It is said that a dispassionate young man approached the Greek philosopher and casually said, "O great Socrates, I come to you for knowledge."
The philosopher took the young man down to the sea, waded in with him, and then dunked him under the water for thirty seconds.
When he let the young man up for air, Socrates asked him to repeat what he wanted. "Knowledge, O great one," he sputtered.
Socrates put him under the water again, only this time a little longer.
After repeated dunkings and responses, the philosopher asked, "What do you want?" The young man finally gasped, "Air. I want air!"
"Good," answered Socrates. "Now, when you want knowledge as much as you wanted air, you shall have it.
.................
I must have been about 18 or 19 when I discovered the song, "Masterpiece" by, Julie De Azevedo. I fell in love with the lyrics because they expressed so perfectly the feelings I had in my own heart. I listened to it so much that I could have sung it in my sleep. This song is my soul's most sincere desire. I want to know my Father in Heaven's will for me, I want it written on my heart. I want to become who He would have me become!! I need this like I need to breathe.
- Alicia
.................
Masterpiece
Simple clay in a potter's hand, an empty page and an author's pen,
An artist's brush to a canvas white, and a work of art comes to life.
Marble raw, but the sculptor sees, the masterpiece that lies beneath.
Though rough and marred the Master's touch, will change this life, into his work of love.
So everyday I pray...
He'll write His will upon my heart, Mold my soul to His design,
Adding color depth and light, And polishing until I shine shine shine!
Oh my heart is in His hands, He's painting the life He'd have me lead.
Through refining floods and flames, He's smoothing edges and the seams,
And in time time time, Oh this simple life will be ....
A Masterpiece
Snowy peaks, water-color skys, His works of beauty fill my eyes
But He sees nothing more beautiful than a heart submissive to His will
I want to know His will!
So everyday I pray...
He'll write His will upon my heart, Mold my soul to His design,
Adding color depth and light, And polishing until I shine shine shine!
Oh my heart is in His hands, He's painting the life He'd have me lead.
Through refining floods and flames, He's smoothing edges and the seams,
And in time time time, Oh this simple life will be ....
A Masterpiece
My Master's Masterpiece
It's the most wonderful time of the year!! I love to hear the words of the Living Prophets. I am deeply grateful to have their counsel in my life. I know they have been called of God. If you haven't experienced the joy that comes from applying and acting in true doctrine, I invite you to come and see, come and feel, and come and know! It's beautiful!
I look forward to a Spirit-filled weekend this wonderful Easter with LDS General Conference. The word of God is "sweet above all that is sweet!"
"But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.
And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst." -Alma 32: 41,42
I'm putting together a presentation that is taking me hours and hours to organize. The combination of the heavy nature of the info I'm sorting through, back-to-back late nights, extremely early mornings, and overcoming the flu has left me exhausted!!
My heart needs music right now. I can't explain it. I just know that it reaches me in a deep and personal way. If ever I feel down or lacking in strength, all I have to do is play a favorite song to focus my faith and I'm elevated.
Marco is a very bright young University student from Mexico. He was raised by a single mom and admitted the difficulties he has been through without a father in his life. We sat by each other at a United Families International event last week. The presenter spoke about fathers and how important they are in society as a whole. As Marco heard the definition of a "transitional character", he leaned over to me and said, "That's what I want to be."
I smiled and responded, "It looks like you are becoming one already."
"A transitional character is one who, in a single generation, changes the entire course of a linage. The individuals who grow up in an abusive, emotionally destructive environment and who somehow find a way to metabolize the poison and refuse to pass it on to their children. They break the mold. They refute the observation that abused children become abusive parents, that the children of alcoholics become alcoholic adults... Their contribution to humanity is to filter the destructiveness out of their own linage so that the generations downstream will have a supportive foundation upon which to build productive lives." (Broderick, 1988, p. 14)
Now Marco is not a member of my faith and there are somethings I wish I could have told him more about to be a tool for him in his life as he desires to be this "transitional character", to be a good father and good husband someday. But in my trip to the United Nations, we weren't supposed to proselyte, so all the more I wanted to say I couldn't. I wished I could have given him a "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet and directed him to the chapters, Entertainment & Media and Sexual Purity. I sometimes wonder how often these things are taught in other religions. It's so vital! He will need to understand these things if he wants to be a good husband and father.
A few nights ago I drove a young 16-yr. old girl home from a youth activity. We talked for nearly an hour as she described to me her broken life and how completely exhausting it is to be pulled and torn between the arguments of her separated parents and used like their pawn. They haven't learned to communicate decently, let alone effectively. Like 3-yr. olds they are constantly dragging her in as a third party to be the other's advocate. Both parents are very toxic. I encouraged her to be brave, that in the situations that do not involve her she must learn to repeat, "I'm sorry but this is not my issue, this is yours. You need to work this out between each other. I have to stay out of it."
Then I asked her a question, "Do you believe you can learn from your parents poor behavior."
"I can learn what NOT to do" she said.
"Very good! That's exactly right," I agreed. "You can be a transitional character, a chain-breaker. You can refuse to be a part of the statistics and say in your mind, 'all of this ends with me. I'm not passing this down to my children!' Next time your parents fight and scream at each other, I want you to pay close attention to the kinds of words they use, the tone of voice, and those things that seem to escalate the arguments. Write them down if you have to and tell yourself, 'I'm going to practice the exact opposite of these things.' Refuse to be pulled into their childish bickering. It's not right and it's not fair to you."
I encouraged her to call me if she needed a friend to talk to, any time, day or night. Ultimately though, I testified that the most important Person to call upon is our Father in Heaven. I testified to her of prayer and how it has gotten me through so many dark days. My life growing up wasn't near as difficult as hers is but there were many times during my teenage years where I felt frustrated, heartbroken and completely alone. I wanted so desperately to feel security in my own home but instead everything felt raw and vulnerable, as if something could shatter at any given moment. I learned to cry to my Father in Heaven, to pour out my soul to Him and lay out every piece and fragment of my heart. He answered my prayers. He showed me LOVE and in a miraculous way His love seemed to fill all the voids, the gaping wounds, the fractures, and holes in my soul. I became a new person through Christ. He changed me, He transitioned my character! He became my Father and I found in Him, I could do all things. I told my young friend that she is not meant to carry this weight alone and encouraged her to make the choice daily to turn to her Eternal Father and she would have everything she could possibly need through life.
"Know then that every soul is free, To choose his life and what he'll be" - Hymn 240
"I know of no better answer to [the] foul practices that confront our young people than the teachings of a mother, given in love with an unmistakable warning... No one can calculate the tremendous force for good that you can become. You are the keepers of the hearth. You are the managers of the home...I charge you to stand tall and be strong in defense of those great virtues which have been the backbone of our social progress." - President Gordon B. Hinckley
One of the biggest threats to the family is the devastatingly destructive drug of pornography. If we as mothers are to be "the keepers of the hearth" we must educate our children about this pernicious evil. Mothers and fathers must be vigilant in filtering the images and messages that come into their homes through music and media and help their children choose wisely.
"You live in a world of terrible temptations. Pornography, with its sleazy filth, sweeps over the earth like a horrible, engulfing tide. It is poison. Do not watch it or read it. It will destroy you if you do. It will take from you your self-respect. It will rob you of a sense of the beauties of life. It will tear you down and pull you into a slough of evil thoughts and possibly of evil actions. Stay away from it. Shun it as you would a foul disease, for it is just as deadly." - President Gordon B. Hinckley
Each time a person chooses to view pornography, it eats away at their true identity and the true identity of others, especially those closest to them.
"Research has found that after men are exposed to pornography, they rate themselves as less in love with their partner than men who didn’t see any porn. On top of that, another study found that after being exposed to pornographic images, people were more critical of their partner’s appearance, sexual curiosity, sexual performance, and displays of affection" - See more at: http://fightthenewdrug.org/porn-kills-love-2/#sthash.PPxsfbtR.dpuf
It's interesting to me that in a society, where their is so much spouse and child abuse, we have these extremely well-funded agencies and organizations that insist on pushing what they call "sexual rights". They go so far as to DEFEND the multi-billion dollar porn industry under this "right". These people have no interest in parental rights and they refuse to defend or protect the traditional family, and in fact see it as a threat. They insist the solution is in teaching "safe sex". Imagine the difference these organizations could make if they focused on educating abstinence before marriage and fidelity after.
These things are extremely agonizing and difficult for me to think about.
I find strength and hope to see their ARE groups and organizations coming together in a coalition to make the truth be told. I pray for the youth of this world, for the fathers and mothers. I pray for a return to virtue, human dignity, and responsibility.
- Alicia
This is the year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Proclamation to the World about the family. Interestingly, it is also the year that the UN celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Platform.
The first document to the world describes our Divine identity as women, and the beautiful role we play in our families. The second document sees motherhood in a negative light and seeks to dismantle our role in the family.
"In the preliminary document for the Beijing +5 Conference in 2000, one of the stated obstacles to human rights (translation: abortion on demand and same-sex marriage) was the "...persistence of traditional and stereotypical attitudes." In the section on Woman and the Media, there was language stating opposition to the 'negative images of women; and stereotyped portrayals;' (translation: mothers). The women at this conference were urged to target journalists and media specialists, media associations, educational and training institutions to promote balanced and non-stereotyped portrayals of women." - Susan Roylance (Mothers & Fathers Defending Marriage and Family in the Halls of the U.N.)
Simply stated in "UN Beijing platform language" - "motherhood" and "traditional family" are bad words and damaging stereotypes and must be done away.
"In the gathering storm over defending marriage, the weather-vane pointing to our future is oscillating wildly. Our destiny as a society will depend on whether we can protect our most fundamental social institution: marriage and the family. As citizens of a democratic republic, we need not be at the mercy of judicial winds. We can control our destiny!" - Richard G. Wilkins (Author of 'A Sacred Duty')
So how do we defend our most fundamental institution? The answer is simple. We start in our own homes. We seek to do all we can to strengthen our marriage and our relationships with our children, to build our home on a foundation of faith and trust in God. We embrace the complimentary unique and different roles of husband and wife. We always work with and for each other and never against. We strive to practice patience, kind words that build and uplift, habits that nurture and invite the Spirit. We must be vigilant in safeguarding and monitoring closely the amount and content of media diet being fed to our minds and our family. Wise mothers and fathers do not allow the rivers of filthy water to flow through the airwaves of their home. They constantly ask themselves, "what is being taught" and "how is it being received". Wise mothers and fathers seek the Spirit of the Lord in all they do through constant daily prayer and scripture study.
The Prophet Joseph Smith appeared to Brigham Young in a vision and said, "Tell the people to be humble and faithful and sure to keep the Spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the small still voice; it will teach [you what] to do and where to go; it will yield the fruits of the kingdom. Tell the brethren [and sisters] to keep their hearts open to conviction so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits. It will whisper peace and joy to their souls, and it will take malice, hatred, envying, strife, and all evil from their hearts; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the kingdom of God. Tell the brethren [and sisters] if they will follow the Spirit of the Lord they will go right."
Malachi teaches about turning our hearts to our fathers and the most important Father we should turn to is our Heavenly One. We are His children and His heart has been turned to us from the very beginning. He loves us with an immeasurable and powerful love! "We love Him because He first loved us." As we rightfully make Him first in our lives, everything else will fall into its proper place. I know this. I trust this with my whole soul!
The Family Proclamation declares this irrefutable truth, "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."
The solutions of the world are not found in the works of the flesh, in the intellects, the philosophers, and talking heads. Show me a person who has innumerable followers, popularity, high accolades, degrees and doctorates, scholarly knowledge, who has read all the books and passed all the tests but who has never learned to care for their family, never learned to recognize and act upon the Spirit, never learned to reach beyond their obsession of self to sincerely love their neighbor, who has never learned to truly love and truly serve - and you've shown me a fool, indeed.
The Kingdom of God will crush the Kingdoms of the earth in a way that those who only see by the flesh won't be able to understand because they will not open their eyes. The stone cut out of the mountain without hands means "without the flesh"... it will be by the power of the Spirit! Those who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts that understand will not faint but with hope will listen to "the distant triumph song."
Paul teaches us to extend Christlike love to all around us because "some have entertained angels unawares." -Hebrews 13:2
Elder Holland spoke of the ministering of angels saying, "Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near."
Angels have helped guide our Father's children since our first parents were cast out of the garden of Eden. "God knew the challenges they would face, and He certainly knew how lonely and troubled they would sometimes feel. So He watched over His mortal family constantly, heard their prayers always, and sent prophets (and later apostles) to teach, counsel, and guide them. But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland 'The Ministry of Angels'
I have thought a lot about this truth. My dad lost his mother to breast cancer before I was born but I have always felt her spirit close to me, sensing that I know her and she in turn knows me. And recently as I began to study more about my mom's mother, I can feel her influence and love too. I believe with all my heart the prophesy in Malachi, that the spirit of Elijah is key in saving individuals, families, and the nations of the earth in these last days... "he shall turn the heart of the fathers [and mothers] to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers [and mothers]."
A week ago, last Monday night, I participated in a historical event with United Families International. We had the privilege of inviting the nations of the earth to learn about the spirit of Elijah through music and testimony. The two most receptive nations that came were from Africa and Central America. The atmosphere in the room was powerful and there was no doubt that the numbers of people attending were far more than what we could see with our natural eyes. http://utahvalley360.com/2015/03/17/lds-women-defend-motherhood-standing-room-un-event/ Two young women sang this song I had never heard before. It touched me so deeply, I was a bawling mess. I worried that I wouldn't have time to compose myself before I was supposed sing in the next musical number but it all worked out.
It started with rock-a-bye, comforting when Id cry
All in her own style
Then popcorn before my eyes, turning frowns upside down
Into smiles
With songs of the birds up high, looking at the blue blue sky
The wind as it rushes by
Then leading me, guiding me, walking beside me she helped me
To walk in the light.
She built my house on a rock
And she lives all that she taught
And she is all that a woman should be
She put the music in me
I knew He was really there, He heard my child's prayer
Answering from up above
She gave like a little stream, I was her sunbeam
And I felt my Saviors love
I saw her kneel and pray with our family every day
Listening to each whispered word
Gentle in deed and thought, all the things Jesus taught
Following promptings she heard
She lives to search, ponder, pray
And she gives everyday
So her thanks will always be thanks indeed
She put the music in me
He made the tiny wings of each little bird that sings
In the leafy treetops up high
And all creatures great and small, I know God made them all
Because of her sweet lullaby
Shes like a star shining bright and helps me to choose the right
And she gives me the hope of a life yet to be
She put the music in me
She is so good to me, Heavenly Father sent her to me
She taught me to lift up my voice and sing
She put the music in me.
The whole event that night was incredibly memorable and powerful and it got me thinking about the promise the Lord gives us in D&C 84:88 "I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."
We returned to the hotel after our amazing experience and most everyone went to bed. But my friend Kanani and I were so excited we couldn't sleep. We stayed up late talking about the promises in Malachi and all the unseen angels in our lives.
I said to her, "I believe we have more than just our own family members as our angels on this earth. I mean think about how we are as mothers now with our children and how we watch closely their friendships. What happens when we see a friend come into one of our children's lives who reaches and influences them in positive way, we are immediately invested aren't we? We do everything we can to keep that friend near our children. So, I believe we not only have our mothers and grandmothers, fathers and grandfathers, watching over us but the mothers and fathers of our closest friends too."
Truly we have nothing to fear when the battle is fierce and we are face to face with our enemy. The Lord can open our eyes and revel to us as He did the young servant of the Prophet Elisha. We can have no doubt of the reality of such angels in our lives. We can stand with confidence and know with peaceful assurance, "they that be with us are more than they that be with them." -2 Kings6:16
Arriving home from church yesterday, I walked through the door and found myself greeted by the sweet sound of General Conference playing. "Well, this is nice!" I said to my kids "Who decided to put this on?"
"I did," my oldest son said proudly.
In a spirit of congratulations I hugged him, "Way to lead, Bud! Way to lead!"
It's those moments that mean the most to me as a mother.
I gathered a few things together and then went right back out the door with my youngest to run a couple of errands.
When I returned I was pleased to hear the conference talks were still playing, I gathered my scriptures and made the attempt for some personal gospel study but soon found it completely futile trying to stay awake.
It's extremely rare for me to ever take Sunday afternoon naps but the exhaustion from my experiences this past week hit me hard and I gave in to finding a little rest.
After about a half hour or so I awoke to the voice of Elder Eyring saying, "Heavenly Father hears your prayers. He loves you. He knows your name. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and our Redeemer. He loves you beyond your ability to comprehend. God pours out revelation, through the Holy Ghost, on His children. He speaks to His prophet on the earth, who today is Thomas S. Monson. I witness that he holds and exercises all the keys of the priesthood on earth. As you listen in this conference to the words of those God has called to speak for Him, I pray that you will receive the confirming revelation you need to find your way on the journey home..."
Hearing this made me smile. I love how the Lord always finds a way to tell me exactly what I need in just the right moments. I look forward to April Conference beginning this Saturday and continuing the following weekend. Hearing the words of the Lord through His prophets is always a spiritual feast for me. It fills my hungry soul, gives me greater vision, and strengthens me to have the faith to step out into the unknown.
Today, I thumbed through a stack of old Ensigns in an attempt to find the printed version of the talk from October's 2014 conference I heard yesterday. The cover of the August issue 2013 caught my attention. I thought we had thrown away all of our of 2013 issues because we only keep Ensigns for about 16 months but I was glad we had somehow held on to this one because featured on the front page were two talks on revelation.
"Revelation is a reality. It comes in the Lord's way and according to the Lord's timetable... I have noted that most revelation to the children of God comes when they are on the move, not when they are sitting back in their habitations waiting for the Lord to tell them the first step to take."- Dallin H. Oaks "As we repeatedly respond to the Light of Christ and train ourselves to 'lay hold upon every good thing' (Moroni 7:19), we increase our sensitivity to the things of the Spirit and enhance our ability to receive messages from our eternal home... We must each find and then guard a time each day to remember these words of the Lord: 'All flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God' (D&C 101:16) A segment of time when we can be still, quiet, and removed from our busyness will help recenter us, refocus our priorities , and bring us back into a position to receive and feel the messages our Heavenly Father wishes to send us." - Elder Patrick Kearon
Coming across such articles two days in a row confirms solidly to me that the Lord is aware of my heart. He hears my prayers and desires to be open to personal revelation, to truly have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that understands His will for me in my life's journey. I testify that He delights to prove to us His faithfulness. As we sincerely seek Him first in life He promises, "Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." - Malachi 3:10
"Not room enough to receive it" is a perfect description because I have felt Him bless my life like a flood. I am completely overwhelmed by His goodness!
This song is one of my favorites and brings me to tears. I love to listen to it when I go running and watch the sun rise over the crest of the mountains. I have never seen the music video for it until today. It's a perfect video though because it makes this overwhelming feeling even more poignant as I ponder upon my experiences this past week at the United Nations and the friendships I made among the beautiful women of Africa: the Congo, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi and others. My heart is so full. God is so very good.
"Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not
open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing,
that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
Untied Families International invited our group of women to team up with them in an event the first of its kind at a United Nations convention. Amelia from UFI informed me over the phone, "Its going to be like one big Family Home Evening." The time slot given to UFI by the UN just happened to be on a Monday night, how fitting. We had a few powerful musical numbers and a panel of speakers planned to share inspiring stories of their mothers and grandmothers, to inspire the spirit of Elijah. We hoped the people would walk away with a greater desire to return home and not only strengthen their families but encourage everyone in their sphere of influence to do the same. http://utahvalley360.com/2015/03/17/lds-women-defend-motherhood-standing-room-un-event/
Early morning prior to our "combined effort event, " we stood in line with a host of nationalities waiting for the UN gates to open so we could get our badges that would allow us entrance to the convention.
I said to my friend Jeanette, "If we want a ton of people to come tonight, now is the perfect time to invite them. Everyone is just standing here."
"I'm with you Alicia, let's go," she said.
One by one we went about shaking hands, introducing ourselves and inviting them to our event. Among the crowd, we met a long line of about 25 youth between the ages of 17 to 21. From the moment my eyes met theirs and I opened my mouth to speak to them, there was a connection! Their faces bright and their spirits radiating out so tangible, "I know these youth," I thought to myself. In my heart I swore I had seen each of their faces before. They listened to my invitation intently. They were Catholic students from universities in Mexico and Ecuador (The two countries my sweet nephews are currently serving in as missionaries.) I explained that the intent our event was to awaken an awareness of the importance of faith and family. They smiled affirmatively as if I needn't say anymore. Their mission was the same on almost every level. It was miraculous.
I watched them attend various presentations put on by other groups, opposing groups. These youth were not afraid to stand up and speak. I was in awe of their equanimity! For the duration of the week we showed support by attending one another's events... Each time meeting up, building many more great stories to be told.
It's interesting that this is the year the United Nations sets the agenda in place that will be in effect for the next 15 years. Currently as the Post 2015 Agenda stands, there is no wording at all to protect the family. We came here to change that and never before has the UN seen such a large presence of pro-family/ pro-faith groups. We pray our voices will be heard.
How fitting that this group of mothers would convene with these valiant youth at "such a time as this!" It makes sense, mothers and youth - the two parts of society that are targeted and exploited more than any others are the very ones who are standing up, charging forward bold and brave at the front-lines of the battle.
I came here to the UN expecting to be weighed down with the force of opposition undermining our basic institution. And believe me, the force is heavy and I have learned things that have forever changed my perspective, some of which are nightmares realized, horrific and frightening beyond description, things that the majority of society is completely ignorant to, things that are hard for me to explain.
But with these youth, I was lifted.
Last night was the final time I would see them. I embraced each one of these young men and women and thanked them for who they are, for their courage, for the light of Christ that is so evident in their eyes. With tears of gratitude I thanked them for giving me the unexpected at this convention....
Stepping off the subway onto the platform, we perceived that we were close. Even though our travels left us with little to no sleep we intuitively knew that this had to be the very first part of our eight-day trip.
"Take the stairs on your right," were the instructions I recalled as I relayed them to the sisters at my side. I kept my eyes toward the Manhattan sky as we neared the top steps that led to 66th street. I wanted him to be the very first thing I saw... Sure enough, there he was, the Angel Moroni! What a beautiful sight!
Tears welled up in my eyes, I wished that I could stop the bustling crowds on the street, somehow halt them in their helter-skelter, take each person by the shoulders, and emphatically declare, "Do you know what this place is? Do you know what it has to offer your life? This is home! This is what I treasure and where I feel treasured, it sustains me, it gives me hope and purpose! It means the world to me, oh how I love the Temple!"
The next couple of hours were spent in reverence within the walls of our "home away from home" as we performed sacred ordinances there, prayed there, and read pages from the scriptures there. The Spirit of the Lord was strong confirming our purpose for coming to New York and witnessing that His hand is in all of this.
The following day we had the opportunity to return for Sunday services. They happened to be having Stake Conference and Elder Holstrum and Elder Smith of the 70 were the main speakers. They were both inspired in their words and again we felt confirming witnesses in our purpose.
Elder Smith spoke of feeling inadequate when he was called to the 70 and testified of the Lord's ability to qualify those whom He calls.
Elder Halstrom spoke of reverence and defined it as a deep and abiding respect and love for God, a respect and love so deep and so profound that it changes us, influences everything we do and every choice we make, everywhere we go. He quoted the following from Elder D. Todd Christofferson:
"The importance of having a sense of the sacred is simply this—if one does not appreciate holy things, he will lose them. Absent a feeling of reverence, he will grow increasingly casual in attitude and lax in conduct. He will drift from the moorings that his covenants with God could provide. His feeling of accountability to God will diminish and then be forgotten. Thereafter, he will care only about his own comfort and satisfying his uncontrolled appetites. Finally, he will come to despise sacred things, even God, and then he will despise himself. On the other hand, with a sense of the sacred, one grows in understanding and truth. The Holy Spirit becomes his frequent and then constant companion. More and more he will stand in holy places and be entrusted with holy things. Just the opposite of cynicism and despair, his end is eternal life." - D. Todd Christofferson (BYU Speeches 2004 A Sense of the Sacred)
As he quoted these words, I couldn't help but think of the things I held as sacred in my life; the Temple, marriage, family, motherhood, inspiring friends, scripture study, personal prayer, and the freedoms fought for me to have all these things.
I admit, these first two days here have been overwhelmingly busy, consuming every minute of the day, we get less than 5 hours of sleep each night. But the Spirit we have felt among each other and in the preparations we have made have also been overwhelming and consuming. What a feast it has been and what a perfect way to start out our mission!
I have been given the opportunity to attend the Convention on the Status of Women at the United Nation's Headquarters. I will be taking note and observing many things that are of grave concern involving the women of the world especially the young women.
I find it interesting and of no coincidence that many of the ladies I am traveling with have recently been given callings in the Young Women's Program, including myself. Also, my roommate will be an amazing sister who formerly served on the General Young Women's Board. I'm excited for such a privilege.
ARISE AND SHINE by, James Christensen Young Women Holding The 8 Values and the Banner of the Temple
The reason we are going is because "Far too many corrosive social policies are being made that have direct impact over our sphere of influence. As we gather together our presence and influence will expand to make the creative changes that can grow goodness. Because we are life-affirming, we will not stand idly by as destructive changes take place (such as in national and international policies). We wish to highlight to the world that the internal power that we cultivate is indeed tremendously powerful, and what we do everyday within the walls of our homes is deeply valuable. We are united with women from all parts of the world that care, safeguard, protect, and sacrifice." -Carolina Allen
While there, we will seek out and network with women from all over the world who share our desire to protect and uphold the family unit, who believe in the complimentary and Divine relationship we share with men. We will stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things, and in all places. The proverbial banners we wave are the values we proclaim every Sunday in Young Women's written in a universal language that sisters of all faiths and nations can understand.
1.) We believe in God and are women of Faith. For many of us worldwide women. We believe in a higher power. It is what gives us our internal strength and courage as we face life's challenges. It is an integral part of our identity and it is powerful.
2.) We embrace our life-affirming biology. To be a female means that we we have a unique and powerful life affirming anatomy. We celebrate this.
3.) We are each unique and innately worthy of respect. Every individual is worthwhile and special.
4.) We seek after wisdom and knowledge. We have each been endowed with an internal compass that when used can magnify our wisdom and knowledge for the good of humanity.
5.) We have the freedom to choose, and choose wisely. The freedom to choose is inalienable. We choose life-affirming and non-violent paths.
6.) We reach out and serve others in need. We are the innate healers of suffering, and do so with great compassion.
7.) We follow our conscience with integrity. We speak truth amidst confusion and we follow our intuitions with faith and confidence.
8.) We cultivate wholeness and harness our creative power. Our virtue is priceless and we guard and cultivate our wholeness.
We are ready to embark! Who is coming aboard?
-Alicia
About the Painting Arise and Shine Forth
by James C. Christensen
“Years ago I did a painting," relates Jim Christensen, called 'Virtue,' which featured a quiet and determined young woman making her way, alone, through the darkness with the light of faith to guide her. One of the things I wanted to say is that not only are our young women strong, they are not alone. They are well prepared and know how to stand for what they believe. They know how to support each other and the community. As a group they are unstoppable in their ability to reach their divine potential. There is always another group coming up behind them.”
"When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad." - Sound of Music -Favorite Things
Only a few days ago, I mentioned how many of my friends have felt the buffetings of the adversary in their homes as they've prepared to leave on this trip. I said how grateful I was that I haven't felt that, at least not in my relationships.
However, these last couple of days, I think I realize that I too have been buffeted more than usual. Thoughts of inadequacy and inferiority have slowly been trickling in until finally I'm over my head in pool of counterproductive thinking...from how I parent, how I keep house, how I communicate with my teenager, how I look, how I dress, how unrefined, uncultured, and unlearned I feel... You name it, the adversary has thrown just about every fast-ball at me possible in this self-defeating arena... And it stings!
Still whirling from the punches this morning, I got up and brushed myself off. It was time for me to bring out some of my favorite things!
I began my morning with prayer and scriptures, I searched in the Young Women's lessons for this month and found "Grace" as one of the topics and studied that. Perfect timing! I dove back through the pages of my Henry Drummond book re-read the chapter Pax Vobiscum (Peace to You) all about burdens and rest. I even did a little "What About Bob" style of self-affirmation, "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful." (Just kidding, I didn't do that but I thought about the scene.)
And then...
...I turned up the beat to my favorite fast songs and danced my way through the tasks of the morning. Ahhh, what a refreshing breath of relief. I feel better already. :)
The root of the Greek word apokalupsis, translated ‘revelation,’ is kalu, meaning ‘a veil or covering.’ The prefix apo is a preposition meaning ‘from, away from.’ The suffix -psis denotes action or process. Apokalupsis therefore means the action or process of taking away the veil.
Revelation = "Lifting of the Veil" What a thought provoking concept!
I have spent much focus in my studies on the doctrine of revelation these last couple of weeks. I desire more than anything to be guided by the Spirit in my life... but because I am mortal I have weaknesses, and I can be a little slow in recognizing exactly what the Lord is trying to reveal to me.
Have you ever prayed about something and received an answer but over the course of a few days looked back in disbelief and said to yourself, "It can't be true, it was just my own thoughts"? It's in moments like these that I feel the desire to pray, fast, study God's word, and seek the Spirit even more diligently as Alma did. He recognized inspiration from the Lord from following this pattern to such an extent that he knew it! He boldly testified, "They are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me." - Alma 5:46
I have seen this pattern of "prayer, fasting, study of God's word, and seeking the Spirit" work in my own life and can testify of its validity. When it is of the Lord, I have also noticed that I will receive multiple witnesses confirming its truth from several different sources; a conference talk, a sermon in sacrament meeting, verses I come across in my scripture study, and of course the peaceful calm of the Spirit.
Just recently, I have "given [myself] to much fasting and prayer" about a direction in my life I feel the Lord is taking me but seeking to know most sincerely if it is truly the Lord reveling it to me or if it's my own desires. I have read scriptures that have given me the answer before but I am slow sometimes and need a 3rd or 4th witness. I asked Him to forgive me for asking one more time and prayed that He would show me one more scripture to confirm that this was truly a revelation from Him. I opened my Bible, thumbed through the pages and the first verse my eyes fell on were these, "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." - Matthew 10:20
I just don't see things like that as a coincidence. This was a direct answer to me.
The Lord wants to reveal things to us! Look at the intense faith the brother of Jared had. It was so great that "he could not be kept from beholding within the veil" and "he saw Jesus" - Ether 3:18,19
I believe that if we could truly see how powerful faith is, it would almost frighten us. "It is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister" - Moroni 7:37
"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." - Marianne Williamson
We are literal children of God, children of the Light."We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." -Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
I love that we have direct access to our Heavenly Home through prayer, through Jesus Christ, and that with full faith we can see what the Lord desires to show us.
I am so thankful to know emphatically that I have a loving Father in Heaven who not only hears my prayers but is involved in the smallest details of my life. He wants to "lift the veil" from our eyes, He wants us to see His face and recognize His benevolent and guiding hand.
When my younger brother joined the Navy, he went through dark periods of deep depression, all of which stemmed from a downward spiral of poor choices. At this time in his life, I painted a picture of a lighthouse based off the hymn "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy". I also wrote a poem dedicated to my brother.
I don't think he ever knew at that time that I made it all with him in mind.
A couple of days ago, Kenneth called me. We talked for nearly 2 hrs! I love where he is now in his life. Everything is so much brighter! We attend different churches but we share the same belief in God and prayer. Of all my siblings, he is the one I can relate to most because he is religious and openly passionate about his feelings. Both of us are not afraid to show emotion, especially when that emotion is rooted in genuine love and testimony. It was music to my ears to hear him share with me his personal experiences with prayer lately and how the Lord is currently guiding him back to the faith he was raised in. We laughed together, we cried together, and I wanted to reach through the phone and just hug him. I love him so much!
Last year, I took my niece with me to Texas to visit my brother and presented him with another painting as a gift. This was one he specifically requested. He wanted it created after the famous "Lone Sailor" statue that you see at many naval bases. On the print made of it he requested the scripture, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."- John 15:13I appreciate the fact that my Navy brother was born on Pearl Harbor Day... How fitting now that he has this tribute hanging in his home.
Yesterday in church, one of the hymns was "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy" and it made me think of Kenneth. I thought of the lighthouse painting I dedicated to him years ago, where he was at that point in his life. My mind flashed forward to our recent conversation over the phone and how far he has come from those dark days. He is seeking the Lord, praying for guidance as a husband and father, wanting more than anything to create a home where his daughter can learn faith and know what it means to feel God's love. It made me smile. I'm so proud of him! I am forever grateful that we have always been close. It's amazing how such a deep bond has only grown stronger and stronger through all these years.
I made a little slideshow for his birthday last year. I love to watch it and contemplate the years we've had and the years we will have together.
"Our individual responsibility is to learn what we should learn, to live as we know we should live, and to become what the Master would have us become." - Elder David A. Bednar
"Today we are engaged in a war for the welfare of marriage and the home, in my latest reading of the Book of Mormon I paid particular attention to the ways the Nephites prepared for their battles against the Lamanites. I noted that the people of Nephi 'were aware of the intent of [their enemy], and therefore they did prepare to meet them' (Alma 2:12). As I read and studied, I learned that understanding the intent of an enemy is a key prerequisite to effective preparation. We likewise should consider the intent of our enemy in this latter-day war." - David A. Bednar
What perfect timing it is for me to be reading these articles as I am one week away from traveling with my friends to understand a little more fully "the intent of the enemy" and to help share this inspired Proclamation with the world.
It is interesting to me that as we have prepared for this trip, many of the women in our group have made mention of more struggles at home and in their marriage than ever before. Many have felt more tension and friction within the very unit they are seeking to defend. I feel very fortunate and blessed that I have not had this issue in my own family but I do know that when the Lord calls us to do something, and we set out to do it, "the bells of hell begin to ring" (as Brigham Young would say.) It is absolutely crucial therefore that in these moments we dig our heels deeper in our resolve of keeping our covenants, seek the Spirit of the Lord, and give all we've got to loving more fully.
When I was sixteen I was given a Patriarchal Blessing wherein I was blessed that marriage would be uppermost in my mind and in my heart. I feel that this has truly been the case all of my life. I believe in giving everything I possibly have and doing everything I possibly can to keep my marriage with my husband strong and healthy, come what may, through thick and thin! This relationship is "central to our Father's plan", upon it hinges the lives of my children, their children and their children's children for generations to come. This is not a small thing to fight for!
Yet we can see clearly there are few in the world who understand this and they give up at the slightest sign of trouble. Families are falling apart left and right, especially the core structure of the relationship between husband and wife, father and mother. The effect is exactly where the Adversary wants it; a terrible malady, a horrific epidemic of people becoming "miserable, like unto himself".
"No one would wish a bad marriage on anyone. But where do we think 'good marriages' come from? They don’t spring full-blown from the head of Zeus any more than does a good education, or good home teaching, or a good symphony. Why should a marriage require fewer tears and less toil and shabbier commitment than your job or your clothes or your car? Yet some of you will spend less time on the quality and substance and purpose of your marriage—the highest, holiest, culminating covenant you make in this world—than you will in maintaining your ’72 Datsun. And you will break the hearts of many innocent people, including perhaps your own, if that marriage is then dissolved." - Jeffrey R. Holland - However Long and Hard the Road
Elder Bruce D. Porter has stated: "We live in a day when the love of many, even toward their own children, is waxing cold; a day when so many people love pleasures more than God; a day when good is called evil and evil good. Those who defend the traditional family, who stand for fidelity and chastity and all that once was considered wholesome and praiseworthy are mocked and ridiculed. On the other hand, those who see no problem with fatherless homes, who advocate abortion, who fight all attempts to limit pornography, and who seek to redefine the very essence of what a family is, are praised and upheld as champions of tolerance. Truly, the world has turned upside down."
All the more reason that people of faith do not stand idly by or faint by the wayside. It is imperative that we go forward with courage in this vital cause of protecting marriage and the family, in our own homes, our own personal lives, and in the world. I testify that it is worth every single drop of our blood, sweat, and tears!
In the Bible Dictionary under "God" it states that God can only be known by revelation. What is revelation? Simply stated, it is communication with our Father in Heaven through the Holy Ghost.
How we are able to converse with God fascinates me, this concept that we can communicate in a spiritual way with One who we do not physically see or hear is magnificent! He even knows our hearts without us saying a single word. We can feel His influence beyond the boundaries of space and time, enlightening our minds and speaking peace to our souls. This "spiritual language" makes sense to me though because as His sons and daughters, it truly is our first language, the language of angels. (see 2 Nephi 32:3)
So, here's my question...
If we can draw closer to and come to know our Father in Heaven through the means of this "higher communication", through the power of the Holy Ghost, is it possible we can come to know our brothers and sisters here on earth the same way? I believe that it is not only possible but Divinely expected for us to do so.
This brings new meaning to the scripture that God "created all things... spiritually" before he created them naturally. (Moses 3:5)
Just some thoughts I've been having...
-Alicia
"As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5; 2 Nephi 12:5). Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding (see Alma 5:7; 32:28), and direct and protect you and your family." - Elder David A. Bednar
One thing I gained when I married into my husband's large family was tons of nieces and nephews. The older ones are now adults and it's fun for me to grow closer to some of them through letters. I write my nephews who are currently serving missions and my niece, Morgan, who is away at college. They aren't big long letters, just short ones to check in on them, see how they are doing, send them some sort of encouraging words, and let them know I love them. I don't know how well I'll be able to keep up with all of my numerous nieces and nephews as they cascade into adulthood but I'll do my best.
I have a brilliant nephew who is currently serving a mission in Quito Ecuador. If I were to travel through time and meet Elder Neal A. Maxwell at the age of 20, I swear my nephew, Dane, would be his equal. He is a total genius, has a brilliant mind for grasping all kinds of concepts, and profoundly gifted at writing. He has already completed two semesters at BYU and will return there when finishes his mission. We've joked about ending up in a writing class together or meeting each other on campus even before I got into BYU.
Dane is a very quiet guy, doesn't say much at family gatherings, mostly listens from the sidelines to conversations, is wise far beyond his age, naturally obedient, and is very kind. I told him once that my observing him over the years has been like noticing a beautifully carved wooden music box on a mantel piece with a lock and no key. At each family gathering, I'd notice the gorgeously intricate box and appreciated its presence there. Every time though, I'd wonder what the music inside of it would sound like if I only had the key to open it. Year after year passed by but it remained locked tight.
In the summer of 2013 Dane moved to Provo to attend his first semesters at BYU. We had him over a couple of times and in the course of one of our conversations, somehow, I convinced him to share with me his writings. He hadn't shared his writings with anyone before, not even his mother! And yet here he had given me the "key" to the music box! When I opened it, I was completely amazed, for the "melody" I heard play was far more beautiful than I had even anticipated! I told him how incredibly gifted he was in writing and nudged him to share with his mom. I knew how meaningful it would be for her.
Dane is the one on the right. I bet it was hard to guess. ;)
Before departing on his mission, he gave a talk about Charity, the pure love of Christ. He let me keep a copy of his talk. These are a couple of paragraphs from different parts of it.
"Water is a fine analogy for charity. A “selfish” body of water has no outlets, is self-contained and holds onto every drop of water it can. It stagnates and festers. Salts and sediments choke it and it grows ugly and smelly. Disease and mosquitoes breed there. In the same way our selfishness chokes and stagnates us and breeds sin and despair. The cleanest and purest bodies of water, on the other hand, have at least one outlet where the water is poured out, given freely. Life grows there in abundance and the water is fresher and healthier in appearance and taste. Happiness and righteousness can only really be ours when we give of ourselves, sharing love and kindness with our neighbors and offering sacrifices of devotion to God. Isn’t this a wonderful paradox, that the surest way to grow more perfect is to become concerned with the perfection of others? Christ is our perfect example. He is the fountain of living waters." "It is usually very easy for us to show love for our family and friends. It may be difficult to show love for the downtrodden and disabled, people we don’t know as well, who may not have “earned” such love or ever be able to. And what is probably the hardest group of people to love? Our enemies. The people who have offended us, cursed us, rejected us, betrayed us, and otherwise harmed us, deliberately or unintentionally, seem to least deserve our love. But these people are the most important for us to have charity towards. “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you.” They are, I think, “the least” of the brethren Christ talks about." "Consider this: Who deserves scorn the least? To whom do we owe the most love? Our Savior performed an infinite atonement for every one of us, without which none of us could never be saved. But when we falter in our faith, or turn our faces from Christ, we are holding back our love for Him." - Elder Dane Whittaker
Now Dane has been out on his mission for over a year and I get to read his beautiful writings in his letters every week. He takes the time to write me back too. I've enjoyed very thoroughly the bond we have forged in these last couple years through the simple medium of Spirit and words. I truly hope we get a writing class together, that would be perfect!
I love experiences where you pour your whole soul and heart out in prayer and then go to the scriptures and find words that speak directly to you. Yesterday in family scripture study, both my husband and I took a few minutes to bear testimony of this principle.
I treasure my sacred moments with the Lord, where I can pray out loud and hold nothing back from Him. He hears me and He knows everything in my heart.
I'm almost finished with "Increase in Learning" the first book of a three part series by, David A. Bednar. If there is one thing I desire more to learn than anything else, it is to have a greater measure of the Spirit in my life. I want eyes to see clearly and to be able to discern between truth and error every minute of every day. It's easy for me to pray about but harder to apply. I am thankful that I have a merciful Heavenly Father who is patient with me in my weakness.
After some pretty soulful prayers yesterday, I opened my book by Elder Bednar and saw he had listed several scriptures in the context of his writing. I took a few minutes to look up each scripture and through that process came across some that I truly needed to hear!
"Fear not [Alicia], let your heart be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament - the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, He giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted [or will be afflicted] shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord" - D&C 98:1-3
Then in cross-reference, I read these scriptures:
"Blessed be the Lord, because He hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him." - Psalms 28:6-7 "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say on the Lord." - Psalms 27:14
I resolve today to rejoice and give thanks in all things. I truly have SO MUCH to be thankful for. What a wonderful, wonderful life I have right here and NOW. I am so richly blessed! I know my prayers are heard. I trust that "[My] God doth undertake to guide [my] future as he has [my] past. [My] hope, [my] confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last." - Be Still My Soul
I want to focus on the present moments and not let the little opportunities I have with my husband and my children to pass me by. And with each moment I'm given here and now, I want to make the kinds of choices that better prepare me for what lies ahead, even though I can't see what that means for me. Ultimately, I am preparing to meet my Savior when He returns to earth or when I leave this life - I want to be ready, I want to live by the Spirit and have my lamp full and trimmed, adorned for Him by the choices I've made and all I've treasured in my heart upon this journey.
-Alicia
"Everything we hope to accomplish in the future, how we prepare for the responsibilities that will ultimately be ours, is really a function of what we do today. Though some things about the future will always seem uncertain, the future is not entirely a mystery. To a great extent the future is shaped by the accumulation of all our daily activities and disciplined efforts." - Craig C. Christensen "Tomorrow is Today"
You know that feeling you get when you walk into a loved-one's home where family is gathered for dinner, that feeling when you are greeted with warm embraces, well-known faces, and the aroma of freshly baked rolls? Well, it was that kind of feeling I had experienced... and it's funny because the place I entered into at that moment was one I had never set foot in before. I didn't even know the tenants and had just barely met the landlord who was giving me and my husband "the tour." The apartment was cluttered with boxes and junk everywhere, nothing was cooking and I'm quite certain the actual smell of the place was not a flavorful aroma. Yet as sure as anything, when I walked through that door, I had a very clear and distinct experience.
After our tour of the place, my husband and I walked back to our little red Nissan. He pulled out a paper and scribbled down some notes as I sat in silence and tried to make sense of what just happened.
Then turning to my husband, I asked in a perplexed tone, "Did you feel that!??"
"Feel what?" He asked
"That was really strange." I said staring back at the apartment building.
"What was really strange?" He prodded.
"When we walked through that apartment, I felt like I was entering a family member's home. The atmosphere, everything about the place... I could practically smell freshly baked rolls too. And yet, there was none of that. Joseph, it was so crazy! I felt it so strong. It was a feeling like 'coming home!'"
A few weeks passed and it turned out that small apartment did end up being our home. It's probably a good thing I had such a strong feeling when we toured our little place because I was not impressed with the fact that there were no washer or dryer hookups and there wasn't much of a yard for the kids to play in either. (Besides, we had another option of a place we liked a little better just about three blocks south if only we could make the follow-up contact with that landlord.) But here we are and we have lived in this place almost four times as long as we have lived anywhere else.
Now in retrospect, I can't help but think of the numerous occasions I came to Provo before my husband ever even started school here.
Come to think of it, this is actually where I lived for the very first month of my life. There was no room for me at the Newborn Intensive Care Unit in SLC so they flew me here. My mom would drive two hours round-trip every day to UV Hospital in order to nurse me for those first several weeks. This was my first home.
Provo was a place my husband visited often his whole life. Ever since he was a little boy, his family has had the tradition of coming down to Provo for two things; Memorial Day and the Freedom Festival. We married in the fall of 1999 so the very next year was my first time joining him in those two family traditions. Since 2000 I have been coming to these events here every single year.
Every Memorial Day we'd visit the cemetery, get pictures taken with his family and have a lovely little picnic at one of Provo's parks. For the Freedom Festival, we always came to watch the big parade and camped out several times in front of the Library on University Avenue. My personal favorite was running over to the baseball field to see the hot air balloons launch at sunrise.
Year after year we came to Provo. Little did I know then that I would move here. Little did I know how I would completely fall in love with this place or that here my dreams would come true. But I know now, without any doubt that the Lord has been guiding me all along. It's exciting to think about because He continues to guide me. It's true... I don't know what my future holds but I know Who holds my future. I trust Him.
I look ahead prospectively at BYU and am so happy to say now that I will be staying for a very long time. This is where I'm meant to be. This is truly home to me.
