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. 

______________________________________________

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."

Jesus Christ - The Prince of Peace

Jesus Christ is the giver of peace, The Prince of Peace.  Isiah prophesied of Jesus Christ years before his birth, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isiah 9:6).  

I know this, because the Savior brings peace to my life.  It is true peace, long-lasting peace, and abiding peace that I cannot find in the world - only through Him and because of His atonement.  “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”  (John 14:27).  This peace comes to me as I think of Him, read of Him, come to Him, and ponder on all that His life and teachings mean to me. 

At Church on Sundays, during the sacramental service, the congregation and I recommit to Him and promise, or covenant, to (1) take upon us His name (to be like Him and stand as His witness), (2) to always remember Him as we go about our days, not just on Sunday or while we are at Church - but always, and (3) to keep His commandants.  Keeping His commandants is one way we show Him that we love Him – “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:5).  As we do these things, we are promised that we might have His spirit to be with us.  For me, that’s a wonderful promise and the key to peace - having Christ's spirit with me always.  And yet sometimes it is hard to always make happen.  Especially in a fast-paced world where there is constant commotion and things and people that divert our attention.  I am not perfect and occasionally I'll miss, but I have found and learned, that if I find time each day to focus on Him through my scripture reading and study; as well as meaningful, personal prayer and ask in prayer for His spirit to be with me, I feel peace that comes from Him, His spirit.  This causes my days to be better and calmer and happier and I'm able to make better decisions and handle situations better.  His peace reduces the stresses in my life.  He is the Prince of Peace and I hold fast to His promise, “But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.”  (D&C 59:23).

This time of year is full of stress as we prepare and get ready for Christmas, a celebration of Christ's birth.  Think about it.  It does sound crazy.  But I do it.  It happens to the best of us.  Hurrying around making this, buying that, preparing this and that, finding that one perfect gift and getting frustrated when we cannot find it, and spending too much money.  Many of these things do not result in considerable peace.  In essence, true peace comes from something and someone who desires us to be calm and patient, peaceful and kind, loving and long-suffering.  Surely there is need for improvement in how I prepare and my family and I celebrate Christmas.

The visiting teaching message for this month, “The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Prince of Peace” has opened my eyes to this subject and has caused me to reflect on it these past several days.  As I’ve done so, I’ve seen some connections and helps along the way.  I know these are not coincidences, but from a loving Heavenly Father that has put them in my path and the spirit that teaches me and allows me to recognize and make the connection back to Christ and His peace.  I’d like to share a few of these resources. 

First, when my own visiting teachers came and visited me earlier this month, the message was personalized just for me.  One of the ladies has a special gift to do that, to take scriptures or experiences and substitute her name or others to make it individually special.  It brought me amazing peace when I heard it.  Having it personalized for me made it meaningful and real.  Published in the December 2014 Ensign, it was from a dream Elder Melvin J. Ballard had years ago.  This is what the personalized version was for me:

LuAnn found herself one evening in the dreams of the night in that sacred building, the temple. After a season of prayer and rejoicing she was informed that she should have the privilege of entering into one of those rooms, to meet a glorious personage, and, as she entered the door, she saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious being her eyes have ever beheld or that she ever conceived existed in all the eternal worlds.

As she approached to be introduced, He arose and stepped towards her with extended arms, and He smiled as He softly spoke her name. If she shall live to be a million years old, she shall never forget that smile. He took her into His arms and kissed her, pressed her to His bosom, and blessed her, until the marrow of her bones seemed to melt! When He had finished, she fell at His feet, and, as she bathed them with her tears and kisses, she saw the prints of the nails in the feet of the Redeemer of the world. The feeling that she had in the presence of Him who hath all things in His hands, to have His love, His affection, and His blessing was such that if she can receive that of which she had but a foretaste, she would give all that she is, all that she ever hopes to be, to feel what she then felt!

… She sees Jesus not now upon the cross. She does not see His brow pierced with thorns nor His hands torn with the nails, but she sees Him smiling, with extended arms, saying to us all: “Come unto me!”

Surely I have not had that experience, yet.  But, wow, it just fills me with a great amount of peace and happiness and hope.  I can see it in my mind, standing before the Savior.  I can imagine the true joy I would feel.  It makes me feel loved and causes me to feel a greater amount of love for my Savior.  I know I’ll see Him one day and I hope the experience is very similar to what is described.  If I ever feel overwhelmed, I know this reminder will feel me with peace from Him – The Prince of Peace.   Try it yourself; re-read Elder Melvin J. Ballard’s dream but this time use your name.  

Second, was a recent post from LDS Living - "7 Ways to Replace Stress with Peace from Elder Scott".   The post references back to Elder Scott’s April 2013 Conference Message entitled, "For Peace at Home".  For me, these words are obviously timely, sound and true advice from an apostle of the Lord.  It’s too lengthy to reprint here, so I've included the hyperlinks.  Great stuff, please read them. 

Finally, another resource was from a Christmas song by Amy Grant, "I Need a Silent Night".  I first heard this song a few years ago, maybe even just last year.  I loved the song, probably because I could totally relate.  I would listen to it over and over again on YouTube while working in the kitchen, until I finally decided to buy the song and just add to my music collection.  As I listened to the song again this week and focused my thoughts on the words, it reminded me what we all seek – not just a silent night, but more peace during the hectic, busy Christmas season.  Yep, another connection was made!  True peace comes and the one who gives us that peace is The Prince of Peace.  The music lyrics are below.   For me, instead of an “angel voice”, it is the spirit, the spirit of the Lord that I hear.  [This was kind of fun, I even found a video of David Archuleta singing this song too.]

I've made the same mistake before
Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic, Christmas rush
It breaks me till I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night

December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?

Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With peace on earth, good will toward men?

Every shepherd's out in the field
Keeping watch over their clock by night
And the glory of the Lord shone around them
And they were so afraid

And the angels said fear not for behold
I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
To end this crazy day with a silent night
(http://www.songlyrics.com/amy-grant/i-need-a-silent-night-lyrics/#6H8vvKYTQiBmW5QF.99)

The Savior brings peace to my life. How blessed I feel to know  and experience this.  I love Him.  I'm grateful for His life, His example and His incomprehensible atoning sacrifice. 

To conclude, I wish you all a Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of The Prince of Peace.  Jesus Christ is Christmas!  I echo that “He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.  His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son” (The Living Christ: Testimony of the Apostles)  May you see evidence of His peace this season and throughout the New Year.