Sometimes all you can do is just... BREATH !

Today like I said, I got to spend the day creating with another one of my dear friends.  Here is the finished projects that we worked on and accomplished. Two new spool pillows for her Sewing Studio. Aren't they sweet? They look great on her new bench. We are still working on a small Spool Quilt for my Sewing Studio, but it should be finished soon.

Then after we finished sewing, I went to visit my friend who is in a Nursing Facility/ Home Care. I haven't seen her in a while since I was so sick. She seemed though to be happy when I came in, her husband was with me, that is probably why she smiled so big. I was grateful to see her smile again. She is doing so much better than the last time I saw her, but I know that it changes every day.

Came home and put a new sign on the grill we are trying to give away. Jeff had put one on it and it had been out there for a few days with no takers, probably because he only said FREE on it, but it didn't say if it worked or not. So I tried to make a sign that would make anyone want it! Check it out! Jeff got a great deal on a new one at Christmas, that is why we are getting rid of it. But it works just fine, just get your own propane tank and you are good to go.


When I finished that I was able to go over and see my neighbor and her sweet little baby. She is actually almost 2 months old and she is beautiful. Can't wait to see her more often, she is a cutie!

Next, I had a quick dinner and then headed off to a Lymphedema Support Group at Overlake. It was my first support class in a few years, I came home with mixed feelings. I met some great ladies ( Survivors ). It was about Nutrition, much of it, I have heard or read about throughout the years. Some of the things that they tell you now NOT to eat, was exactly what they told me to EAT a few years ago. Then there were a few things there that were new and informational.
 Many of the ladies there had their ARM sleeves and Legs Sleeves on for their lyphedema. As I listened to many of their stories I realized, we were all at different points in our lives. I remember being the same places that many of them are now. I liked the Therapist that was there, I liked the Nutritionist that was speaking, but I drove home and realized that I had learned some new things but yet there was an anxiousness that I felt, that I haven't felt in awhile. I kept thinking on the way home why I was feeling anxious. Then I realized it was because I could feel the fear that some of those ladies had, and the frustrations that they were having from still suffering from their surgeries and treatments. I think it just put me back abit in that place of not being sure of what works or doesn't work. A place of fear to some degree.
I think for some survivors...support groups are good and healthy for them, but they never have seemed to serve me as well as I had hope. That's ok, they aren't for everyone, yet they are truly life saving for others. Just important for me to stay in a place that is healthy and strong. Every person is different and that is ok. This quote seem to be what my thoughts were tonight as I came home. Good people, great information, but I think it is best that I not go back.
I am NOT trying to stick my head in the sand, I continually try to stay on top of the latest news and information, plus I pray a lot!  I try to take care of my body and spirit every day as good as I can. That brings me hope, peace and faith. So I believe I had better continue on the path that I am on right now, if that changes and I feel like I need more or something different...then I will try again!
Good Night dear friends!

Second Chances!

From the time I was young, I always believed in Second chances, actually in Third and even Forth chances. I was always determined to make my family in the future, better than what I had. I remember when I realized that my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ really knew me, and would do anything to help me be successful and truly Happy in my life! That was a life changing moment for me. I knew that I was a child of God, and with that knowledge came a peace and happiness that has served me throughout my life.
In a world that doesn't like to mention faith or God, I have to admit that is my Faith that brings the most happiness and joy in my life. Life is tough, hard and there is a lot of Pain in the world. To truly understand that we are here to learn and experience hard things, things that would couldn't learn in any other settings or way, really helps. To know that we have a reason to be here and a chance to live again after this life... is a great blessing.
I loved to hear how this Navy Seal, a very tough, and successful man, finally felt that Happiness and Peace in his life, that he had been missing.
Hope you enjoy it too!
Good night dear friends!

Founding member of SEAL Team Six shares journey to faitht

Michael Moore, Larry Barrett and Frank Phillips (location and date unknown).

Frank Anthony Phillips sits in his clean, organized office next to his wife, Marci. Midday rays pour through a window and bathe them both in flattering light. When Frank looks at his best friend, which he does often during our two-hour interview, his features soften and the Spirit draws a smile on his experienced face.

Frank was a founding member of one of the United States military’s closest, most elite families: the Navy’s SEAL Team Six. He is accomplished — both on the battlefield and in business. He’s also authentic, genuine and tough.

In fact, he’s so tough, people don’t tell those clever Chuck Norris-style jokes about Frank Phillips. They wouldn’t be funny; they’d be true.

These are the 76 original members of SEAL Team Six, often called “Plank owners.”

Marci is a founding member of a biological family she never knew. As an infant, she was dropped on a doorstep in Korea and soon adopted in the United States. She is kind, extraordinarily capable and equally accomplished in business.

As I listen to Frank, as I watch his clear, confident eyes, it’s obvious he possesses great faith and trust in three things: God, Marci and second chances.

Sometime after confirmation at age 13, he began to lose his taste for faith. Though his parents rarely attended, they insisted the children not miss a Sunday. When they dropped Phillips and a brother off at the chapel, the boys would wait for the family car to disappear. Then, they’d do the same. With tithing tucked in their pockets, they darted to a nearby donut shop.

The doughnut shop where Frank Phillips and his brother often spent their tithing as boys growing up in California.

By age 16, Phillips was a popular jock who enjoyed parties and dreamed of independence. Finally, after running away and being tracked down by his father and some high school coaches, his parents agreed that if he earned his GED, they would allow him to enlist in the Navy at age 17 following his junior year.

He did, and Phillips proved a quick study. Before long he became a member of the Underwater Demolition Team — a Navy frogman — and was raising eyebrows with his drive, desire and ambition to get things done.

Meanwhile, the world was in turmoil. In late 1979, the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was overrun by Iranian students and 66 Americans were taken hostage. In April 1980, a rescue attempt dubbed “Operation Eagle Claw” tragically failed and the Navy knew it was time for a new, world-class counterterrorism unit to rival the Army’s elite Delta Force.

Frank Phillips graduates from the Navy’s BUD/S.

Commanding Officer Richard Marcinko was tasked with launching this exclusive squad. He called it “SEAL Team Six,” reportedly to confuse the Russians and other enemies on the number of actual teams in action. Marcinko wrote extensively about this experience in his best-selling book, “Rogue Warrior.” He’s also spoken about his experiences on many television shows.

Over a period of just six months, Marcinko handpicked 76 of the Navy’s best, including Phillips, and trained for a rescue mission that would not be needed. Days before launching, on Jan. 20, 1981, the hostages were freed as Ronald Reagan gave his inaugural address in Washington, D.C.

The training, however, was not in vain and SEAL Team Six would take part in high-stakes operations around the globe. They are the team responsible for killing Osama Bin Laden, along with many other high-profile worldwide operations. Though other similar groups have come and gone, SEAL Team Six continues today as one of the most elite special operations counter terrorist units in the world.

Frank Phillips and Marci Carter on their honeymoon in 2007.

During Phillips’ 16 years as a part of SEAL Team Six, and later as a founding member of Red Cell, the first anti-terrorism team, he lived hard and experienced things most will only see in movies. When he wasn’t saving someone else’s life, someone was saving his.

He’s been blessed with second chances in firefights, chases, close combat and in amassing more than 800 parachute jumps. Many of those trips started from a commercial jet 35,000 feet above the Earth and while traveling more than 600 miles per hour. Imagine spending more than 25 minutes navigating your way to the ground in enemy territory.

Though he retired into the private sector in 1991, Phillips’ life continued to run at high speeds. He excelled in business and was soon managing high-level security and training projects around world worth half-a-billion dollars.

“You had it all,” I tell Phillips as our discussion swivels from career to faith.

Frank Phillips and Marci Carter on their honeymoon in 2007.

“Not really,” he answered. “I had a hollowness in me. I was not fulfilled. I’d always been a challenge-driven guy. I wanted the next mission and I wanted to be the top SEAL, top unit, top guy at work. I had achieved all that and acquired these material skills sets. But I was still never satisfied.”

He turns to his wife. “Even in relationships, I felt empty.”

Then came Marci in 2005. They met as colleagues working at a large defense contractor.

“I remember thinking, here is this V.P. of this company and he has a dinky little American flag on his desk,” Marci recalls as Frank’s eyes lock on her profile. “I thought it was goofy at first. But I learned very quickly how important it was to him. I learned what patriotism really is and that I’d taken it for granted.”

Marci describes how, for the first time in her career, she saw an executive who actually followed through on every commitment. “That struck me. I realized that Frank is a person of action. If you want something to get done, you ask Frank. And he had such ethics — that stood out.”

Moments before his baptism with, from left, Quentin Phillips, Marci Carter, Frank Phillips, Sister Malloy, Sister Lewis and Barry Bryant.

Soon after they began dating, Marci invited him to church. She’d drifted away from her faith — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — and knew it was time to return. She wanted the happiness only the gospel brings, and she wanted to share that with him.

“This was a new season in his life. I understood the things he’d done, who he used to be, but I didn’t see him that way.”

Over the next two years, Marci continued to learn what the country meant to Frank, and Frank learned what the gospel meant to Marci. Frank was taught by friends, church members and Marci’s parents. “But it wasn’t the words,” Frank says. “It was the actions of those around me.”

Many friends attended Frank Phillip’s baptism, including from left, Steven Lowe, Becky Lowe, Marci Carter, Frank Phillips

In June 2007, Frank was baptized by Barry Bryant, one of the church members most responsible for his continued conversion.

“I get goosebumps when I think about it,” Frank says. “It’s what I love most about the doctrine. This baptismal process, and the cleansing of my sins. I prayed it would all be true, this chance to start anew.”

When Frank came out of the water, he felt a warm, overwhelming feeling of relief. “I knew I’d been cleansed. Suddenly, 50 years was off my shoulders.”

The couple was married a month later, adopted into a loving, accepting ward family. In 2009, they were sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple, and they have countless church members to thank for fellowshipping and answering questions along Frank’s journey.

In between colorful stories and lessons learned, Marci and Frank both offer praise of her parents and how without them, she wouldn’t have the gospel. “They’ve been the biggest blessing in my life,” Marci says. “I know that God put me on a detour through Korea, but he knew where my earthly parents would be.”

Frank Phillips teaches a safety class at Golden Seal Enterprises.

When I ask Frank to consider some of the things that drew him to the gospel, he starts by nodding at his wife. “A big part of my testimony is sitting right next to me.”

He adds an appreciation for living prophets and apostles and the blessing of temple service. “The church is so service oriented, and we trust everyone does their part.”

The thought prompts him to make another military analogy. “When I think about the men I served with, I trusted them with my life.” He smiles at his wife and continues, “I do the same for her. We would die for each other.”

We listen as he’s reminded of the parable of the lost sheep. “It’s all about the ninety and nine versus the one,” he shares. “We save the one, no matter who it is.”

Frank Phillips poses in his office at Golden Seal Enterprises in Winchester, Virginia.

Today, the couple owns and operates a successful high-end training and security firm in Virginia. With employees around the world,Golden Seal Enterprises offers protective security services, weapons training, law enforcement courses, specialized driving training and more. But none of it, Phillips says, is more important than what they do as husband and wife, home and visiting teacher, Young Women president and counselor in a bishopric in the Berryville Ward in Winchester, Virginia.

As we prepare to say goodbye, I note how much good Frank Anthony Phillips has done with his second chances at life, love and faith.

“Well, it’s because I’m no longer empty,” he says. “Because of the gospel, I’m a different man.”

You can read more of Jason's articles HERE!

Living a Life of Peace, Joy and Purpose!

I read this article today and it really made me stop and think. Yes, who doesn't want a life of Peace, Joy and Purpose? I do!
I gave you the link at the end. This is just bits and pieces of the article that I wanted to share.
Good night dear friends!

Living a Life of Peace, Joy and Purpose

This world is in serious trouble. The fundamental values of the United States and other Western nations are being undermined. There is a continual crumbling of principle, virtue, integrity, and religious values—the foundation stones of civilization and definitive ingredients of peace and happiness. I will share with you as simply and as clearly as I am able a pattern for success and happiness in life despite these conditions.

God has given you the capacity to exercise faith so that you may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. However, to employ its power, that faith must be rooted in something secure. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the willingness and power of Jesus Christ to fulfill all His promises.

Some of the principles upon which faith is based include:

…Trust in God and in His desire to provide help when needed, no matter how challenging the circumstance.

…Obedience to His commandments and a life that demonstrates that He can trust you.

…Sensitivity to the quiet promptings of the Spirit and courageous implementation of the resulting impressions.

…Patience and understanding when God lets you struggle to grow and when answers come a piece at a time over an extended period.

It will be helpful to you to understand and use the power of the interaction of faith and character. God uses your faith to mold your character. Character is woven patiently from threads of doctrine, principle, and obedience. Character is the manifestation of what you are becoming. Your character will be the yardstick that God will use to determine how well you have used your mortal life. Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and, when acted upon, will be confirmed as true.

Worthy Character

As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty while exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions to the challenges of life you would not obtain otherwise. The bedrock of character is integrity.

Making Decisions Based on Eternal Truths

There are two patterns for making decisions in life: (1) decisions based upon circumstance and (2) decisions based upon eternal truth. Satan encourages choices to be made according to the circumstances: What are others doing? What seems to be socially or politically acceptable? What will bring the quickest, most satisfying response? That pattern gives Lucifer the broadest opportunity to tempt an individual to make decisions that will be harmful and destructive even though they may appear most appealing when a decision is made.

With this approach there is no underlying set of values or standards to consistently guide decisions. Each decision is made for what appears to be the most attractive choice at the moment. One who chooses this path cannot expect the help of the Lord but is left to his or her own strength and that of others who want to help. Sadly, most of God’s children make decisions this way. That is why the world is in such turmoil.

The pattern of the Lord is for His children to make decisions based upon eternal truth. This requires that your life continue to be centered in the commandments of God. Thus, decisions are made in accordance with unchanging truths aided by prayer and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. In addition to your own strength and capacity, you will enjoy divine inspiration and power when needed. Your actions will be predictable and bless the lives of all in the circle of your influence. You will have a meaningful life of purpose, peace, and happiness.

Keeping Your Resolve

How can you keep your resolve to live worthily? How can you be sure that determination in your heart will not be eroded by the pressures around you? If you are blessed to be married, rejoice in that companionship with your spouse and your children. Let there be absolutely no secrets kept from each other. That will provide powerful insurance for continuing righteousness and happiness. Decide issues together.

Keep the gospel light burning brightly in your home through scripture study, prayer, and the other things you know how to do. Drink deeply from the fountain of the revealed word of God. Hold fast to His word. Keep the Sabbath day holy.

There is an urgent need for more men and women like you who will stand for principles against the growing pressures to compromise those very principles. Men and women are needed who will act nobly and courageously for what the Lord has defined as right—not for what is politically correct or socially acceptable. We need individuals who have the spiritual, righteous influence that will motivate others to live honorably. We need statesmen with integrity, businessmen who are honest and morally clean, attorneys who defend justice and the legal system, and government officials who preserve principle because it is right. Above all, we need mothers and fathers who will preserve the sanctity and safety of the home and the integrity of the family in which faith in God and obedience to His commandments are taught as the foundation of a productive life.

Success in Following the Plan

Establish a set of principles by which you will guide every aspect of your life—in your home, in your Church service, in your profession, in your community. Many people try to compartmentalize their life and have a standard for Church and another standard for what they do in business and in other aspects of their life.

Second, don’t make exceptions to your standards. Never compromise them. One of the ways the Lord protects us is to give us guidance in life. One of the ways Satan tries to destroy us is to subtly lead us away from what we know is centrally important in our life.

Third, be loyal. Be loyal to your parents and your loved ones. Above all, be loyal to Jesus Christ, the Savior. Success comes when your actions are consistent with the teachings of the Lord. When you seek work, find something that challenges you, that raises you to higher levels of performance. It may be harder, but you will grow, develop better, and contribute more good. You really have no idea yet who you are and what you can accomplish in life. You have great potential far beyond what you can imagine today.

Fourth, live so that the Lord can guide you to where He wants you to be and to serve. He can do that if you live His commandments worthily and strive in every way to be obedient to His teachings.

Fifth, serve others. Sharing what you know with others will bring you happiness and bless their lives.

Sixth, smile. I don’t mean that you need to be cracking jokes every day, but a good joke now and then is an escape valve. Life is not all that bad. You will soon learn that everybody has problems and nobody wants to hear about yours. Put those things aside and smile. Have a good sense of humor

Seventh, don’t complain. Life isn’t always fair. That’s a fact. But it’s always charged with marvelous opportunities if you know how to find them..

Tenth, use the Savior Jesus Christ as your example for life. Use His teachings as your handbook for life. Never make exceptions to them.

Resolve that each moment of your life will reflect your determination to humbly be an example of righteousness, integrity, and conviction. With such a life you will surely succeed in the purpose for which you came to earth. 

You can read the whole article by Richard G. Scott  Here:

Christmas Spirit

I am giving a talk Sunday about Christmas...one of my favorite topics of course. As I have been studying to find just the right inspiration for my talk, I found this video HERE:

 I was touched by the small and simple acts that we show to Others that truly make all the difference in the world. Children seem to be born with that type of service and compassion, but it seems to leave us a bit as we get older and what better time than Christmas time to learn it again.
I love Christmas, I love the spirit of HOPE, PEACE and JOY that it brings to the world. Oh why can't we have Christmas every day?

"The real Christmas comes to him who has taken Christ into his life as a moving, dynamic, vitalizing force. The real spirit of Christmas lies in the life and mission of the Master....

"If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments" ~ Howard W. Hunter

A perfect way to start off the Christmas Season!

  Yesterday I woke up with a stomach ache, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to go to church, and today is December 1st I thought, I have to go because today we will begin to start singing Christmas Carols! I love all the Christmas songs! I love Christmas and everything about it.
   I still remember going to church as a little girl and loving to sing all the Christmas Carols with the congregation...it seemed almost Magical! Some times I cry when I sing or hear them, because the first week of December was when my Mom passed away 14 years ago! So it is definitely bitter/sweet.
I was also glad that I started to feel better before Church began. I was blessed to hear a dear friend of mine teach a  wonderful Christmas lesson about Christ. I took notes but, I got these notes from her, they are more complete. It is a bit long but if you read it...I think you will be glad you did. What a wonderful thought to begin the Christmas Season!
Good night dear friends!

“The Living Christ”

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As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). ..His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example…He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

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You can feel their strong conviction of all the truths that they proclaim in this testimony.  I love all the words they used to name the Savior and I underlined as many as I could find as I read and reread their words. Then I stopped at the title. The Living Christ. I began to ponder on the idea of “living”. As I did, many ideas came to my mind, but the one that struck a chord with me was that He exists…He is ever present. I knew this but for some reason it hit me so strongly as I reread the declaration and I thought to myself, if he is ever present in my life, how well do I know Him? How can I obtain a stronger testimony of Him and know Him better?

Today I want to extend an invitation to all of you…  It is an invitation that Christ Himself offered freely throughout His ministry, to come and know Him. 

Today your invitation is not as glamorous. . It is a simple request to come and learn and know the “living” Christ and gain a testimony that you will spend your whole life strengthening. For what is a greater treasure than to know the Savior. This journey may be hard at times. Your testimony may be shaken. C.S. Lewis once said “For all that can be shaken will be shaken. And only the unshakable remains.” Hopefully that is our testimony.

So the first invitation I extend to you is to Come and Seek Christ. I know for me that I usually seek out the Lord when I have questions, am in need of direction, or in need of comfort. It is during these times that I allow myself to really feel the Savior’s love for me. In the scriptures there are many stories of individuals who sought out the Savior in time of need.  In Matthew 9:18-25 is the story of Jarius who traveled day and night to seek out the Savior because his daughter was near death. When he met the Lord, Jarius begged Jesus to come and “lay hands on her that she may be healed; and she shall live.” (Mark 5:23) How many times in our lives do we do plead to the Lord to give us aid? To physically or spiritual heal us or lighten our load?

 Christ immediately went with Jarius and on their journey a woman who suffered from an illness for many years saw Jesus in the crowd and with faith sought Him out to help her in her time of need. She probably saw the Savior as her last hope and reached out to touch the hem of the Christ’s robe.  “For she said within herself, if I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.”  But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.” (Matt. 9;21-22) – I can just imagine how Jarius felt as the saw this miracle unfold before his eyes. He must have felt such hope maybe his faith was increased from this small act. Shortly after this event however, a messenger arrived with the news that his daughter had died. I can only imagine the devastation he must have felt. I wonder if this small miracle happened in his presence to help him exercise faith even though all seemed lost.

When have you exercised faith and sought out the Savior for help?

Your journey (self-reflect) – Think of a time in your life when you have sought out Christ. Have you ever sought him out to give you extra strength, comfort, support?

How did you seek him out?

What are some distractions that prevent you from seeking out the Lord?

I think of the scripture of the young rich man in Mark 10 who sought out the Savior and knelt at His feet and with probably what he felt as pure intent told the Lord how he had kept the commandments his whole life and wanted to know what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. The answer he received was not the one he was prepared to hear.

Do we have times in our lives when we are the same? How do we prepare ourselves to receive His answers?

My second invitation is to Come and Hope in Christ.

When I think of lack of hope I think of darkness. I feel like those times when I had little hope in my life, I felt the most alone and surrounded by darkness and despair. I believe we have all had hard times in our lives where we feel like we are in the dark.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “It is part of our condition as mortal beings to sometimes feel as though we are surrounded by darkness. We might have lost a loved one; a child might have strayed; we might have received a troubling medical diagnosis; we might have employment challenges and be burdened by doubts or fears; or we might feel alone or unloved. But even though we may feel lost in the midst of our current circumstances, God promises the hope of His light – He promises to illuminate the way before us and show us the way out of darkness.”

In the John 9:1-38 there is a story about a man that was blind from birth. He spent his whole life in the dark. Though he was “surrounded by people” he was completely forgotten and left alone in his trial.

How many times in our lives do we feel completely alone in our trials?

He must have wondered why him? Why did he have this trial? What was the purpose of it?

Emily Freeman in her book states, “There is a moment of epiphany after the soul has doubted all it knows, when it begins to search out for solid answers and firm ground. This moment is defined by one emotion that sustains and creates a desire for change. Before faith or knowledge is found, before joy or happiness is experienced, before the healing begins, one emotion starts to stir from deep within the depths of despair. It is hope.  Hope is the light that will begin to lead through the darkest hour, which will enable us to move forward along the darkened path. It was this light that the blind man sought. Sometimes this epiphany, this small portion of hope will bring a change in thought. This change simply helps us to evaluate the situation from a different view than we have previously seen. We are given small portions of knowledge, line upon line, as we work through the abyss.”

I’m sure as this man experienced the Lord’s touch and as He put the clay over the blind man’s eyes, and then later as the man washed the clay off in the pool at Silom, he must have experienced this. The small portion of hope he probably felt as the Lord gently touched his eyes and bid him wash them must been new to him. He probably felt and viewed life differently when his eyes were opened. He knew he had been healed by Christ.

Dieter F.Uchtdorf said this about hope, “The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come.”

“Never underestimate the purpose of a trial. It is through adversity that we experience the sweetest parts of the Atonement. Enduring our trials allows us to experience the healing power of Jesus Christ. This process strengthens our testimony of the reality of Christ…  Come forth from the darkness, despair, and discouragement that surround you, come forth from the sorrow and be healed…We do not experience trials just to see if we will make it through. Each of us experiences the refiner’s fire for one reason – to come to know the Refiner. We are no just tried; we are proven. Priceless lessons can be learned from the Master during times of adversity. It is in these moments of heartache that we come to know the Savior and more fully appreciate His atoning sacrifice. Lessons thus learned will prepare us to better endure what may follow and will sustain us through the darkest days of our lives. Christ is always there. In the darkest hours of the night and the longest hours of the day, He is there. He is accessible and available at a moment’s notice.”

Journey :  How has Christ guided you through your darkest times? Think of an experience when you have felt Him guide you through a trial. How did you know of his presence? How does feeling His presence give you hope?

The third invitation is to Come and Align yourself with Christ.

Boyd K. Packer told a story of a fair that he went to where there was an oxen pulling contest. The oxen were in teams of two with a heavy wooden yoke and a sledge that was weighted with cement blocks that held ten thousand pounds (5 tons) to begin with. The object was for the oxen to move the sledge three feet. He noticed a well-matched very large pair of big boned oxen that were supposed to be the favorites. Each team was given three attempts to move the sledge. If they were able to do this easily, more weight was added until each team was eliminated leaving just the winners. The teamster would get the oxen ready and with a loud command they would slam forward against the yoke. Either the weight would move or the oxen were jerked to a halt. The team that was the favorite to win didn’t even place! A small pair of oxen not very well matched in size, moved the sledge three times. Pres. Packer turned to the man next to him and asked him to explain how this could happen. The man said the larger and stronger  team were better matched for size than the other team but the little oxen had better team work and coordination.  They were better aligned. They hit the yoke together. Both animals jerked forward at exactly the same time and the force moved the load.

I want to liken us to the mismatched team. By ourselves, there are loads that we cannot bear. There are times when we are not enough but when we are equally yoked with the Savior, He makes up the difference. “For all things are ours, if Christ is ours.” He compensates for our limitations and He makes us enough. This is what makes the atonement so amazing and personal.

In Mark 9:17-27 – There is a story of a man that came to the Savior, begging him to heal his son, who was possessed of a “dumb spirit”. He probably felt so hopeless at this point, knowing that there was nothing within his power that he could do for his son. He had asked the apostles to heal him but they were unable to do so. He knew he needed help. He immediately sought out the Savior. He knew by himself, he could not overcome this challenge. The Lord had compassion on the man and said: “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth” (vs 23). I know that this man believed that the Savior could heal his son because he sought him out. The Savior knew he believed. The man’s reply with tears in his eyes was, “Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” This father knew that he believed, but that his faith was not perfect and that he needed to the Lord to make up the differences.

When have you had a similar experience like this father, when you have needed Christ to help you become more than what you were to overcome a challenge?

 The last invitation is to Come and Follow him.

In John 10, there is the parable of the good shepherd. In this chapter, Christ “reminds His listeners that a good shepherd, “goeth before them, and the sheep follow him for they know his voice” (vs 4). The sheep learn to rely on this shepherd who earns their trust because of his watchcare. He leads them to green pastures and finds them still waters to drink from. He anoints their heads to keep insects away. He protects them from danger and offers healing when they are wounded or ill. He is their guardian, their defender, and their comforter. He makes sure they want for nothing.

Christ said of Himself:  “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep”(vs 11). As the Good Shepherd, He has promised to lead us, protect us, heal us, defend us and comfort us. HE gave His life for us. In return He asks each of us to “come, follow me”. But to follow Him we must know His voice.”

Do we know Christ’s voice? How does He speak to you? When you hear it do you follow?

Search and Rescue story – a couple of years ago we had a big search and rescue drill at our school. One of my students was chosen to be a child that pretends to be hurt and hide in the room. The child that was selected was a bit of a worrier, however she was also a very dependable child. I was worried that she would be nervous about this task so I took Monica aside and gave her specific instructions. As I talked to her I could see that she was very nervous about it. So I told her specifically what was going to happen, where she was going to hide and what she needed to do. I also told her that I would not have her do this if I knew that it was unsafe. I knew that she would be protected and not truly alone as there would be other teachers in the building that were searching for her. I knew that it was going to be a specific teacher (who Monica knew) that would come and find her so I told her to listen for this teacher’s voice and when she heard the voice she was immediately to follow her and she would lead her straight to me. Monica’s nerves were immediately calmed and she said that she would listen for this teacher’s voice.

When Monica was delivered to me, she was smiling. She commented that it was easy because she knew who to listen for.

Sometimes I wonder if my life would be easier if I was more like Monica and listened carefully for the Savior’s voice.

In Luke 24:13-32 is the story of two disciples who were walking down the road to Emmaus and were joined by the Savior, who they thought was a stranger. They were so caught up in their journey, conversation, and sorrow from the loss of the Savior that they did not recognize or know Him.

How often are we on our own road to Emmaus and fail to see the miracles around us? What keeps us from recognizing that the Master is accompanying us in our lives? Are we following his direction?

Sisters, I hope that as we read this beautiful testimony of the apostles and feel of their love and knowledge of the Savior that we will be touched and want to know more of Him. That we might want to know is His voice and seek Him, hope in Him, align ourselves with Him and follow Him on our journey of life so we can be with Him again. I want to close with the final words of the apostle in their testimony of Christ…

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. 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.

May we always remember that Jesus is present and the greatest gift we have been given…
Thanks to my friend Jaimie for a beautiful Christmas lesson!

A Place to find Peace!

On the way to our daughter's house, along the side of the road there is this miniature chapel. We stopped one day and went in. It did my heart good to see that there is a place for just anyone to come and stop and pray and have a place to go... no matter what.

 It reminded me of when I was going to the hospital  5 days a week for 3 months having my Radiation, as I was battling cancer. As I was leaving from one of my treatments one day, I found the Chapel ...it was just newly built there in that wing of the Hospital. As I walked in I found incredible effort had been made to make this as close to a sanctuary in a hospital, that anyone could need while they were spending so many hours there for their treatments. When I first walked in there I noticed there was a Prayer Journal where so many family or friends could write in it. As I read it, I was touched on how many people desired to have God in their lives and in the lives of their loved ones who are struggling with Cancer. It did my heart good to know that so many people believe or at least wanted to believe!
I was grateful that my daughter Lauren noticed it too the other day, and stopped to take a photo of it, what a sweet thing!
Below the photo of the chapel, and what I wrote about it ...years ago. It still brings back good memories.
Hope you all have a place like this ...to find the peace and hope that the world could never give! I have, and it has made all the difference!
Good night dear friends! 



"What I will miss the most, is that beautiful chapel... where there was such a wonderful spirit. I can't say thanks enough to all the people who were involved in creating that incredible room. I went in there today and wrote one last time in that prayer journal. It was definitely the highlight of my experience there, how I wish I would have known about it sooner. "

"WE ARE HERE TO DO, AND THROUGH DOING TO LEARN; AND THROUGH LEARNING TO KNOW; AND THROUGH KNOWING TO EXPERIENCE WONDER; AND THROUGH WONDER TO ATTAIN WISDOM; AND THROUGH WISDOM TO FIND SIMPLICITY; AND THROUGH SIMPLICITY TO GIVE ATTENTION; AND THROUGH ATTENTION TO SEE WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE"   ____Ben Hei Hei

"THERE ARE TIMES WHEN SILENCE IS THE MOST SACRED OF RESPONSES."      ____Eugene Kennedy

Blessings!

Heard this song on the radio, so true!!!
Good night dear friends!

"Blessings"

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise  ~ Laura Story