EARLIER IN JANUARY I HAD A DREAM I WANTED TO WRITE ABOUT. I DREAMED THAT I WAS VERY SICK AND THEN DIED. I REMEMBER FEELING FEARFUL BECAUSE I KNEW I'D BE FACING THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE ME, FEARING I HAD NOT LIVED UP TO THEIR EXPECTATIONS OF ME. PIONEER ANCESTORS
WHILE IN THIS STATE I MIGHT HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO DEATH. I AM NOT SURE. I REMEMBER ASKING THE POWER IN CHARGE IF I COULD SING OR SOMETHING. WHILE THEY WERE CONSIDERING I DREAMED THE MUSIC I WAS LISTEN TO HAD A COUPLE OF SONGS JUST FOR MY BENEFIT. ONE WAS A VIOLIN PLAYING. IN MY DREAM I REMEMBER KNOWING THAT GRANDPA VERNON PLAYED THE VIOLIN. BUT LOST HIS VIOLIN ON HIS MISSION IN THE NETHERLANDS. THE VIOLIN MUSIC WAS FROM HIM. I DON'T THINK I HAD EVER HEARD HIM ACTUALLY PLAY. WAS HIS VIOLIN STOLEN OR SOMETHING? ANYWAY THE VIOLIN WAS HIM PLAYING TO COMFORT ME AND REASSURE ME. THE OTHER MUSIC I HEARD WAS A PIANIST. THIS ONE WAS VERY FAMILIAR BECAUSE I COULD TELL IT WAS KEVIN COME TO COMFORT ME AS WELL. I WOKE UP FEELING REASSURED KNOWING OUR LOVED ONES ARE VERY NEAR AND CHEERING US ON. THERE WERE A FEW OTHERS AS WELL, PIANIST...SINGERS. GREAT DREAM, BUT I KNOW I WANT TO LIVE UP TO MY NAME. REREAD MY PATRIARCHAL BLESSING ETC.WHAT A SWEET TENDER MERCY FOR ME.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
FAITH
THE VERY MOST BASIC DOCTRINE WE NEED IS FAITH
THIS CAN TAKE A LIFETIME TO GAIN.
FAITH IN THE SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST IS THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF THE GOSPEL AS STATED IN THE FIRST ARTICLE OF FAITH GIVEN TO US BY THE PROPH JOSEPH SMITH , FOLLOWED WITH REPENTANCE BAPTISM AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE GIFT OF HOLY GHOST. THESE ARE VITAL. HOW TO GAIN THIS SUFFICENTLY ONE NEEDS TO ASK HIM IN FAITH, TO FILL IN THE PART MISSING. HE WILL HEAR AND GUIDE YOU.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Dear Dad Part 2
There is an article by President Faust in the February 2006 Ensign on trials. In it he writes:
I have come to better understand what he is saying. I have been able to feel much closer to the Spirit while dealing with my problems.
"It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Diving Shepherd."
I have come to better understand what he is saying. I have been able to feel much closer to the Spirit while dealing with my problems.
Two sentences in your testimony reminded me of my experiences. You said, "He has been with me during time of serious health problems. I have felt his presence and love in times of darkness, when every things seems to be falling apart."
In September, while I was in the hospital, I remember one particular night when I was lying awake and feeling miserably sick. Nothing was working and I felt crummy. But even in the midst of it all I remember feeling happy, pure joy because I knew I wasn't alone. I knew the Saviour was with me. I was amazed to be so miserable on the outside, but so happy inside. I learned for myself that the Gospel is true. It helps me so much to be able to recall that feeling.
As I made my presentation at the Stake Enrichment Meeting earlier this month, I had the opportunity to bear my testimony of the Atonement. I don't know if it helped anyone else at all, but it sure did me. I hope to be ale to always remember and remain strong in my faith of the Savior.
I too am so grateful for my heritage. There couldn't have been any more faithful grandparents than mine. I am so thankful for my heritage. I want to live up to being part of their family!
Guess I wanted to let you know that all the care and example you and Mom have given to me over the many years has been so very important to me. Your testimonies of the importance of prayer, and the example of years of family prayer have helped me through many hard times. Your gentle, kindly ways are such an inspiration to me. I love you two dearly Your examples help me to trust in my Heavenly Father and to believe he loves me. I hope to never be a disappointment to you. I am so proud of you and the way you live and who you are.
Life is good. Hard yes, but very, very good. Like you I have been given a wonderful companion and sweetheart. He is s dear to me. No one could be more perfect for me. Bruce, Rachel and PJ are gifts from Heavenly Father. Pure and simple as that!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Dear Dad Part 1
Friday, March 31, 2006
Dear Dad,
I just read again your written testimony I received last week. Thank-you so much! I love having it. I love being able to read and re-read it. It is scripture to me. In my youth I used to hear you occasionally bear testimony in fast and testimony meeting. Such an opportunity comes rarely now.
The past year has been exceedingly difficult for me health wise, but I wouldn't change a thing to make it easier! Let me explain. I have always wanted to attend my church meetings, be obedient and try to be good and nice, go to the temple, read my scriptures, support my leaders, do my VTing and other callings. Some days I have been more successful than other days. But at times I have not understood how I could have the Gospel and all the blessings I have in my life and still not feel the joy described in the scriptures. During the past year some things have occurred.
1) My health has gotten worse
2) We were called to be missionaries with the Addiction Recovery Program in our stake
3) I have learned and tried to applied those principles
4) I spent two weeks in the hospital
5) I was asked to give a presentation on trials in our stake RS Enrichment Meeting
Mixing all these things together has greatly strengthened my testimony of the Savior and the Atonement. In our ARP Meetings I have come to truly understand that I am a Child of God. I have sung that song for years, but didn’t internalize it for myself until recently.
There are two reasons we are on Earth. One is to get a body. Done. The second is to be tried and tested. The test is whether we will turn to the source of healing and comfort, the Savior. I have learned that in the Plan of Happiness the purpose of trials is to cause us to need to turn to the Savior.
Dear Dad,
I just read again your written testimony I received last week. Thank-you so much! I love having it. I love being able to read and re-read it. It is scripture to me. In my youth I used to hear you occasionally bear testimony in fast and testimony meeting. Such an opportunity comes rarely now.
The past year has been exceedingly difficult for me health wise, but I wouldn't change a thing to make it easier! Let me explain. I have always wanted to attend my church meetings, be obedient and try to be good and nice, go to the temple, read my scriptures, support my leaders, do my VTing and other callings. Some days I have been more successful than other days. But at times I have not understood how I could have the Gospel and all the blessings I have in my life and still not feel the joy described in the scriptures. During the past year some things have occurred.
1) My health has gotten worse
2) We were called to be missionaries with the Addiction Recovery Program in our stake
3) I have learned and tried to applied those principles
4) I spent two weeks in the hospital
5) I was asked to give a presentation on trials in our stake RS Enrichment Meeting
Mixing all these things together has greatly strengthened my testimony of the Savior and the Atonement. In our ARP Meetings I have come to truly understand that I am a Child of God. I have sung that song for years, but didn’t internalize it for myself until recently.
There are two reasons we are on Earth. One is to get a body. Done. The second is to be tried and tested. The test is whether we will turn to the source of healing and comfort, the Savior. I have learned that in the Plan of Happiness the purpose of trials is to cause us to need to turn to the Savior.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
TESTIMONY
Friday, March 31, 2006
Dear Mom,
I just read again your written testimony I received last week. Thank-you so much! I love having it. In my youth I used to hear you occasionally bear testimony in fast and testimony meeting. It has been many years since I had that privilege. I love being able to read and re-read it. It is scripture to me.
The past year has been exceedingly difficult for me health wise, but I wouldn't change a thing to make it easier! Let me explain. I have always wanted to attend my church meetings, be obedient and try to be good and nice, go to the temple, support my leaders, do my VTing and other callings. Some days I have been more successful than others. But at times I have not understood how I could have the Gospel in my life, and all the blessings I have, but not feel the joy described in the scriptures. During the past year some things have occurred.
1) My health has gotten worse
2) We were called to be missionaries with the Addiction Recovery Program in our stake
3) I have learned and tried to applied those principles
4) I spent two weeks in the hospital
5) I was asked to give a presentation on trials in our stake RS Enrichment Meeting
Mixing all these things together has greatly strengthened my testimony of the Savior and the Atonement. While in the hospital, I had lots of time to read the Book of Mormon. President Hinckley challenged us to read it by the end of the year. What a blessing I found this to be! Also in our ARP Meetings I have come to understand that I am a Child of God. While in Primary I sang that song for years, but didn’t internalize it for myself until recently.
There are two reasons we are on Earth. One is to get a body. Done, thanks to you. The second is to be tried and tested. The test is whether we will turn to the source of healing and comfort, the Savior. I have learned that in the Plan of Happiness the purpose of trials is to cause us to need to turn to the Savior.
There is an article by President Faust in the February Ensign on trials. In it he writes:
“It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Divine Shepherd”.
I have come to better understand what he is saying. I have been able to feel much closer to the Spirit while dealing with these problems.
In September, while I was in the hospital, I remember one particular night when I was lying awake and feeling miserably sick. Nothing was working and I felt crummy. But even in the midst of it all I remember feeling happy, pure joy because I knew I wasn’t alone. I knew the Savior was with me. I was amazed to be so miserable on the outside, but so happy inside. I learned for myself that the Gospel is true. It helps me so much to be able to recall that feeling.
As I made my presentation at the Stake Enrichment Meeting earlier this month, I had the opportunity to bear my testimony of the Atonement. I don’t know if it helped anyone else at all, but it sure did me. I hope to be able to always remember and remain strong in my faith of the Savior.
I too am so grateful for my heritage. There couldn’t have been any more faithful Grandparents than mine. I am so thankful for my heritage. I want to live up to being part of their family!
Guess I wanted to let you know that all the care and example you have given to me over the many years has been so very important to me. You are the dearest Mother in the world. Your testimony of the importance of prayer, and the example of years of our family prayer have helped me though many hard times. Your testimony and rock solid trust in the Lord have taught me where to go for help when I need guidance. You are so important to me. I love you dearly. I hope to never be a disappointment to you. I am so proud of you and the way you live and who you are.
Life is good. Hard yes, but very, very good. Like you I have been given a wonderful companion and sweetheart. He is so dear to me. No one could be more perfect for me. Bruce, Rachel and PJ are gifts from Heavenly Father. Pure and simple as that.
Well, I wanted to share my feelings with you. The problem is the English language lacks the words I need...but I’ve forgotten that Adamic language that would explain it more fully. Until I can remember, this will have to do.
Love you so much. Karen
Dear Mom,
I just read again your written testimony I received last week. Thank-you so much! I love having it. In my youth I used to hear you occasionally bear testimony in fast and testimony meeting. It has been many years since I had that privilege. I love being able to read and re-read it. It is scripture to me.
The past year has been exceedingly difficult for me health wise, but I wouldn't change a thing to make it easier! Let me explain. I have always wanted to attend my church meetings, be obedient and try to be good and nice, go to the temple, support my leaders, do my VTing and other callings. Some days I have been more successful than others. But at times I have not understood how I could have the Gospel in my life, and all the blessings I have, but not feel the joy described in the scriptures. During the past year some things have occurred.
1) My health has gotten worse
2) We were called to be missionaries with the Addiction Recovery Program in our stake
3) I have learned and tried to applied those principles
4) I spent two weeks in the hospital
5) I was asked to give a presentation on trials in our stake RS Enrichment Meeting
Mixing all these things together has greatly strengthened my testimony of the Savior and the Atonement. While in the hospital, I had lots of time to read the Book of Mormon. President Hinckley challenged us to read it by the end of the year. What a blessing I found this to be! Also in our ARP Meetings I have come to understand that I am a Child of God. While in Primary I sang that song for years, but didn’t internalize it for myself until recently.
There are two reasons we are on Earth. One is to get a body. Done, thanks to you. The second is to be tried and tested. The test is whether we will turn to the source of healing and comfort, the Savior. I have learned that in the Plan of Happiness the purpose of trials is to cause us to need to turn to the Savior.
There is an article by President Faust in the February Ensign on trials. In it he writes:
“It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Divine Shepherd”.
I have come to better understand what he is saying. I have been able to feel much closer to the Spirit while dealing with these problems.
In September, while I was in the hospital, I remember one particular night when I was lying awake and feeling miserably sick. Nothing was working and I felt crummy. But even in the midst of it all I remember feeling happy, pure joy because I knew I wasn’t alone. I knew the Savior was with me. I was amazed to be so miserable on the outside, but so happy inside. I learned for myself that the Gospel is true. It helps me so much to be able to recall that feeling.
As I made my presentation at the Stake Enrichment Meeting earlier this month, I had the opportunity to bear my testimony of the Atonement. I don’t know if it helped anyone else at all, but it sure did me. I hope to be able to always remember and remain strong in my faith of the Savior.
I too am so grateful for my heritage. There couldn’t have been any more faithful Grandparents than mine. I am so thankful for my heritage. I want to live up to being part of their family!
Guess I wanted to let you know that all the care and example you have given to me over the many years has been so very important to me. You are the dearest Mother in the world. Your testimony of the importance of prayer, and the example of years of our family prayer have helped me though many hard times. Your testimony and rock solid trust in the Lord have taught me where to go for help when I need guidance. You are so important to me. I love you dearly. I hope to never be a disappointment to you. I am so proud of you and the way you live and who you are.
Life is good. Hard yes, but very, very good. Like you I have been given a wonderful companion and sweetheart. He is so dear to me. No one could be more perfect for me. Bruce, Rachel and PJ are gifts from Heavenly Father. Pure and simple as that.
Well, I wanted to share my feelings with you. The problem is the English language lacks the words I need...but I’ve forgotten that Adamic language that would explain it more fully. Until I can remember, this will have to do.
Love you so much. Karen
Friday, January 9, 2009
Mothers in Zion
I have been so richly blessed all my life. Especially by being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have been blessed with a solid conviction in my mind and heart that Jesus Christ is the Savior for us all, each and every person on this wonderful planet which he created for all of us under the guidance of the Holy Father.
I know he has blessed us immeasurably. He provided the Plan of Happiness for us and sent our first parents Adam and Eve to people the world. He restored the ordinances and covenants and priesthood for us to return to him. However he needed us as women to also along with help provide the bodies for children in conjunction with the holders of the priesthood.
We need to bring families back to the Savior. A family needs a mother and a father. They help each other. In doing this great endeavor. Women have the opportunity to be mothers; to teach and nurture their children. But we don't have to do it alone. We have the priesthood to guide us and help us. And we also have an organization in the Gospel of Jesus Christ to rely on. It's called Visiting Teaching.
I've been hearing recently about ladies and sisters and friends who don't feel fulfilled. They're looking for something better to make them feel fulfilled. But I testify that being a mother is the most important and greatest fulfillment there is.
Another opportunity we have is to serve one another by being a Visiting Teacher. Nurturing our children and service are ways to be fulfilled. Worrying about how we look doesn't make us feel fulfilled. Having the latest clothes, the biggest house, or the latest furniture won't make us happy. Being beautiful on the outside isn't what's important. It's having a testimony of Jesus Christ on the inside that is important. It's vital.
I was not able to bear children of my own. So my husband and I were able to adopt two children and have them sealed to us. I couldn't have been happier being a mother and serving in Relief Society. I was able to stay home with my children and nurture and be with them. I found this to be the most vital and fulfilling role possible. We never had a ton of stuff. The Savior always provided what we needed. Inspiration and direction came as we had Family Home Evening, served in the church, and read the scriptures.
I taught my children that they could learn to read by reading the scriptures. I taught them to be best friends with each other, to rely on each other and to serve others.
There have been challenges in our lives. Very difficult ones. But hopefully, we can learn what we need to do to be worthy of being together as a family.
We just recently were able to see our youngest sealed in the temple to his choice of a bride. What a great feeling that is. To know our whole family was in the temple together. That was fulfilling.
We took our children to church each Sunday. Providing us with an opportunity to partake of the sacrament. These things are what is fulfilling.
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