Did You Think To Pray

This is an article in the Spring 2012 BYU Magazine by Bruce D Porter. I have enjoyed reading it very much. My favorite simple quote says: When we pray, we borrow strength, love and light at the very door of eternity.

I just love that imagery and message, so beautiful and simple, yet filled with awe and power.

Another point he makes that I found interesting is to make sure we are saying things we really mean when we pray. Seems so obvious, yet we need to remember that God knows our hearts, probably more than we do so our prayers need to come from the heart, our innermost, truest feelings. It isn’t just a list of things we are thankful for, then need, it is about understanding God, truth and His will. Then when we know that, we come to Him, changing our will to His. Then we see the fulfillment of D&C 88:63 “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you”.

I also learned a more true meaning to Kelsey’s favorite scripture D&C 89:2-3, when the Lord told Oliver Cowdery that he will tell “you in your mind and in your heart”. I always thought of that scripture teaching us where we would know and feel truth, two places. But the and in that scripture is important. Real answers will come to both places at the same time! When the feelings of the hear and understanding of the mind come together, we can feel confident in our answer. He also cautions against thinking that the feelings that come are not highly emotional, to remember it is still and small. And to move forward in faith, not in fear. Prayerfully ponder a course, make a decision, then go to the Lord and seek confirmation. Be open to promptings and impressions of the Sprit and follow them.

“Prayer can be among the most exalted of privileges we enjoy in this mortal sphere”

The War Chapters

I am in the middle of Alma, in the middle of the war chapters. Mostly, these chapters talk about defense and you can’t help but draw a correlation between fighting physical wars and fighting personal, spiritual wars against Satan. While I can also see some of the same tactics being used by real live people today, trying to thwart God’s kingdom and our way of life and government, I think the message of these chapters is more personal in nature. We can learn so much from Moroni. Moroni spent most of his time preparing for defending potential attacks. When we study scriptures and modern-day prophets, pray and serve on a daily basis, we are following Moroni’s example and preparing to defend ourselves against Satan. Just as He told Moroni, the Lord can tell us what to do specifically for our own circumstances what to prepare for and how to prepare for it. He knows all and can teach us all. Moroni looked at the weak spots and made them stronger. One of our best defenses is to honestly look at ourselves and admit our weaknesses, so that we can work to them strengths. We have a promise from our Savior that if we come to Him he will make our weaknesses strengths. At one time the Lamanites came to the same place to start their war as a place where they had won before. But Moroni had already thought of that. I see that as learning from our mistakes. Through repentance we can correct our mistakes, and part of that is to not repeat those mistakes. Also, difficult times and trials can be experiences that can make us stronger. In Alma we read a descriptions of the defenses that Moroni made to many cities, strongholds. They included ridges of earth, timbers, then pickets on the timbers, towers and then places of security in the towers. We have been counseled repeatedly on having many layers of defense: study to gain knowledge of God’s laws, stand in Holy places, follow the prophet, live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost, hum a hymn, choose good associates, prayer and many more. Obedience is the key. The Nephites won and prospered when they were obedient. Only fighting from within and then wickedness led to their destruction. And so it is with us, Satan can only win, if we are disobedient and let or defenses down.

New Bike

Look at Hunter’s new wheels! Norma Allegrezza gave this bike to Hunter when we were helping them load their truck for their move to Utah. She simply has a heart of gold. It needed a few repairs and Hunter could hardly wait to get on it. He asked Kelly over and over when he could fix it up. So Monday night Kelly worked on it and it still needs some work on the brakes, but it ws good enough for Hunter!

Swimming Lessons

Ellie has been taking swim lesson twice a week during the summer. She has learned all four strokes and how to dive. She was afraid to dive, but now she is diving from the board. She decided to swim during August even though school started. She has improved so much! We are so proud of her.

First Day

Ellie and Hunter began  a new year of school today. I was so excited…not sure they were as excited. We snapped a picture on their way out the door this morning. Ellie is beginning 6th grade and Hunter is now a 2nd grader. I hope it is a great year for them.

 

 

 

 

 

Last night, as we walked back in to the house through the garage after saying goodbye to Maryn and Kelsey…we saw a snake! Yikes! It was pretty small and it took us a while to see it fully so we could determine what kind it was. Or I guess to see if it was a rattler or not, really. Once we saw that it wasn’t poisonous, Kelly quickly made a snake catcher out of a rope and pvc pipe, caught it and we let it go in the ditch up the street.

Kelsey’s Birthday

Today Kelsey turned 24!

 TWENTY FOUR!!

How can that be? I don’t feel old enough to have a child that old, especially my youngest child. We spent the day together which was a wonderful way for me to spend it. But, I am not sure this will go down as her favorite birthday celebration! The morning was spent at Ellie’s baptism, so our birthday celebration didn’t really start till we went to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. She has been wanting to eat there for a while now, and they sang to her, so that was fun. When we got home, she opened her gift. She has been wanting a new MP3 player, so she was excited to unwrap that. And then that was pretty much it!

I love you Kelsey. I always have and I always will. I am thankful for the young woman you have become. I am thankful for what being your mom has taught me and helped me become. 

Happy Birthday sweet girl. May this year bring much joy.

Ellie’s Baptism

It was a very exciting day for us today. Ellie was baptized!

Since she is 11 her baptism was a convert baptism, so she got her very own baptismal service. Not only was she was able to choose who would perform her ordinances but she chose her program as well. The spirit was very strong, and I was emotional, but tried to keep it in. I did pretty well at that. It was wonderful to see all the people that were there to support her. And I felt loved and supported as well, because I know that some of them love them and know them because we have them in our home. I worry about what will happen when they leave, but I feel like getting baptized will help them. They understand and wanted to get baptized, so hopefully they will be able to keep those desires strong. I am grateful their on the records so that there will be youth leaders aware of them. And if they do start to get lost, there will be rescuers.

Here are pictures or our day--