Stronger Through Him

 One of my favorite parts of the Doctrine & Covenants is how many times the Savior says “thy sins are forgiven thee.” One of Satan’s favorite tactics is to make us want to run or hide when we mess up.   But that is not who Jesus Christ is.   Today the phrase struck me that he is someone to run to, not from. And for that I am so grateful.  Why? Because I need forgiveness often. Every. Single. Day. Even on my best days. And on my worst? Well, I feel like those days He kind of has to be the toddler parent chasing to clean up one disaster after another I manage to make. And still He is there with open arms. So I’m going to remind myself of that a little more often. Our Savior is someone to run to, not away from- no matter what the adversary says.

 “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal”. Those words spoke to my heart like a healing balm this morning as I felt the warmth of the sunshine and heard one of my favorite artists, Nathan Pacheco, through my car speakers. What a beautiful promise!   So many people I love are going through sorrows right now. Chronic health challenges, disappointments, loss of loved ones, doubts, financial constraints, personally challenges. And even though so much good is still happening, the sorrows can truly weigh us down. “Look backward, remembering that you proved your worthiness in your premortal state. You are a valiant child of God, and with His help, you can triumph in the battles of this fallen world. You have done it before, and you can do it again. Look forward. Your troubles and sorrows are very real, but they will not last forever.” Elder Neil L Andersen made this apostolic promise.  They are very real.  But they will not last forever!  “Earth has no sorrow that ...

 It’s a Saturday morning and I was thinking about service this morning. I did some walking and errands and scripture study and reading as a service to me. I did something things around our home to serve my family. George and Ella left at 7:30 this morning for Indianapolis to serve our ward and those on the other side at the Temple. Now I am helping my friend at her daughter’s graduation party to serve my neighbor.  I have never met the women I am filling taco shells next to.  One is my age.  The other is young.  But we love the same friend and that Is enough. Which is most valuable? Which is needful? Which is “best”?  They ALL serve the Lord by showing love. They ALL bless me if I let them.   Elder Carl B Cook said it well when he exhorted, “Whatever our age or circumstance, let service be our “watchcry.”  Serve in your calling. Serve a mission. Serve your mother. Serve a stranger. Serve your neighbor. Just serve.” Don’t over think it.   Serv...

  My daughter currently lives with my amazing cousin and her family.   Their daughter Gillian LOVES Kyrie and Kyrie LOVES Gillian.   Yesterday Gillian got ready for church with excitement and matched Kyrie all the way down to the perfume they used together. Her smile shows just how ecstatic she was. Children are always watching and desperately need positive role models. We don’t get to pick IF we are teaching them, we only get to pick WHAT we are teaching them. Elder Dwan J Young gave this important advice: “Actually, we are all teachers of children—parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, priesthood leaders, ward members, neighbors. Children are always watching and learning. We teach them through our behavior as well as by what we say. They watch how we treat each other. They listen to the voices of their parents and to the voices at church. Unfortunately, they also listen to voices on television and elsewhere which sometimes teach values contrary to gospel principles. We m...

 Today was the mission farewell Sacrament Meeting for one of my daughter’s friends. As I went to also hear his remarks, I was struck by the group of youth seated together and there in support of him.  Who you choose as friends matters and can make all the difference.   Elder Malcolm Jeppsen counseled, “Choose your friends wisely.  They will provide the foundation of spiritual strength that will enable you to make difficult, extremely important decisions correctly when they come in your life.” Decisions like whether or not to serve a mission, keep your covenants, serve others  or marry in the temple.  Decisions that these kids already help each other make.   I believe it makes their Heavenly Parents smile too.

  My husband shared this today and it made me smile: “I’m working a small volleyball tournament today, and a few minutes ago I found this clothespin on the tail of my pullover.  On one side “Jesus Loves Me”. On the other, “Proverbs 3:5-6”.  Proverbs 3:5-6 reads: “5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” That is exactly what I needed to hear today! Thank you to whomever tagged me with the word of God. I’m thankful for good people in the world who spread the word (and love) of God!” What a simple and beautiful way to spread the word of God, not knowing the difference it can make for others. Sometimes we make things more difficult and complex than they need to be. Just share the love.