I love the new church schedule and the new curriculum that we are studying. I have felt the spirit as I have studied on my own, taught my primary class and discussed the scriptures with my family. I have felt the Spirit help me make connections between what we are studying in the New Testament to things I am reading int eh Book of Mormon, conferences addresses I am studying, and experiences I am having.
Last week I read in Luke 5 the account of a leper who came to Jesus, wanting to be healed. I found his words interesting, "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." I was struck by two pieces of his simple statement. I felt that when he said, "Thou canst make me clean," he was recognizing the Savior's power, that in the blink of an eye the Savior could take away his infirmity. But I found the first part of his statement even more enlightening: "If thou wilt." To me the man used these three words to express his faith in the Savior's will and timing. Not all of our prayers of faith are answered with an immediate, "yes!", but this is not because God doesn't have the ability or because he doesn't love us.
A few years ago I read through the gospels in a short period of time. I loved reading the many accounts of Christ's miracles. I was struck by the differences between them. SOme people were healed or cleansed immediately. Some were given invitations by the Savior, and as they accepted and acted upon these invitations they were healed. I love the reminder that the Lord knows what each of us needs to exercise faith in Him and to grow, so that we can become like Him someday.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Monday, October 22, 2018
Serving Together
Last Friday, the girls had a scrimmage tournament to help them get ready for nationals next month. The rest of us went to help with the different officiating things that need to be done to make a Goalball game happen. I loved watching my three guys working together at the table, timing, score keeping and watching for ten second penalties.
But on Saturday I saw something even more wonderful. We went to the temple as a family to do baptisms. Not long after we got to the font area they asked if there was a priest who would be willing to act as a witness. Nathan said he would and took his place. Then, just a few minutes later they needed another witness and Brian took the chair next to Nathan. I loved watching these two men in white, serving as priesthood holders in the temple (and I loved knowing that Mike will be there soon too). It was also amazing to watch Nathan baptize his siblings, then see Brian baptize him. It is a blessing to be able to serve in the temple.
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Trek 2018
This was fun to put together. It is about 20 minutes long and uses pictures and video from our experience on trek. All of the songs are songs that we learned for trek, or songs that were performed while we were there. This is mostly for me and for our family, but I want to share it too.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Cougar Fight Song in Emojis
We saw this and thought it was hysterical! 43 days until football season starts!
🙌💯🐾🤮🏋️♂️🆚/🤜🤛🌞🌛🌧🌨/🐶💪 👍/⚪️🔵/🎶🌱🐾⬆️✌️🐑🙆♂️/🙌🗣🐾👉🚪🏃♂️🏆👑/🙌🗣🥂💍👉🚪/ 📄🏁📖/🔛🚦❌🆚🎓👦👧/🎼🙌🙏💪/⬆️🌈🔵🥂🐾🤙/🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩/🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩/🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩/🚦 🐾❗️#WorldEmojiDay— Cougarblue.com (@BYUCougarblue) July 17, 2018
Monday, July 2, 2018
My favorite people on trek
I loved trekking with this little family of mine. I had tiemes when I trekked with the company the boys were in and times when I was with the company that Liz was in. I loved catching glimpses of them working hard, having fun and interacting with others.
Brian and I were in different companies most of the time. We chose this so that We could each have times with each of the kids. At the end of the first day he caught up to us just as we were about to head into camp.
We sure missed Megan, but knew she was safe and being spoiled by Grandma. We loved having this time on trek.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Lessons from another Women's Pull
Five years ago we participated in a pioneer trek and a women's pull. The impact of that day and the many lessons I learned are still so very fresh. It only takes seeing a picture or thinking about that day and so many emotions come flooding back.
This last week Brian and I, along with three of our kids, participated in another trek, this time at Martin's Cove. Remembering the Women's pull from five years ago I have been praying for strength (physical, emotional and spiritual) to take on a similar task again. My assignment on this trek was to take pictures and document this time.I didn't do a whole lot of pushing/pulling, but all women were invited to participate in the Women's pull. I handed my cameras over to Brian and took my place pulling in the front handcart.
Our incredible and inspired stake Young Women's president (Sister Lott) gave an amazing message to the young women. She talked about the difference between can and will. Sometimes we might not think we can do something, but if we say, "I will", with the Lord's help we can accomplish anything. We each received a bracelet with a charm and two knots. These knots represented "Doubt not" and "Fear Not". I knew the pull would be hard, but I was ready to give it my all with some incredible women alongside me.
The handcarts were stopped at the base of the hill. Sister Lott started with the back cart and went from group to group inviting one person to ride in the cart. I had seen this happen with the first company and had even put my arms around a "Ma" who didn't want to be that burden in her cart. I had told her it will be OK. When Sister Lott got to our cart she looked right in my eyes and all she said was "Jen?" I asked, "really?" and she nodded. Tears started to flow. I was willing to do what I was asked, but it was hard.
As I sat in the cart two sisters pulled and one sister pushed. I could easily see how difficult it was for them. I could hear the labored breathing of the sister behind me. We slowed as rocks covered the sandy hill. Men, young and older, lined the trail, with hats over their hearts. I didn't want to look in their faces. I wanted to be pulling, but instead I found myself praying for those who were pushing and pulling. I had no doubt we would make it, but I felt bad for not being part of this strong effort to get to the top of the hill.
I thought over and over again that is is so hard to watch people struggle, and to not be able to help, especially when you see that some of their struggle comes from serving you.
We reached the top of the hill and were able to watch the other carts reach the top too. I pulled out a little camera from my backpack and captured some poignant moments, all while watching for Liz and her group to arrive. I saw Liz. She had also been chosen to ride in a cart. And in the instant I saw her the Lord taught me my lesson of this Pull. Sometimes Liz (and me, and each of us) feel like we have to do things on our own. But in this moment I felt like God was telling me that there are countless people around who love us and are wanting and willing to help. I watched those pulling Liz's cart and was reminded that she (and me and each of us) are never alone. We have family, we have friends, and more importantly we have the Lord. And we should never feel like it is weakness to ask for help.
This experience was not as physically demanding for me as it was for those pulling, but I will venture to say it was just as difficult, but in a different way.
In the hours and days that have followed, I have pondered this experience and talked about it and the Lord has continued to teach me. Here are a couple of lessons that have sunk in during the last couple of days.
- Sometimes we are asked to push and pull, and sometimes we are the ones that are asked to climb into the handcart. We are given different responsibilities and assignments at different times in our lives. Sometimes we are called to serve in "big" or "visible" callings. Sometimes we are asked to serve in ways that may seem to go almost unnoticed. Sometimes we are called to go to exciting and exotic places to serve, and sometimes the Lord needs us to stay where we are and serve there. Are we willing to do what is asked of us, no matter what it is? I wanted to be part of the force that got up that hill. I knew I would be strong enough with God's help, but the Lord needed me in the handcart.
- The Lord gives us the experiences that we need, not necessarily the experiences we want. Our stake president used a phrase in a conversation that I had with him, something like "customized curriculum." The Lord knows exactly what each of us needs to learn and gives the the experiences, trials and opportunities to learn those lessons. Five years ago I had that grueling physical experience that taught me so much. This time the Lord taught me different lessons in a different way, in the way I needed.
- And today during the sacrament I was taught another lesson. It is something I have thought about, by my experience with the Women's Pull on Friday gave me a whole knew perspective. We have been called to minister, to care for one another in a bold, new, holier way. I think often of sisters in my stewardship and others in my ward and neighborhood. Many face significant challenges and I often feel completely inadequate to lift their burdens. Like sitting in the cart, I feel like I am watching and listening to them struggle without being able to push alongside them. But during the sacrament today I was reminded that it is OK that I cannot take away their burdens, and often I cannot "fix" things to make their burdens lighter. Rather, I can find small ways to strengthen them so that they feel more able to carry the burdens that they have been given. Remembering them in my prayers, sending a thought, talk or scripture that has brought me strength, offering encouragement and letting them know they are not forgotten. These are all small things, but can significantly strengthen those we are called to minister to. I can encourage, lift and pray so that those I love are strengthened and able to keep pushing their carts.
This last week Brian and I, along with three of our kids, participated in another trek, this time at Martin's Cove. Remembering the Women's pull from five years ago I have been praying for strength (physical, emotional and spiritual) to take on a similar task again. My assignment on this trek was to take pictures and document this time.I didn't do a whole lot of pushing/pulling, but all women were invited to participate in the Women's pull. I handed my cameras over to Brian and took my place pulling in the front handcart.
Our incredible and inspired stake Young Women's president (Sister Lott) gave an amazing message to the young women. She talked about the difference between can and will. Sometimes we might not think we can do something, but if we say, "I will", with the Lord's help we can accomplish anything. We each received a bracelet with a charm and two knots. These knots represented "Doubt not" and "Fear Not". I knew the pull would be hard, but I was ready to give it my all with some incredible women alongside me.
The handcarts were stopped at the base of the hill. Sister Lott started with the back cart and went from group to group inviting one person to ride in the cart. I had seen this happen with the first company and had even put my arms around a "Ma" who didn't want to be that burden in her cart. I had told her it will be OK. When Sister Lott got to our cart she looked right in my eyes and all she said was "Jen?" I asked, "really?" and she nodded. Tears started to flow. I was willing to do what I was asked, but it was hard.
As I sat in the cart two sisters pulled and one sister pushed. I could easily see how difficult it was for them. I could hear the labored breathing of the sister behind me. We slowed as rocks covered the sandy hill. Men, young and older, lined the trail, with hats over their hearts. I didn't want to look in their faces. I wanted to be pulling, but instead I found myself praying for those who were pushing and pulling. I had no doubt we would make it, but I felt bad for not being part of this strong effort to get to the top of the hill.
We reached the top of the hill and were able to watch the other carts reach the top too. I pulled out a little camera from my backpack and captured some poignant moments, all while watching for Liz and her group to arrive. I saw Liz. She had also been chosen to ride in a cart. And in the instant I saw her the Lord taught me my lesson of this Pull. Sometimes Liz (and me, and each of us) feel like we have to do things on our own. But in this moment I felt like God was telling me that there are countless people around who love us and are wanting and willing to help. I watched those pulling Liz's cart and was reminded that she (and me and each of us) are never alone. We have family, we have friends, and more importantly we have the Lord. And we should never feel like it is weakness to ask for help.
This experience was not as physically demanding for me as it was for those pulling, but I will venture to say it was just as difficult, but in a different way.
In the hours and days that have followed, I have pondered this experience and talked about it and the Lord has continued to teach me. Here are a couple of lessons that have sunk in during the last couple of days.
- Sometimes we are asked to push and pull, and sometimes we are the ones that are asked to climb into the handcart. We are given different responsibilities and assignments at different times in our lives. Sometimes we are called to serve in "big" or "visible" callings. Sometimes we are asked to serve in ways that may seem to go almost unnoticed. Sometimes we are called to go to exciting and exotic places to serve, and sometimes the Lord needs us to stay where we are and serve there. Are we willing to do what is asked of us, no matter what it is? I wanted to be part of the force that got up that hill. I knew I would be strong enough with God's help, but the Lord needed me in the handcart.
- The Lord gives us the experiences that we need, not necessarily the experiences we want. Our stake president used a phrase in a conversation that I had with him, something like "customized curriculum." The Lord knows exactly what each of us needs to learn and gives the the experiences, trials and opportunities to learn those lessons. Five years ago I had that grueling physical experience that taught me so much. This time the Lord taught me different lessons in a different way, in the way I needed.
- And today during the sacrament I was taught another lesson. It is something I have thought about, by my experience with the Women's Pull on Friday gave me a whole knew perspective. We have been called to minister, to care for one another in a bold, new, holier way. I think often of sisters in my stewardship and others in my ward and neighborhood. Many face significant challenges and I often feel completely inadequate to lift their burdens. Like sitting in the cart, I feel like I am watching and listening to them struggle without being able to push alongside them. But during the sacrament today I was reminded that it is OK that I cannot take away their burdens, and often I cannot "fix" things to make their burdens lighter. Rather, I can find small ways to strengthen them so that they feel more able to carry the burdens that they have been given. Remembering them in my prayers, sending a thought, talk or scripture that has brought me strength, offering encouragement and letting them know they are not forgotten. These are all small things, but can significantly strengthen those we are called to minister to. I can encourage, lift and pray so that those I love are strengthened and able to keep pushing their carts.
Liz told me later that when her cart started up the hill she felt like she was either going to cry our jump out and help push. Instead she sat in her cart and gave pretty constant stream of encouragement and reminders. And I couldn't help but think of how she is so naturally good at giving kindness and support to those around her. She doesn't worry about not being able to fix things, she just does what she knows how to do. The picture below is from the night before the Women's Pull. She put her arms around a friend to help when she was sad.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Love One Another
I have been thinking a lot about God's commandment for us to love one another and about the necessity of having charity and expressing that in our interactions with others. We often talk about how to become like God we need to learn to love like He loves. But this week I have thought specifically about how our having pure love, charity, really blesses those around us, far beyond acts of service that are motivated by that love. This quotation from Anne of Green Gables motivated much of these thoughts.
Marilla is talking to Anne about how she has noticed that Anne did not say her prayers the night before. Anne tells Marilla that she has chosen to not pray because she was taught that God made her hair red on purpose.
Marilla recognizes that Anne is "a girl who knew and cared nothing about God's love, since she had never had it translated to her through the medium of human love."
Marilla is talking to Anne about how she has noticed that Anne did not say her prayers the night before. Anne tells Marilla that she has chosen to not pray because she was taught that God made her hair red on purpose.
Marilla recognizes that Anne is "a girl who knew and cared nothing about God's love, since she had never had it translated to her through the medium of human love."
Later in the book Anne expresses that she feels gratitude for the beauties around her, she shows love for the people in her life and she also expresses how easy it us for her to pray. It doesn't really state it this way, but I think Anne has learned what love feels like and she so she is able to easily express it to others, and to God.
So back to the purpose of charity. I think that one reason that we are commanded to love others is that as others feel our love, they better understand God's love, because our love truly is rooted in God's love for his children. As we show pure love for others, we can help them come to know Jesus Christ and HEavenly Father.
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