Eleven years ago today I lost my mom to liver cancer. This tree was given to me as a token of compassion and love from Larry's family. It started out as a little thing and has grown by leaves and branches. Every day that goes by as I look at "my tree" I think of mom. I miss her. I wish I would have shown her more and told her I loved her. Affection was not really shown in my family. She grew up in difficult circumstances, and I know she was the best mom she knew how to be. This life is the time to make sure you have no regrets before you lose someone. Oh! Happy Birthday tomorrow mom!

The Phone Call That Changed my Life (Essay #5, The Personal Essay)

With this post I have finished the family capstone assignment for my religion class. In English we were assigned to write a personal essay on an event that had changed our life. I chose to write about my conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It all started with seeing the families at church and wanting for myself what they had.  

Families are the most important unit in society, and they are being ripped apart by Satan and worldly influence. I pray that the post I have included in my blog stand as a witness to defend and strengthen the family. I decided that I will continue to post about family and The Family Proclamation going forward in some of my post. Just because my project is over doesn't mean I should stop sharing. I've learned a lot, and I am a better wife, mother, grandmother, and individual because of it.

The Phone Call That Changed My Life

        The other day I heard my grandson tell my son, “I’m glad I picked you.” If that is the case, and I believe it very well may be, then why did I pick my parents?  My mom had three divorces and eight children before she married my dad. He had had one divorce before they married. Then, throw in an alcohol addiction to spice up the family dynamics and you have the family I chose to come to.

       Four years before I was born my mother joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That was the best choice she made for me. I don’t recall her talking of having a responsibility in the church, or how active she was. I do know that as a two month old infant she dressed me in a gorgeous billowing lacey white dress for a baby’s priesthood blessing.  In that blessing I received my name, and a blessing for my life, by a man with authority from God. I believe that receiving the baby blessing impacted my life fourteen years later.

         Life, work, raising kids, another divorce (which was from my dad) and not living the gospel played havoc on her. She stopped having anything to do with the church. Was her decision a conscious one? Or did she slowly slip away?  Her choice affected me. I was but a child. A child usually does not have the opportunity to choose where to go to church, or to be taught of God. But, there is deep inside a child, an inner knowledge that is dormant until awakened by the Spirit of God. The knowledge that Heavenly Father loves him or her, and that His gospel is there for them to choose the path back to Him.

       I remember being about eight years old and being invited to the children’s class at church (Primary).  My mother never took me. After school I was picked up by a teacher in

Primary. I would go for a while, but as I think about it now, I imagine the teacher was released and the new one failed to keep me going. I don’t hold any animosity or regret towards the unknown teachers. It was probably for the best I slipped through the crack of the church’s missionary effort. If I had been baptized as a child, I wouldn’t have understood the importance of the ordinance being performed. I was not taught, and I only went because I was invited. I had fun there, and it got me away from home for a while. When I went I remember feeling something virtuous, but not knowing what it was.

       I stopped going completely around the age of ten years old. I was busy with school and Girl Scouts. My mother helped often with my Girl Scout activities. I don’t recall my mother ever reading to me, cozily tucking me in bed, hugging me, or kissing me goodnight, but I do remember her helping me earn my badges in Girls Scouts. When I went into junior high I quit Girl Scouts. I felt it wasn’t ‘cool’ anymore. I did not want to be made fun of wearing the uniform to school. School and reading became my escape.

       My escape was soon to become much better. It was early summer before my ninth grade, I was outside trying to cool off from the sweltering heat, when I was called into the house for a phone call. A girl my age, who I didn’t know, was calling me. “Hello”, I said. Then I heard the words inviting me to go to an activity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 14 year old girls. I surprised myself by saying I would go. To this day I do not remember what we did, but I do remember feeling like I belonged, and I wanted that very much. I must have been told what time church was on Sunday because I found myself getting ready to attend Sacrament meeting.  I asked my mom to take me. I was so nervous I almost didn’t go. I didn’t know anyone but the girls I saw at the activity I had gone to. They were nice, but we were not friends. When I thought of not going I felt the tugging of the Spirit urging me to go. I believe that the Priesthood blessing I was given as a baby was coming to fruition. I’m positive I was blessed to be active in the church, and to be married in the temple. Neither was a possibility until I walked nervously, shaking in my shoes, into the chapel on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I sat on the back pew alone, I listened, and I felt the feeling that I had felt before. The feeling of goodness, and of being where I belonged. I looked around the chapel and saw mothers, fathers, and children sitting together as families. I love my parents and I am glad I came to this family, but I do not recall a time when I sat with my mother and father as a family. I decided that I wanted the kind of family that goes to church together, that prays together, and most importantly of all, stays together.

       I went to the activities, and I attended church for several months. I also began the seminary program for teenagers. Not one soul asked me if I wanted to take the missionary lessons, or to be baptized.  I decided while I was at the church one day to talk to the bishop about being baptized. He immediately began the process so I could. I found out later that he left out an important detail, the missionary discussions. I did not know anything about the gospel, I only knew what I felt inside my heart. I wanted a family that loved, laughed, played, learned, worked, and worshiped together. I was baptized in the fall of my freshman year. I remember my mom taking me to the church, getting dressed in a crisp white jumper, and sitting on a chair feeling giant in a row with the eight year old children, while waiting my turn. As I attended church and learned the teachings of Heavenly Father, I gained a testimony of the gospel. I was excited to learn that the family I greatly desired, could be a family that is together not only in this life, but for the eternities to come.

       I did get the forever family I desired. I married a good man in the Manti Temple, we have been together for almost thirty-eight years, and have the greatest posterity.  As my husband and I toast our sparkling juice on our anniversary this fall we will say, “Thirty-eight down and an eternity to go. Love you babe.” 

Family Easter Picture, 1991, taken at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's 

The next comment I added on July 21, 2016 after I received my grade on this assignment from my teacher. I received a 100%!!!!!  Yep, I am excited. the following is what she had to say.

Linda, 

Your writing has come so far this semester. Keep it up. I love what I'm seeing. I can relate to so much of your essay. My experiences with the Church are very similar to yours. 

Good work relaying a personal experience here. I really like the vulnerability that you showed, and the details that you shared. It is not easy to share personal details, but you did it well here. Also, you were able to make the theme of your paper clear and powerful. Great work!

Great work using specific examples and details here instead of just telling the reader everything. The descriptions that you used are powerful. Good work showing us how it felt to be there.

I like the way that you organized this essay. The order that you put the events in makes sense, and I like the way that you relate the story. Good work using transitions to unify your story and transition from one time to another time.

Your formatting and length are great here. Good work editing and proofreading so that your essay is clean and professional. I’m glad to see that you’re applying the grammatical and mechanical skills that we’ve worked on in this course. 

Whole Foods for Health, To Eat or Not to Eat? That is the Question - Essay #4

This essay is a persuasive essay. I chose a topic that is important to me. Eating wholesome, healthy food for your overall good health. My teacher gave me a score of 94 because she thought I needed more facts.  The woman in the essay, Jacqueline, is my daughter-in-law. She is a great example to me of eating healthy and having courage.

Whole Foods for Health, To Eat or Not to Eat? That is the Question

       Jacqueline Johnson was 24 when her life changed forever. She was young, and she had plans for her future that abruptly got side tracked when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Follicular Lymphoma. This type of cancer she was told had no cure, but was treatable with chemotherapy. At that moment she began to fight for her life.  Jacqueline began chemo, and during the series of treatments she was introduced to a naturopathic doctor. She tried many things to battle the cancer, extra vitamins, B-12 shots, drinking natural juices to detoxify her body from the chemo, and acupuncture. She searched for others who had incurable cancer and discovered a woman who thrives with cancer, which means she has found a balance within her body that the cancer had stopped growing. She found that balance by what she ate. In that moment, Jacqueline made the decision to change her diet by eating whole organic food and eliminating processed food.  Eating whole food is healthier for our bodies than processed food. We as a people need to prioritize eating the kinds of food that contribute to our overall good health.

       In an online blog, Food and Nutrition, Brittany Chin, RD, LD explains, “Whole food are nutrient dense food and processed food is energy dense.” The difference being that whole foods provide nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your body. The sources of which keep your body running smoothly. Processed food has high empty calories that fill your stomach but is not beneficial for your health.

     Whole food is simple food. Chin explains, “A whole food would be considered ideally, as a food with only one ingredient i.e. corn on the cob, apple, chicken or a cucumber. These foods will assist you in reducing your cholesterol, regulating your blood sugars and reducing risk for diabetes while also assisting you in maintaining your weight.” There are many cancer fighting whole foods available. On the American Institute for Cancer Research blog it says, “No single food or food component can protect you against cancer by itself. However, strong evidence does show that a diet filled with a variety of plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans helps lower risk for many cancers.”

       The simplicity of preparing processed food has many families addicted to that diet. The grocery store aisles are filled with heat and eat foods. I read a post on Facebook of a young mother putting together a lasagna for dinner. Her husband walked in the kitchen and asked in amazement if it was his birthday. A meal made from scratch is rare in that family. Families are so busy with everyone seeming to be involved in after school sports, music, jobs and other activities, that they feel it is out of necessity to use already prepared processed food.  Is food filled with ingredients that contribute to heart disease, diabetes and cancer a good tradeoff for food that fight against these diseases?

     I know that life style and diet contribute to the kind of health you have. My mother died of liver cancer, and my father died of lung cancer. They suffered agonizing, painful deaths. Both of these cancers may have been prevented if they had taken better care of themselves.  Instead, they died a death that they may have helped contribute to.  When we go to the grocery store, we can choose to pick up a box of Instant Potato Flakes with ingredients like sodium bisulfate, BHA, citric acid, and monoglycerides or we can pick up an orange, firm sweet potato.  The choice is to eat sticky, colorless, bland white mash or deep orange sweet potato fries seasoned with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper. The sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, potassium, dietary fiber and niacin to name a few of the vegetable’s health benefits.  Shop for and eat the best for your good health because life is valuable.

     Shop around the perimeter of the grocery store to find where the whole foods are. Buy the vegetables and fruit that are in season. The price will be better. Plan your meals with the seasonal food in mind. Make the time to plan your menu. When you have a plan, you will more likely stick to it.

       An economical way to obtain whole food for your table is to grow your own. If you have a place for a flower bed, you have a spot to plant some vegetables. A patio or deck can hold potted tomato plants or strawberries. There is nothing like walking out your door into the garden and picking a huge red ripe, sweet strawberry. I have never tasted a better strawberry than the ones I’ve picked from my garden. Later in the day realization comes that lettuce and spinach is needed for a salad. The walk to the garden begins again to pick vibrant green spinach and mottled burgundy green lettuce. That is real honest from garden to table whole food. It’s a sense of accomplishment, and of gratitude that the work it takes to garden benefits the health of those I love.

       Whole food is not always the easy way, but it’s the best way to fuel your body over processed, chemically filled food. Let me tell you more of Jacqueline’s story.  She was diagnosed in 2008 with incurable cancer. It is 8 years later and she is cancer free. She feels empowered that she can make lifestyle choices which include the foods she eats and the foods she will not eat to have beat the cancer.  Individually, we each have that choice. We each can be empowered to choose food that will contribute to our overall good health. 

Defend the Family

As we celebrate Independence Day we are all grateful for the free country in which we live. Many have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.  I am reminded of Moroni raising the Title of Liberty to rally the people to defend their religion, to defend their freedom and to defend their families. “And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he wrote upon it – In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children…”   Alma 46:12. He prayed to God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren as long as there should be Christians. His fellow countrymen came running to Moroni in a purpose to defend their liberty and family. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we are Christians, we too have the need to defend our liberty, and family. Elder D .Todd Christofferson said “We need strong Christians who can make important things happen by their faith and who can defend the truth of Jesus Christ against moral relativism and militant atheism.” One of the things we need to defend, is the family as God intends for it to be. The Family Proclamation was given almost 21 years ago. As President Eyring said”…God won’t just tell us a few interesting things about the family; he will tell us what a family should be and why.”  Read and study the proclamation, truths will be revealed to you to strengthen your own family against the bombardment of the evil in the world today. 

The Family Proclamation text is in a earlier blog entry, dated may 14, 2016

English Essay #3 - Will Money Buy You Happiness?

     When I watch the Disney channel with my grandchildren we are bombarded with the message that having money to buy a lot of toys will make kids happy. Is it true that the more money you have to buy stuff the happier you will be? In the November 2014 Wall Street Journal it says that there is new research suggesting happiness is determined not by how much money a person earns, but rather, how one spends it.

       Research by Prof. Ryan Howell, associate professor of psychology at San Francisco State University has shown that some people think that buying material goods brings happiness. When buying something a person can experience a multitude of emotions such as joy, fulfillment, luxury, or satisfaction. Some people think that using their money to buy material goods as opposed to using their money for fleeting experiences is wise because it will last longer. An experience happens, then it’s over. When you buy something it’s tangible, and you can keep it.

       When in fact, research by Howell shows that experiences provide a more lasting happiness. Using your money, for example, on a vacation, concert, lunch with a friend, or some other experience will bring joy that lasts. As the saying goes, “you get more bang for your buck.” While thinking back or looking at pictures of an experience, all the memories and emotions you had during the experience come back. The material goods we buy often go unnoticed. A picture hanging on the wall starts to blend in. The dress you just had to have isn’t worn anymore, and hangs forgotten at the back of the closet.

       Sharing your money with others less fortunate gives a different kind of ‘money bringing happiness’ experience. It does a heart good to see that what you donate makes a positive difference in someone’s life. Elizabeth Dunn, associate professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, made an interesting discovery. She gave money to people with the requirement that they spend it on themselves or share it with others. Dunn found those who spent money on other people were happier than those who used it selfishly.

     Having wealth in itself does not buy happiness, but how you use your wealth can be a key to happiness. The experiences you have in life with your family and sharing your money with others will give the kind of happiness that has lasting value. In the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 8:10 tells of a tree whose fruit was desirable to make one happy. The tree represents the love of God. Our Father in Heaven wants us to be happy. 2 Nephi 2:27 says, “men are, that they might have joy.”  When you choose to use your money to help others and have uplifting life experiences, money can buy happiness. 

English Essay #2 - I Believe in Family Vacations

        I believe in family vacations. What? I can sense that question coming from you as you read the first sentence. Maybe, just maybe, you believe that is a shallow, uninspiring, and selfish thing for me to believe. However, in my humble, underrated opinion, I do not. Let me tell you why.

       My life began in a family that had to work hard for every penny earned. I was born to my mother when she was 35 years old. Having a baby at 35 isn’t unique, though, having your ninth living baby at that age is more unusual. Then, making it more bazaar, is having that baby with your fourth husband at that ripe young age. Wait, it gets even better. Eighteen months later my baby sister was born, and then poof, another marriage was dissolved, which, leaves a single mother with 10 children. As you can imagine, we did not really vacation except for an occasional camping trip, of which I have few memories.

        I craved a nice normal family. Well, family exists, nice exists, but normal is a relative term. I joined a church at the age of fourteen that emphasizes family as central to God’s plan of happiness. My dark haired knight in shining armor, let’s rephrase that, my long haired knight in a trench coat, came to rescue me and take me to that place of forever families that vacations as nice, normal families.

        We did not go on a honeymoon, as Larry just got off his mission, and I had just completed one year at BYU.  We just didn’t have enough money. Because of that, Larry’s parents drove us to the Manti temple to be sealed, then we were dropped off at Hotel Utah in Salt Lake City for the night, and picked us up the following morning. Not much romance could happen with your in-laws in the front seat.

        As a young family, we started with tent camping, and then tent trailer camping, which was all good and fine but, then it happened, the non-tent vacation bug bit and I’ve been affected ever since. There is no cure, and it is all my husband’s fault.  After being married for almost ten years with four kids under our feet, he came home one day with a surprise out of the blue. We were going on our honeymoon. Yippee!  A cruise to the Islands of the Bahamas to calm the soul, deepen our love, get away from the phone, forget about work, take a break from the kids, and enjoy the ocean breeze running its fingers through my hair as I walked on the deck of the massive cruise ship, and lazily lounging on the beach chairs as someone else cleaned the toilet.

        As a family, we graduated to hotel vacations as the money situation improved. We went to the land where you can be a kid, we visited large cities and participated in activities that appealed to families. But, the vacation we like to call the vacation from hell, occurred. The tulip festival in the North West part of Washington. Let’s just say teenagers aren’t into tulip festivals, and we will never listen to my father in laws vacation advice again. We wanted the family to enjoy being together, not be squished in a hotel room bickering, so we bought vacation credits, and now we vacation all over and stay in condominiums. The. Best. Ever.

        I believe when families play and vacation together, families stay together, literally. We go places where we can play in and on the water. We’ve snorkeled in Hawaii, and we were sure we saw Nemo. We hike trails to see the beauty of the area, and ride bikes to places cars can’t go.

       Family vacations are fun! They help bond relationships, make happy memories, and teach of God’s love for us as we explore and learn about this beautiful world we live in. I wonder what kind of vacations are in the life after this? Snorkeling through cloud puffs? If it’s with family it’ll be great.

English Essay #1 - Love Letter to my Treadmill

I haven't had to write essays for over 35 years. I am actually enjoying my English class. I'm learning more now than I did then. I am enjoying the process of learning how to write better. I decided to post my essays I've written just for the fun of it. 

My Dearest Treadmill,

     Our relationship is one that will last for miles and miles. I appreciate that you are there waiting for me each day I need you. You are willing to go on a walk whenever I want, and I appreciate that you give me so much of your time. It could be raining, snowing, or one hundred degrees outside but you make me feel safe. The view I get to admire through the windows while I walk, of the meandering creek, the tall evergreen trees, the forest critters, and the birds rejuvenates my soul.

     I love so many things about you, your wide belt with traction that keeps my tennis shoes from slipping, the color of black you wear looks good on you and doesn’t clash with anything I choose to wear, also when I get too hot your fan will cool me off. You even let me choose whether to have it on high or low. Your willingness to let me take our relationship fast or slow lets me know you want what is best for me. On the days I play with my friend, Blue Bicycle, you don’t get upset with me. I love you all the more for that.

     My heart broke a couple of years ago when you left me. You thought I was using and abusing you. You were broken and refused to be with me. I felt awful. I researched with the treadmill doctors to see why you wouldn’t run for me. It was a miracle, but I found the part needed to bring you back to me. When it showed up at the doorstep it didn’t take long until our relationship was repaired. I was so grateful you forgave me.

     I am a better person because of you. You relieve my stress, and I am happier. I know you will help me to live longer. I treasure my moments with you so much that my mornings are scheduled around our time together. Let’s go the distance babe. When your power is turned on, your belt starts, and my feet get moving, my heart beats for you in a true musical harmony of love.

With Love, Linda

Family Is Where It’s At

I have been memorizing ‘The Family – A Proclamation to the World’ for extra credit in my religion class. The difference between reading something and committing to memory the words is a stark contrast. Words your read, and then you let them go until you read them again. When I memorize I need to repeat the words over and over, and then I add the words into sentences and the memorizing becomes personal.

I was memorizing the 3^rd paragraph which is

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enable family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God, and for families to be united eternally.

We are children of God. We came to this earth to gain a physical body. The next part I memorized I knew already, we came her to get a body and return to live with God. Committing it to memory and then repeating it out loud several times the Holy Ghost let me know by reaffirming with his spirit that I am an heir of eternal life if I do what is necessary in my earthly experience to progress towards perfection.  Who are we an heir of? An heir of our Father in Heaven.  Whose whole purpose is “… to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Mosiah 1:39. Everything He has done has been for our benefit.  

It’s interesting to me that we were part of a family - God’s and our Mother in Heaven- before we came to this earth. The ideal place for us to come to earth is in the same structure we left, a family, with a mom and dad. Our Father also set up a way that we can be with our family in the life after this through sacred ordinances and covenants we make in temples as it says in the proclamation.  

My husband and I began our family in the Manti temple and made those covenants we needed for our family to be a forever family. That's not a guarantee though. On a daily basis we need to keep God's commandments. Thanks goodness for repentance! 

In memorizing the words about the family it brings to me a sense of right, and an ownership of what I’m saying, and what it means. 

The Three Big Bad Wolves

In an October 1996, LDS General Conference talk by Elder Bruce C. Hafen he talks of the 3 big bad wolves that can test a marriage. In the world today marriage and family is under attack. There are 3 areas in which Elder Hafen counsels us to watch for as these wolves want to destroy our family. 

The first wolf he talks about is natural adversity.

What is natural adversity? It is what happens in this mortal world we live in. Spouses or children getting sick, death of a loved one, your home being destroyed by natural causes, losing employment , and the list could go on. 

I can think of many times in my marriage that natural adversity has come to play. We've had house fires, floods, forest fires, children really sick, grandchildren really sick, business not doing so good, 

The second wolf he talks about is the test of our own imperfections.  

No one of us is perfect. One spouse should not degrade the other for whatever reason. We are to lift each other up. Be kind, considerate and loving. Their will be disagreements, but it's how you handle those that will make the difference. No one likes to be put down or belittled. 

Not only the imperfections of the spouses can effect the marriage , but the imperfections of the children. Many times our children can come between a husband and wife in how we decide to raise and discipline. 

The third wolf he talks about it the excessive individualism that has spawned today's contractual attitudes. He explains this best. "A seven year old girl came home from school crying. "Mom, don't I belong to you? Our teacher said today that nobody belongs to anybody - children don't belong to parents, husbands don't belong to wives. I am yours, aren't I, Mom?" Her mother held her close and whispered, "Of course your'e mine - and I'm yours, too." Then he goes on to say "Surely marriage partners must respect one another's individual identity, and family members are neither slave nor inanimate objects. But this teacher's fear, shared today by many, is that the bonds of kinship and marriage are not valuable ties that bind, but are instead, sheer bondage. 

A marriage should be one of partnership, where each spouse is willing to give 100 % and not expect anything in return. 

Marriage is not easy. But, it is something worth working at. Be watchful of the adversary who wants to destroy the covenant marriage between you and your spouse.

Marriage and Family Capstone Project Assignment

I have an assignment from my religion class. This is a project that is suppose to take 6 - 8 hours (I believe I will spend a lot more though) of my time throughout the semester. It's called "Family Citizen Capstone Project".  As the title states it should have to do with family, marriage, citizens, community, and the good of those are the capstone that holds them together. 

For my Family Citizen Capstone Project I have decided that I will post to my blog about marriage and family. I will write about what I have been learning, or have been strengthening my own views about on marriage and family from class. I will try to post once a week. It will vary whether I post about an article, or conference talk I read that week, or it may be about the case study that we had to reply too for the week. Or something altogether not from class. I hope to be able to share my thoughts, views and testimony about marriage and family. I may add personal stories to what I share, if it’s not an embarrassment to a family member. I hope to be able to share that which is what God would want me to share. Even if it’s only my own family that reads the blog, it will still be a good thing.

The Family Proclamation was read in a General Relief Society Meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on September 23, 1995 by President Gordon B. Hinckley. I want to talk about one of the many things I was inspired about by reading a talk given by President Eyring, BYU Address, 5 November 1995.  The title and heading of the Proclamation.

What is the subject of the Proclamation?

 The very first two words... "The Family" 

God deemed the family to be important that he gave his prophet and apostles this proclamation to give to the world. This proclamation explains what a family should be and why it should by that way. The first paragraph of the proclamation tells us why. 

We the Fist Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan or the eternal destiny of His children.

The family with a man and woman at it's head is for each of us. The "family" is one of the things that will help us to reach our eternal destiny to live with God, and someday be as he is, and as our Mother in Heaven. Family has been since Adam and Eve. Family will always be.

Who is the Proclamation for?

For the whole world, not just the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints, it's for the whole world. Each and every individual, every family, every government, for everyone. My husband was in the Stake Presidency of the church when the Proclamation was given, and he told me that the Stake President had to take a copy of the proclamation to the mayor of our town. 

Who proclaimed the Proclamation to us?

The prophet and his apostles. Meaning the prophet and apostles to the whole world, to all those who will listen. I sustain these men as the Lord's prophet and apostles on the earth today. I know that this Declaration is the word of God. 

I know family is important and should be honored, revered and that the institution of marriage as God has ordained is to be kept as He has outlined. 

We live in an imperfect world and their are families that are not able to have this ideal of both mother and father in the home. Or have had the opportunity for marriage. Do not despair. God is ever mindful, and as the proclamation says "Disability, death, or other circumstance may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed."  Each individual will have the opportunity either in this life or the next to be married. Continue being faithful and obedient to God's commandments. 

In Moses 1:39 tells us of God's mission "This is my work and my glory -- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

We will have every opportunity provided to us to succeed in eternal life with forever families if we but choose to do so. 

3rd Nephi and The Conversion and Testimony of the Gospel by Harvey LaVerne Cottrell, my Dad.

3^rd Nephi and The Conversion and Testimony of the Gospel by Harvey LaVerne Cottrell, my Dad.

    

   “It’s in the morning of September 28^th, 1984. I woke up with quite a bit of pain about 1:30 in the morning. The pain medication finally took hold and I was going to give a descriptive experience that was happening to me that was led by the Holy Ghost and talk into this recording device that had been given to me by the Lord I’m sure. And I uh hadn’t turned it on at the right time or I didn’t hit the right button or something but as I went to play it back as I was going to listen to my beautiful words I was expounding on. I went to play it back and the tape was blank.  So evidently something was supposed to happen before I was to make this tape to start my journal. Well their is two missionaries working with me. I’m taking the lessons my daughter requested of me when she was going away on her mission when she was killed in a car wreck about 4 months into her mission. I was quite surprised the tape was blank. I thought I was well enough and I had my faculties well about me and knew how to run this thing. But evidently I was doing something wrong and something more was supposed to happen before I made the tape. So I stalled around doing some research on how I’m experiencing Reaganism as a vet. But some time went by and some other events happened that I won’t expound on. However I did start reading (3^rd) Nephi in Chapter 11 like the missionaries that are teaching me the lessons that they instructed, yesterday when they were here to see me. Uh as soon as I started reading I knew before I had got to the words of the 7^th verse of (3^rd) Nephi chapter eleven that I had truly found the true gospel of Jesus Christ. A great calm has come over me. I went on to read into chapter 12. However the Lord has answered my prayer. I prayed with the missionaries when they were here. They instructed me that I would know if I asked in earnest weather this book was the true gospel and hey it didn’t take long for me to turn around and to get rid of all fears and doubts and contention in my heart. I just praise the Lord that this is happening to me. I’ve a led a sinful and neglectful life spiritually.  Although I’ve done some terrible things I’ve done some good things too. But uh if I remember the old Baptist preaching that we aren’t saved by works alone. I’m sure getting an education this stay in the hospital and just praise the Lord. This is my testimony.” Harvey LaVerne Cottrell

     Whenever I am reading the Book of Mormon and I come to 3^rd Nephi chapters 11, 12 and on I am reminded of this special testimony of my father’s that he left recorded for me. The day his prayer was answered to know that the gospel was true. To know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was the restored gospel on this earth. Restored by Joseph Smith and is led by a living prophet and apostles today. That it was the gospel that had all the keys of the priesthood to perform baptism and the other saving ordinances. He learned that it is the path to return to live with God and our Savior Jesus Christ again. It’s the path for forever families.  He learned that my sister who was killed in a car accident on her mission left home to teach others this same truth and continued her mission in the spirit world for however long God wanted her too.

     

     My dad accepted the gospel on September 28^th, 1984. Was baptized on October 7^th, 1984. Was finally diagnosed with why he was so sick. It was terminal cancer. He died on October 13^th, 1984. He accepted the gospel before he knew he was literally dying. 

My dad at his baptism. Dad is in the back left. These are the two missionaries that taught him.Elder Bonner and Elder Esplin and a friend of his named Jerry. 

      In 3 Nephi where my dad was reading is about Christ when he visits the American continent after his crucifixion by the Jews. He said he started reading in chapter 11 and before he got to verse 7 he knew. Verse 7 God is introducing his Son Jesus Christ to the Nephites. He said “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name – hear him.”  In verse 8 “And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them…” Verse 10 he introduces himself “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.” The Book of Mormon is a 2^nd testament of Jesus Christ that a prophet who lived long ago complied the records of the Nephites, Lamanites and others who inhabited the American continent long ago for us to have and read in our day. To bring us to Christ and his gospel.

     3^rd Nephi chapters 11 – 29 Christ is among the people teaching them all that he taught the Jews. He teaches His gospel. Faith, repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. He teaches he is the light of the world. He teaches the beatitudes. He tells them to let their light shine unto the people and do good works to glorify the Father. He taught so many things. A few are do not be angry with your brother, daily take up your cross and deny yourself the appetites of the flesh, turn your cheek, love your enemies, bless them that curse you do good to them, pray for them, serve others but not for the glory of men. He taught them how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer. Forgive others. Lay up treasure in heaven not on earth. You can’t serve two masters, ye cannot serve God and the devil. He taught many things on how to be more like the Savior. 3^rd Nephi 14 verses 24 – 27 tells that those who heareth His sayings and do them shall be like a wise man, who built his house upon a rock. When the rain descended, and the floods came, and the wind blew it fell not because it was built upon a rock. But those heareth these sayings and do them not shall be like a foolish man who builds on the sand and the rain and wind comes and beat upon the house and it falls away.  My dad was converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ because of the teachings of Jesus Christ in 3^rd Nephi.  I will be forever grateful.

     A side note of interest… My mom and dad were divorced when I was around 2-3 years old. He did live a sinful life. He was an alcoholic, smoked and who knows what else. But this I do know. He loved me and my little sister. He was a good man and his life was more than drinking though and I need to write it down for posterity.  He would come and take us out for hamburgers. I do have good memories of that and others. He was a good grandpa and loved my kids. Joshua (my 3rd child) was 1 when my dad died. Dad died of a cancer that was caused by his lifestyle. I’m grateful to know that there is a life after death and he could still learn on the other side to keep his testimony growing. My sister, his daughter was there to greet him as we lost him.

This picture was taken the summer of 1984. 3 months before he got so sick and died. 

Dad(Harvey), Joshua, Me (Linda), Larry,

Misty and Rachel. 

and yes I made us matching shirts...

Blessed Art Thou ____________

Blessed Art Thou ________

Nephi was a great prophet in the Book of Mormon around 23 B.C. He was so faithful in teaching God’s word and performing his work that the Lord said unto him in Helaman 10:4 “Blessed are thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people… but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.

Nephi served the Lord’s people with unwearyingness.  A great example to us all in our service in God’s kingdom. I know I could do better in serving my fellowmen. Not only in sharing God’s word but in serving others over and above my callings and my family.

I have to choose another attribute of Christ to work on this section of the semester for class and I have chosen service. I know that is an area I can “work” on and improve. I want to hear one day “Blessed art thou Linda for those things which thou hast done.”  

We have been taught in Mosiah 2:17 that when we are in the service of our fellow beings we are in the service of God.  

Pray Anywhere, Anytime

When we pray are we reciting words or communicating with God, our Father in Heaven?

     In the Book of Mormon is a story of a group of people that lost the site of prayer. In Alma 31 the prophet Alma heads a mission to go preach to the Zoramites. The Zoramites are a group of people that  had the gospel preached to them but broke off from the Nephites and fell away from Christ teachings. Because of this they had fallen into great errors. One of these errors was the way they prayed and worshiped. As it says in Alma 31:12 they would gather themselves together one day a week and then worship in a way the astonished Alma and his brethren. One day a week they would climb a tower that they had built which was high above the head and only admitted one person at a time. This one person then would say as I paraphrase Alma 31:15 Holy God we believe you are God. You are a spirit and we believe that since we are so wonderful, terrific and magnificent you separated from our brethren and we will be saved and they won’t. There isn’t a Christ because I’m sure we don’t need one because we are so good. Yep we are awesome and we are the chosen ones.  Then after every one worshiped like that they would leave and go home and not think about praying or worshiping God at all till the next week.

     Could you just picture Alma’s jaw dropping open looking at his fellow missionaries and saying “SAY WHAT?” As it says in Alma 31: 24 Alma was grieved. He was grieved unto sorrow for this people. He prayed for comfort from the Lord as he and his fellow missionaries would preach unto this people and share the gospel with success.  Did they have any success?

     As Alma was preaching unto the people a large group of people came to him. These people were poor and were not allowed in the synagogues or on the tower to pray and worship. They asked Alma how can we pray? We are cast out of our places of worship. Alma lovingly turned around and taught them that they can pray anywhere and anytime. They don’t need a tower, they don’t need to be rich, and they can pray always.  God wants to hear from us every single day throughout the day. We can pray always and anywhere.

     In Alma 33 starting in verse 3 Alma asked the people if they remembered the prophet Zeno’s teaching on prayer. This is where is gets exciting as Alma teaches  3 Do ye remember to have read what Zenos, the prophetof old, has said concerning prayer or worship?

 4 For he said: Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea,thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning 

those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me.

 5 Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and thou didst hear me.

 6 And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my prayer.

 7 And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou didst hear me.

 8 Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.

 9 Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations    

     These people were taught many things. In Alma 34 they again were taught about prayer by Amulek.

18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.

 19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.

 20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.

 21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.

 22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.

 23 Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.

 24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.

 25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.

 26 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.

 27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of 
those who are around you.

     Did you read anything about needing a tower to pray upon? I didn’t. The prophets have taught that we can pray anywhere and over all those things that matter to us. Even pray for your enemies.  We don’t have a set of words to pray. We pray from our heart to a loving Heavenly Father who wants what is best for us. We can talk to him and importantly we can to listen to see what he has to say to us.

     I received a text with a precious picture in it of my almost 2 year old grandson this last week. He has been taught by goodly parents who love the Lord and our Heavenly Father about prayer. This precious child of God knows he can pray anywhere. He got the scriptures, climbed on the chair, folded his arms and bowed his head and started talking.  Sweet boy.