Tag: Personal Revelation

Priesthood Power to Organize Young Women’s Camp

Posted on by docena

In January of this year, I was asked by the Stake Executive Secretary to meet with a member of the Stake Presidency. My husband and I speculated about what I would be asked to do. My husband knew that the stake calling I never wanted to do was to be the director of Stake Young Women’s Camp. I’ve organized several one day or overnight Scout camps for 11 year-olds, but I had little experience with young women and don’t like drama, crafts, or over-the-top productions. I’ve served in the young women organization two times for a short period and have been to camp as an adult only twice, once for the day and another time for one night and day. My husband told me I should never say I didn’t want to do something, because the Lord would give me a chance to grow in that capacity. My husband was right.

Today I want to share with you what I learned about my priesthood power in organizing YW’s camp. I was afraid and overwhelmed. Not only did I need to organize a Stake YW’s camp in a few months, but I had to consider COVID restrictions. When I was set apart to do my calling by a member of the Stake Presidency, he blessed me with my “burdens” and then he stopped and said, “I should say your opportunities.” When he set me apart to direct YW’s camp, he gave me priesthood authority for the young women and leaders who would plan and attend stake YW’s camp. I was able to access that priesthood authority and power as I followed the pattern of covenants.

I was first asked to present plans for camp with projected COVID restrictions. I read the current guidelines by the state of Idaho and realized that I did not have a task force to determine guidelines nor could I predict the future, but I knew the Lord could direct me. I sought revelation and during a discussion with my young adult daughter, came up with a solution that felt right. I submitted that solution and several others to the Stake Young Women’s Presidency and they were all rejected. Once I humbled myself and two assistant camp directors were called, we were able to counsel together and come up with a tentative plan. Soon after, the Stake Presidency issued recommendations for all group stake activities for the summer, and we proceeded with our plans. I had priesthood power to receive revelation for camp, that power was increased as I counseled with others asked to serve, and then I followed the guidelines of those with priesthood keys for our stake. This overwhelming task now became manageable. Countless times I felt that I did not know what I was doing. That I could not accomplish the organizing and executing of camp on my own. But I knew this was the Lord’s work.

This past week I studied Doctrine and Covenants 88 and listened to the “Follow Me” podcast with Hank Smith and John Bytheway. Their guest, Dr. Anthony Sweat, taught about the temple and the covenants we make there. Then during our Sunday School lesson and discussion today, I realized how the temple endowment gave me priesthood power for YW’s camp. In the temple endowment we make covenants which are sacred promises to God. Keeping those covenants such as the Law of Obedience, the Law of the Gospel, and the Law of Consecration gives us priesthood power which is the power God has given men and women to do His work on this earth. Even though I didn’t know how I could be the director of YW’s camp, I was obedient. As I was obedient, my heart was softened and I was blessed with revelation and other adults and young women to serve with me. I sacrificed a lot of time, I was continually humbled, repented, and gave of my talents, time, and resources to organize camp. In return, I received power to do God’s work with the young women and young women leaders in the stake. That power came in the form of revelation, strength beyond my own, increased friendships, the support and service of young women and young women leaders, and the privilege of being part of the great work of stake camp.

On the first day of camp when the first few wards arrived, I wanted to hide. All the planning, personal prayers, study, and councils were great in theory and on paper–much of which I’d printed from google drive documents to access at camp. How could I, one person, be expected to be in charge of over 250 young women and adults? Again, the Spirit reminded me, that it wasn’t all up to me. I had two great assistants, eight young women presidents, eight ward camp directors, five camp cooks, a nurse, stake leaders, adult leaders, youth camp leaders, and the power from the Lord. This wasn’t my work. This was His work.

On the last night of camp, I attended the testimony meeting for my ward. I witnessed the growth of testimony and friendships in the young women and leaders. There was no way one person could have made all that happen. But because I had accepted the calling, I was privileged to be a part of the power of God in the lives of the young women and adults there.

The theme of our Stake Young Women’s Camp was “Bloom” as inspired by the church’s youth theme for the year, “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days” (D&C 64:33-34). I was able to be part of His great work and able to witness the power of the priesthood, a power I have through my calling and my covenants.

Daily Answers: Peace and Patience

Posted on by docena

The Coronavirus pandemic has gone on a long time and affected many aspects of my life, all our lives. I thought that if I sacrificed by staying home and giving up things like family reunions and vacations and in person attendance at church, that soon I’d be able to do those things again. At this time, the week before Thanksgiving, the cases of the virus are increasing and government officials are asking us to make sacrifices again for the safety of ourselves and others. How much longer will this go on? How much more will I have to sacrifice? Next week my children are all planning to be home for Thanksgiving. I don’t want to give that up. Then a week later my son and daughter-in-law have scheduled a date to be sealed in the Portland Temple. They were supposed to be married and sealed in the Portland Temple in April, but ended up getting married in a civil ceremony in March as the virus restrictions began. I want so much for them to have this day in December, and I want to be there. My question recently during my scripture study was, “How do I have peace and patience with the Coronavirus, specifically with Thanksgiving and the sealing?” I read in Ether 6 about the Jaredites crossing the sea in their barges built tight like a dish. Their experiences gave me direction. The Jaredites commended themselves unto the Lord. When they were “encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters” (Ether 6:7). During this time when they were buried in the sea and the wind did not cease, the people “did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord” (Ether 6:9). “They did have light continually” (Ether 6:10). And after “they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water…they did land upon the shore of the promised land…and…they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them” (Ether 6:11-12). Three hundred and forty and four days! I haven’t been restricted that long yet, and as I look back, there have been so many tender mercies. I am crying unto the Lord that my children can come for Thanksgiving and that I can attend the sealing of my son and daughter-in-law.

The Lord knows me. He knows you. I’m grateful for the light He’s given me as I ask in prayer and through my daily scripture study. I’m also grateful that we have a prophet on the earth like the brother of Jared. Our prophet is President Russell M. Nelson. He is experiencing the trials of the pandemic along with us and also has a responsibility to guide the people of the earth. I’m looking forward to hearing from President Nelson what the Savior wants us to know at this time. I know President Nelson’s words will provide me with more light and peace.

Daily Answers: In patience ye may possess your souls.

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I read Elder Scott D. Whiting’s talk, Becoming like Him, and decided to ask Heavenly Father which Christlike attribute I needed to work on developing. The answer surprised me. It was patience. I already knew there were two particular areas in which I’ve been patient for many years: having a novel published and gathering Israel. I didn’t understand how I needed more patience, and I wanted to learn from my study how patience is more than just waiting. I wanted to know what I need to be doing right now, every minute to make those things happen. And that is probably why I received the answer to work on patience.

I learned from Ether 1 that patience is trusting in the Lord’s plan. The brother of Jared “[cried] unto the Lord” and was told to gather his family. He took the first steps and the Lord told him, “I will go before thee” (Ether 1:39, 42). Patience is taking the small steps even while not knowing the whole plan and trusting in the Lord. In the Christlike attributes chapter of Preach My Gospel I learned that Christlike attributes like patience are gifts from God and that I can’t develop them without God’s help. “The invitation to follow Christ is an invitation to follow His example and to become like Him, which can only happen through the Atonement of Jesus Christ” (Preach My Gospel, Chapter 6). I can’t make patience happen for myself. I need the Savior’s atonement. That gives me hope. I love what Preach My Gospel explains about patience: “Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God’s will and accept His timing.” When I want things to happen right now and feel anxious and frustrated that the words in my writing don’t come easy or my neighbor isn’t able to have missionaries visit because of the Coronavirus, I need to ask for God’s help in having patience, in enduring the delay with hope. Even the sons of Mosiah, some of the best missionaries, needed to be patient in sharing the gospel. They were told at the beginning of their mission, “Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls” (Alma 17:10-11). When President Nelson asked us to gather Israel, I wanted to be a part of that work and I felt like it should progress quickly. After all, these are the last days. But I need to be patient in the timing of the Lord and the opening of temples. Examples from The Book of Mormon like the brother of Jared, the sons of Mosiah, and Alma teach us that being patient means working and being diligent. The sons of Mosiah didn’t sit around waiting for the Lamanites to come to them. Alma and his brethren in bondage to the Lamanites were strengthened as they were patient in the Lord’s timing of deliverance. “They did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:15).

I learned from Doctrine and Covenants 101:38 that the attribute of patience makes me one with myself and with God. “And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life” (D&C 101:38). “In patience ye may possess your souls.” Wow! That is beautiful. When I seek the Lord in my writing, my daily tasks, and gathering Israel, I am at one with my soul and will have eternal life, or life with God. That is definitely more than just waiting or being frustrated and anxious.

As I continue to study the Christlike attribute of patience, I will look for it in others and ask for the Lord to bless me with this gift. This initial study gives me hope. The Lord doesn’t expect immediate results, but when I submit to His will, I will possess my soul.

Daily Answers: How can I not be fearful?

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My favorite scripture is in the “Come Follow Me-Book of Mormon lesson” this week, Helaman 5:12. Helaman teaches his sons to remember that “it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation.” I am living with a lot of uncertainty right now as are most of us. I don’t know what school will be like in the fall. I wonder if Covid-19 is dangerous for me and my family. Other questions I have are: Do masks help? Are we being controlled by the government? What will happen with the elections? How do I discern truth in the media, podcasts, social protests? When will I be able to attend church in a building with the rest of my congregation? When will I be able to attend the temple? I was reminded in our family’s video chat lesson for “Come Follow Me” today that I don’t need to fear when my foundation is built on Jesus Christ. That foundation is built through the daily things I do such as reading scriptures and praying as a family, my personal scripture study and prayer, daily repentance, and acting on revelation. My daughter-in-law shared a metaphor using an experience we had together on our family reunion in Star Valley, Wyoming last week. We visited the world’s largest intermittent spring. The hike is on dusty trails at first and then surrounded on both sides by walls of rock. At times on the hike, the dust from the wind was so bad, we had to close our eyes and turn our backs. And it was a little scary when the wind blew and we were on the edge of the path. But the rocks around us were firm and steadfast, and the winds didn’t blow the entire time. Similarly, the trials and whirlwinds of life don’t blow all the time, but we need to have Jesus Christ as our sure foundation so “that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).

I also love this video, “Spiritual Whirlwinds.” Look for the image behind the young man.

Daily Answers: By Small and Simple Things

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As the pandemic and uncertainty continues, I feel restless and stuck. This week many of my scripture study questions have been about how to repent, how to improve, how to progress, how to become unstuck. The “Come Follow Me” reading for the week included the scripture, “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6). As I’ve pondered this, I realize that I need to continue to do the small and simple things and recognize the benefits of small and simple routines. My daily scripture study has kept me anchored to my Savior. The consistent structure of family prayer and scripture study has built a foundation for my children who are grown and my child left at home. The Book of Mormon is a miracle created in countless small and simple acts from those who molded the plates, inscribed the words, passed them down, preserved, hid, translated, published, and shared. My progression is guided by repenting in small and simple ways. As I ask what I need to do to repent, to turn to Christ, to be humble, the answers are to appreciate what I have, appreciate others, recognize my blessings, speak kindly. I even asked one day this week, “What are the small and simple things I need to improve?” The answer was that my current daily scripture study and revelation are a great blessing to me and I need to continue.

Daily Answers: A Soft Heart

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My daily question in my scripture study today was “How can I have a soft heart?” There’s a lot of divisiveness right now about the corona-virus and racial equality. Instead of being fearful and defensive, I’d like to have personal peace and empathy for others–a soft heart. Today I read in Alma 30 about Korihor, the Anti-Christ. Alma is grieved because of the hardness of Korihor’s heart (Alma 30:46). Instead of making a list of all that Korihor does to have a hard heart like “resist the spirit of truth” (Alma 30:46), here’s a list of what I can do to have a soft heart.

How to have a soft heart:

Believe the prophecies spoken by the prophets (vs 6).

Choose to serve the Lord (vs 8).

Believe that there is a Christ (vs 12).

Have faith in what I cannot see (vs 15).

Look forward to a remission of my sins (vs 16).

Believe in the atonement of Jesus Christ (vs 17).

Be wise in whom I believe (vs 20).

Rejoice in the coming of Jesus Christ (vs 22).

Believe in the righteous traditions of my fathers (vs 23).

Partake in ordinances and performances which bind me to Jesus Christ (vs 23).

Believe in the freedom of righteous choices (vs 27).

Be grateful for the service of my church leaders (vs 28).

Believe that God is real and known (vs 28).

Labor in the church and rejoice in the joy of my brethren (vs 34).

The truth is joyful (vs 34).

Embrace the Spirit of God (vs 42).

Recognize the testimony of all things–the holy prophets, the scriptures, the earth, all things upon the face of the earth and its motion, the planets (vs 44).

Submit to the spirit of truth (vs 46).

Bring other souls to the truth (vs 47).

Recognize the power of God (52).

Believe that the Lord will support his children now and at the last day (vs 60).

Daily Answers: Emotional Connection

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I have been writing and submitting to agents and publishers for about twenty-five years. Many of the rejection letters I’ve received say, “I wasn’t able to connect.” Today I gained a better understanding of that seemingly ambiguous statement.

This week I’m attending the 2020 Storymakers Virtual Conference. I participated in the first pre-session yesterday and learned from Jennifer Nielsen. She is amazing! I had the privilege to work with her at a Children’s Literature Conference in Boise a few years ago. I took her to several school presentations in the valley. She is a great writer, and she is compassionate and inspiring. I was impressed by her presentations which were uplifting and encouraging, but I was even more impressed with the personal attention she gave to each student during the book signings. She was genuine and kind. Jennifer was also encouraging to me about my writing.

During the session yesterday, Jennifer shared that after being rejected many times, she re-examined her writing and discovered that she needed to include more emotion in her books. Today for my scripture study, I asked the question, “What does my writing need?” I already knew that my writing also needs more emotion, but through my scripture study I was able to gain a deeper understanding of why. I read Mosiah 14 which is my favorite chapter in the scriptures. Abinadi taught Isaiah 53 which is about the Savior’s mission and atonement told in beautiful language. Here are the words which caught my attention this time, “grief, sorrows, wounded, bruised, despised, rejected, oppressed, healing, pleasure.” Strong, emotional words for what Jesus Christ experienced on this earth so that he could connect with us. C.S. Lewis said, “We read to know we are not alone.” Stories allow us to connect and the emotion in stories allows for a stronger connection. Jesus Christ experienced our sorrows so that he can not only connect with us, but so that he can succor us and heal us.

Today in my scripture study, I learned the importance of emotional connection in stories and was taught through the spirit a deeper understanding of how “with his stripes we are healed” (Mosiah 14:3-5).

Daily Answer: Prophets, Seers, Revelators in our day

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In my scripture study today I was prompted to learn more about prophesies of Jesus Christ. In Mosiah 8, Ammon and king Limhi discuss prophets, seers, and revelators. Ammon said, “a seer is a revelator and a prophet also…a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known. Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings” (Mosiah 8:16-18). I had written in a reference next to Mosiah 8:18 of Mosiah 13:33 which explains the role of a prophet, “For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began–have they not spoken more or less concerning these things? Have they not said that God himself should come down among the children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth? Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted?” (Mosiah 13:33-35).

We live in a time where we are blessed to have prophets, seers, and revelators who testify of Jesus Christ, reveal the mind and will of the Lord, who see the past and things to come, and are a great benefit to their fellow beings. In General Conference we sustain the President of the Church, the First Presidency, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.

In this past General Conference, April 4-5, 2020, our prophet and President of the Church, Russell M. Nelson, presented a proclamation to the world in which our current prophets, seers, and revelators testified of Jesus Christ, revealed the Lord’s will for his people now and in the future as we prepare for the Second Coming of Christ, “With reverence and gratitude, we as His Apostles invite all to know—as we do—that the heavens are open. We affirm that God is making known His will for His beloved sons and daughters. We testify that those who prayerfully study the message of the Restoration and act in faith will be blessed to gain their own witness of its divinity and of its purpose to prepare the world for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ).

I was grateful in my scripture study today to be reminded that prophesies of Jesus Christ are not just something of the past. I have seen and witnessed during this pandemic the miracles of having current prophets, revelators, and seers. The implementation of “Come Follow Me” in our homes prior to the pandemic, allowed us to be successful in having church in our homes. The change of policy in not having to wait a year after a civil marriage for a temple sealing will directly bless our family as the temples are closed for now and my son and his wife were married civilly. As I’ve responded to President Nelson’s plea to “do whatever it takes to increase [my] spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation,” I’ve experienced the blessings promised by President Nelson of “additional power to deal with temptation, struggles, and weakness…miracles in…marriage, family relationships, and daily work” (Hear Him, Russell M. Nelson, April 2020 General Conference).

Daily Answers: The Lord knows my concerns

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The question that came into my mind today was, “What can I understand more about baptism?” Baptism is one of those topics that I struggle to understand. I’ve had several meaningful experiences that have touched my heart and soul and strengthened my testimony, but I have a desire to know and understand more. However I knew that I was going to read selected verses in Mosiah 4-6 as suggested in the Come Follow Me lesson, and I didn’t think baptism was mentioned in any of those chapters.

In Mosiah 4:11 I read “received a remission of your sins” and “humble yourselves.” This could be a reference to baptism because we receive a remission of our sins when we repent and are baptized and we also show our humility. Then I noticed a suggested talk, “Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins” by Elder David A. Bednar. As I listened to the talk I knew why I’d been prompted to ask about baptism. I love to receive personal revelation. I know that the Holy Ghost teaches me, prompts me, and comforts me. I don’t struggle with the idea of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Elder Bednar taught this truth from the prophet Joseph Smith, “Baptism is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost; it is the channel by which the Holy Ghost will be administered.” This was an “Ah ha!” moment for me. One I knew intellectually before, but which spoke to my spirit today. I wouldn’t have the gift of the Holy Ghost if I hadn’t had the faith to be baptized.

I learned more about baptism today. I also learned that the Savior knows me and my concerns.

Daily Answers: Is the plan of happiness always happy?

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Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe we are here on earth because of a plan of our Heavenly Father’s called the Plan of Salvation, the Plan of Redemption, and the Plan of Happiness. We lived as Spirits with our Heavenly Father before this life. We chose to follow our Heavenly Father’s plan to come to earth, receive a body, and make choices. Because we would sin and no unclean thing can live in the presence of our Heavenly Father, our older brother, Jesus Christ, offered himself as a sacrifice to meet the demands of justice. Jesus’s atonement allows all those who have lived on earth to be resurrected and all those who follow the doctrine of Christ to live with our Heavenly Father after this life. The doctrine of Christ is to have faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end (2 Nephi 31). To endure to the end is to keep the commandments and participate in the ordinances and covenants of exaltation. After the ordinance of baptism we participate in the ordinance of the sacrament weekly if possible. Other ordinances take place in temples. In the temple we covenant to obey, to sacrifice, and to consecrate ourselves to our Heavenly Father. We can also receive the sealing ordinance where a man and woman covenant with each other and God and are promised the blessings of an eternal family.

During this life we experience trials. Those can be a result of our own choices, the choices of another, and living in a mortal body on an imperfect world. When we have trials we want to understand why. Some mistakenly believe that our trials now are a result of choices we made in the life before this or because God is testing us to see if we will endure.

For my scripture study today, my question was about how to help a friend of mine who is experiencing trials. She is having a hard time finding happiness in the Plan of Happiness. I read the newly introduced proclamation, “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World.” I learned that “As a companion scripture to the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies that all human beings are sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven, that He has a divine plan for our lives, and that His Son, Jesus Christ, speaks today, as well as in days of old.” What does “a divine plan for our lives” mean? Does a loving Father in Heaven have a plan specifically designed for me or my friend that includes trials, challenges, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles? If so, then how? Why? Then I read, “[Jesus Christ] invites all of us to come unto Him and His Church, to receive the Holy Ghost, the ordinances of salvation, and to gain enduring joy.” I don’t know if there is a set plan for each of us, but I don’t believe God is throwing obstacles in our path to see if we will remain faithful. I think that this mortal life is tough, and the Plan of Happiness will help us endure. That plan is to come unto Christ, receive the Holy Ghost, participate in the ordinances of salvation, and gain enduring joy. That is what Christ offers us. I do believe that God knows each of us personally and wants to help us progress in the plan. The proclamation also states, “God is making known His will for His beloved sons and daughters. We testify that those who prayerfully study the message of the Restoration and act in faith will be blessed to gain their own witness of its divinity and of its purpose to prepare the world for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” The way to know how we fit into the plan is to seek for personal revelation through daily scripture study and prayer and to act in faith. In a recent broadcast from “An Evening with a General Authority 2020” with Elder Bednar, he spoke of living in revelation. By doing good things daily whether we recognize them as revelation or not, we are following God’s plan for us and helping in the preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.

While pondering my desire for my friend to be happy in this life, I thought of some resources I could share with her that have helped me. Also through my daily question and scripture study, I learned that there is hope and joy in the Plan of Happiness. Our loving Heavenly Father is continually giving us instructions on how to partake of that plan through current prophets and apostles, scripture, prayer, and personal revelation.