Still here

It's been a while since I've posted anything. Spiritually I've hit a low I've never hit before. Even after Pres. Uchtdorf spoke about the forget-me-nots I've still had a hard time not thinking that the Lord has forgotten about us. I know I know better but it's still hard to keep my head up when nothing has happened. Paul still hasn't found a better job and I still haven't gained any hearing back. Well, the one thing I HAVE been trying to do is reflect on the blessings that I DO have right now. Paul DOES have a job and I DO have hearing in my other ear. We have 5 wonderful and healthy children. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of my best friends, whether she knows it fully or not, has subtly helped me through this dark time in my life. Last week she gave me a few scriptures to read which helped, really helped, to break me free of this dark time. At least spiritually. She helped me to recognize when the spirit has spoken to me and that I need to have faith and hope in the Lord through these trials.

Doctrine and Covenants 6:14-16, 21-24, 33-37

14 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast ^ainquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.

15 Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy ^amind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been ^benlightened by the ^cSpirit of truth;

16 Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that ^aknowest thy thoughts and the ^bintents of thy ^cheart.

21 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the ^aSon of God. I am the same that came unto mine ^bown, and mine own received me not. I am the ^clight which shineth in ^ddarkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.

22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might ^aknow concerning the truth of these things.

23 Did I not speak ^apeace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater ^bwitness can you have than from God?

24 And now, behold, you have received a ^awitness; for if I have ^btold you things which no man knoweth have you not received a witness?

33 ^aFear not to do ^bgood, my sons, for whatsoever ye ^csow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow ^dgood ye shall also reap good for your ^ereward.

34 Therefore, fear not, little ^aflock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are ^bbuilt upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and ^asin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36 ^aLook unto me in every ^bthought; ^cdoubt not, fear not.

37 ^aBehold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the ^bnails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall ^cinherit the ^dkingdom of heaven. Amen.

I've had a hard time lately recognizing if certain thoughts are my own or from the Spirit. These verses helped to clarify that and I DO know that the Lord hears my prayers and that he'll bless us eventually, with those righteous desires as long as we're doing our part. We must continually be trying to reach a new spiritual level for ourselves. Today I was reading the December issue of the Ensign and decided to take this challenge. I know it'll make it easier to see my blessing through my trials. So I'm going to record it here for my own reflection.

Gratitude Challenge

10 physical abilities you are grateful for.

1. Running. I love to run! I can't imagine my life without being able to run.
2. Hearing. I am SO grateful that I still have 1 good ear to hear my children's laughter. To hear my husbands loving voice. To hear our Prophet speak to us. To hear inspirational music.
3. Playing with my children.
4. Reading. I love to get caught up in a good novel! I love to read my scriptures.
5. Touch. I love to cuddle with my husband. I love to hug and hold my children. I love to kiss their cheeks!
6. Smell. I love the smell of my children after they've had a bath! I love the smell of fresh baked bread. I love the smell of fresh bloomed lilac bushes!
7. Sight. I love to watch my kids play together(on the days they're getting along!). I love watching my husband work. He's a hard worker and loves building things!
8. Playing the piano. I've played since I was 4. I love sitting down and getting lost in playing beautiful songs.
9. Laughing. I love to laugh! It brightens any hard day!
10. Singing. I love to sing! I have a fear of singing a solo in front of people but I'll do a duet any day with someone! I'll sing my heart out at my piano when no one is around!

10 material possessions you are grateful for.

1. My home.
2. My piano.
3. My scriptures.
4. My books.
5. My running shoes.
6. My car.
7. My clothes.
8. My bed. I LOVE LOVE LOVE flannel sheets!
9. Clocks. I hate being late to anything!
10. My yard. I have a large yard with tons of trees, hammocks, picnic tables and garden. It's a sanctuary.

10 living people you are grateful for.

1. My husband.
2. My children.
3. My parents.
4. My in-laws.
5. The prophet of our church.
6. Marcia Lynn McClure. (I love getting wrapped up in one of her books!)
7. Emi, Shayla, Stephanie, Tara, Alycia. I'm being 1st name specific because you mean so much to me in my life right now! I love you! (this does not exclude others who have touched my life at other times!)
8. My siblings.
9. Grace Wilson. She's my 3rd grandmother who loves my family like her own!
10. My cousin Cortney. Thanks for teaching me a lesson on never ending faith, hope and patience!

10 deceased people you are grateful for.

1. Jesus Christ. How could we be here without Him?
2. Grandma Koon. Such a great example of acceptance of others!
3. Grandpa Fielding. One of the best examples of hard work I've ever seen!
4. My father-in-law, Dan Ellsworth. My life is better simply because I had the blessing of knowing him for 2 short years.
5. Beethoven. My first reason for my love of music!
6. Joseph Smith. The restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is on this earth again because of him!
7. Steve Jobs. Thanks for inventing the Mac computer and the iPad! Enough said! :)
8. My great grandpa Roy Fielding. One of the best examples of forgiveness I know!
9. Jeff Richards. Benjamin on 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. My first movie crush and the reason I love musicals so much!
10. Whoever first invented chocolate! Thank you...


10 things about nature you are grateful for.

1. The smell of pine.
2. Cool lakes.
3. Trails to hike and run on.
4. The smell of lilacs (yes, I'll say it again!)
5. The smell of rain.
6. The view of the mountains out my window.
7. Trees to climb in.
8. Apple trees, nectarine trees, and avacado trees!
9. Warm beaches and the sound of the ocean.
10. The sound of birds in the morning summer sun.

10 things about today you are grateful for.

1. Being able to go to church.
2. Partaking of the sacrament.
3. The Sunday School lesson.
4. The Relief Society lesson.
5. Choir practice.
6. Relaxing on my bed all afternoon!
7. A nap that I don't normally like taking.
8. Time with my family.
9. Quiet time with Paul.
10. Hearing my children's laughter while playing together.

10 places on earth you are grateful for.

1. My home.
2. My parents' home.
3. Nyssa, OR.
4. Cancun, Mexico.
5. Seattle, WA.
6. Washington, D.C.
7. Florida.
8. McCall, ID.
9. Pittsburgh, PA.
10. My grandparents' homes.
(These are all the places I've made the best memories!)

10 modern inventions you are grateful for.

1. My computer.
2. My Bosch.
3. My treadmill.
4. My TV.
5. Chocolate factories.
6. Book publishers.
7. Electricity.
8. Indoor plumbing.
9. The internet.
10. My car.

10 foods you are grateful for.

1. Nectarines.
2. Chocolate.
3. Steak and potatoes.
4. Seafood.
5. Coconut.
6. Angel Food Cake.
7. Oranges.
8. Bananas.
9. Homemade bread.
10. Fresh Raspberries.

10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

1. The Atonement.
2. The Sacrament.
3. Forgiveness.
4. The Scriptures.
5. The Temple.
6. The Plan of Salvation.
7. The Restoration of the Gospel.
8. Relief Society.
9. Primary.
10. The Priesthood.


I'm grateful for being able to reflect on these things. Most of them aren't in any particular order and they are the first things to come to mind. Some of them I had to think about for a long time but I'm very grateful for all that I have and I know the Lord will continue to bless me! This list will probably be different if I did it again in another year or even another month but it doesn't make me any less grateful for those things that might not be on this list again. I love the Lord and the many blessings he has blessed me with!

Forget-Me-Nots

On Sunday, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the 1st Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, gave a great analogy of Forget-Me-Nots. This picture sums up his talk. I needed to hear this talk! It was as if he was speaking directly to me. I have felt so alone lately. I've been feeling like the Lord has forgotten about us. I've been trying to put on a happy face for everyone because I don't like attention. I don't want people doting on me when I need to be the one to figure it all out for myself. I've been trying to find happiness in the scriptures and other areas but really, I've just felt really alone and forgotten. I cried when I listened to President Uchtdorf speak. It really hit home and I'm trying to apply it to my life so I can be happier. I had it DVR'd on my TV so I've watched it again. I've cried each time. It has just meant so much. You can watch it here. It's so much better to watch it but a summary is below.

President Uchtdorf Reminds Sisters of Five Things to “Forget Not”

“No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you, with an infinite love.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, gave this loving reminder during the General Relief Society Meeting on September 24, 2011.

Using the forget-me-not flower as a metaphor for his remarks, President Uchtdorf noted that although the flower is small in size, and easily unnoticed among larger flowers, it is still beautiful and vibrant.

President Uchtdorf tied the five petals of the forget-me-not flower to five things women should not forget.

Forget not to be patient with yourself:

President Uchtdorf reminded women that everyone has strengths and weaknesses—that no one is perfect, even those who may seem so.

“God wants to help us eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal,” President Uchtdorf said. “It is OK that you are not quite there yet. Keep working on it but stop punishing yourself. “

“Dear sisters, many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others,” he added. “Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself.”

Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice:

President Uchtdorf defined an acceptable sacrifice as giving up “something good for something of far greater worth.”

“Dedicating some of our time to studying the scriptures or preparing to teach a lesson is a good sacrifice. Spending many hours stitching the title of the lesson into homemade potholders for each member of your class may not be.”

President Uchtdorf noted that every situation is different, and suggested asking, “Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?” in order to distinguish between good and foolish sacrifices.

Forget not to be happy now:

Using an example from the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, President Uchtdorf described how one of the characters, Willy Wonka, hid golden tickets within chocolate bars, promising to reveal wonders to five people who discovered the tickets.

“In their anxiousness, people began to forget the simple joy they used to find in a candy bar. The candy bar itself becomes an utter disappointment if it does not contain a golden ticket,” President Uchtdorf said. Whatever a “golden ticket” may represent to each person, President Uchtdorf warned Relief Society sisters to not put their happiness on hold as they wait for a future event, or golden ticket, to appear.

“The lesson here,” he said,” is that if we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots that are all around us.”

Forget not the “why” of the gospel:

President Uchtdorf said that sometimes, in the routines of daily life, the vital aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ are unintentionally overlooked. “We sometimes see the gospel as a long list of tasks that we must add to our already impossibly long “to do” lists. We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it, but we sometimes forget why.”

President Uchtdorf reminded the sisters that the gospel is not an obligation, but a pathway leading to happiness and peace in this life and “glory and inexpressible fulfillment” in the life to come.

Forget not that the Lord loves you:

In closing, President Uchtdorf said, “Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time.”

“You may at times feel a little like the forget-me-not—insignificant, small, or tiny in comparison with others,” he said, noting: “I hope (the forget-me-not) will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet.”

Music

I am not an accomplished musician. I'll never claim to be but I have had singing lessons and I have been playing the piano since I was 4. That really doesn't mean much because when I was given the chance to quit piano lessons at the age of 14 I did! What teenager wouldn't? So therefore, my skill is stuck at that level. Although. I do feel like I can sit down and teach myself to play something if I desire. So, on occasion, I try to do just that. There are also some days when I feel the need to sit down at my piano and play what is familiar to me; what I've known how to play for years! Maybe even since I was 14. Sunday afternoons are a favorite time for me to do that. Maybe it's because the Spirit is so strong in our home on Sundays because we've been to church that I find myself playing spiritual songs. Well, today was no exception. I sat down and randomly started playing, and singing, a few of my favorites. While doing so, the Spirit was very strong! The words to 2 of these songs stuck out at me with such force that I felt that I needed to record them here. I would hope you will look them up, listen to them, listen to the words, and let them touch your heart personally, as they did me today. If I was daring enough, I would sing them to you but since I'm scared to death to do a solo in front of people, I guess I won't!

Oh, Lord, My Redeemer
Arranged by Greg Hansen
Words and Music by Jeff Goodrich

1. And the Roman soldiers laughed When they saw their pris'ner stumble.
He did not revile them back. And wondering, I asked, "Who was this man so humble?"
And a woman at my side Choked on her reply. Though she struggled not to weep,
The tears poured down her cheek, Her heart breaking as she cried:

Chorus
"Oh, Lord, my Redeemer. Thou hast done so much for me!
Oh Lord, my Redeemer, All my love I give to Thee!"

2. And the crowd went pushing on. I felt compelled to follow.
I knew that they were wrong How they mocked Him all along. Suddenly my heart felt hollow.
For they nailed Him to a tree On a hill called Calvary.
While I stood there filled with wonder, The heavens roared with thunder,
And again I heard this plea:

Chorus
"Oh, Lord, my Redeemer. Thou hast done so much for me!
Oh Lord, my Redeemer, All my love I give to Thee!"
I could not forget his face As I wandered from that place.
With the questions ever burning, I put myself to learning,
And each answer came with grace. And I knelt in earnest prayer,
His memory still there. and the more that I'd enquire, The hotter burned the fire.
I found joy beyond compare.

3. And the day turned into three. Morning found me in a garden
Where the gentle April breeze Returned me to my knees, Pleading for a pardon.
And I can't say when or why I opened up my eyes,
But his feet were there before me, His hands were open o'er me, and his face I recognized.

Chorus
"Oh, Lord, my Redeemer. Thou hast done so much for me!
Oh Lord, my Redeemer, All my love I give to Thee!"

Isaiah 47:4 As for our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.

Learn of Me
Words by Joy Saunders Lundberg
Music by Janice Kapp Perry


1. I walk today along the path of life, No more a child protected from the strife.
Now I must face whatever foes may come and fight with strength until the battle's won.
I trembling fear the task is far too great, on every side the Tempter lies in wait.
What can I do? I plead to Him above, then hear Him speak these gentle words of love:

Chorus
Learn of me and listen to my words, walk in the meekness of my light.
And I shall give you peace, my love will never cease, For I am Jesus Christ.

2. When I was yet a child so clean and pure, I doubted not and knew God's love was sure.
I knew He lived, for every bird and tree, by breath and leaf were witnesses to me.
But now the world would fill my mind with doubt, and so my soul, in search of truth finds out.
How may I know? I plead to Him above, then I recall these gentle words of love:

Chorus
Learn of me and listen to my words, walk in the meekness of my light.
And I shall give you peace, my love will never cease, For I am Jesus Christ.

3. My life is blessed to have His sacred word, to feel His love and know my prayers are heard.
Within my soul His light has found a place. It leads the way as I receive His grace.
The peace I feel, my joy in sacred things, Surpasses all the world could ever bring.
With humble heart I take a valiant stand I will obey this gentle sweet command:

Chorus
Learn of me and listen to my words, walk in the meekness of my light.
And I shall give you peace, my love will never cease, For I am Jesus Christ.
Learn of Me.


Doctrine and Covenants 19:23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

A loss of life, a blessing of life

This last week it would have been really easy to to be angry at God. I guess, it was just easier to be happy about the blessings He blessed me with instead.

On Monday August 29, 2011 at around 5:15am, my grandma passed away. She was 12 days shy of her 91st birthday. She was very special to me because I was born on her 60th birthday. It has always been very special to me to be able to share our birthdays. Each year we would get a picture together. Most years growing up we had birthday cake together at her house. I felt so special because my cousins, aunts and uncles would be there to celebrate her birthday but because it was mine too I got to enjoy the excitement as well. She will be so dearly missed!

On Wednesday, August 31st, a life was spared. Paul was in an accident at work where he was almost crushed by some trusses from the roof he was building. A large gust of wind came as they were putting them up and knocked them over. He was able to get to the end of the roof just before they completely collapsed. The truss on the end pulled him off the 16 foot high wall he was hanging on to. He was able to come away from it with just a scrape on his cheek, a black eye, a bruised elbow, and a scrape on his shin. 3 other guys he was working with were sent to the hospital but are OK now. Had the spirit not told him to get off the roof at just the right moment, he wouldn't have made it to the outer wall without being pulled down and into the pile of trusses.

I am so extremely grateful for the Spirit and the for the Plan of Salvation. I know that I will see my grandmother again. I know that she is in Heaven with her beloved husband who died 32 years ago. I know that the spirit told Paul to run off that roof when he did. I have no doubt in my mind that the Lord is there and that he's mindful of us in our lives.

“And they were spared and were not sunk and buried up in the earth; and they were not drowned in the depths of the sea; and they were not burned by fire, neither were they fallen upon and crushed to death; and they were not carried away in the whirlwind; neither were they overpowered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness.” (3 Ne. 10:12–13.)

The Plan of Salvation

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In the premortal existence, Heavenly Father prepared a plan to enable us to become like Him and receive a fulness of joy. The scriptures refer to this plan as “the plan of salvation” (Alma 24:14; Moses 6:62), “the great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8), “the plan of redemption” (Jacob 6:8; Alma 12:30), and “the plan of mercy” (Alma 42:15). The plan of salvation is the fulness of the gospel. It includes the Creation, the Fall, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and all the laws, ordinances, and doctrines of the gospel. Moral agency, the ability to choose and act for ourselves, is also essential in Heavenly Father's plan. Because of this plan, we can be perfected through the Atonement, receive a fulness of joy, and live forever in the presence of God. Our family relationships can last throughout the eternities.

Additional Information

We are participants in Heavenly Father's plan, and our eternal experience can be divided into three main parts: premortal life, mortal life, and life after death. As we come to understand the plan, we find answers to questions asked by so many: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do we go after this life?

Premortal Life

Before we were born on the earth, we lived in the presence of our Heavenly Father as one of His spirit children. In this premortal existence, we attended a council with Heavenly Father's other spirit children. At that council, Heavenly Father presented His great plan of happiness (see Abraham 3:22-26).

In harmony with the plan of happiness, the premortal Jesus Christ, the Firstborn Son of the Father in the spirit, covenanted to be the Savior (see Moses 4:2; Abraham 3:27). Those who followed Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were permitted to come to the earth to experience mortality and progress toward eternal life. Lucifer, another spirit son of God, rebelled against the plan and “sought to destroy the agency of man” (Moses 4:3). He became Satan, and he and his followers were cast out of heaven and denied the privileges of receiving a physical body and experiencing mortality (see Moses 4:4; Abraham 3:27-28).

Throughout our premortal lives, we developed our identity and increased our spiritual capabilities. Blessed with the gift of agency, we made important decisions, such as the decision to follow Heavenly Father's plan. These decisions affected our life then and now. We grew in intelligence and learned to love the truth, and we prepared to come to the earth, where we could continue to progress.

Mortal Life

We are now experiencing mortal life. Our spirits are united with our bodies, giving us opportunities to grow and develop in ways that were not possible in premortal life. This part of our existence is a time of learning in which we can prove ourselves, choose to come unto Christ, and prepare to be worthy of eternal life. It is also a time when we can help others find the truth and gain a testimony of the plan of salvation.

Life after Death

When we die, our spirits will enter the spirit world and await the resurrection. At the time of the resurrection, our spirit and body will reunite, and we will be judged and received into a kingdom of glory. The glory we inherit will depend on the depth of our conversion and our obedience to the Lord's commandments (see Kingdoms of Glory). It will depend on the manner in which we have “received the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:51; see also D&C 76:74, 79, 101).

Blessings through Knowledge of the Plan

A testimony of the plan of salvation can give us hope and purpose as we wrestle with the challenges of life. We can find reassurance in the knowledge that we are children of God and that we lived in His presence before being born on the earth. We can find meaning in our present life, knowing that our actions during mortality influence our eternal destiny. With this knowledge, we can base important decisions on eternal truths rather than on the changing circumstances of life. We can continually improve our relationships with family members, rejoicing in the promise that our families can be eternal. We can find joy in our testimonies of the Atonement and the Lord's commandments, ordinances, covenants, and doctrines, knowing that “he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23).

See also Agency; Atonement of Jesus Christ; Creation; Death, Physical; Death, Spiritual; Fall; God the Father; Gospel; Heaven; Hell; Jesus Christ; Kingdoms of Glory; Paradise; Resurrection

—See True to the Faith (2004), 115-17

Scripture References

2 Nephi 2:5-30; 10:23-25

Alma 12:24-37; 22:12-14; 42

Moses 6:47-62

The Pre-Existence

Have you ever had a time when you've met someone for the first time but felt like somehow you've met before? Or how about the time that you've realized that a certain person you know, you have a strong connection to but you're not sure why? I've been thinking about this recently. I wasn't sure why at first but then the more I thought about it, I realized that I truly believe that I had a special relationship with that person in the Pre-Existence. Here are a few examples.

Several years ago I was blessed with meeting someone who changed my life for the better. He made me realize that I was worth more than how I looked at myself. I was a better person because of him. I let the petty things I worried about at the time disappear. 14 years later he and I are still friends and we still keep in touch with each other. Sometimes I think back on it and I feel so blessed that he came into my life at just the right time. I was so caught up in the crazy high school life of who-likes-who and the whole social status thing that I was miserable but he made me realize that there are better things in life than that. I have felt oftentimes that somehow, somewhere in a different life we were very close friends, that we knew each other personally and in the next life we'll still have that friendship, that closeness.

A few weeks ago I met someone for the first time. I'd never met this person before but I instantly had a recognition like I'd met or known them before. In our conversations following I was reaffirmed by that fact. I felt like I needed to search my memory to figure out how I'd known them before.

It was after this second incident that I started thinking about it more in depth. I know that we've been told that we all knew each other personally in the Pre-Existence. These experiences have confirmed that for me. I've felt the spirit and I know it to be true. I get excited to think that I will have more of these experiences! It's almost as if in Heaven we said to each other, "Good luck down there! I'll try to find you!"

The Fulness of the Gospel: Life before Birth

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A continuing series explaining basic beliefs of the restored gospel, doctrines unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Of all the major Christian churches, only The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the human race lived in a premortal existence with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. “One of the strange things to me,” wrote President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972), “is the fact that so many people believe that there is a spirit in man and when he dies that spirit continues to live as an immortal thing, yet that it had no existence until man was born in this mortal life.” ¹

Solving Life’s Mystery

President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, addressed the significance of this doctrine: “There is no way to make sense out of life without a knowledge of the doctrine of premortal life. … When we understand the doctrine of premortal life, then things fit together and make sense.” ²

Without an understanding of our premortal life we cannot correctly comprehend our relationship with our Heavenly Father, nor can we completely grasp the purpose of this earth life and our divine destiny. “This doctrine of premortal life,” said President Packer, “was known to ancient Christians. For nearly five hundred years the doctrine was taught, but it was then rejected as a heresy by a clergy that had slipped into the Dark Ages of apostasy. Once they rejected this doctrine, … they could never unravel the mystery of life. They became like a man trying to assemble a strand of pearls on a string that was too short. There is no way they can put them all together.” ³

Man Is Eternal

"As the Lord restored divine truth through the Prophet Joseph Smith, knowledge of the premortal existence became critically important to our understanding of Heavenly Father’s plan for our salvation. “Man was also in the beginning with God,” the Lord revealed. “Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be” (D&C 93:29). Thus, in the sense that our intelligence has always existed, we had no beginning. But at some distant point in our premortal past, spirit bodies were created for us, and we became, literally, spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents. ⁴

The knowledge that we are spirit children of God, that we lived with Him before our mortal birth, and that we desired to become like Him defines our relationship with our Eternal Father. Joseph Smith taught that “God himself, … because he was more intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby [His children] could have a privilege to advance like himself.” ⁵ A necessary part of our advancement required us to leave our Father’s presence, to have a veil of forgetfulness cast over our minds, and to walk by faith, learning obedience to His commandments.

What We Know

Because we came to earth to be tested and to walk by faith, the Lord has not revealed many details about premortal life. What has been revealed, however, is sufficient for us to accomplish our purpose here on earth. A few of the revealed facts about our premortal existence follow:

• •

  We are God’s literal spirit children, and as such we have the potential to become like Him (see Rom. 8:16–17; D&C 93:33–34).

• •

  We participated in a Grand Council in Heaven where we heard the Father’s plan for our salvation. We chose to follow Jesus Christ, who was chosen to come to earth as our Savior and Redeemer, and we shouted for joy at this wonderful opportunity (see Job 38:7; Abr. 3:24–28).

• •

  Lucifer, “an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God” (D&C 76:25), said, “I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost” (Moses 4:1). But he sought that God should give unto him God’s own power and glory, and he proposed to change the conditions of our mortal experience, destroying our agency. Without agency, we would have been incapable of actually becoming like our Heavenly Father, so this proposal was rejected by God and by two-thirds of His children. Lucifer then rebelled, there was a War in Heaven—a war of words and a spiritual conflict—and he was cast out with “a third part of the hosts of heaven” who had followed him (D&C 29:36). He became known as Satan, and he and his followers now work with devilish determination to destroy our souls (see Rev. 12:7–9; D&C 29:36–39; Moses 4:1–4).

• •

  We came to earth without the memory of our prior existence, but we did come with individual strengths and talents, as well as weaknesses we must strive to overcome (see Ether 12:27; D&C 104:17; D&C 138:55–56; Abr. 3:23).

• •

  Earth life is not the beginning or the end of our existence, but it is both a test and a crucial stage in our ongoing development. Our performance in this test shapes our eternal future (see Abr. 3:25–26)."

A Challenging Day

Oh! What a day! School starts in 2 days. My kids are bored with everything! I can't keep them happy so I'm frustrated! In the middle of it all, I needed to go to Walmart. In the middle of an isle, a sweet little old lady stops me and says, "You have the cutest kids! What a blessing it is to have them! I've been watching them and you are so blessed!" It instantly calmed me down. I realized that there are things I can let go and not be such a mean mom about. I realized that yes, I am VERY blessed to have my children. Yes, I have bad days but lately it seems like I'm always mad at them, always mean and grumpy and the good days are far and few between because I'm constantly fighting with them. That sweet little lady in Walmart really put me in my place and made me realize that I just need to calm down and not jump so quickly down their throats about the little things. It's not worth it. I'm going to try harder to be calmer with them, more patient with them, and happier with them. I really do love my children; endlessly! I want to show it more often. I need to be a better example to them of Christlike love. I'm grateful for that sweet little angel that the Lord chose to send to me so I can try to change and be a better mom to my children.

“A stronger personal faith in Jesus Christ will prepare [your children] for the challenges they will most surely face.”

—Elder Neil L. Andersen

Things CAN get worse...

We still haven't secured a job. Paul's ankle still bothers him so he can't exercise the way he'd like to, I still can't hear out of my ear and I didn't think life could get any worse at the moment. NEVER think that! It CAN! It doesn't matter how bad it seems, it can always get worse!

I had a followup hearing test on Tuesday(today is Thursday), again, to see if my hearing after my surgery has improved at all. It hasn't, even a little. The doctor can't explain it so he sent me in to have an MRI to look for a brain tumor. My life literally passed before my eyes these last few days. I've never been that scared in my entire life! How can I die and leave the kids so young? What will happen to Paul? I'm only 30, I can't die yet! I'm not ready! etc, etc.

Paul and I decided to fast today for good results. Today, the results came back and they were great! Nothing there at all but we still can't explain the hearing loss. The Doc thinks it's a virus that attacks the nerve in the ear canal. Labirynthitis (or something like that). It's very rare. (I'm the queen of rare!) I'm on a steroid that he hopes will get rid of it but it could take a year for my body to heal itself, even just partially. The hearing loss could be permanent, or I could have just a little come back. Today, I'm just grateful to be alive! :) I'll think about the hearing loss in a few more weeks once I'm done with the steroid! I haven't been able to eat or sleep in 3 days. (The upside, I've lost 6 pounds!)

The Lord is real! He is here with us! He listens and answers our prayers! On Tuesday, I said a very specific prayer, and asked the Lord, "Please just tell me. Do I have a brain tumor?" I had a very distinct answer immediately after asking. "No!" I didn't know if that was just wishful thinking or the Spirit. So I asked again and had the same answer. Now, I haven't been the best with having a lot of faith, nor do I know exactly always if it's the Spirit speaking to me or if it's my own wishful thinking. So I still had the doubt in the back of my mind and I couldn't help getting emotional thinking that my time on this earth could be about up. I re-evaluated my life. Am I spiritually ready? No! Have I raised my kids good enough? No! Have I forgiven all that needed forgiving? Yes. I do feel like I've done that. But still, I was horrified that my time on this earth might just be about over. It really awakened me to what I need to do to improve my life. I'm grateful for that revelation! I wouldn't want that experience ever again, but my heart is SO full of gratitude today for the Lord's blessing that I'm OK, and that I could look back on my life and realize what I need to do to improve it.

It's funny because the one little detail that was left out, that potentially could have prevented all this worry and re-evaluation, wasn't revealed until the doctor was giving me my MRI results. The tumor he was looking for would be benign! NOT cancerous! It's just a growth where it shouldn't be. Thanks Doc, for not telling me this on TUESDAY! Well, as much as I went through these last few days, I really am grateful that I could realize what I need to do differently in my life. What I need to do better! I'm grateful that I've learned so much from this experience.

This scripture brought me comfort. It was literally as if the Lord was speaking directly to me.

Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee ^awhole.

I know I need more faith. I know I need to NOT question the Spirit when it speaks to me. The Lord answered my prayers on Tuesday night. I could have had that comfort all day Wednesday and today as I waited for the results if I had had more faith. Yesterday, I got a very distinct feeling that I was being prayed for. I've never felt that before and it was very humbling. I know the Spirit spoke to me in that moment to try to give me more comfort. I'm trying to have more faith. I'm learning. Isn't that what this life is about?

The Word of Wisdom

I've been studying the Word of Wisdom lately. I have had questions arise in my mind about drinking pop with caffeine and drinking herbal tea. In my studying (through the scriptures, articles on-line, lesson manuals, books written by apostles, LDS.org), I ran across a Sunday School lesson which helped to wrap up the findings to my study. I'm at peace now with my questions. I've also liked studying the scriptures this way; having a topic first, then searching for scriptures within that topic. I thought I'd share here, the Sunday School lesson, in part.

"Lesson 22: The Word of Wisdom: “A Principle with Promise”," Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (1999)

D&C 89:4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of ^aevils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of ^bconspiring men in the last days, I have ^cwarned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

"Heavenly Father has provided our bodies for a divine purpose. They are a necessary part of His plan for our eternal progression. Because of their importance, Heavenly Father has given us a stewardship to care for them. In our dispensation, as in ancient times, He has revealed principles of good health to help us keep our bodies clean and pure. Our obedience to these principles is an indication of our love for Him and an expression of our gratitude.

...our bodies are temples and are holy to the Lord. We should keep them pure because they are the dwelling places for our spirits, which are the offspring of God. Respecting our bodies as temples of God manifests our testimony that we are children of God. It also keeps our bodies pure so they can be dwelling places for the Holy Ghost.

...the Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom to the Prophet Joseph Smith long before the accuracy of its principles was fully documented in scientific studies. This revelation anticipated the current epidemic of substance abuse. It forewarns and protects us against specific problems of our day.

Not for the Body

...the Lord has not specified everything that we should and should not partake of. “Such revelation is unnecessary,” President Joseph Fielding Smith said. “The Word of Wisdom is a basic law. It points the way and gives us ample instruction in regard to both food and drink. … If we sincerely follow what is written with the aid of the Spirit of the Lord, … we will know what is good and what is bad for the body” (“Your Question: The Word of Wisdom,” Improvement Era, Feb. 1956, 78–79).

1. a. D&C 89:5–7. (Wine or strong drink.)
2. b. D&C 89:8. (Tobacco.)
3. c. D&C 89:9. (Hot drinks, defined as tea and coffee.)

The harmful substances that are prohibited in the Word of Wisdom cause addiction. Why are addictions to these substances dangerous? How can people overcome addiction to drugs and other harmful substances?

...there is hope for people who struggle with addiction. Overcoming addiction usually requires great personal desire and discipline, together with repentance and help from the Lord. Family, friends, and Church leaders may also provide help, and in some cases professional help may be necessary.

Good for the Body

1. a. D&C 89:10. (Wholesome herbs—nourishing vegetables and plants.)
2. b. D&C 89:11. (Fruit.)
3. c. D&C 89:12; see also D&C 49:19. (Flesh of beasts and fowls.)
4. d. D&C 89:14–17. (Grains.)
5. e. D&C 88:124. (Retiring to bed early and rising early—getting adequate sleep.)

How does getting adequate sleep affect us physically and spiritually?

President Brigham Young said: “Instead of doing two days’ work in one day, wisdom would dictate to [the Saints] that if they desire long life and good health, they must, after sufficient exertion, allow the body to rest before it is entirely exhausted. When exhausted, some argue that they need stimulants. … But instead of these kind of stimulants they should recruit by rest” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1941], 187).

Promised Blessings

1. a. D&C 89:18. (Physical health.)
2. b. D&C 89:19. (Wisdom and great treasures of knowledge.)
3. c. D&C 89:20. (The ability to run and not be weary and walk and not faint.)
4. d. D&C 89:21. (Protection from the destroying angel.)

...those who obey the Word of Wisdom will generally live longer and have a better quality of life than if they did not obey it. However, some people have severe illnesses or disabilities despite obeying the Word of Wisdom...these people can receive the spiritual blessings of obeying the Word of Wisdom even if their physical difficulties continue. Moreover, the Lord’s promises are for eternity, and those who do not receive all the promised blessings in this life will receive them hereafter.

...obeying the Word of Wisdom helps a person’s mental capacities...it helps a person receive spiritual treasures of knowledge, such as testimony, knowledge of divine truths, personal revelation, patriarchal blessings, and temple ordinances and covenants.

Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve said: “I have come to know … that a fundamental purpose of the Word of Wisdom has to do with revelation. … If someone ‘under the influence’ [of harmful substances] can hardly listen to plain talk, how can they respond to spiritual promptings that touch their most delicate feelings? As valuable as the Word of Wisdom is as a law of health, it may be much more valuable to you spiritually than it is physically” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 28–29; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 20).

...the Lord has given us the Word of Wisdom because He loves us and is concerned for our physical and spiritual well-being...the Word of Wisdom is more than a code of physical health; it is also a key to great spiritual blessings...as we follow this counsel, the Lord will fulfill His promises to bless us physically and spiritually.

1. Obeying the Word of Wisdom would solve the world’s economic problems

• President Heber J. Grant, the seventh President of the Church, taught that “the Word of Wisdom … would solve the economic problems … of every … country, if it were obeyed by the people of the world” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1936, 48). How do you think this could be so?

  Consider the amount of land, money, and other resources that are used to produce harmful substances, advertise them, purchase them, and treat the consequences of their use. For example, in 1985 the cost in America of health care and lost productivity related to the use of tobacco was approximately $65 billion (see Ensign, Sept. 1986, 61). The costs of the production and use of alcohol are also very high. Consider the potential economic impact of using these resources for beneficial purposes rather than destructive ones.

2. Obeying the Word of Wisdom is associated with additional benefits

Social scientists have found that Church members who live the gospel, including the Word of Wisdom, are more likely than others to be happy in their marriages and satisfied with their family life. They are less likely to engage in premarital or extramarital sex, to experience depression, and to be involved in delinquent, deviant, or antisocial behaviors. (See Robert L. Millet and Noel B. Reynolds, eds., Latter-day Christianity: 10 Basic Issues [booklet, 1998], 46–47.)

3. Obeying the Word of Wisdom helps a missionary teach with power

Obeying the Word of Wisdom blessed one missionary in an unexpected way. While he was teaching a man about the Word of Wisdom, the man looked into his eyes and asked, “Do you mean to tell me that you have never tried drugs, smoked a cigarette, or tasted alcohol in any form?” The missionary looked directly at the man and spoke with a strong voice, “No, sir. I never have.”

The missionary later described the experience that followed: “A power went through me at that moment and I knew why I had always kept the Word of Wisdom. I am grateful that when I came to that moment in my life, I was able to bear a strong testimony of the importance of the Word of Wisdom because I had always been obedient to it.”

4. “Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength” (D&C 10:4)

• What counsel did the Lord give Joseph Smith in D&C 10:4? (See also Mosiah 4:27.) How might this counsel apply to our health? What are the dangers of disregarding this counsel?

5. Tattoos and unusual body piercing

The Apostle Paul taught that our bodies are holy to the Lord and that they are temples in which the Holy Ghost can dwell (1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Just as we should not defile our bodies by partaking of harmful substances, we should not defile their external surface with tattoos or unusual piercing. Such modifications can have negative physical, social, and spiritual consequences. (See David A. Burton, “I Have a Question,”Ensign, Feb. 1999, 52–53.)

"Lesson 22: The Word of Wisdom: “A Principle with Promise”," Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (1999)"

Trials of Faith

Paul and I are having our faith thoroughly tested as of late. It started out with us losing our job. That was definitely a surprise to us and really threw us for a loop. It was very unexpected. Next, Paul sprained his ankle. It wasn't bad enough to go to the hospital but it did have him on crutches for a few days then not able to walk stably for a week after that. Then I found out I needed to have surgery on my ear to repair a ruptured eardrum that hadn't healed on it's own. This has probably been one of the hardest months of my life, emotionally and spiritually.

As I write this we still haven't found a job. I've been forced to re-evaluate my food storage, our current spending and our savings. What can we do without? I've realized that the counsel by our prophets to have a good food storage doesn't necessarily mean that we'd need it during a natural disaster or of a similar situation. We might just need it because we've lost our job. I feel so blessed that I've tried to be diligent in this counsel and have built up a pretty good food storage.
Paul's ankle has now healed and that's been a blessing that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I had surgery on my ear and when I woke up I was very dizzy, disoriented, nauseous, and couldn't walk straight because of no balance. I didn't know that this wasn't normal so finally after about 5 days of not being able to get out of bed, I called my doctor. He saw me in his office and explained that I had pretty severe Vertigo which is very rare after this procedure. He said he had only seen it twice in the 12 years he's been an ENT. I also have to no taste on the right side of my mouth. Another rarity with this procedure. He prescribed me 3 different medications to take and explained that it probably wouldn't go away until after my ear had completely healed in another 4-6 weeks. This was horrible news! How could I do my day to day responsibilities and how could Paul find a job? Once we got home, I asked our dear friend if he would help Paul give me a priesthood blessing. 3 days later the Vertigo was completely gone. I've been so blessed to be able to get back to my day to day responsibilities and that Paul has been able to get back on track to finding a job to support our family. I've really tried to look at all the blessings to come from these trials. Here are a few I've recognized.

#1. We're blessed that we don't have to work for such a dishonest company anymore. We weren't comfortable working under their circumstances so now I guess we won't have to!
#2. Paul sprained his ankle after we had already lost our job so he didn't have to take time off of work because of it.
#3. I had my surgery after we'd already lost our job so Paul, again, didn't have to take time off of work to take care of the children and I.
#4. We have enough savings to get us by for a while and to pay the co-pays and deductibles from my surgery and post-ops.
#5. We have our tax returns coming soon to supplement our income for a couple months.
#6. We have a good food storage to get us by.
#7. We're all healthy. We have each other.

It's been hard to come up with the blessings of these trials but it's imperative that I do! I know that trials make us stronger and that the Lord promised that "after the trial of our faith cometh the blessings." Well, I'm trying to see some of those blessings while we're going through these trials. It's what is strengthening me and getting me through them. I have such a strong testimony of priesthood blessings! I know the Lord blessed the Vertigo to go away so I could continue with the things I needed to do. I know that if we endure these trials to the end, the Lord will bless us with the righteous desires of our hearts! We will find the means to provide for our family. We will be stronger for what we're going through. I know the Lord is there and that he loves us and is watching out for us! I know that I need to be strong and to be a good example to my children that with each other, with our combined prayers, with attending the temple, with our faith, we will be blessed!

Trials and Adversity Lesson 15

Understanding the Purpose of Trials and Adversity

• 1. Ere you left your room this morning,
  Did you think to pray?
  In the name of Christ, our Savior,
  Did you sue for loving favor
  As a shield today?

  [Chorus]
  Oh, how praying rests the weary!
  Prayer will change the night to day.
  So, when life gets dark and dreary,
  Don’t forget to pray.

  2. When your heart was filled with anger,
  Did you think to pray?
  Did you plead for grace, my brother,
  That you might forgive another
  Who had crossed your way?

  3. When sore trials came upon you,
  Did you think to pray?
  When your soul was full of sorrow,
  Balm of Gilead did you borrow
  At the gates of day?

Elder Robert E. Wells shared the following experience that helped him gain a new perspective on the purpose of trials and adversity: “I have been flying many kinds of aircraft for the last 30 years, both in the United States and in Latin American countries. Not too long ago when I had returned to the [United] States after an absence of some years, a very dear friend offered me the use of his new [airplane]. …

“We discussed my qualifications of being covered under his insurance policy, and it turned out that I needed a check ride with a qualified inspector as it had been some time since I had flown that particular type of plane.

“The arrangements were made, and I met the inspector at the side of the airplane at the appointed hour with my licenses from the USA, Argentina, Paraguay, and Ecuador, and logbooks showing flights in Cessna 310s across jungles, mountains, deserts, international boundaries, etc. He smiled calmly but was unimpressed and said, ‘I’ve heard about you, and I have no doubt about how much flying you have done, but I have to assume that those flights were when nothing went wrong. Now let’s fire up this bird and see how well you fly it when everything goes wrong!’

“For the next hour he made everything go wrong! He simulated every emergency he could think of. He turned things off that should have been on. He turned things on that should have been off. He tried to create disorientation or panic. He really wanted to know how well I could fly when everything did go wrong! In the end he climbed out, signed my logbook, and announced, ‘You’re okay. …’

“One of the purposes of this life is to be tested, tried, and proven to see how well we will serve the Lord. The Prophet Joseph [Smith] said that we would be tested to see if we would serve and remain faithful through all hazards. We knew before we came that there would be many adverse circumstances to test us: accidents, sickness, and disease to prove us; temptations and distractions to try us; disappointments, discouragements, reverses, failures, and all kinds of situations to determine our character. …

“The question still is: How well can you fly it when everything goes wrong? How well can you live when every test, every trial, every proof of your faithfulness is exacted of you?” (Robert E. Wells, “How Well Can You Fly It When Everything Goes Wrong?” New Era, June 1978, 4–6).

It is evident that we will all face trials and adversity, regardless of how righteous we are. President John Taylor commented: “I heard the Prophet Joseph say, in speaking to the Twelve on one occasion: ‘You will have all kinds of trials to pass through. And it is quite as necessary for you to be tried as it was for Abraham and other men of God, and (said he) God will feel after you, and He will take hold of you and wrench your very heart strings, and if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God’” (in Deseret News [Weekly], 29 Aug. 1883, 498).

Coping with Adversity

Sister Stella Oaks, mother of Elder Dallin H. Oaks, told the following story of some of her trials and testing and how she learned to cope:

“To find one’s own personal relationship with Heavenly Father, to never doubt that he guides the details of our lives, to be able in life’s conflict to say, ‘Thy will be done,’ is the attaining of the ability to walk by faith. This ability is something that each soul must find in his own way through the creative living-out of any and all trying experiences that may come along. My proving ground came in learning to be obedient to a frightening command—that of accepting the imminent death of my husband after only eleven years of marriage and accepting the challenge of being a mother and woman alone in the world.

“I had watched Lloyd [my husband] become weaker and lose ground from day to day. …

“One June night I knelt alone in prayer, utterly spent, wondering at that midnight hour how humble one had to be to receive an answer to one’s pleading. It was just at that moment that I felt an envelopment of the spirit of peace, a profound assurance that God is over all and that it was his will that was in command and not mine. I could finally say, ‘Thy will be done,’ and feel the peace. … I relaxed in my faith and discovered that I had a new trust in the Lord.

“But even though this sweet peace enveloped me I still could not sleep, and once more I turned on the light. As I reached for the Doctrine and Covenants, … it fell open to a section where [a message was given to me]. … I was given to know that the Lord loved me and that I would be made equal to my mission. I felt an encircling love that has sustained me ever since that great moment of change in my life. I have had continual hardships and challenges but always the sure knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, our Redeemer, and that he sustains us through the opposition that must arise in all things” (“Thy Will Be Done,” in Leon Hartshorn, comp., Remarkable Stories from the Lives of Latter-day Saint Women, 2 vols. [1973–75], 2:183–84).

• What did Sister Oaks learn through her trials? What are some lessons you have learned through adversity that you could appropriately share with the class?

• Why is it important that we learn to accept the will of the Lord?

As Sister Oaks exercised faith and prayer, gained strength and assurance from the scriptures, and leaned on Jesus Christ, she discovered that she could deal with her trials. The same holds true for each of us.

Faith in Our Savior

Jesus Christ will help us bear our burdens if we seek Him.

• Read Matthew 11:28–30. What blessing is promised to those who come to Jesus Christ?

Elder Richard G. Scott said: “To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good even though you cannot understand how He can possibly do it. We are like infants in our understanding of eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality. Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you. That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that come from being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at your first petition, you could not grow. Your Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son love you perfectly. They would not require you to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for your personal benefit or for that of those you love” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 19; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 17).

Prayer and Fasting

“Prayer in the hour of need is a great boon. From simple trials to our Gethsemanes, prayer can put us in touch with God, our greatest source of comfort and counsel” (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, 91; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, 66).

When we need special help from the Lord, we should remember that strength can come from fasting. As we accompany our prayers with fasting, we can feel the Spirit and learn the Father’s will for us. (See lesson 6, “Fasting,” in The Latter-day Saint Woman, Part A.)

Scriptures

The scriptures contain many passages that can enlighten, encourage, and comfort. We can find answers to our questions in the scriptures. The words of the living prophets can give direction. When we face our problems, strengthened with the messages of the scriptures, we will find new courage and direction.

Priesthood Blessings

We have the privilege of receiving blessings through the priesthood. These blessings can be given for many reasons, including sickness, distress, and trial. (See lesson 12, “Priesthood Ordinances,” in The Latter-day Saint Woman, Part A.)

President Ezra Taft Benson explained some of the times when we could ask for a blessing: “In a particularly stressful time, or in the anticipation of a critical event, one can seek for a blessing under the hands of the priesthood. Even the Prophet Joseph Smith sought and received a blessing under the hands of Brigham Young and received solace and direction for his soul” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, 92; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, 66).

Our patriarchal blessing can also give us insight and help us find direction. Often we can find answers to our problems or concerns through studying this special blessing.

Service and Work

As we become involved in helping others, our thoughts are lifted from our own personal problems. President Lorenzo Snow said, “When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1899, 2–3).

Strength from Others

True friends who can listen to our problems and give us counsel and encouragement are a great help in times of stress. The Prophet Joseph Smith wrote of the joy of friends: “How sweet the voice of a friend is; one token of friendship from any source whatever awakens and calls into action every sympathetic feeling” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 134).

Our greatest friendships should begin in our homes and extend from there. We can help our friends bear their burdens, and they should help us bear ours.

• Mosiah 18:8–9.

• 8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are ^adesirous to come into the ^bfold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

  9 Yea, and are ^awilling to mourn with those that ^bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as ^cwitnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the ^dfirst resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

Enduring Our Burdens Well

While the Prophet Joseph Smith was illegally jailed in Liberty, Missouri, he received a revelation in answer to his petition to the Lord. This revelation is found in Doctrine and Covenants 121 and contains information about the blessings we can receive if we endure afflictions well.

• Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8.
  
• 7 My son, ^apeace be unto thy soul; thine ^badversity and thine afflictions shall be but a ^csmall moment;

  8 And then, if thou ^aendure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy ^bfoes.

• What blessings were promised to Joseph Smith if he endured well?

George A. Smith recalled the following counsel given by Joseph Smith: “He [Joseph] told me I should never get discouraged whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap” (quoted in My Errand from the Lord: A Personal Study Guide for Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums, 1976–77, 175–76).

To help us endure our afflictions in the manner suggested, we might ask ourselves, “How can I make this experience a blessing in my life? What can I learn from this experience?”

Elder Robert E. Wells said: “Sometimes we go many years with no problems, and then they seem to come all at once, and the burdens seem to be more than we can bear. But through it all, we have two main strengths to rely on: (1) We knew before we came that it would be like this, yet we wanted to come because the blessings of remaining faithful to the end would earn us eternal exaltation. (2) We will never be tempted beyond our ability to resist” (New Era, June 1978, 5).

• 1 Corinthians 10:13.
  
• 13 There hath no temptation ^ataken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be ^btempted above that ye are able; but will with the ^ctemptation also make a way to ^descape, that ye may be able to ^ebear it.
• How does the Lord help us bear our trials?

Blessings after Tribulation

• John 16:33. The Lord reassures us that we can have peace even though we have tribulation.

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have ^apeace. In the ^bworld ye shall have ^ctribulation: but be of good ^dcheer; I have ^eovercome the world.

Job, who faced great tribulation, received his blessings after he had endured. The Lord accepted Job and gave him “twice as much as he had before. … The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning” (Job 42:10, 12).

• Doctrine and Covenants 58:2–4. Why must we remain faithful even in times of trial?
  

2 For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that ^akeepeth my commandments, whether in life or in ^bdeath; and he that is ^cfaithful in ^dtribulation, the ^ereward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

3 Ye cannot behold with your natural ^aeyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the ^bglory which shall follow after much tribulation.

4 For after much ^atribulation come the ^bblessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be ^ccrowned with much ^dglory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.

Even as Jesus Christ received His glory after He endured all things, so may we. “He that remaineth steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:11).

Conclusion

In this life we will face much adversity. The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that he would suffer great afflictions. Also he partly explained why: “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7). This comforting assurance enabled Joseph to endure his afflictions well. The promises given to him apply to us also: “Therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever” (D&C 122:9).

“How Firm a Foundation”

3. Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, …

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

4. When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow,

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, …

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design …

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

7. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, …

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!