Stand

I have several friends that recently left the church.  I don't know what they believe.  They say they have left the "church".  I don't know if that means they no longer believe in God, if their desire is to not have to feel bad for not keeping commandments. They say they just never really believed yet they made covenants, promises, declarations to the contrary. They were never forced but simply enjoyed the benefits of a moral support system, high standards of friends and lots of service given in their behalf.  Now they have moved on to their "better life" where no one tells them right from wrong and from the looks of social media they are free to experiment in any of the worlds pleasures that they want without the guilt that comes from religion.

It confuses me that anyone who has tasted the love of God and enjoyed the blessings that come when they choose to keep his commandments can so freely turn their back on God and their family. Nevertheless, that is their choice.

The frustration I see is when they try and explain their actions in a way that encourages others to follow their example, honor the natural man, put selfish desires first.

I see quite plainly the way Satan is using their doubts not only to confuse them and disqualify all the spiritual experiences they have received but also to encourage others to do the same.  God asks us to walk by faith, to trust him, and to keep his commandments.  It is not a do what feels good, whatever you want.  It is not about testing your own ideas about how things should be first.  It is about faithfully walking in the Lord's way and then receiving a witness as you go.

One of these friends shared an article about the "woman in the pew next to you". It tried to blame every person that ever strives to honor God and keep His commandments as the cause for making someone else at church feel bad.  If you share your testimony they feel judged and not good enough. If you share your struggles they feel judged and not good enough.  If you declare your hopes, desires, dreams they feel judged and not good enough.  If you share your frustrations with a family member they think that you are judging them because maybe they are the challenge to a family member.

It is the idea of political correctness taken into the religious arena.  Don't stand for anything because not everyone can live up to it.  It's wrong.  It is the same kind of wrong that is rampant in our society. It is the idea that everyone should get a trophy. All standards should be lowered so no one feels like they can't succeed. No child left behind. Health care for all. Don't keep score at the kids ball games. Someday I hope they learn that when we shine we allow others to do the same.

If we don't stand for right and truth, we fall.  I love Gordon B. Hinckley's book "Standing for Something"  I believe in standards - The Standard of Truth has often given me comfort.

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

We must not be ashamed or intimidated by these confused people who want to only feel good. The lie that they believe is that goodness and joy can somehow come from lack of standards. Not reaching for your best and trusting in God's plan for each of us.  Just because I can't be perfect in keeping commandments doesn't make commandments bad.  Just because I can't be a perfect wife or mother or whatever in any other relationship, doesn't mean I shouldn't try.  Just because I have a weakness doesn't mean I can't rejoice in another persons success or that I should quit trying to overcome a weakness.  Just because I don't like jogging and am not very good at it does not mean that anyone that likes jogging or running or exercise should never mention it in my presence. Or celebrate their steps in getting better. Or encourage others to try.  Or talk about how hard it is because I might have an even harder time and  feel worse than ever.

It makes no sense and it certainly does not speak truth.

I don't have to be perfect and I don't have to be shamed for trying.  I will stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things and in all places as I strive to live values.  That doesn't mean I'm perfect at it or that I am going to judge you on your path.  I ask the same courtesy.  Don't judge me because I'm a believer. Don't condemn me because I'm living the gospel the best way I know how, enjoying the love of God I see each day in my life and my desire to share that joy with others.

I find this quote inspiring by Marianne Williamson

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I am sorry that there are those out there who are struggling and lost but please don't put down others to better accept your choices.  Don't blame others if you feel inadequate.  That fact is that if the lost would look to God they could find real strength, real power, real happiness.  Instead of putting others down to feel good about themselves try lifting, being thankful, looking for the good and celebrating the little successes of each other and giving God credit and gratitude for every good thing because it all comes from him.

Hold to a standard. Don't look for comfort in darkness. You can do it.  You can be all that God has called you to be.  He has given you the lessons, experiences, people, opportunities that will refine you and help you be better than you ever could on your own plan.  Look to him and live.

As these thoughts kept me up late into the night, my Heavenly Father sent this song to my mind.

How Gentle God's commands

1. 1. How gentle God’s commands!
   How kind his precepts are!
   Come, cast your burdens on the Lord
   And trust his constant care.
2. 2. Beneath his watchful eye,
   His Saints securely dwell;
   That hand which bears all nature up
   Shall guard his children well.
3. 3. Why should this anxious load
   Press down your weary mind?
   Haste to your Heav’nly Father’s throne
   And sweet refreshment find.
4. 4. His goodness stands approved,
   Unchanged from day to day;
   I’ll drop my burden at his feet
   And bear a song away.
5. Text: Philip Doddridge, 1702–1751
   Music: Hans Georg Nägeli, 1773–1836

I know who I am. I know God's plan. I follow him in faith.

prosper

I have had several conversations with people recently about money, providing for our family, trusting husbands to do their best and what that might look like.  I am grateful to have married a hard working man who is willing to think outside the box, find ways to make things work, learn new things, try and sometimes fail but get back up and try again.

I know among religious people there can be some misguided ideas that being righteous includes being poor. That being humble and meek means learning to be content with poverty.  The idea that money is the root of all evil is wrong.  It is the 'love of money that is the root of evil'.  We can't love money. We can love God and our fellow beings. We can serve them. We can better ourselves and our situations to be more useful in building His kingdom

Its not about pride or prestige.  It is not trying to be better than others.  Seeking to improve our situation, create beauty, enjoy and share abundance is a blessing that comes from righteous living.  I am not saying that the wealthy are good and the poor are bad. I am saying that we each are given weaknesses and challenges. Some are monetary and that can mean being rich or being poor.  But in order for God to make weak things become strong, our focus needs to be on Him.

It is all part of the agency that God has given us to make the most of our lives.

It is God's will that we be free men and women enabled to rise to our full potential both temporally and spiritually, that we be free from the humiliating limitations of poverty and the bondage of sin, that we enjoy self respect and independence, that we be prepared in all things to join Him in His celestial kingdom.     Elder Christofferson 10/14

I do believe we should praise God and give thanks in all things and in all situations but that doesn't mean we just stop trying to improve us and our situation.

Economic deprivation is a curse that keeps on cursing, year after year and generation after generation. It damages bodies, maims spirits, harms families, and destroys dreams. If we could do more to alleviate poverty, as Jesus repeatedly commands us to do, maybe some of the less fortunate in the world could hum a few notes of “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today,” perhaps for the first time in their lives. Elder Holland 4/17

Poverty is a curse not a reward because you are so humble.  It very often is not of your own choosing by any means but it is up to each person to do what they can to change the script, to better their lives. As they do so they then can truly assist others out of that difficult situation.

I want to love others where they are, as Jesus does.  I want to help and be guided by God in what that looks like for me. I want to be able to alleviate the suffering and the difficulty and help change the curse for generations.  There are plenty of people doing their best, I honor them.  There are miracle stories of people taking chances, finding a new way and succeeding. I am talking to those who are complacent. Those who willingly let the government and family provide for their needs year after year. Those that lose hope and simply just wait to expire.

Each person has value and worth.  You are here to contribute, to enjoy the blessings of this great world, created by God for you.  Trust that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you. You will not be left alone.  There is no mistake, failing, misstep that Christ cannot help you through and every time he is willing to give you a hand up to a better place.

I am under no illusion that this can be achieved by our own efforts alone without His very substantial and constant help. “We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”24 And we do not need to achieve some minimum level of capacity or goodness before God will help—divine aid can be ours every hour of every day, no matter where we are in the path of obedience. But I know that beyond desiring His help, we must exert ourselves, repent, and choose God for Him to be able to act in our lives consistent with justice and moral agency. My plea is simply to take responsibility and go to work so that there is something for God to help us with. Elder Christopherson

birthday fun

We love the 4th of July.  It is the best of times, outdoor fun, family, old friends and new, park fun, BBQs and backyard fun.  Here is a taste of the fun we had.  We normally participate more in the games but this year we had the kids performing and got to watch them. We did do the egg toss.  Not sure why it is so fun but it is a favorite.  The water games and water fight were a big hit too!

 Ella and her momma at the children's fashion show.  She was the cutest.

 Simeon and Debbie performing a whole bunch of fun summer songs with their singing groups

 Happy Birthday!

 Parade Fun.

Alaskan friends

I had the privilege of meeting my new friend Cindy this summer.  She was visiting  our children's' hospital for her daughter who has a very difficult disease.  It has been a hard time for their family with being separated, not getting the results they wished for and having challenges at home.

Being in pageant was a wonderful distraction from their daily worries.  Her son enjoyed being a warrior every night, She and her daughter were able to perform several times as angels.  She managed to remain cheerful and friendly.  It seems one of the ways she managed to endure, stay cheerful,  and lift others was her gratitude. I learned from her that there is great power in being grateful and expressing that gratitude to others.  Every time I saw her she smiled, gave me a hug, and said how grateful she was to be able to be participants in the pageant.  She didn't sugarcoat her troubles and she willingly shared the challenges she face of extra hospital stays and challenges at work for her husband but she seems to be going on faith. Faith that the Lord is in charge. Faith that they can get through anything with His help. Faith that there are daily miracles that are recognized as we look for them and appreciate the source from whence they come.  I am sorry for their troubles but I appreciate their example and their friendship.

Another friend I am grateful to be able to pray for.

Elyssa

I got an interesting phone call a couple of weeks ago.  A young lady asking to talk to my husband, hoping to be able to help with pageant while she was in town. Actually while she was in the country. Turns out she was visiting from Germany, had served her mission here and was visiting people and wanted to help with the pageant.  Well I invited her to come stay at our home.  We met her one night for just a  few minutes. She was traveling with a friend who would be serving a mission here in November.  A couple of days later she was here to stay.

Elyssa was so easy and a delight.  Her English was very good. Her personality was fun and she was hard working.  She was a delight with the kids and made fast friends.  She is the oldest with 4 younger brothers so she was just fine with all the commotion our house brings as well as a few bodily function noises.

One of the many miracles was that she was able to gather several other German speaking friends she knew in the area and they were able to record a German translation of the pageant.  The day after she left a couple came through town on their way to the canyon lands and asked what was going on. They were invited to stay for pageant.  This couple said they would stay if we had it in German. Yep, we have it in German as of this week. They stayed, enjoyed the pageant and asked for a Book of Mormon.

Elyssa served in the temple, helped set up chairs, fences, scenery, went swimming, horseback riding, puppy cuddling and truly and cheerfully made the most out of every moment.  She recognized opportunities, blessings and miracles.  She shared of herself and had genuine interest in others. She made so many friends.  I feel so lucky to have had her come to my house so I could get to know her too.  We are friends on Facebook now and when one of my young woman got her mission call to Frankfurt, Germany I connected the 2 of them.  It is amazing to me how her one little light brightened our corner of the world and continues to shine.  I want to some day visit her in Germany but in the mean time I hope her friend gets put in our area and we continue to make good friends with our new German acquaintances.

Mountain distraction

With only Monday off from pageant performing, we took advantage of the evening and went up the mountain to cook hot dogs, s'mores and enjoy family time.

I probably should warn people I'm taking pictures. My candids are not always that flattering or fun but I like to see who was there and have a reminder of the fun we had.

Pageant season 2017

Being in the pageant every year is a true joy.  It is one of those things that I know takes over our lives and demands much but is so worth the effort.  We work hard but we also have wonderful experiences with those we are performing with and for, as well as those we represent on the hill. A very favorite part of the pageant is when Christ is depicted visiting the people in America.  It is an amazing feeling as we imagine what it was like for those people at that time.

Samuel the Lamanite (Brian) with Emily and Ella enjoying visiting the crowd each night before the performance.  She has been our social media person this year for the pageant and is sharing a lot of great stuff.

 Jack Josh and Nellie are performing this year with their parents.  Elise is 8 months pregnant with their little sister and hoping to meet her soon,

 Each night someone is chosen to portray the angel Moroni on top of the temple. This is a picture of Dane's turn.  Peter and John also get a turn this year.

 Might warriors - Simeon, Kyle, Sam, and Mark

 Isaac as a spear dancer and sacrificer meaning that he portrayed killing a young girl, carrying her up to the top and offering her as a sacrifice.  Obviously a part of the wicked time in the Book of Mormon scenes.

 Each night the Local Vocals perform before the pageant begins but this night they also got to sing the National Anthem.  Dane and Erica got to both be a part of this performance.

Every night we begin with a cast devotional. We receive directors notes, sing, pray, share scriptural insights and to be inspired by beautiful music. The wind and the sound system were a bit of a challenge but these two girls did a beautiful job singing a beautiful song.



And a news man shared his pictures of Dane as Angel Moroni.  Very impressive.