Today was Fast and Testimony meeting. During church, people can stand up and share what they believe. All of a sudden John stood up, looked at me and said "Mom, can I bear my testimony?" It was completely unexpected.
I was so surprised. I said "Ok!" Then in a bit of a panic, I looked at Adam and whispered "He wants to bear his testimony!"
Adam smiled and nodded. He told John to wait a minute to go up. Then, that little man walked up to the podium, took a seat and waited and for his turn. My heart was pounding because I didn't know how everything would work out. The congregation was watching and I was just so amazed this little boy felt inspired to share what he believed.
He stood up at the podium with his straight little smile. I immediately began crying (feeling filled with the spirit).
John pulled the microphone down and paused briefly.
"I know this church is true.
I know Jesus watches over us.
And he never forgets us.
In the name of Jesus Christ amen."
He walked back and sat down stalwartly with that straight little smile.
Adam and I looked over at each other in awe. It was a GREAT family moment.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
John's Lip Surgery
Cute John had his lip surgery on Monday. He woke up this morning with a big fat lip. Looks like an infection! The dentist called in a prescription and we're hoping he gets better soon. By the way, you can see in this photo his eye slightly drifting too. We're waiting for his next appointment to find out about his surgery. Ella is quite the little doctor. She likes to get right in there and help her brother out. Mostly, though, he just wants to be left alone. She's was so thoughtful and helped him put away his laundry today. Such great kids!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Trying to Prepare
There have been so many devastating events over the past few months around the world. It is so humbling to see others reaching out and giving a hand. I have been personally blessed by the service and sacrifice of others, even though I am not amidst such devastation. These acts of kindness encourage me to prepare, prepare, prepare. I want to be ready and waiting when the call to serve knocks at my door.
I was shown this scripture by my Bishop Arbon prior to my baptism. It is also featured in the First Presidency message for March. God spoke to Joseph Smith and comforted him during his trials...
“And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
“The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” (D&C 122:7–8).
This revelation has given me comfort during my own trials in life. I know I can rely on Jesus Christ during moments of uncertainty. I have heard a lot of people chatting about the scary things happening in the world. I read on CNN about a Chilean mother who lost her son in a local tsunami. His last words shouted were "Mama! The world is about to end!"
These are revelations being brought to pass. Only through the Holy Spirit can this concept be understood. No scientist, doctor, or worldly doctrines can explain what is going on here. But the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Elijah are turning people's hearts to God and to each other.
I also know there is no need for a panic. "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (Doctrine and Covenant 38:30). Gordon B. Hinckley has also quoted in his talk, “Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come” (D&C 87:8). I know if we are committed to serving God, according to inspired comandments, we will be safe from a more serious destruction...even an eternal destruction.
Following the commandments is a life committment. It is a sacrifice. It is so EASY to stray away. In the Book of Mormon, Lehi gives an account of the vision of the tree of life (which represents the love of god). Even some of those very elect, who partook of the fruit, became ashamed.
This warning shouts to me from the pages of latter-day revelation. I proclaim as Nephi, "Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
"Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.
Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation. " (2 Nephi 4:28-30)
I was shown this scripture by my Bishop Arbon prior to my baptism. It is also featured in the First Presidency message for March. God spoke to Joseph Smith and comforted him during his trials...
“And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
“The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” (D&C 122:7–8).
This revelation has given me comfort during my own trials in life. I know I can rely on Jesus Christ during moments of uncertainty. I have heard a lot of people chatting about the scary things happening in the world. I read on CNN about a Chilean mother who lost her son in a local tsunami. His last words shouted were "Mama! The world is about to end!"
These are revelations being brought to pass. Only through the Holy Spirit can this concept be understood. No scientist, doctor, or worldly doctrines can explain what is going on here. But the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Elijah are turning people's hearts to God and to each other.
I also know there is no need for a panic. "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (Doctrine and Covenant 38:30). Gordon B. Hinckley has also quoted in his talk, “Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come” (D&C 87:8). I know if we are committed to serving God, according to inspired comandments, we will be safe from a more serious destruction...even an eternal destruction.
Following the commandments is a life committment. It is a sacrifice. It is so EASY to stray away. In the Book of Mormon, Lehi gives an account of the vision of the tree of life (which represents the love of god). Even some of those very elect, who partook of the fruit, became ashamed.
This warning shouts to me from the pages of latter-day revelation. I proclaim as Nephi, "Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
"Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.
Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation. " (2 Nephi 4:28-30)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
John's Eye
John finally had his eye appointment last night. I thought he might need glasses. He's been complaining about eye pain lately. A 45 minute appointment turned into two hours. We were so sad to find out the doctor is sending us to a pediatric specialist because one of his eyes turns out significantly. Adam has a lot of empathy for our little man. Adam had to have eye surgery when he was little, so the doctor is assuming it is genetic. Surprisingly, John has been functioning well and continues to get good grades. I asked if John needed glasses, but the doctor said if he were to wear glasses for this problem, they would be extremely thick lenses. SO, we'll see what's next. We're assuming eye surgery and therapy. Until then, John's tired eyes will continue to work overtime. This was written with sloppy grammar, but I don't even care because I have to write two essays today. I need to save my good english for school. Back to life!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Concern for the One
There have been more dramatic events this week than I can count. Family members, friends, and acquaintances have had incredibly difficult or challenging events happen over the past two weeks. Some of these events include devastating deaths, disabilities, difficult life choices, and the trials of life. Our phones and emails have been flowing constantly. While some have been asking for our prayers, others suffer from a distance alone and in silence.
It seems as though everyone is struggling in one way or another. I came across this quote today by Joseph B. Wirthlin. "I know that each of you bears a concern for a loved one. Give encouragement, service, and support to them. Love them. Be kind to them. In some cases, they will return. In others, they will not. But in all cases, let us ever be worthy of the name we take upon ourselves, even that of Jesus Christ."
I've been trying desperately to keep a prayer in my heart to have "concern for the one". I only hope I can live worthy of the name of Jesus Christ which name I have taken upon myself at my baptism.
Adam and I had the opportunity to go to the temple last week. It was a wonderful experience. The temple has been a great refuge for me when the storms of adversity whirl around. When I come out of the temple, I feel more grounded. I know the temple can be a refuge for any who seek for peace. We went to the Chinese Cultural Center over the weekend. The gardens were beautiful. Still, I have yet to find a place on earth where there holds a fullness of beauty and joy as I have found within the walls of the temple. It is not an elaborate palace, but a quiet and meditative place for worship, instruction, revelation, and redemption. As I came out of the temple I realized Heavenly Father's "concern for the one" and I can't wait to go back there again. He really does care about everyone...even you...even me.
It seems as though everyone is struggling in one way or another. I came across this quote today by Joseph B. Wirthlin. "I know that each of you bears a concern for a loved one. Give encouragement, service, and support to them. Love them. Be kind to them. In some cases, they will return. In others, they will not. But in all cases, let us ever be worthy of the name we take upon ourselves, even that of Jesus Christ."
I've been trying desperately to keep a prayer in my heart to have "concern for the one". I only hope I can live worthy of the name of Jesus Christ which name I have taken upon myself at my baptism.
Adam and I had the opportunity to go to the temple last week. It was a wonderful experience. The temple has been a great refuge for me when the storms of adversity whirl around. When I come out of the temple, I feel more grounded. I know the temple can be a refuge for any who seek for peace. We went to the Chinese Cultural Center over the weekend. The gardens were beautiful. Still, I have yet to find a place on earth where there holds a fullness of beauty and joy as I have found within the walls of the temple. It is not an elaborate palace, but a quiet and meditative place for worship, instruction, revelation, and redemption. As I came out of the temple I realized Heavenly Father's "concern for the one" and I can't wait to go back there again. He really does care about everyone...even you...even me.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Chinese New Year
We went to the Chinese Cultural Center over the weekend. We have been planning this for about a month. Ella's preschool is studying the Chinese New Year. We celebrated with the preschool and Nana came too. It was a blast! Yummy food and a beautiful cultural experience!
John and Ella looking into the koi pond. It was a quiet garden...why is John plugging his ears?
We also got two turtles:
John named this one Greenie
Ella named this one Sally, although it might be a male...so we're calling it Sal.
I love Chinese New Year!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Prioritizing
Is anyone else swamped with obligations? I sure feel swamped. There's lots of places to be and lots of work to get done. One thing I've heard several people say is: Mormons think their service will get them into Heaven. It's true, we do serve a lot. Some days I'm overwhelmed with the responsibilities lying in front of me.
I'm so glad though for the agency to decide what activities I will participate in. Adam and I have been focusing on prioritizing lately. I've had several opportunities to learn about prioritizing in the church. As things become increasingly busy, I find great comfort in prioritizing something like this:
Placing me with God first (This means strengthening my physical, spiritual, and emotional self)
Placing family second
Placing work responsibilities third (For Adam, it's his career. For me, it's my responsibilities to nurture the family in the best ways possible)
Placing church responsibilities/callings fourth
Placing hobbies last
Some might disagree with this pattern. However, I have found a lot of comfort when I follow this outline. Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “You have to establish in your life some sense of prioritizing things, of giving emphasis to the important things and of laying aside the unimportant things that will lead to nothing. Establish a sense of justice, a sense of what is good and what is not good, what is important and is not important; and that can become a marvelous and wonderful blessing in your lives” (devotional, Utah Salt Lake City Mission, 15 Dec. 2001).
Prioritizing is helping me determine between good, better, and best. When I haven't even showered for the day, I know my priorities are mixed up. If I'm working on a Relief Society lesson and the family hasn't had dinner yet, I know my priorities are mixed up.
I'd love to hear what everyone else has learned about prioritizing. I'm trying to conquer that "swamped" feeling and replace it with a feeling of gratitude. Life balance is such an interesting topic to me.
I'm so glad though for the agency to decide what activities I will participate in. Adam and I have been focusing on prioritizing lately. I've had several opportunities to learn about prioritizing in the church. As things become increasingly busy, I find great comfort in prioritizing something like this:
Placing me with God first (This means strengthening my physical, spiritual, and emotional self)
Placing family second
Placing work responsibilities third (For Adam, it's his career. For me, it's my responsibilities to nurture the family in the best ways possible)
Placing church responsibilities/callings fourth
Placing hobbies last
Some might disagree with this pattern. However, I have found a lot of comfort when I follow this outline. Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “You have to establish in your life some sense of prioritizing things, of giving emphasis to the important things and of laying aside the unimportant things that will lead to nothing. Establish a sense of justice, a sense of what is good and what is not good, what is important and is not important; and that can become a marvelous and wonderful blessing in your lives” (devotional, Utah Salt Lake City Mission, 15 Dec. 2001).
Prioritizing is helping me determine between good, better, and best. When I haven't even showered for the day, I know my priorities are mixed up. If I'm working on a Relief Society lesson and the family hasn't had dinner yet, I know my priorities are mixed up.
I'd love to hear what everyone else has learned about prioritizing. I'm trying to conquer that "swamped" feeling and replace it with a feeling of gratitude. Life balance is such an interesting topic to me.
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