Opposition in ALL things......

I loved the YW and YM’s scripture theme for 2016  

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

I also love what Elder Neil A. Anderson says about pressing forward.

“Press forward” implies something more than simply going forward. Press implies something is preventing your advancement, and you must push through it. To go forward in this life, you must press temptations aside, press through obstacles, press the doubt and the fear under your feet, and embrace the divine qualities of faith, hope, and love.

 Another word for something preventing our advancement could be opposition!

I understand what Lehi says to his son Jacob in 2 Nephi 2:11

 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one;

We truly would never fill joy or even know what joy is unless there was sadness.

When talking about opposition the first person that always comes to my mind is  

Elder Neal A Maxwell

I loved Elder Maxwell as a youth and young adult. I will always remember the talk “From Whom All Blessings Flow” in April 1997 General Conference, when he appeared bald because of the chemo therapy treatments he had undergone to put his Leukemia in remission. I remember feeling and thinking “whoa when this apostle speaks about tribulation/opposition he is speaking with authority.”  From that time on I became a student of Elder Maxwell and still am.  

Some of you might know that as an 18 year old youth, Elder Maxwell served in WWII. He was present at the Battle of Okinawa, this battle, which has been referred to as the typhoon of steel, because of the intensity of the fighting that happened there.

Elder Bruce C Haven, who wrote Elder Maxwell’s biography, told this story. 

“While researching for the biography he learned about the conditions at this battle. Heavy rains had turned it into such a mud puddle that even tanks disappeared into the ooze. Disease and dysentery plague the soldiers, what little sleep they got was often while standing up in the mud. Supply trucks couldn’t provide consistent food and ammunition. So the troops were always hungry, and especially they were always thirsty. The water was often to foul and oily to drink. One historian said the only thing that saved the solders was coffee which having been boiled was at least drinkable

 In reading the hurriedly written letters home from Elder Maxwell one such letter said, “had a dream the other night, you folks were holding up Carol (his sister) in the window and I was say boo. Boy did that make me blue, it’s rough here, it will be wonderful to bathe again still not smoking, drinking tea, or coffee. Nothing great, but the coffee is tempting sometimes.”

It was at this place that Elder Maxwell had a life-changing experience. Neal’s mortar position was under fire. Three shells in a row had exploded, each closer to his foxhole than the previous one. He realized the enemy had determined his position. The next shell would land on top of him. He prayed “one of those selfish, honest prayers,” 3 asking for protection from the next bomb.

AND here we find this years theme of ASK found in the scripture James 1:5-6

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Can you imagine it? Can you picture it? An 18 year boy in a mud bog all alone praying to his God to change his life?

Can you imagine or picture a 14 year old boy in a grove of trees all alone praying to his God to change his life?

Both of the lacking wisdom but understanding the if they ASK OF GOD that it will be given to them.

Both asking in FAITH nothing wavering. I hope that we can ponder on that and listen to the spirit when we need to ask of God.

Now back to Elder Maxwell….

In his pocket he carried a copy of his patriarchal blessing that said his life would not be shortened and that he would not be deprived of fulfilling every assignment that was given to him in the pre-mortal existence.

The shelling stopped. He later wrote: “I am sure the Lord answered my prayers. … The following night they began to pour shells in, but almost all of them were duds—either the ammunition had gotten wet or they were not exploding in the very thick, oozing mud. … I felt preserved, and unworthily so, but have tried to be somewhat faithful to that promise that was given at the time.” 4

He always kept a picture with him of Flat Top Hill where the battle had taken place.

When the leukemia came he often compared this experience to Okinawa both in it’s terror and in it’s spiritual impact on him.

When Elder Maxwell first learned of his Leukemia and what the odds against were about any remission at all he was inclined to just accept the inevitable. After discussing with his wife Colleen she said something like this that got his attention. “Neal I don’t think you have paid attention to the first part of the scriptural account of the savior’s time in gethsemane it’s true that he said nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt, but before that he said if it be possible let this cup pass from me. He is our model in all things don’t you think it would be ok if it were possible let this pass from you.”  

Here we have another perfect example of ASKING. An example of our older brother asking our Heavenly Father for wisdom, and strength,

Mathew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

I would also like to share with you a poem from one of my favorite poets(my Dad) called Gethsemane

GETHSEMANE

Our Saviour sweat great drops of blood

There in Gethsemane.

He humbly asked His Father

“Please pass this cup from me.”

“Nevertheless not my will

But only thine be done.

You are my Father in Heaven,

I am just your humble Son.”

“I will do what I must do,

I understand the Plan.

I know that I must suffer much

As I Atone for Man.”

Our Saviour sweat great drops of blood

There in Gethsemane.

Sometimes I pause and wonder,

How many drops for me?

Elder Maxwell did the treatments and his cancer went into remission for a time.

I believe that all of us will as some point will have our own gethsemane experience that we will all kneel and pray to our Father in Heaven asking with every emotion in our body O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:

I feel impressed upon, to tell you one such experience I had over 14 yrs. ago.  First some back ground well pregnant with our 2nd child it was found in one last ultrasound before delivery that our baby had a tumor in her right kidney. After a trip to Calgary and more ultrasounds we were told the seriousness of the condition and what steps would have to be taken to try to ensure the best help possible for our daughter. Delivery came and we drove her up to the Children’s Hospital in Calgary where she had her first ultra sound now being less than 24 hours old. It was then confirmed that the tumor had taken over the right kidney and it needed to be removed. The tumor was big enough that when you held her you could feel and see the lump, a newborn’s kidney is about the size of the finger tip of the your pinky. This tumor was 5 cm in diameter.  We were blessed to be assigned a room that had accessibility to a small green patch of grass. It there at 2am in the morning before I handed my baby girl over to the surgeons that I had one of my gethsemane moments. You see through the whole ordeal I had been praying “O Father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:” but it was not until that night that my prayer had changed. It was on the green patch of grass that I was finally able to utter the words that brought me a special kind of peace. Father she is your daughter if you need her back I understand, or in other words, “nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt”.  Hours later as Jesse and I handed our 3 day old daughter over to the surgeons we were overcome with a feeling of being held in the hands of our maker knowing that He was well aware of us and of our daughter.

I have been a witness of others in our ward who I am sure have had Gethsemane moments. They have accepted the will of God although they would have much preferred that the cup would be passed from them.  I watch in awe as they continually, faithfully, ASK of God in faith with nothing wavering but they ask for wisdom and healing.

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).

Yes I am sure that each one of us will go through our own "Gethsemanes" in our lives. I am equally sure that as we continue to Ask of God and Press Forward through the opposition that comes personally, and to the church in coming years that we will be upheld, taught, and especially loved by our Savior Jesus Christ. Who I believe will meet with each one of us in Gethsemane, and will take those sins we are willing to let go and repent of. Not only took them but in so doing enable us with the power to overcome them. If we will only use it! The true key to the power of opposition in our lives is the way that it draws us to our Savior if we let it.

xoxoxo

Barb 

Attitude of Gratitude

It's funny how some things just stick with you. An Attitude of Gratitude is a talk given in April 1992 by Thomas S. Monson. If you would have asked me I would have said this talk was given a few years ago but I never could have imagined it was over 23 years ago.

I have struggled for years now gaining weight like some people change clothes.  As I look at why I have gained weight there are some of things that stand out.

1) I have stopped writing down what I eat.
2) I have stopped checking in with my Lifestyles consultant.
3) I have stopped writing 5 things I am grateful for everyday.

Don't these look simple. I have tested and tried them. They work, if I do these things I will lose weight.  Mostly because of the consquences of these actions. Let me try to explain.

By writing down what I eat I am aware of what is going in my mouth therefore and henceforth I eat better. I suddenly realize that wow it's been days since I have eaten a vegetable that might be a good idea....

If have an appointment this week with a Lifestyle consultant I feel accountable to talk about my life and what have I done to improve my lifestyle this week. Have I got enough sleep? Have I exercised my body? Have I been true to myself? Have I lived a little more purposefully? How have I coped with stress this week?

Writing down 5 things I am grateful for everyday changes me. I begin to unconsciously look for things that I can write down.  I become focused on what I have instead of what I don't. I realize all that God has given me. I feel surrounded by blessings. It reminds me of the scripture in Zechariah 5:5   "Then the angel that talked with me went forth and said unto me, Lift up thine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth." I know the truth of the scripture in D&C 78:19   "And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be be glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."

It continues to fascinate me that I know exactly how to lose weight I have done it before and I could do it again.......and yet......I continue to not do it. Why? why oh why? That is a post for a different day.

But for now I am grateful for....
1) a lake without a ripple.
2) horses outside my window
3) an ability to listen to prophets past
4) for flannel pyjama pants
5) my ability to go for a walk.

xoxo
Barb

Running in the Rain?????

3 Miles down......

There is something to be said about choices.  Making a choice to run in the rain may be viewed as fanatic or extreme. But for me today it is just about gettin it done. Now with that said did I really make a choice to run in the rain today? You tell me......

Jan 2015
*Jesse switches careers instead of going crazy or getting divorced I choose to sign up for my second Marathon.

Feb 2015
*Contiuning pre race training (trying to be able to run for 3 miles straight) still choosing to run a marathon and to be married.

March 2015
*Extreme stress with one of my jobs really takes a toll on training. Still have time to recover from loss of training.

April 2015
*Same amount of Stress from the same job, a couple of incrediable road trips with fabulous people. Almost zero training. Still married.

May 2015
*Turn 40 years old, have a heart to heart with Jesse about what needs to happen with the training for the marathon.

This morning 6am
Jesse, "Honey it's time to get up and go for a run, I'll be waiting for you downstairs"
Me "Oh okay thanks" I walk around my room trying to find something to wear on a run and go down stairs.

Me, sitting on the sofa putting shoes on and finally looking outside, "Is it raining?"

Jesse, arms folded coat and shoes on looking at me "You gotta do what you gotta do!"

Me......."Oh okay"

Jesse dropping me off in the middle of highway so I don't have to run into the rain. "Good luck"

Me "Thanks?"

I would like to take some time to thank my cheering section durning my run today;
The meadow lark who was at 1.5 miles in and sang me through a tough hill.
The three cars that moved over on the highway trying not to spray me with extra water.
All the worms whose lives I saved today. You made it a little fun to throw off my pace while trying to save your lives.
The two groups of horses who come and line up on the fences and stare at me in silent reverie.
The one neighbour who honked and waved.
Eddie Rabbit's lyrics to "I love a rainy night"
2Nephi 31:20 "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting up the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
And last but not least Jesse, you are the hero of the day.

xoxoxo
Barb

Gratitude

So it has been awhile since I posted, but after teaching a lesson on Elder Bednar's talk on social media I feel a strong need to get back to blogging.  I had the opportunity to say a talk in Church on Sunday and it being Canadian Thanksgiving I got to speak on gratitude.

****Remember to click on anything that is underlined or highlight for more information on that topic***

In his October 2008 General Conference address “Pray Always” Elder Bednar related this experience,

During our service at Brigham Young University–Idaho, Sister Bednar and I frequently hosted General Authorities in our home. Our family learned an important lesson about meaningful prayer as we knelt to pray one evening with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Earlier in the day Sister Bednar and I had been informed about the unexpected death of a dear friend, and our immediate desire was to pray for the surviving spouse and children. As I invited my wife to offer the prayer, the member of the Twelve, unaware of the tragedy, graciously suggested that in the prayer Sister Bednar express only appreciation for blessings received and ask for nothing. His counsel was similar to Alma’s instruction to the members of the ancient Church “to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things” (Mosiah 26:39). Given the unexpected tragedy, requesting blessings for our friends initially seemed to us more urgent than expressing thanks.

Sister Bednar responded in faith to the direction she received. She thanked Heavenly Father for meaningful and memorable experiences with this dear friend. She communicated sincere gratitude for the Holy Ghost as the Comforter and for the gifts of the Spirit that enable us to face adversity and to serve others. Most importantly, she expressed appreciation for the plan of salvation, for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, for His Resurrection, and for the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel which make it possible for families to be together forever.

When I received the phone call from our dear Bishop Nunn, Monday morning to ask us to speak on gratitude the following Sunday, he had no idea that just hours before we had received a text. Stating the passing of Jesse’s grandmother Jean Roberts.  How grateful I am of the inspiration of a newly called Bishop. What a gift it has been to me to be able to approach an extremely busy week fraught with emotion through the eyes of Gratitude.

Be patience with me as I recount my week through the eyes of gratitude.

As Jesse and I prepared for a tough but important FHE lesson and announcement of Great Grandma’s passing to our children we were surprised by my visiting teacher with delicious chocolate cupcakes for our FHE treat made especially without milk so the whole family could enjoy them. And I was grateful for the Visiting Teaching program and for special cousin/friends who think of us in hard times.

During that FHE lesson the spirit was present and strong as we sat on the floor and pieced together the plan of Salvation with our children so they could better understand where they came from, why we are here, and where we go when our spirits leave our bodies.  And I was grateful for the knowledge of the gospel, I was grateful that we had the tradition in our home of FHE.

Tuesday brought on meetings. As things didn’t go the way I wanted them to go in those meetings. I was grateful for the Holy Ghost the great comforter. Who whispered soothing things to my soul one of which was to let it go, it will work out, and you did the best you could.

I was grateful for family and friends who picked up kids from dance and babysat them while I was still in meetings, and for parents who usual help out but happened to be away this week.

I was grateful for hardworking and inspired youth leaders who played with my teenagers Tuesday night who boost their self-confidence and make them feel welcome in a church setting.

Tuesday also received a phone call from Utah as Brother Jacobs asked Jesse and I to teach his Sunday School lesson to the 15-16 year olds. And I was grateful for the astounding youth in our ward. I am grateful for the inspired youth curriculum of Sunday School. I was grateful for the ability to serve in this capacity.

Wednesday I was grateful that we live so close to the temple, and for personal revelation we can receive by attending there. I was also grateful for the many members of our ward who serve at the temple.

I was grateful for a friend, who listened, and reassured me.

I was grateful for special neighbor friends and how we can serve and help each other out in times of need.

I was grateful for Heavenly Father’s hand in all things as miraculously a ride appeared for Sara to get to and from a Stake Choir practice while I was working at the library.

Wednesday night I was grateful for technology, inspired leaders, and the Relief Society. I was grateful for associations with the sisters in our ward who love and support each other as we ever strive to become more Christ like in this world.

Thursday I was grateful for established routines of scripture study as this scripture soothed my soul.

Isaiah25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tearsfrom off all faces;

I was grateful for supportive children who do things they really don’t want to do so we can have time together as a family.

I was grateful that my children where able to have a relationship with their great grandmother and that they where able to say goodbye to here in a private very intimate way.

Friday I was grateful for gospel doctrine. That I have a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and that families can be together FOREVER.

Friday night I was grateful for a beautiful bride and a handsome groom. For the remembrance of the convents Jesse and I have made with our Heavenly Father.

Saturday I was grateful for waking up next to the love of my life. I could go on and on about the greatness of my eternal partner. But since he gets to speak last I’ll just say he is awesome.

I was also grateful for beautiful Blue Mountains, crunchy colorful leaves, and the ability to associate with incredible people in nature.

Brother and sisters I do not believe that it is a coincidence that we prayer in the manner of

We thank the Heavenly Father for  (fill in the blank)

Before we ask Him for anything.

I do believe that as we cultivate an attitude of gratitude that we will be blessed like the scripture in Matthew 13:16 says

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears for they hear.

For over 12 years now I have kept of daily record of 5 things I am grateful for. I can testify that it has changed my life. It has fortified me through difficult times it has fulfill the scripture in D&C 136:32 that says

Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God that his eyes maybe opened that he may see, and his ears opened that he may hear;

It has enabled me testify of the Savior Jesus Christ as in Job 29:11

When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me:

Now don’t get the wrong idea that not all of those 5 things that I was grateful for where spiritual moments. You might be surprised how often my dishwasher made the list

 or my ability to forgive my husband

and  that I was able to walk away instead of saying what I wanted to say in the moment.

But knowing that I needed to write my 5 things I was grateful for opened my eyes to see my many blessings that the Lord has poured out upon me.

I can testify of the principal of gratitude and the important part it plays in our ability to find joy, and peace in our sojourn here on earth.

Testimony

I am grateful for Atonement of Jesus Christ that all can be saved through Him.

I am grateful for BofM, and for Joseph Smith who translated it.

I am grateful for my Country Canada and the rights, privileges and freedoms we so often take for granted here.

I am grateful for previous and new bishoprics and for the inspiration they receive. 

I am grateful for all of you.

Hope you all enjoyed the talk, until next time.
xoxoox
Barb

16

A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as spruce, pine or fir, traditionally associated with the celebration of Christmas. An artificial Christmas tree is an object made to resemble such a tree, usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts or dates. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles, which with electrification could also be replaced by Christmas lights. Today, there are a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star may be placed at the top of the tree to represent the host of angels or theStar of Bethlehem from the Nativity.


The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany with predecessors that can be traced to the 16th and possibly the 15th century, in which "devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes".[1] It acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century.[2] The Christmas tree has also been known as the "Yule-tree", especially in discussions of its folkloristic origins.[3][4][5]

Completely plagerised from Wikipedia.

Christmas Trees have always been absolutely magical to me ever since I can remember. It has been my favourite symbol of Christmas since my childhood. I just love them. I remember sitting for hours beside them or under them when I was little. I remember going with cousins in the woods to cut them down. I remember placing the angel on top. I remember taking the extra branches that had been cut off and using them to have my own Christmas tree. I remember the smell and stickiness of the sap. Oh Christmas trees, how I love you!




Here is a little kick back photo for you, and yep that is me in the white pj's holding up the sock right in front!

xoxo
Merry Christmas
Barb

17

One of my favourite Christmas traditions that we have is the wrapping and unwrapping of Christmas stories. I call it "the gift of reading". Every year we put up our Christmas tree on November 12 and under the tree there are Christmas stories all wrapped up and every night someone unwraps one and we read it togther as a family. Some are silly, some are churchy, some make cry and some make us want to be more like the Saviour. I love it!

xoxo
Merry Christmas
Barb

18

Click to learn more about the story of Christmas.


xoxo
Merry Christmas
Barb

19

Have I mentioned that I now work at the library! They let me do this in the front foyer a couple of Saturdays ago, and it is still standing I never been so proud! I love it got the original idea from pinterest.  It took 4-5 hours to make but that was also hauling all the books upstairs for it! Anyway I just love it!

xoxo
Merry Christmas
Barb

20

On the 29 of this month I will have been married 20 years. I don't feel old enough to have been married 20 years!! But man I am so glad to have done it. Jesse and I find it quite humorous when we are watching a movie or TV show and they say something like "We have been married 8 years!" I actually am really proud of it. I feel like it really is an accomplishment, like running a marathon. If I had to write one thing down on how we have been successful in our marriage, which I believe that we have, it would be that giving up or walking out just wasn't an option. That doesn't mean we didn't have the choice it is just that we both kept choosing to be married. You usually always have a choice to be married or not, and making that choice frequently helps keep me committed to my incredibly handsome husband. 

xoxo

Merry Christmas

Barb

21

Ryan…..
Ryan is 14 today we had yet another snow day so I cancelled three appointments I had booked because my kids were suppose to be in school and we took off to the big city to go to a movie. The only matinee I could find was a 3D version of Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs. Apparently I haven't taken the kids to a 3D movie before they were so funny, literally reaching out their arms in front of them at times. Oh to be a child again, and experience things for the first time. I have decided that I need to find something that I have never done this month and do it. Do you have any suggestions?

Okay back to Ryan, he is so wonderful, I love having a son. A son who is so empathetic, compassionate, smart, hard working, and protective of his little sisters. Thanks to Ryan I have learned a great deal about myself and how to be a better parent. Happy Birthday Ry your the best.

xoxo
Merry Christmas
Barb