I have done a lot of thinking about the word "friends" as of late. I have studied scriptural references regarding this word. I found it interesting that in the parables of the lost coin and lost sheep, upon finding both of those things, these individuals share their good fortune with their "friends". I also found it interesting that in one of the most heart-wrenching sections in the Doctrine & Covenants, where Joseph cries unto the Lord while imprisoned in Liberty Jail and the Lord responds to be of peace and to endure adversities well with the promise of exaltation on high, the Lord then offers these poignant words to Joseph: "Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands." D&C 121:9
I, like in the parables of the coin and sheep, have shared my good fortune with good friends. And though I have not experienced the depth of the trials that Joseph has, I have certainly experienced "...friends [who]...stand by [me] and ...hail [me]again [and again] with warm hearts and friendly hands." In fact, I am overwhelmed with the warm hearts and friendly hands that have shared in the good fortune of our family these past few months.
So to all my friends, who so lovingly stand by me, Jared and our children; who offer hearts and hands of charity over and over again, who share in our good fortune of weddings, missions, family get-togethers, and the many other joys we have, I say with a heart brimming over with gratitude: "Thank you. I love you."
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
A Deborah In The Making
I feel like I have gotten to know a different Natalie these past few months and I have come to the conclusion that she is a very complex person. I find it interesting that the thing that makes her so unique is the fact that her personality is so intertwined with the influence of all four of her brothers. It is really amazing to see them manifest so strongly in who she is.
* Her thirst for knowledge, books, trivia, and really anything else that will expand her mind is so reminiscent of Derrick. I am truly amazed with Natalie's mind. She retains every detail and can call it up when it is needed.
* The little dance that Natalie does when she is just about to do something she is happy about, is a dance I have seen Brandon do many times. She and Brandon also have very similar sensitive natures,and they both enjoy their solitude!
* Everyday I experience Daniel's quirkiness as Natalie does "the Daniel voice and language" or repeats incessantly the phrase: "mommy do you like me", along with mimicking many of his other mannerisms. She is hilarious and has a sense of humor much like that of Dan.
* But the strongest influence that I see in Natalie is Travis. She is often silent, listening, reflective, quiet. I know she is deep in thought and trying to make sense of something, and like Travis, she tactfully states her views and stands by them.
I love the fact that Natalie possesses qualities that are the best of her brothers. It makes it fun and interesting to be around her. It also makes for a well-rounded individual who has an innate ability to love, assess, judge, and accept.
Those above mentioned traits lend themselves to the great spiritual gift of discernment and righteous judgement. I look at Natalie as a modern day Deborah. Deborah served as a righteous, highly esteemed judge equal only to Samuel and Gideon of old. During her reign as judge, the Israelites were less than valiant and in constant need of repenting. Deborah never turned her back on her beloved Isarelite people. She made difficult, but righteous judgments.
During Natalie's teen aged years, she had several very close friends who struggled at various times in their lives. I loved how she loved these friends. I loved how she prayed, sought and offered counsel, and when needs be, she distanced herself, all done according to her ability to discern and make righteous judgments. Never did she abandon, belittle, or condemn her troubled friends. She did all she could to help and guide them back to where they should be. And many times, her leadership and loyalty was instrumental in helping a wayward friend back on a positive path.
But there were times when her influence wasn't effective. I can think of three separate times when a sad, distraught Natalie came to me, concerned about a friend, but knowing that it would not be wise to continue their close relationship. The decision was not made lightly and on two instances, Natalie lost a best friend. Her ability to righteously judge these situations required difficult action. Like Deborah, she did not shrink from her judgments. And like Deborah, she did not shun those who were making wrong choices.
Natalie has a close friend who has taken a very different path since graduation; in fact, they couldn't be more opposite in values, politics, religious beliefs, and social views. Natalie's gift of discernment and judgment has led her to censor their media contact, but she loves and cares for her friend. She invites him over when he is in town. She remembers his birthday and things that they shared. As much as they are different, they still have much in common. And although this friend knows exactly where Natalie stands, he also knows that she loves him.
There can not be a more needful gift at this time in life, than that of righteous judgement. It isn't easily earned. It is entrusted to someone who is worthy of it's influence and power. I believe that this gift is bestowed to those who are spiritually mature and wise. This gift is not given to someone who esteems them self to be better or more valiant. Its recipient is humble, loving and accepting. Natalie, you are this kind of person and the Lord has entrusted to you this great gift. Your influence will be profound, not just on the people of Ecuador, but on the world. I really believe this! Happy Birthday dear daughter. I love you! Mommy
* Her thirst for knowledge, books, trivia, and really anything else that will expand her mind is so reminiscent of Derrick. I am truly amazed with Natalie's mind. She retains every detail and can call it up when it is needed.
* The little dance that Natalie does when she is just about to do something she is happy about, is a dance I have seen Brandon do many times. She and Brandon also have very similar sensitive natures,and they both enjoy their solitude!
* Everyday I experience Daniel's quirkiness as Natalie does "the Daniel voice and language" or repeats incessantly the phrase: "mommy do you like me", along with mimicking many of his other mannerisms. She is hilarious and has a sense of humor much like that of Dan.
* But the strongest influence that I see in Natalie is Travis. She is often silent, listening, reflective, quiet. I know she is deep in thought and trying to make sense of something, and like Travis, she tactfully states her views and stands by them.
I love the fact that Natalie possesses qualities that are the best of her brothers. It makes it fun and interesting to be around her. It also makes for a well-rounded individual who has an innate ability to love, assess, judge, and accept.
Those above mentioned traits lend themselves to the great spiritual gift of discernment and righteous judgement. I look at Natalie as a modern day Deborah. Deborah served as a righteous, highly esteemed judge equal only to Samuel and Gideon of old. During her reign as judge, the Israelites were less than valiant and in constant need of repenting. Deborah never turned her back on her beloved Isarelite people. She made difficult, but righteous judgments.
During Natalie's teen aged years, she had several very close friends who struggled at various times in their lives. I loved how she loved these friends. I loved how she prayed, sought and offered counsel, and when needs be, she distanced herself, all done according to her ability to discern and make righteous judgments. Never did she abandon, belittle, or condemn her troubled friends. She did all she could to help and guide them back to where they should be. And many times, her leadership and loyalty was instrumental in helping a wayward friend back on a positive path.
But there were times when her influence wasn't effective. I can think of three separate times when a sad, distraught Natalie came to me, concerned about a friend, but knowing that it would not be wise to continue their close relationship. The decision was not made lightly and on two instances, Natalie lost a best friend. Her ability to righteously judge these situations required difficult action. Like Deborah, she did not shrink from her judgments. And like Deborah, she did not shun those who were making wrong choices.
Natalie has a close friend who has taken a very different path since graduation; in fact, they couldn't be more opposite in values, politics, religious beliefs, and social views. Natalie's gift of discernment and judgment has led her to censor their media contact, but she loves and cares for her friend. She invites him over when he is in town. She remembers his birthday and things that they shared. As much as they are different, they still have much in common. And although this friend knows exactly where Natalie stands, he also knows that she loves him.
There can not be a more needful gift at this time in life, than that of righteous judgement. It isn't easily earned. It is entrusted to someone who is worthy of it's influence and power. I believe that this gift is bestowed to those who are spiritually mature and wise. This gift is not given to someone who esteems them self to be better or more valiant. Its recipient is humble, loving and accepting. Natalie, you are this kind of person and the Lord has entrusted to you this great gift. Your influence will be profound, not just on the people of Ecuador, but on the world. I really believe this! Happy Birthday dear daughter. I love you! Mommy
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Coincidence or Miracle?
On our way to the temple this morning Judy and I had a discussion on the importance of acknowledging how much the Lord is involved in our day to day lives. We determined that if we always chalk things up to coincidence, we actually deny little miracles extended to us daily by the Lord.
As we were pulling into the temple parking lot, Judy suddenly exclaimed: "Darn it! I forgot my mints." She went on to say that she had bought some breath mints in hopes that if she got sleepy, she could pop one in her mouth and it would wake her up. Judy wanted to make sure that she was alert and attentive for the sister that would finally have the opportunity to make covenants and receive her own endowment.
We put on our temple clothes and met up again inside the bathroom where Judy said to me: "Guess what I found in my locker?" I replied: "Mints?" To which Judy responded "Yes! Can you believe it?!" Well actually I can believe it and I do not chalk it up to coincidence.
I write that my children may know.... Heavenly Father is deeply invested in each one of us. He extends His miracles and tender mercies to us daily. I also write in hope that we may humble ourselves to see His hand in our own lives and to be quick to thank Him for His involvement.
As we were pulling into the temple parking lot, Judy suddenly exclaimed: "Darn it! I forgot my mints." She went on to say that she had bought some breath mints in hopes that if she got sleepy, she could pop one in her mouth and it would wake her up. Judy wanted to make sure that she was alert and attentive for the sister that would finally have the opportunity to make covenants and receive her own endowment.
We put on our temple clothes and met up again inside the bathroom where Judy said to me: "Guess what I found in my locker?" I replied: "Mints?" To which Judy responded "Yes! Can you believe it?!" Well actually I can believe it and I do not chalk it up to coincidence.
I write that my children may know.... Heavenly Father is deeply invested in each one of us. He extends His miracles and tender mercies to us daily. I also write in hope that we may humble ourselves to see His hand in our own lives and to be quick to thank Him for His involvement.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Chapel Clean-up.....A Pathway To Discipleship
We had chapel clean-up this morning. It was a life changing experience.
The first person I saw was a young father of three boys and soon to be daughter. As I greeted him and looked into his kind eyes, I was reminded of his circumstances. His story is truly one of agony and uncertainty. He is literally fighting for his freedom and there is a possibility that he may loose that fight. He has been falsely accused of horrific charges and is emotionally and physically exhausted in the continuing efforts of trying to clear his good name. Certainly the Lord would understand if he were to have stayed home this morning to rest and spend the day with his wife and children. His overwhelming circumstances surely has earned him a pass in chapel clean-up.
The second person I saw was Dola Davis. Sister Davis had gotten up early so that she could walk the several blocks to the church. The 85 degree weather wasn't a deterrent for her. In fact she undoubtedly had been up earlier than that pulling pesky weeds in her yard (a daily routine for her). I found her scurrying about in the Relief Society room, cleaning chalk boards and straightening chairs. She was one of the first members to come and one of the last members to leave. Sister Davis will turn ninety-one in August. Certainly the Lord would understand if she were to have stayed home. Ninety years of age surely has earned her a pass in chapel clean-up.
The third person I saw was Ken Herron. His body is tired and worn out from years of hard work. He strapped on the portable vacuum and went to labor in the chapel. I talked with him for a few minutes after he was done. Here is his story. His wife is ill. She suffers from severe seizures and progressive dementia. His eyes welled up as he told me how Sister Herron's sweet, loving personality has become hostile and combative due to the drugs she is taking and her frustration of not remembering literally from minute to minute. He told me of his concern for his son who is dying from alcoholism and how he is caring from him as well. Bro. Herron fought back the tears as he briefly expressed the toll that these situations are taking on him. His burden was so heavy this morning. My heart ached for him. He then left and hurried back to his home, not daring to be away from his sweetheart and son any longer. Certainly the Lord would understand if he were to have stayed home this morning. His plight surely has earned him a pass in chapel clean-up.
So why did they come? I once heard a thought provoking definition of sacrifice and consecration from Sister Bednar. Sacrifice is what we "give up" for the Lord. Consecration is what we "give to" the Lord. They did not make on offering of sacrifice as they chose to come to chapel clean-up this morning. Their lives were already lives of sacrifice on so many different levels. These three individuals live a higher law. Theirs was a consecrated offering this morning. They were "giving" what they had to Him, who they love and exercise faith in.
I write that my children may know........keeping our .covenants of sacrifice and consecration qualify us as true disciples of the Savior. I am so grateful to have witnessed what I witnessed this morning; humble, pure discipleship.
The first person I saw was a young father of three boys and soon to be daughter. As I greeted him and looked into his kind eyes, I was reminded of his circumstances. His story is truly one of agony and uncertainty. He is literally fighting for his freedom and there is a possibility that he may loose that fight. He has been falsely accused of horrific charges and is emotionally and physically exhausted in the continuing efforts of trying to clear his good name. Certainly the Lord would understand if he were to have stayed home this morning to rest and spend the day with his wife and children. His overwhelming circumstances surely has earned him a pass in chapel clean-up.
The second person I saw was Dola Davis. Sister Davis had gotten up early so that she could walk the several blocks to the church. The 85 degree weather wasn't a deterrent for her. In fact she undoubtedly had been up earlier than that pulling pesky weeds in her yard (a daily routine for her). I found her scurrying about in the Relief Society room, cleaning chalk boards and straightening chairs. She was one of the first members to come and one of the last members to leave. Sister Davis will turn ninety-one in August. Certainly the Lord would understand if she were to have stayed home. Ninety years of age surely has earned her a pass in chapel clean-up.
The third person I saw was Ken Herron. His body is tired and worn out from years of hard work. He strapped on the portable vacuum and went to labor in the chapel. I talked with him for a few minutes after he was done. Here is his story. His wife is ill. She suffers from severe seizures and progressive dementia. His eyes welled up as he told me how Sister Herron's sweet, loving personality has become hostile and combative due to the drugs she is taking and her frustration of not remembering literally from minute to minute. He told me of his concern for his son who is dying from alcoholism and how he is caring from him as well. Bro. Herron fought back the tears as he briefly expressed the toll that these situations are taking on him. His burden was so heavy this morning. My heart ached for him. He then left and hurried back to his home, not daring to be away from his sweetheart and son any longer. Certainly the Lord would understand if he were to have stayed home this morning. His plight surely has earned him a pass in chapel clean-up.
So why did they come? I once heard a thought provoking definition of sacrifice and consecration from Sister Bednar. Sacrifice is what we "give up" for the Lord. Consecration is what we "give to" the Lord. They did not make on offering of sacrifice as they chose to come to chapel clean-up this morning. Their lives were already lives of sacrifice on so many different levels. These three individuals live a higher law. Theirs was a consecrated offering this morning. They were "giving" what they had to Him, who they love and exercise faith in.
I write that my children may know........keeping our .covenants of sacrifice and consecration qualify us as true disciples of the Savior. I am so grateful to have witnessed what I witnessed this morning; humble, pure discipleship.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
From the Perspective of Wife & Mother
A Few of My Favorite "Dad Moments"
1. Jared instinctively knew how to soothe and care for babies. I did not. It was something I had to learn and develop. He became my example and teacher. When Derrick and was just three days old, he cried and cried. Nothing I did calmed him down and I was exhausted. Jared took over and for hours walked with him until he fell asleep. This wasn't a one time thing. Jared loved the challenge of taking a crying, distraught infant and bringing back a peaceful, happy baby. He never got upset or frustrated.
I have cherished memories of seeing him holding a baby, looking straight into their eyes and softly singing to them. "Faithfully" from Journey was his go to song for each baby, but he also sang hours of Eagles, Dire Straits, John Denver, Beetles, and Pink Floyd, to name just a few. As a wife, there was nothing sweeter to witness and I would fall in love all over again. As a mother, I loved the affect his singing had on our children. Jared loved his time with his babies.
2. Jared taught the gospel like no other to his children! Scripture study was always an adventure when the boys were small. He would grab diapers & toys to signify the cities and various landmarks in the Book of Mormon. Bottles and pacifiers became markers for the Lamanites and Nephites. He taught on a level that we all understood. As the children progressed in age and knowledge, so did his teaching. I have often thought how lucky we are to have a dad who knows the gospel so well and has been blessed with the ability to make it come to life and have personal meaning for us as a family.
3. It is always a treat to see what Jared brings home from his grocery shopping excursions. As a husband, he saves me over and over in what is generally considered a "wifely" duty. He loves to grocery shop and does it well! As a father, he is very mindful of his children's "little life pleasures" and takes every opportunity to bring that "pleasure" home with him. Just the other day, knowing that Travis would be coming home for a few days, Jared bought some Reese's peanut butter chips so that I could make cookies for him. I didn't make the cookies, but Travis did take back his package of Reese's chips. From time to time, Dad will surprise Natalie with a can of oysters, a delicacy that both she and Jared enjoy. He often comes across foods that the boys have mentioned regarding their missions and can recall every detail about it and their experience with it. Going to the International Market Place with the kids and Jared is always a hilarious adventure. I will never forget the challenge of eating the pickled duck eggs (or whatever disgusting thing it was.)
4. Jared is like a little boy when it comes to the ocean. Some of my fondest memories are sitting on the beach watching he and his kids dissect seaweed for ocean life, build sand castles and forts, dig for sand crabs, and catch the waves. He loves the beach and has passed that passion down to his children. I have always thought that he is most content and happy when he is there. It was fun to see him come to life as he brought these things to life for his children and now for Molly.
4. I will never forget the "hair do's" that Jared so lovingly did for his daughters. He was particularly proud of his side and double pony tail styles. It is hilarious to hear the girls recall that memory, but at the time, Jared was performing a sweet act of service for me and for them. I am not sure what the specific reason why he needed to do their hair, but I do remember his willingness to do it, and his desire to express his creativity while doing it. Jared was so sweet and darling with his cherished, little girls.
5. It is a treat for me to listen to Jared and his adult sons talk. It usually encompasses only two subjects: 1) Recipes and Cooking questions, and 2) SPORTS! Sometimes when a son has called, an hour passes by and they are still discussing a particular dish or a particular team. He loves to talk with his boys!
These are only five "father" experiences, but they have sparked many more memories and thoughts. I realize that I have been greatly blessed to have a husband who anticipated and accepted the role of being a father. I have been blessed beyond measure for the kind of father he has been and continues to be. He takes his stewardship seriously, understanding it's sacred and eternal implications. He loves his children deeply. I know this.
I write that my children may know..............I love your dad. I love him because he loves you. I love him because he loves his Savior. I love him because of his goodness and how he honors fatherhood. I hope that each of you children will reflect upon a few of your favorite "Dad Moments" today. Your heart will be turned to your dad in love and gratitude as you do so.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
1981 - Eternity
A a couple of weeks ago Noelle requested a Skype session with Dad and I regarding a project for a class. She asked us a series of questions regarding our marriage. I have spent considerable time pondering her questions, one in particular. "What traits and characteristics did dad possess that made you want to marry him?" (Or something along those lines.)
So today, as we celebrate our wedding anniversary, I share two of those wonderful qualities that drew me in.
I am sure this isn't a news flash to any family member, but dad is all about details. I was intrigued early on in our courtship by how he could recall not only things I said and did, but the exact place where I said it, the clothes I was wearing when I said it, and the old Jewish woman wearing diamond earrings who happened to walk by when we had that particular conversation. Of course this is a dramatization, but it is not an exaggeration! His ability to recall details has really been a sweet part of my life.
The other characteristic that I share will not be a surprise to many either. Dad is and always has been a hopeless romantic. When you combine those two traits you end up with a sentimental sweetheart. I fear I have taken those qualities for granted in my life, but I have always considered myself to be one lucky girl on the receiving end of such characteristics.
While young and infatuated with each other, I must have mentioned once that I loved train rides. Honestly, I have no recall about such a statement. It is no surprise to anyone that I am neither detail oriented or a romantic. That is probably why I love those things in Dad so much.
Back to the train.........
We were both living in Provo, and remembering my comment about trains, dad booked a train ride from Provo to SLC. The ride was fun, but it was the fact that he planned a date according to something I had said and he had remembered and actually put stock in it, that touched me most. Our courtship was made up with lots of fun dates and experiences all revolving around things that dad had paid attention to regarding me and his desire to bring it to life in a fun, romantic way. Now I ask you........WHAT GIRL COULD EVER RESIST THAT?!
At one time during our dating years, I was attending BYU and dad was working in Vegas. It was also a time when there were fifty-two Americans being held hostage in Iran for a total of 444 days. Every day, on the national news broadcasts, they would run a graphic saying: Day # 25 of AMERICANS IN HOSTAGE. (Or whatever # it currently was for that day.) Everyday that dad and I were apart he wrote me a letter and on the outside of that letter, starting with the first one, he wrote "Day # 1 Of MY HEART IN HOSTAGE". The next day, letter #2 came with "Day #2 of MY HEART IN HOSTAGE." These romantic, numbered letters kept coming until we were reunited. My roommates lived for the mail and so did I!
Happy Anniversary to My Sentimental Sweetheart! I cherish your romantic nature. I am in awe of your detailed mind. These are just two of many amazing traits that have made my life better . Thanks for your service, your care and love. I LOVE YOU TOO!
So today, as we celebrate our wedding anniversary, I share two of those wonderful qualities that drew me in.
I am sure this isn't a news flash to any family member, but dad is all about details. I was intrigued early on in our courtship by how he could recall not only things I said and did, but the exact place where I said it, the clothes I was wearing when I said it, and the old Jewish woman wearing diamond earrings who happened to walk by when we had that particular conversation. Of course this is a dramatization, but it is not an exaggeration! His ability to recall details has really been a sweet part of my life.
The other characteristic that I share will not be a surprise to many either. Dad is and always has been a hopeless romantic. When you combine those two traits you end up with a sentimental sweetheart. I fear I have taken those qualities for granted in my life, but I have always considered myself to be one lucky girl on the receiving end of such characteristics.
While young and infatuated with each other, I must have mentioned once that I loved train rides. Honestly, I have no recall about such a statement. It is no surprise to anyone that I am neither detail oriented or a romantic. That is probably why I love those things in Dad so much.
Back to the train.........
We were both living in Provo, and remembering my comment about trains, dad booked a train ride from Provo to SLC. The ride was fun, but it was the fact that he planned a date according to something I had said and he had remembered and actually put stock in it, that touched me most. Our courtship was made up with lots of fun dates and experiences all revolving around things that dad had paid attention to regarding me and his desire to bring it to life in a fun, romantic way. Now I ask you........WHAT GIRL COULD EVER RESIST THAT?!
At one time during our dating years, I was attending BYU and dad was working in Vegas. It was also a time when there were fifty-two Americans being held hostage in Iran for a total of 444 days. Every day, on the national news broadcasts, they would run a graphic saying: Day # 25 of AMERICANS IN HOSTAGE. (Or whatever # it currently was for that day.) Everyday that dad and I were apart he wrote me a letter and on the outside of that letter, starting with the first one, he wrote "Day # 1 Of MY HEART IN HOSTAGE". The next day, letter #2 came with "Day #2 of MY HEART IN HOSTAGE." These romantic, numbered letters kept coming until we were reunited. My roommates lived for the mail and so did I!
Happy Anniversary to My Sentimental Sweetheart! I cherish your romantic nature. I am in awe of your detailed mind. These are just two of many amazing traits that have made my life better . Thanks for your service, your care and love. I LOVE YOU TOO!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Prompting...Primary...Prophet = A Touch of Heaven
At the end of last year, I carefully studied and pondered the 2013 Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation outline and the songs I would be teaching the children for the coming year. There are several months where I am given the opportunity to choose the song I would like to teach to reinforce the preassigned gospel topic. May was such a month. The topic for May is: "Prophets Teach Us to Live the Restored Gospel". Although I was free to choose a song, I noticed that the outline had instructions on how to teach "We Thank Thee O God, For A Prophet". I felt that that was as good of a song to sing about prophets as any other, and added it to my list of songs to teach.
When May rolled around I began to prepare how I was going to teach that hymn. I studies the words. It basically is a beautiful prayer of gratitude to the Lord for his bounteous blessings. Although it is commonly sung to show our love and respect for our prophet, I was somewhat disappointed when I realized that only the first line made reference to a prophet. With that realization, I had a very clear and distinct thought come into my mind: "Help your Primary children have a relationship with their prophet, Pres. Monson." With that thought, I made the decision to change songs and teach the hymn "We Ever Pray For Thee".
I spent two hours scouring through Ensigns, Friends and New Eras finding different pictures of Pres. Monson. I matched these pictures to corresponding phrases in the hymn. For the phrase "As the advancing years" I showed the children a picture of Pres. Monson smiling as he was holding on to a wheel chair with Sis. Monson seated in it. For the words "furrow thy brow", I found a fitting picture of the prophet with the pronounced wrinkles on his forehead.
The children quickly learned the song and sweetly sang it as a sacred plea to Heavenly Father for their prophet I challenged them to really think about Pres. Monson through the coming week and to make a special effort to pray for him. I accepted my challenge as well. It was nice to reflect on our prophet every day and night in preparation for my prayers and I felt a greater love and appreciation for him.
I was shocked and so saddened to learn just three days after I issued that challenge, Pres. Monson lost his beloved Francis. I know it wasn't by coincidence that I changed hymns at the last minute. I know I acted on a sweet, tender prompting and that prompting was as much, if not more, for me as it was for my Primary children.
I write that my children may know...when we listen and act upon our promptings, heaven is so close. Please know also that I am grateful for revelation, our Prophet dear, and my calling in Primary.
When May rolled around I began to prepare how I was going to teach that hymn. I studies the words. It basically is a beautiful prayer of gratitude to the Lord for his bounteous blessings. Although it is commonly sung to show our love and respect for our prophet, I was somewhat disappointed when I realized that only the first line made reference to a prophet. With that realization, I had a very clear and distinct thought come into my mind: "Help your Primary children have a relationship with their prophet, Pres. Monson." With that thought, I made the decision to change songs and teach the hymn "We Ever Pray For Thee".
I spent two hours scouring through Ensigns, Friends and New Eras finding different pictures of Pres. Monson. I matched these pictures to corresponding phrases in the hymn. For the phrase "As the advancing years" I showed the children a picture of Pres. Monson smiling as he was holding on to a wheel chair with Sis. Monson seated in it. For the words "furrow thy brow", I found a fitting picture of the prophet with the pronounced wrinkles on his forehead.
The children quickly learned the song and sweetly sang it as a sacred plea to Heavenly Father for their prophet I challenged them to really think about Pres. Monson through the coming week and to make a special effort to pray for him. I accepted my challenge as well. It was nice to reflect on our prophet every day and night in preparation for my prayers and I felt a greater love and appreciation for him.
I was shocked and so saddened to learn just three days after I issued that challenge, Pres. Monson lost his beloved Francis. I know it wasn't by coincidence that I changed hymns at the last minute. I know I acted on a sweet, tender prompting and that prompting was as much, if not more, for me as it was for my Primary children.
I write that my children may know...when we listen and act upon our promptings, heaven is so close. Please know also that I am grateful for revelation, our Prophet dear, and my calling in Primary.
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