I-have-missed-you-so-much,
I-am-so-stink'n-proud-of-you,
I-am-sooooooo-glad-you-are-home HUG!
Thursday, January 8, 2015
COUNTDOWN
We are Moms...so we count! We miss our missionaries in a way that no one else on Earth does! Don't get me wrong, we are elated that they are out serving the Lord... but... we miss them and we count the days till they return home. We look forward to "THE HUG"... you know, that
I-have-missed-you-so-much,
I-am-so-stink'n-proud-of-you,
I-am-sooooooo-glad-you-are-home HUG!
I-have-missed-you-so-much,
I-am-so-stink'n-proud-of-you,
I-am-sooooooo-glad-you-are-home HUG!
Monday, January 5, 2015
Are We Not All Beggars
Guest Blogger Julianne Brown Clegg lives in Lehi, Utah. She is the mother of 6. Tanner is her oldest and first missionary out. Julianne works as an aid at an elementary school. She loves to read every missionary blog she can find. Julianne served a mission in California, San Bernardino 20+ years ago.
My son, Elder Tanner Clegg, has been serving in the South Africa, Johannesburg Mission, for 6 months. Growing up, soccer was a huge part of his life. When he received his call, he googled what the main religion in South Africa is and one site said "Sports.... it brings us together." He was excited to go to a country where he thought he would be playing soccer in the streets with kids. It's true. He loves playing with the kids...but it's not how he played in Lehi. There's no matching game shirts or underarmour material or nike shorts. There are no nike balls or bright colored cleats, socks, and shin guards. The kids and youth congregate with a ball made of tied together rags or plastic bags. They make a goal post out of a random piece of wood or something already sticking out of the ground. The field is not nice grass or artificial turf...it's uneven dirt with clumps and rocks, or more recently, it's mud.
Johannesburg has had a postal strike (which just ended) for 4 months. The MP emailed families and told us to put money in their accounts instead of trying to send Christmas packages. Grandma & Grandpa put $100 in Tanner's account and told him about it in his email on the Monday before Christmas. I told Tanner to go buy himself something and he said "I can't, not when those around me have so little." So, he and his companion Elder Savage, went to a little store and bought out all the soccer balls.
He said:
"I dumped like 1000 rand ($100) on little soccer balls, i bought like 19 of them and am giving like 5 to the ward, and the others just writing our numbers and a little message saying like “Jesus Christ can make us smile every day, find out how by calling ________” type-thing. I'm just gonna drive out to the poorest areas tomorrow. "
Because they had a busy Christmas day planned, they chose to give them out on a rainy Christmas Eve afternoon.
His words from his blog are:
"Christmas Eve was the best. My grandma sent some money this side so we went and bought out all the soccer balls from this store. We drove out and just gave them to little kids who looked like they needed some love on Christmas.(tannercleggsouthafrica.blogspot.com)"
Tanner told us about it on our Christmas Skype. It made all of us happy for those kids to get balls...a luxury they don't get very often. He has told us over and over about their poverty and their needs and how he just wants to give them the clothes off his back. In fact, he did do that about a month ago. He said there is a man known for always being the "naked drunk". Many have offered him clothes, but he is not interested. My son happened to luck out. Tanner took his nice new pajama pants from JCPenny, and the man accepted them, and has been seen wearing them.
He also teaches a young boy who reminds Tanner of his little brother Max who he baptized 2 years ago when he turned 8. So, Max decided to send some of his own shirts to the kid who's name is Austyn. My son would tell us how Austyn wears the same Mickey Mouse t-shirt each week to church. So, Max sent him some of his shirts from his closet. And it's fun to see Austyn in the shirts.
I love being a MM and watching my son grow. He's always had a generous heart and I knew when he left that he would probably come home with nothing. Mostly because he loses everything. So, it makes me happy to see him give it all away, instead of losing it all. I know all of our kids are learning these amazing life lessons and are doing great things! And President Hollands talk "Are We Not All Beggars" couldn't hit closer to home for all these young missionaries.
~Julianne
PLEASE NOTE: Before organizing a project similar to this, please consult with the Mission President and receive permission from the proper Priesthood Authority. In some areas of the world gift giving by the missionaries is not permit for various reason.
Friday, January 2, 2015
New Year’s Resolutions from the prophets for 2015
So it's a new year...you know what that means...yep, time to make some New Years Resolutions. I have been thinking real hard about what I should work on this year, of course at the top of my list...
- Read the Book of Mormon again, cover to cover
- Exercise 5 times a week
- Eat Clean
...and then... someone posted this really neat article on FB, and my curiosity got the better of me...
and I read it!!!
I think I may need to add to my list of resolutions!!!
Our own sweet Christine Bates did a little research and found the talks that each of these Resolutions came from! There is so much wisdom here in these links! Too much to keep all to ourselves! Soooooo....we are sharing with you! Thanks Christine!!!
Choose Wisely
BY ELDER QUENTIN L. COOKhttps://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/choose-wisely?lang=eng
“I encourage everyone, young and old, to review goals and objectives and strive to exercise greater discipline. Our daily conduct and choices should be consistent with our goals. We need to rise above rationalizations and distractions. It is especially important to make choices consistent with our covenants to serve Jesus Christ in righteousness.” "A wonderful example of the need for moderation, balance, and wisdom is the use of the Internet. It can be used to do missionary outreach, to assist with priesthood responsibilities, to find precious ancestors for sacred temple ordinances, and much more.The potential for good is enormous. We also know that it can transmit much that is evil, including pornography, digital cruelty, and anonymous yakking. It can also perpetuate foolishness. As Brother Randall L. Ridd poignantly taught at the last general conference, speaking of the Internet, “You can get caught up in endless loops of triviality that waste your time and degrade your potential.”
1. Avoid contention
Loving Others and Living with Differences
BY ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS
“Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. . . . We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence.”
2. Find more meaning in temple service
Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority
BY ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT
“If you don’t have a temple recommend, qualify to get one. When you have a recommend, use it often. Schedule a regular time to be in the temple. Don’t let anyone or anything prevent you from being there. While you are in the temple, listen to the words of the ordinances, ponder them, pray about them, and seek to understand their meaning. The temple is one of the best places to come to understand the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Seek Him there. Remember that many more blessings come from providing your own family names in the temple.”
3. Take care of your body
Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence
BY ELDER JÖRG KLEBINGAT
“Take responsibility for your own physical well-being... “Feeding the spirit while neglecting the body, which is a temple, usually leads to spiritual dissonance and lowered self-esteem. If you are out of shape, if you are uncomfortable in your own body and can do something about it, then do it! … Please use good judgment in what and especially how much you eat, and regularly give your body the exercise it needs and deserves.”
4. Learn more about the gospel
Stay in the Boat and Hold On!BY ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD
“In searching the scriptures and the words of past and current apostles and prophets, we should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ, In addition to developing the habit of personal scripture reading, we need to be like the sons of Mosiah and give ourselves ‘to much prayer, and fasting.’ It seems that these things which are not easily measured are of great importance. Stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted.”
5. Be a better parent
Finding Lasting Peace and Building Eternal Families
BY ELDER L. TOM PERRY
“It is my firm conviction that there has never been a period in my many years of life when our Father in Heaven’s children have needed the guiding hand of faithful, devoted parents more,”“… We must find within ourselves that same determined spirit and overcome the challenges we face with the same spirit of sacrifice. We must instill in future generations an ever stronger reliance on the teachings of our Lord and Savior.”
6. Improve personal scripture study
Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority
BY ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT
Don’t yield to Satan’s lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures, ”Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!”
7. Serve someone every day
Are We Not All Beggars?
BY ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND
“A journalist once questioned Mother Teresa of Calcutta about her hopeless task of rescuing the destitute in that city.” “He said that, statistically speaking, she was accomplishing absolutely nothing. This remarkable little woman shot back that her work was about love, not statistics. Notwithstanding the staggering number beyond her reach, she said she could keep the commandment to love God and her neighbor by serving those within her reach with whatever resources she had.”“... we obtain a remission of our sins by pleading to God, who compassionately responds, but we retain a remission of our sins by compassionately responding to the poor who plead to us.”
8. Have more meaningful prayer
Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority
BY ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT
“Choose to converse with your Father in Heaven often. Make time every day to share your thoughts and feelings with Him. Tell Him everything that concerns you. He is interested in the most important as well as the most mundane facets of your life. Share with Him your full range of feelings and experiences.”
9. Increase your fast offering
Are We Not All Beggars?
BY ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND
"When speaking about caring for the poor, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland asked Church members to be “as generous as circumstances permit” in their contributions.“Cherish that sacred privilege [to fast] at least monthly, and be as generous as circumstances permit in your fast offering and other humanitarian, educational, and missionary contributions,” he said. “I promise that God will be generous to you, and those who find relief at your hand will call your name blessed forever>"
10. Repent daily
Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence
BY ELDER JÖRG KLEBINGA
"Repentance has some negative connotations, but daily repentance helps disciples of Christ become closer to the Savior.“Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out,”“Embrace the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance as things that are to be welcomed and applied daily according to the Great Physician’s orders. Establish an attitude of ongoing, happy, joyful repentance by making it your lifestyle of choice. … Keeping your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow."
11. Have Family Home Evening
Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority
BY ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT
"As Church members strengthen their own testimonies, teaching family members gospel truths will increase their understanding and increase the influence of the Spirit in family members’ lives.“Be cautious not to make your family home evening just an afterthought of a busy day,” Elder Richard G. Scott taught. “Decide that on Monday night your family will be together at home for the evening. Do not let employment demands, sports, extracurricular activities, homework, or anything else become more important than that time you spend together at home with your family. The structure of your evening is not as important as the time invested.”
12. Forgive quickly
Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence
BY ELDER JÖRG KLEBINGA
"People who forgive others relieve themselves of heavy burdens that decrease happiness. Immediate forgiveness increases joy and strengthens relationships.“Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life. Don’t hold grudges, don’t be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly, and don’t ever think that you are exempt from this commandment. Spiritual confidence increases when you know that the Lord knows that you bear no ill feelings toward another soul."
13. Maintain a clear vision
The Lord Has a Plan for Us!
The Lord Has a Plan for Us!
BY ELDER CARLOS A. GODOY
"As Church members set new goals and resolve to become better, it’s important to keep the end goal in mind. Elder Carlos A. Godoy taught this important principle:“Making decisions that can impact our lives and those we love without having the broader vision of their consequences can bring some risks. However, if we project the possible consequences of these decisions into the future, we can see with greater clarity the best path to take in the present. Understanding who we are, why we are here, and what the Lord expects from us in this life will help give us the broader vision we need. … We have the scriptures, the temple, living prophets, our patriarchal blessings, inspired leaders, and, above all, the right to receive personal revelation to guide our decisions.”
14. Evaluate yourself honestly
“Lord, Is It I?”
BY PRESIDENT DIETER F. UCHTDORF
“How can we shine the pure light of God’s truth into our souls and see ourselves as He sees us? May I suggest that the holy scriptures and the talks given at general conference are an effective mirror we can hold up for self-examination. As you hear or read the words of the ancient and modern prophets, refrain from thinking about how the words apply to someone else and ask the simple question: ‘Lord, is it I?'”
15. Emulate Jesus Christ
Ponder the Path of Thy Feet
BY PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON
“As we strive to place Christ at the center of our lives by learning His words, by following His teachings, and by walking in His path, He has promised to share with us the eternal life that He died to gain. There is no higher end than this, that we should choose to accept His discipline and become His disciples and do His work throughout our lives. Nothing else, no other choice we make, can make of us what He can.”
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Letting Go and Looking Up
by Guest Blogger Diane Jackson Workman
Letting go and looking up…. I’ve had a lot of reflection time today. My daughter came home in April from serving her full time mission in Costa Rica. My son is currently serving in the Oregon Eugene Mission and my third child is a senior in high school and will be starting his mission papers after the winter break. My baby and fourth child is 16 and is planning to serve a mission also. I am reflecting on these angles of the “missionary mom”.
I wished my daughter home so many times during her mission. It was a lot easier when she was out on her mission. Doesn't that sound insane? Seriously!! I remember someone telling me that and I was thinking, "you must have had a difficult child cuz I cannot wait!" Well, It IS so much easier when they are on their missions… Trust me on that - I also think they are less expensive.
Yesterday, we got to see and talk to my son on his mission for Christmas. He will hit his one year mark on Jan 15. He has just over a year more to go. Well, let me just tell you what I looked at on the TV screen... my little boy is gone. He is a man. Very mature, very spiritual and has such a testimony of every aspect of the gospel. He loves our Savior so much and has learned to look up to Him and his Father in Heaven. I was stunned numb when talking to him but I couldn’t quite figure out why… what was it that was so strange? We email back and forth every single Monday and I suppose the change was subtle. I hadn't noticed how much he has changed. In his weekly emails, he is still my funny little boy. This man I saw on Christmas was not the same. He is everything that I could hope and pray that my son would one day become. I was crying because he was a stranger. I cried because The Spirit testified to me how much he has grown. I cried because I missed him and I cried because he cried.
Here at home I adjust to our missionary not being here. I stopped looking for the missing person when we gather in the car to go somewhere or setting the extra plate at dinner. I have realized that we truly give our babies roots to grow and wings to fly. The most difficult thing is letting go and then watching them go.
I compare this mission adventure to teaching my children to ride their bikes. I remember with the first one, I bought all of the "guards". Shin guards, knee guards, elbow and wrist guards. I put her in a helmet and ran next to her when she was 8. (my last one learned to ride a two wheeler without training wheels by 3) I held onto that bar on the back of that bike and didn't want to let go because I knew she was going to fall down. That is what happens next... they have to learn how to ride the bike, balance, turn smoothly, look up and avoid the pit falls. They fall. Then, you pick them up, love them, put them back on the bike and run along some more... all the while encouraging them to keep pedaling, keep balancing, look up, avoid potential problems and hope they don't fall. (knowing they probably will again and again). We hope that they learned that turning too quick or not pedaling or looking down will cause them to fall again. We learn and hope they learn that the lesson is in the falls. I remember taking off the training wheels and doing it all again. Before you know it, they really get that hang of it on their own. They figure it out. I can't balance the bicycle for them or pedal the pedals... they have to do it... all I can do is run along the side until I can’t keep up any longer, encourage them, pick them up and love them. Then I wait in the driveway for them to return home, looking up, with a smile on their face.
It's so much like their missions. I have done all I can to protect my missionary and my sons getting ready to go. I’ve bought all of the guards. I have told him how to balance and showed him. I have stressed the importance of looking up and he has looked up to his older siblings to see how to do it, but now he has to do it by himself. He is going to fall. He will have a hard day or two. I will encourage some more, love him and tell him to get back on the bike. I realize the hardest part is letting go. I can even recall them telling me they are ready for me to let go. They are on their bikes ready to pedal. I have taught him what and how to do it. Now, I have to let him enjoy the ride, experience the adventure, put himself back on the bicycle and learn to look up. Pretty soon he will be around the corner heading back home. I will be in the yard waiting for him and it will seem he just went around the block.
My children’s mission journeys are so beautiful! There is so much joy in the lesson for both mom and the missionary. My daughter is moving onto different roads. College, marriage, family and finances. My missionary has learned the importance of looking up, balance and enjoying the ride. My other two sons are depending on their training wheels - ready for the adventure. I know that Heavenly Father calms my troubled heart. He comforts me constantly and I know that He is SO very mindful of our missionaries. He is guarding them. We need only to let go and look up.
About Diane:
Born and raised in Sandy, Utah. I've been a member my whole life. I married a less active, handsome member in the temple - my missionary moment, almost 25 years ago. I'll be 47 this next year! Holy cow that seems so old. I've wrecked on my own bike. A lot. I've had stitches and have scars but I always got back on, smiled and looked up.
Letting go and looking up…. I’ve had a lot of reflection time today. My daughter came home in April from serving her full time mission in Costa Rica. My son is currently serving in the Oregon Eugene Mission and my third child is a senior in high school and will be starting his mission papers after the winter break. My baby and fourth child is 16 and is planning to serve a mission also. I am reflecting on these angles of the “missionary mom”.
I wished my daughter home so many times during her mission. It was a lot easier when she was out on her mission. Doesn't that sound insane? Seriously!! I remember someone telling me that and I was thinking, "you must have had a difficult child cuz I cannot wait!" Well, It IS so much easier when they are on their missions… Trust me on that - I also think they are less expensive.
Yesterday, we got to see and talk to my son on his mission for Christmas. He will hit his one year mark on Jan 15. He has just over a year more to go. Well, let me just tell you what I looked at on the TV screen... my little boy is gone. He is a man. Very mature, very spiritual and has such a testimony of every aspect of the gospel. He loves our Savior so much and has learned to look up to Him and his Father in Heaven. I was stunned numb when talking to him but I couldn’t quite figure out why… what was it that was so strange? We email back and forth every single Monday and I suppose the change was subtle. I hadn't noticed how much he has changed. In his weekly emails, he is still my funny little boy. This man I saw on Christmas was not the same. He is everything that I could hope and pray that my son would one day become. I was crying because he was a stranger. I cried because The Spirit testified to me how much he has grown. I cried because I missed him and I cried because he cried.
Here at home I adjust to our missionary not being here. I stopped looking for the missing person when we gather in the car to go somewhere or setting the extra plate at dinner. I have realized that we truly give our babies roots to grow and wings to fly. The most difficult thing is letting go and then watching them go.
I compare this mission adventure to teaching my children to ride their bikes. I remember with the first one, I bought all of the "guards". Shin guards, knee guards, elbow and wrist guards. I put her in a helmet and ran next to her when she was 8. (my last one learned to ride a two wheeler without training wheels by 3) I held onto that bar on the back of that bike and didn't want to let go because I knew she was going to fall down. That is what happens next... they have to learn how to ride the bike, balance, turn smoothly, look up and avoid the pit falls. They fall. Then, you pick them up, love them, put them back on the bike and run along some more... all the while encouraging them to keep pedaling, keep balancing, look up, avoid potential problems and hope they don't fall. (knowing they probably will again and again). We hope that they learned that turning too quick or not pedaling or looking down will cause them to fall again. We learn and hope they learn that the lesson is in the falls. I remember taking off the training wheels and doing it all again. Before you know it, they really get that hang of it on their own. They figure it out. I can't balance the bicycle for them or pedal the pedals... they have to do it... all I can do is run along the side until I can’t keep up any longer, encourage them, pick them up and love them. Then I wait in the driveway for them to return home, looking up, with a smile on their face.
It's so much like their missions. I have done all I can to protect my missionary and my sons getting ready to go. I’ve bought all of the guards. I have told him how to balance and showed him. I have stressed the importance of looking up and he has looked up to his older siblings to see how to do it, but now he has to do it by himself. He is going to fall. He will have a hard day or two. I will encourage some more, love him and tell him to get back on the bike. I realize the hardest part is letting go. I can even recall them telling me they are ready for me to let go. They are on their bikes ready to pedal. I have taught him what and how to do it. Now, I have to let him enjoy the ride, experience the adventure, put himself back on the bicycle and learn to look up. Pretty soon he will be around the corner heading back home. I will be in the yard waiting for him and it will seem he just went around the block.
My children’s mission journeys are so beautiful! There is so much joy in the lesson for both mom and the missionary. My daughter is moving onto different roads. College, marriage, family and finances. My missionary has learned the importance of looking up, balance and enjoying the ride. My other two sons are depending on their training wheels - ready for the adventure. I know that Heavenly Father calms my troubled heart. He comforts me constantly and I know that He is SO very mindful of our missionaries. He is guarding them. We need only to let go and look up.
About Diane:
Born and raised in Sandy, Utah. I've been a member my whole life. I married a less active, handsome member in the temple - my missionary moment, almost 25 years ago. I'll be 47 this next year! Holy cow that seems so old. I've wrecked on my own bike. A lot. I've had stitches and have scars but I always got back on, smiled and looked up.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
A Missionary Christmas
(author unknown)
This year I'm giving Christ my son.
I've spent more time in the temple, my testimony stirred. I've reread November's Ensign, felt strength come from His words. Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run. Abraham seems closer because,This year I'm giving Christ my son.
I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war? Or how the pioneers chose Zion , their sacrifice was so much more. My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton For two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.
I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes, their shine. He's always hungered for the part of him that makes his soul divine. The stories and lessons he always heard, his choice and mine are one. I'll put my faith in God's hand. This year,
I'm giving Him my son.
Past gifts have lost their glitter. I think I finally understand: Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand. It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done. My gift has taken years to make, This year...
I'm giving Christ my son.
I know there's One who understands the sacrifice I'm making. Who knows the gift I willingly give, the toll it will be taking. For He has done it all before-- greater love, there could be none. For years ago God gave to me,
His only begotten son.
The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray; Now knock on doors to find the ones who will listen to what he'll say. Because I know Christ needs him, until all the gathering's done, My gift has taken years to make.
This year...I'm giving Christ my son.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Story of the Temple Canvases
A while back, we took up a donation so that the MMs could send a token of their love to some grieving families... There is an amazing story behind the scenes that goes along with the delivery of these gifts! We asked Shannon Avery to tell it in her words...Please welcome guest blogger Shannon Avery. Shannon is a wife, a mom, a business and social media consultant, a writer, an avid genealogist....and a Missionary Momma!
As many of you know, this year we lost several valiant missionaries while they were serving in the mission field. When a tragedy like this happens, support usually comes pouring in. Grieving families are overwhelmed with donations, gifts, letters, and other generous tokens of caring and compassion. As time passes, the hearts of those who mourn are still at a loss, but the rest of the world tends to move along. The first holiday season is especially challenging for those who've lost loved ones during the year.
The Missionary Mommas wanted to share their love for the families of our departed missionaries in a meaningful way. Heidi, founder of Missionary Mommas, put a lot of thought and prayer into the gifts that we would send, trying to be sensitive to their situations, while still providing something that would offer hope and peace in what feels like an impossible reality.
Heidi’s father is a photographer, and while reviewing some of his recent photos, she received a spark of inspiration to send the families of these great missionaries a canvas print of one of the temples her father photographed. She envisioned printing on the canvas photo, “Families are Forever.” Sometimes we take those simple, hope-filled words for granted. But for families heartbroken by the loss of their precious children, there are few words more powerful or inspiring.
During the process of creating the finished products, there were several issues to resolve with size, quality, and other details. In the midst of everything, the printer called Heidi. At first, she thought there was another problem with the project that would hold it up further. Instead, the woman at the print shop asked, “Is this one of those Mormon temples?” The question really took Heidi by surprise! But, during their phone conversation, she was able to share with this inquiring woman her personal testimony of the restored gospel, the temple, and her knowledge that families truly can be eternal.
So, the issues with the printing were resolved, the canvases were created, and the day came for them to be picked up. They were beautiful! After careful inspection, Heidi loaded them into her car and drove home.
It was dinnertime, so Heidi’s husband met her at the car to help. In the hustle of unloading and getting dinner going, the boxes with the canvases inside were leaned up against the back of the car.
After dinner, Heidi’s husband left to run an errand, but he quickly returned with the box that held the canvases in his arms. Heidi asked him what he was doing and, noticing he looked sick, asked if he was okay. That’s when he told her that he'd run over the canvases when he was backing the car out. (We can only imagine hearing this news! AUGH!)
They carefully removed each canvas from the box, and to their complete shock and disbelief, the canvases were perfect. There was tire tread across the crushed box, but the canvases AND their wooden frames were completely intact!
There’s no other explanation for the preservation of these gifts except that Heavenly Father recognizes the efforts of His children, and He protects His temples. He knew they were important enough to the Missionary Mommas and the families of those missionaries to preserve them.
This experience may just end up being one of those modern day miracles that some people will dismiss or explain away. Those families in Taiwan and Utah may never know the circumstances surrounding the Missionary Mommas’ offering, but we wanted to share the story with you, to strengthen your faith in our loving and eternal Father. He is in the small details of our lives, when we allow Him to be. Thank you to those sisters who contributed to our gifts, and may each of you have a most happy and blessed Christmas.
#ShareTheGift
Monday, December 8, 2014
My Rock
I was recently able to visit my family in Utah. My Mom and Dad live on the foothills in North Ogden. From their back porch, this is the view...
This is Ben Lomand Peak. I have never climbed it... although, that is on my bucket list! Ben Lomand draws many tourists, mostly avid hikers and climbers. When my family first moved back to the States (I think I was 6 or 7), I was so scared that this mountain was going to come crashing down on us. It took me a while to feel the safety of this giant rock. As I grew up, I learned to love this mountain and the security it brought. When I got lost, I could look towards the peak and know which direction to travel to get back home! I knew that no matter where we ventured, when I saw Ben... I was almost home! Now, when I visit, I feel a sense of comfort as we round the bend and Ben Lomand comes into view... I feel safe. I feel protected. I feel at home!!!
I have another rock!
He is my Savior!
I look to him for comfort too! As a child, when I sinned, I worried that He would come "crashing down on me"... but as an adult I find safety in the atonement. When I am lost, He helps me find my way. When I read His stories in my precious scriptures, I know what direction to travel! Christ also attracts the attention of many... not just hikers and climbers tho! His invitation to all "Come Unto Me" is not exclusive!
This Christmas Season, let's share the gift of Christ, so that all mankind can feel the direction, the security and the love that comes from knowing our Savior! The Missionaries are the teachers....we, brothers and sisters, are the finders and the testifiers!!!
It is upon the rock of our Redeemer
that we must build our foundation.
****THE GOSPEL IS TRUE****
~Heidi
#ShareTheGift
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