follow His way of life.” -- Russell M. Nelson

A powerful reminder about prayer from this scripture passage:

Scripture Passage of Truth: “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.” (Doctrine and Covenants 10:5)

Still, there are times when professional help is needed. Prayer, scripture study, commandment keeping, and like principles might not be enough. Professional help is often part of the “escape” God offers. Learning from men and women who know how the brain works and who offer counseling, therapy, and support. Joining with others who have had similar experiences might be part of the “escape” God offers. He puts people in our paths, programs, and resources to help with the escape. I know He does.

Someone explained this to me, which continues to serve as a good reminder. Satan’s message past, present, and future are torture, temptation, and torment. God’s message past, present, and future are humility, heavenly help, and hope in Christ. Christ offers connection and peace. Whereas Satan desires contention within ourselves and with others. Can you hear the truth in these statements? Especially as it might apply to your own life? 

Perhaps your temptation is not pornography. For me, it is sugar and food. Your temptation might be sugar too, or it might be alcohol, drugs, or another temptation “common to man” which affects our appetites. Temptation is all around us. There is purpose in temptation and there is purpose in overcoming it. Turning to Jesus Christ is always the answer. He is our escape. He and Father in Heaven will be faithful in helping us to overcome. I know it! 

Valentine’s Day May Have Passed but Love and Marriage is Every Day

Valentine’s Day 2023 may have passed but love and marriage is every day.

Here is our love story. Lance and I met in December 1986 at Economy Builders Supply in Sandy, Utah. He was 22, a returned missionary attending the University of Utah and doing accounting at Economy. I had just turned 18 and was a senior in high school. Through a work release program, I was hired as one of the receptionists at Economy. I noticed first how cute he was. Easy and fun to talk to. Rubber band fights helped our relationship to grow. He finally asked me out and after my senior graduation trip, we soon became inseparable. We married June 16, 1988, in the Salt Lake Temple. I've done the math, this year we will celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary.

What I like about being married….  I like being married because of our partnership in life. It is wonderful being married to my best friend. Lance has strengths and I have strengths and we compliment and help each other. I've noticed at times when I am down, discouraged, and weak, he is there with his strength, optimism and faith to lift me up and encourage me. Likewise at times when he feels hopeless or upset, I am the stronger one to offer the faith and support he needs. I like that design of God's in marriage. It is a partnership. Both willing to put in the work to make it better.

Marriage wisdom….  “Thee lift me and I’ll lift thee, and we’ll ascend together.” John Greenleaf Whittier (But this quote was also attributed to a Quaker Proverb, Robert D. Hales, and Linda K. Burton. I remember hearing it from Sister Burton’s April 2015 talk, “We’ll Ascend Together” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/well-ascend-together?lang=eng)

What has been challenging…. Some of what has been challenging for us has been finances, communicating, especially with our needs and feelings, infertility, unmet expectations, intimacy, the struggles of parenting with its exhausting days and nights, depression, and anger. But putting God and each other first has helped us better balance our priorities and given us strength during the challenges. Relationships require faith, forgiveness, selflessness, and cooperation. The Savior helps in all these areas. We haven't given up! Challenges continue, some in the same areas. We continue to learn and grow.

Something that helps me... Growing up I babysat for a couple that had marriage notes and little love quotes posted in their bathroom. I thought it was so sweet. Quotes and encouraging thoughts I also enjoy tucking behind cupboard doors, on the refrigerator and even in my bathroom. Very early in our marriage I heard someone speak and share some good marriage advice. With my WordPerfect skills I typed it up and laminated and stuck it in our bathroom. A few years later I add the Hinkley's essentials for a happy marriage. These lists continue to be a helpful guide. There is still work to do.

Hopes for the future... For our future I hope to be healthy, happy, and energized to serve a mission soon after Lance retires. In due time I look forward to adding grandchildren to our Thaxton crew. I hope to continue in making memories with our family, which we have worked hard to create. I hope to keep the family ties strong, and my children continue to love and support one another. Despite what the world says, love can last a lifetime and longer. I am grateful my marriage to Lance and our family are forever!

He is the Gift!

He is the gift! 

 

The Babe born in a manger is the child we celebrate, whose birthday we recognize. This precious baby grew, lived a perfect life, and through His great loving sacrifice is now our King, our Savior, the one who has redeemed us all. He is the gift! 

A friend of mine shared a story about another mother whose teenage son got himself into a difficult circumstance with his girlfriend. Instead of responding out of fear or anger, or with additional shame, she lovingly explained that now it was his turn to use the gift. The gift that only Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world can provide. The gift of his Atonement. Which offers forgiveness, hope, support, strength, mercy, love, and so much more. We will all fall short, all make mistakes, do things we wish we hadn't done, say things we would like to take back, and need help beyond our own to get through the day and even this life. An all knowing, loving Father in Heaven knew that so He gave us the gift. The gift of His son. "God be thanked for the matchless gift of His Son."

I do not see Jesus Christ with my physical eyes, but I know He is there. Figuratively, He stands at the door daily waiting for me to choose to let Him in and connect with Him. Jesus Christ desires to help carry burdens and lighten heavy loads. He desires to extend His mercy and provide miracles in our lives. He desires to give us peace and help us find and feel joy even when our circumstances aren't great. He is the gift. He freely offers His gift. Ours is to humbly desire and accept the gift. 

I have heard another friend explain that in a world where there is an app for this, and app for that; an app for almost everything. There's also an atonement for this and that. Isn't it amazing!?!  Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ He can deliver us, succor us, lift us, strengthen us and more because He felt it. Jesus Christ has already and willingly atoned for it all - sufferings, sadness, sorrow, pain, our anxieties, burdens and more. So,yes, whatever you might be challenged with right now, there is an Atonement for that. What a gift!

May we enjoy ALL the gifts given this Christmas season and everyday. Merry Christmas! 

Photo credit: The Nativity, by N. C. Wyeth, featured in this week's Come Follow Me lesson - "Christmas Lesson"

You might enjoy this song too! "He is the Gift" by Shawna Edwards

https://youtu.be/FZ4JA3YZCj0

AND, this amazing article of truth - 5 Ways the Savior Delivers You.  5 Ways the Savior Delivers You. 

He is the gift! Merry Christtmas!

Grateful for Takeways and Insights from Isaiah 40-49

In the quiet moments of my personal scripture study this week, here are a few of the great things I have rejoiced in and want to remember from Isaiah 40-49. 

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of God shall stand for ever." Isaiah 40:8

Some of My Takeaways I Want to Remember...

With hot temperatures this year, and lack of water, we know grass dies and flowers too, but God's word will not. The imagery is poweful to me. The Bible, other scripture, and words from latter-day prophets is a witness to me of God's word standing forever. I know things I hear and see on the internet and social media will eventually fade, ideas change, and will be forgotten. However, God's word will stand forever. 

19 For I will send my servant unto you who are blind; yea, a messenger to open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf;

20 And they shall be made perfect notwithstanding their blindness, if they will hearken unto the messenger, the Lord’s servant.

21 Thou art a people, seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears to hear, but thou hearest not.

22 The Lord is not well pleased with such a people, but for his righteousness’ sake he will magnify the law and make it honorable.

23 Thou art a people robbed and spoiled; thine enemies, all of them, have snared thee in holes, and they have hid thee in prison houses; they have taken thee for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore. (JST, Isaiah 42:19–23 - Joseph Smith Translation)

Some of My Takeaways I Want to Remember...

I loved President Nelson's plea to "Hear Him" at the beginning of 2020,  https://youtu.be/sGhQym_vhFU. 

As well as his April 2020 message entitled "Hear Him" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/45nelson?lang=eng. 

As I studied the Doctrine and Covenants last year I would mark an orange box around every "hear" or "hearken" word I noticed. It added to my scripture study. I've continued marking these words this way in my Old Testament reading, such as in Isaiah 42:17-23. In verse 19, there is a footnote to see the Joseph Smith translation for verses 19-23. Very eye opening to me. Don't miss it! My heart is full to have discovered it and grateful I heard the Lord teach me so much through His spirit.

From these verses I hear the Lord tell me that prophets and apostles are true, they are real and are His mouthpieces on the earth today. I've known this, but I'm grateful for another strong and sure witness. President Russell M. Nelson is our living prophet now, I can trust him and his words. For my own spiritual and temporal good, my life will be better if I follow the prophet. I look forward to hearing prophets and apostles share the word of God at General Conference real soon. 

Additionally, the word "restore", used in verse 22, is an interesting find as well because President Nelson has been teaching about restoration, he talks about "restore" a lot. Such as the restoration of Christ's Church, restoration of His priesthood, and the on-going restoration happening today.

President Nelson presented to the Church membership in the April 2020 General Conference, "The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World". Prophetic and true. What a blessing! 

[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-restoration-of-the-fulness-of-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ/a-bicentennial-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng]

"...Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." Isaiah 43:1

Some of My Takeaways I Want to Remember...

Aren't those words so comforting and hopeful? Imagine Jesus speaking those words directly to you? Often, I like to substitute my name in the scriptures and personalize the words to me. Scripture power!

A friend shared and reminded me of a little video clip, which comes from The Chosen - season 1, episode 1. You can find it by Googling, "The Chosen clip where Jesus calls Mary by her name". As I watched, goosebumps overcame me as I heard the words from Isaiah repeated by Jesus. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIolqFni50w]

Gratefully I am understanding Isaiah more and more, and it feels good.

I am grateful for the scriptures, personal revelation, and all of the many resources that are helping me to better understand what I am learning. I enjoy seeing connections. I like the spirit of peace I feel as I am learning and hearing the truth. The Come, Follow Me study is becoming a happy hobby for me. A blessing in my life.

If you got this far, thank you for reading and being interested. I hope you find it helpful too. Surely something I rejoice in and want to always remember.