Shana's sacrament talk October 31, 2021

Happy Halloween! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! If you know the McGavocks, you know that we are no strangers to a friendly prank! Halloween is a special time when we like to have lighthearted spooky fun. We enjoy a good jump scare or a frightening haunted house…. But on most other days we find ourselves actively pursuing quite the opposite. We seek peace and joy in our lives. As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that he is the source of peace and joy. He is after all, the Prince of Peace.

 

Today I want to share some thoughts on Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk from October’s General Conference titled “Our greatest possession”. He began by sharing a story - that I will paraphrase - from the New Testament about a rich young ruler who asks Jesus, “what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” After reviewing a long list of commandments that this young ruler had kept, Jesus told him to sell all his belongings, give the proceedings to the poor, take up his cross, and follow him. To that, the rich young ruler went away sorrowing because, the scriptures say, “he had great possessions.”

 

When we think of this young ruler’s “possessions”, of course the Savior was speaking of his temporal belongings - his gold and his riches…. But in the phrase, “take up the cross and follow me” we see that the Savior was asking him to forsake more than just temporal possessions. This young ruler likely possessed worldly praise or popularity among his peers. He likely possessed a relatively comfortable lifestyle, and being a ruler he certainly possessed social status and power that was highly desirable… So in addition to his gold and his riches, Jesus was asking him to forsake all of those things and make HIM his greatest possession.

 

As we learn of this young ruler, do we perhaps see a little bit of ourselves in him? In addition to OUR worldly things, do we perhaps also enjoy some of these same OTHER possessions?

 

Elder Holland teaches quote “With or without riches, each of us is to come to Christ with the same uncompromised commitment to His gospel that was expected of this young man.” End quote.

 

So with that in mind I ask you to ponder these questions:

 

- What are some of YOUR great possessions?

 

- How can YOU take up your cross and more fully follow Jesus Christ?

 

- In short, How can YOU make HIM your greatest possession?

 

Elder Holland assures us quote “when difficult things are asked of us, even things contrary to the longings of our heart, remember that the loyalty we pledge to the cause of Christ is to be the supreme devotion of our lives.”

 

He goes on to demonstrate what life is like in a world where Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ are people’s greatest possessions. This demonstration is taken from the Book of Mormon, from the lives of the people living in the Americas, after the Savior was resurrected and visited them. Quote:

 

“And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people in all the land because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor any manner of lasciviousness, and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people that had been created by the hand of God. There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites, but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.” End quote.

 

Just a quick back story on the phrase “nor any manner of -ites” - In these times, people were often labeled in different groups based on their lineage or where they were from. The names of these groups usually ended in “-ites” such as Nephites, Lamanites and Zoramites to name a few.  We see this practice in our day also, as people are often grouped together according to their political beliefs, races, social standings etc… Although these things were still very much part of who they were, the people were ONE in their love of God.

 

Although this is the world that we long for and strive to create, the world in our day more closely resembles what the world was like in Lehi’s time. Lehi was the first prophet in the Book of Mormon. He and his family lived in Jerusalem during the first year of the reign of Zedekiah. During this time in Jerusalem there was wickedness and open rebellion against God and his commandments. Those that lived the gospel were mocked. While it appeared that Lehi and his family lived comfortably by worldly standards, they stood alone in their commitment to keeping the commandments.

 

It was around this time that God commanded Lehi to take his family and depart from Jerusalem because they were no longer safe. In this moment, Lehi had a choice, and it is a choice that we all make each day. What was HIS greatest possession?

 

Was it his comfortable life in Jerusalem with his home and his belongings…. Or was it God? Did he truly love God enough to do this difficult thing that was being asked of him?

 

Yes, he did. The scriptures explain, He left behind his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold and his silver and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and they departed into the wilderness.

 

As we read along in the Book of Mormon, we follow Lehi and his family along a difficult 8 year journey of ups and down, challenges and mighty miracles that eventually leads them to the promised land.

 

And whatever became of Jerusalem after they left? In the Old Testament in 2 Kings chapter 25 we learn that about 8 years after Lehi left, wicked king Nebuchadnezzer of Babylon came and besieged Jerusalem. In addition to famine, and much bloodshed, many people were carried captive into Babylon.

 

Is it not interesting that Lehi’s path to the Promised Land is on a nearly identical timeframe as Jerusalem’s path to captivity? His entire course, and the course of his loved ones was changed by this one decision - to make God his greatest possession!

 

Each day we have opportunities in one way or another to make this same choice. We can choose to put our faith in Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ and claim the blessings promised to us or we can treasure up the things of the world and see where that leads us.

 

While the choice is ours to make, and like Lehi, following the Savior may at times require sacrifices….  we are given this wonderful promise in 1 Nephi chapter 1 verse 20:

“I will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chose, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”

 

So what are some ways that we can make HIM our greatest possession? We can start by striving to be more like him. As we seek to possess Christ-like attributes, we find more joy and direction in our lives. We develop a greater ability to withstand temptation and we can more easily discern what is important in our lives and what is not.

 

Last week at Stake Conference we listened to our Stake leaders each speak one different Christ-like attributes. A few that were mentioned were…. showing love to others, exercising empathy and compassion toward others, mourning with those that mourn, exercising selflessness and engaging in acts of service. It seems that the opportunities to develop Christ-like attributes are almost endless. Striving to become more like the Savior may look a little different for each of us as we prayerfully consider our specific talents, opportunities and stages of life.

 

Isabel, for example, has chosen to serve a full time mission, serving and teaching in Texas. She will soon be putting on a name tag that she will wear for the next 18 month as an official representative of Jesus Christ. This was without doubt, a decision that she made after much prayer and contemplation.

 

Another example - Throughout the years I have seen members of our ward organize service projects and collect donations for local needs such as assisting families affected by fires, helping refugee families resettle, stocking up food banks and cleaning and beautifying our community.

 

These are wonderful examples of making Jesus Christ the center of our lives. Not every effort to become more Christ-like needs to be as grand of a gesture however. Often it is in the small and simple things in our lives that we can make the greatest impact.

 

One example of this was shared In the October 2020 conference, by Sister Michelle D Craig. She spoke of a small but impactful experience she had as she prayed to see others as the Savior did. As she prayed, she asked Heavenly Father these two questions: “what am I doing that I should stop doing” and “what am I not doing that I should start doing?” As she pondered this, she felt impressed to stop looking at her phone when she was waiting in long lines. The next morning she found herself waiting in a long line at the store. Out of habit, she pulled out her phone and then remembered the impression that she had had. She put it away and looked around and saw an elderly man in line ahead of her. She started up a conversation with him and after a few minutes he said, “you know, I haven’t told anyone this but today is my birthday.” Her heart melted for this sweet man alone at the store on his birthday. She wished him a happy birthday and offered a silent prayer of thanks for the impression she had had to put her phone down and be more present.

 

As we consider how we can make Christ the center of our lives, we can start small. Remember…. during Christ’s ministry on earth, between his miraculous moments of healing the sick, raising the dead, or feeding thousands with just a few loaves and fishes, he also sat with those that were lonely, he forgave those that made mistakes, he was selfless with his time, he wept with those that were sad, he prayed for his friends and his enemies, and he served in small and simple ways. During seasons or circumstances when we may not be able to make more grand gestures of devotion to Christ, we can still seek him through studying the scriptures and through prayer, we can offer a kind word or a wave, we can be patient with those that challenge or disappoint us, we can drop off a card or a treat to a friend, we can help a neighbor in need or we can be a listener and a shoulder to lean on when a loved one is struggling.

 

When we show love and serve others the way Christ did, we are showing love and serving God the way Christ did. In Mosiah chapter 2 verse 17 we learn quote:

 

And behold I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom. That ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.”

 

Another way that we can make Christ the MOST important thing in our lives is to be unwaivering in our commitment to keeping his commandments and trust that they are the path to happiness. We live in a time that would suggest that just about anything goes. There is no shortage of voices seeking to persuade us that popularity is the key to happiness, chastity is outdated, or partaking of addictive substances is fun and exciting. Each voice promises greater happiness if we would only loosen up a little, live for the moment or that making sacrifices is unfair. We see this among our peers and especially on social media. Looking to the world for peace or joy will always leave us with an appetite that can never be satisfied. When we are faced with opportunities to choose between the Lord’s plan of happiness or the world’s idea of happiness, we can strive to have the same simple but unwaivering conviction as was mentioned in Joshua 24:15 which says:

 

“Choose ye this day whom ye will serve…. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”

 

Following the Savior TRULY IS the path to happiness! While choosing to follow Christ may require us to stand alone at times, I can honestly say that I have never regretted the times that I have chosen faith over fear or temptation. Have the courage to stand for something. When you know what the right choice is, DO IT! Whatever it may be. Choose to follow Christ when you are among your friends and with your families and even in your entertainment.

 

To put it in social media terms, if we can learn to like and follow the Savior and make Him our most important influencer and subscribe to his teachings, even tagging a few friends along the way then we can joyfully partake of all of the blessings he has in store for us. His gifts are free to each that will choose to accept them because he loves us. We simple have to choose it.

 

Elder Holland described it this way quote :

 

Of course we are speaking here of the first great commandment given to the human family – to love God wholeheartedly, without reservation or compromise, that is, with all our heart, might, mind and strength. This love of God is the first great commandment in the universe. But the first great TRUTH in the universe is that God loves us exactly that way – wholeheartedly, without reservation or compromise, with all of HIS heart, might, mind and strength.” End quote.

 

I invite each of you today to ponder how you can make Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ your most cherished possession. We can all take inventory of our lives and see where we can improve. As we prayerfully take our efforts to the Lord, he will guide and direct us to know the things we should do.

 

 

 

Jim and Shana's Priesthood Blessings on February 28, 2021

Blessing 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkhMJ2RPx3U&t=10s

Mya's Sacrament Talk February 2021 (13 years old)

 MINISTERING TO THE ONE

Hi for those of you that don’t know me, my name is Mya McGavock. I am an 8^th grader at Chilton Middle School. I’m really happy to be back to in-person church and to be able to see all of my favorite families again.

 

Today I want to talk to you about ministering to the one. My mom and I were just recently watching a church video on this very topic. It was about a group of men that ministered to one of their friends after his son had passed away. One of the things that stood out to me in this video was that one of the men said, “we knew how to minister to him because we were his friend first.” When we take the time to get to know others around us, we are able to minister to them in more natural and personal ways. As I thought about this, I realized that, that has definitely been the case in my life as well.

 

I have always loved babysitting and I literally LOVE babysitting for all of my favorite families. You know who you are!

 

With permission from the Robisons I would like to share my experience with babysitting for their family. When Kate first asked me if I could babysit, I admit that I was a little nervous. I knew that their oldest son, Trevor didn’t talk and I was worried that I wouldn’t know how to communicate with him. What if he wanted or needed something and I couldn’t understand what he was trying to tell me? But with encouragement from my parents I decided to go ahead and give it a shot. As my visits with the Robisons increased, I got to know Trevor more and more. I learned what he likes and what he doesn’t like and I started understanding how he communicates. Eventually I realized that I was able to recognize HIS wants and needs just as easily as the other kids that communicated verbally. I know that Trevor loves bike rides and spinning things and back scratches and tickles. One day when I was at the store I saw one of those little wire head scratcher things and I thought, “Trevor would LOVE that!” and it put a smile on my face to think about how he would react the next time I went over and I put it on his head.

 

Sometimes at first ministering can feel overwhelming or intimidating. As I look back on my time with the Robisons I realize that if I had given into my feelings of self doubt, I would have missed out on a really special experience. Not only with Trevor but with Luke and Lydia too. I have so many pictures of them on my phone it isn’t even funny! And Kate has become a really good friend to me too. She talks to me about friends and life and gives me good advice on things. I realize that what started out as ME helping THEM has turned into THEM helping ME. I have learned a lot and have gotten to enjoy friendships that I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t go out of my comfort zone.

 

One of the best scriptures about ministering to the One is found in Matthew chapter 18 verse 12:

 

“If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray.”

 

I think every one of us at one time or another feels less like we’re part of the 99 and more like the ONE that is lost. It’s easy to overlook opportunities to smile at someone, or give a complement or write a nice text or comment on social media because these things may seem small and insignificant. But I can tell you that during times that I am feeling lost or alone those seemingly small and insignificant things have a powerful impact on me.

 

My mom recently started doing this thing where she would put a little treat and a note on mine and my brother’s beds for us to find when we got home from school. I know that she does this because she loves us, but I also think it might be because she’s glad we are back in school J I noticed that some days instead of a little note like the rest of us, one of us would get a longer more heartfelt note. I asked my mom “why did you write Jake a longer letter and not me?” She explained that it was because she knew I had had a good day but that Jake could use a few extra words of encouragement. And sure enough a few days later, when I was having a rough day, I was the one with a long letter of encouragement waiting for me on my bed.

 

When we are looking for opportunities to minister to others, it doesn’t always need to be fair or equal. There will be times that some need our help more than others. It is ok to focus our efforts where we know they are needed most.

 

I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had to minister to others and for the blessings that have come into my life by trying to be more like my Savior. I am also very grateful for those that have made efforts to minister to me.

 

I have a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel and especially of the Book of Mormon. I have felt it’s influence in my life and it helps me to know what to do in difficult situations. I have felt confidence in my choices as I strive to live by it’s teachings, even when it is not always popular. I know that as I draw closer to my Savior and continue learning more about Him, I will not fail.

 

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

 

Sacrament Talk October 25th: Resilience

 Back in March I was offered the opportunity to speak with you all in Sacrament. I joyfully said yes, but immediately asked “when?” Because I wanted to make sure I had enough time to prepare. I really thrive on being prepared. I like having a plan and sticking to it… Well here I am 7 months later finally standing before you. So much has changed in these last several months from when I was originally preparing my thoughts that I have felt the need to make some adjustments. Oh, and just what is it that I would like to talk to you about today? Resilience. 

Back in March I was offered the opportunity to speak with you all in Sacrament. I joyfully said yes, but immediately asked “when?” Because I wanted to make sure I had enough time to prepare. I really thrive on being prepared. I like having a plan and sticking to it… Well here I am 7 months later finally standing before you. So much has changed in these last several months from when I was originally preparing my thoughts that I have felt the need to make some adjustments. Oh, and just what is it that I would like to talk to you about today? Resilience. 

We have been given many opportunities to strengthen this attribute recently, haven’t we? Most of us would probably agree that 2020 hasn’t gone as they had planned. 

Many of us have faced unexpected and very real challenges this year that could leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed or disappointed. We may find ourselves in situations that we never would have expected.

Some of us may find the story of the people of Alma in the BOM relatable… In Mosiah 24 we read… 

“And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily unto God” 

Have any of us felt this way? 

The scriptures go on to say…

“And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort” and the Lord continues … “I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while your are in bondage, and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.”

“And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light, yea the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.”

Like the people of Alma, we can choose to pray to our loving Heavenly Father during these challenging times. While our circumstances may not change immediately, we can receive the strength we need to be resilient during even the most difficult of times.

I want to pause here and testify that I know that this is true. I have personally fallen to my knees and poured out my heart to Heavenly Father thru very difficult challenges. While my circumstances did not change I have been able to experience joy. I know that Heavenly Father is able to see our challenges thru a different perspective and help us find solutions that we may not be able to see for ourselves.

Being resilient DOES NOT mean that we remain complacent and subject ourselves to whatever unfortunate circumstance that life throws our way. We can be patient and long suffering while also actively seeking opportunities to better our situation. 

This was exactly the case with the people of Alma. As the story goes on, we know that while the people of Alma bore their burdens “cheerfully”, they also seized the first safe opportunity that they had to escape from bondage, with the help of the Lord.

Likewise, as we exercise faith in our Heavenly Father and his plan for us through difficult times, we can actively engage in bettering our situation. 

***

Perhaps one of the best companions to becoming resilient, is to learn to receive personal revelation. When we trust that Heavenly Father has a specific plan for US and we are striving to follow that plan, it can be easier to feel peace when things get hard or when our path looks different that we had expected.

Sometimes our path may look different than someone else’s path. Before Covid, Jim or I would often have meetings before church which meant that we took two cars to church. After church we would each pile into our separate cars and head home. Without fail, an unspoken race would begin. You see, Jim feels quite certain that Watt avenue is the best route but I am certain that PFE is better. While we are both out to prove that our path is better, It really usually comes down to who gets stuck at the light at Baseline. When Jim gets stuck at the light, Being the woman of conviction that I am, I like to roll my window down and give a celebratory wave as I drive past him and on to victory. Although it’s all in good fun, the reality is that each of these routes, although different, both lead us safely home which is where we want to be.

Often times we can feel prompted to take a path that is different from others. When considering how to navigate the challenges of life, it can be GOOD to look to trusted friends and family to see what paths are working for them and maybe adopt some good habits, but it is BEST to also seek personal revelation from a loving and all knowing Heavenly Father for us specifically. We may find that our path leads us down a completely different, but equally successful road that will ultimately lead us to where we want and need to go.

The Nephites experienced this very situation while preparing for an inevitable battle with the wicked Gadianton Robbers. Much like many of us at this time, they had found themselves in a situation that was quite life altering… Everything they had known, every sense of normalcy they had previously experienced and enjoyed had now changed. They had left their lives, their jobs, homes, and all of their comforts behind to gather together to prepare both temporally and spiritually for the challenging tasks that lie ahead of them. After going to great lengths, making many painful sacrifices, they had finally come up with a plan. A strategy for battle. They would set out and meet the Gadianton Robbers in their lands and initiate battle. It was a good plan. A plan that worked very well for Captain Moroni years before, and he was one of the most successful Army leaders of their time… It all seemed to make sense… however when they took this plan to the Lord thru prayer, they learned that that was not the right plan for them. Their righteous leader, Gidgiddoni received this revelation in 3 Nephi chapter 3 vs. 21 which says:

“The Lord forbid. For if we should go up against them the Lord would deliver us into their hands; therefore we will prepare ourselves in the center of our lands, and we will gather all our armies together, and we will not go against them, but we will wait till they shall come against us, therefore as the Lord liveth, if we will do this he will deliver them into our hands.”

They needed to change course. They had worked hard and made many sacrifices in preparation for overcoming this challenge. Those preparations gave them an advantage and no doubt brought them some peace of mind in uncertain times… but it was their willingness to seek and then FOLLOW council from the Lord thru personal revelation that provided their ultimate protection. It was because of their faith in Heavenly Father’s plan for THEM SPECIFICALLY - (not Moroni’s plan, or the Jones’s next door, but THEM SPECIFICALLY) - that they were able to be resilient in changing course and carrying out a different plan that ultimately lead them to safety and success.

Just as the Lord’s promise to the Nephites, I also know that as the Lord liveth, if we will do His will, he will deliver us.

Our modern day prophet President Russell M. Nelson’s most recent council to us thru these challenging times have echoed this same message. He has encouraged us to “Hear Him” and to “Let God Prevail”. When we are striving to do these things we can be resilient and faithful when life’s unexpected challenges come our way because we can trust that we are being guided by our perfect Father in Heaven.

President Nelson promises us that “The lord has pledged that he will fight our battles, and our children’s battles, and our children’s children’s battles, to the third and fourth generation..” He goes on to say, “As you choose to let God prevail in your lives, you will experience for yourselves that our God is a God of miracles.”

I’d like to close with my testimony. I know these things to be true. 

I have felt God’s guidance in my life as I strive to be resilient in unexpected times. I feel him listening and comforting and prompting me when I pray. I love the scriptures. I can feel their power in my life when I read them and learn from them. I am no scriptorian but the good news is that we don’t have to be. I have felt so much peace and guidance as I have studied the Book of Mormon throughout this year. I have also felt confirmations over and over again that President Nelson is our prophet and that he receives revelation in behalf of God’s people at this time. While these days are filled with so many unknowns, I feel comforted that if we follow him we will be ok. 

Amen

How 3 Nephi Chapter 3 applies to my life

I have been meaning to find a quiet moment to sit down and document the spiritual enlightenment that I felt while reading 3 Nephi chapter 3.

...A bit of back-story... We are 8 months into the Covid 19 lockdowns. It has been rough. The kids have not been in school or sports for 8 months and counting. Distance learning and having the kids locked at home with very little social outlet has been challenging. We also just attended our first church meeting in 8 months last Sunday. Half the ward, socially distanced, with masks, no talking or touching or singing. Our country is also in a time of great racial divide, especially in democratic states. This division has resulted in rioting and looting, destroying of public property, and very strong and loud voices demanding attention on social media and news outlets. Additionally, California has spend nearly all summer on fire for the past several years. Just this summer, millions of acres have burned. Millions. Air quality is poor most of the late summer months, preventing people from going outside. Evacuations, and property loss or damage are all very real concerns here in California. Lastly, this is an election year. Political division is at an all-time high. Just as with the racial division, both sides are hateful against the other. Word travels almost instantly with live video and social media stirring up rage and hate due to the poor actions of the minority on both sides. We live in a state of fear over the upcoming Presidential elections. Fear of what will happen and how our country will change if Biden wins, and fear of backlash and rioting if Trump wins, especially in California. 

All of this is to say that the world is truly in commotion, as prophesied. I have often wondered what I can do to protect my family from all the challenges around us at this time.

The Nephites in 3 Nephi Chapter 3 were experiencing very similar circumstances. They were in a state of war. Struggles for power and status lead many to follow the pride of their hearts at the expense of the greater good... not only to do wickedly but to feel justified in their wickedness. There was great division and dessention among the people. Families had to leave their homes, their jobs, their comforts and their stability to prepare a safe place for themselves to face the impending war against the Gadianton Robbers.

As I read through this chapter I was impressed to see the many preparations that the Nephites made to be successful through these great challenges. In studying their preparations, I see that they were not only preparing temporally but also spiritually. 

Some of their temporal preparations included leaving their homes and gathering together as one united group. They fortified the borders of their gathering place. They stored food and supplies. They made preparations and weapons for war. They organized their armies and created strategies and plans for attack.

Their spiritual preparations included listening to and following their Prophet. Repenting and prayer.  They chose righteous men to be their leaders and to lead their armies - men with the spirit of revelation and prophesy. They prayed to be delivered. They did "exhert themselves in all their might" to do what was right.

Going back to their temporal preparations... One of the preparations they made was to strategize their plan of attack. It was their desire to leave and fall upon the Gadianton Robbers on their lands. Perhaps they made this plan because others had been successful with those strategies in the past (Moroni). Perhaps they knew that war was very destructive and they desired to keep the destruction our of their lands... Whatever the reason, this was their plan. BUT, before carrying out this plan, they prayed. They also asked their Prophet to pray and ask if this was right. And guess what... it wasn't. The Lord revealed to Lachoneus that if they should do this, they would be destroyed by the Gadianton Robbers. They had  made every temporal preparation necessary, and had prepared themselves spiritually to receive guidance and the answer wasn't what they had expected. So with this new revelation known, what did the Nephites do? They chose faith. The Nephites humbled themselves and changed course, choosing the Lord's plan over their own. And because they made this choice- a choice that they made without having all the answers, a choice that was different from what others had done, a choice that was different that what they would have chosen themselves - they were protected.

Can you imagine how terrible it would have been for them if they hadn't asked the Lord for direction? They would have left their homes, their jobs and all that they knew to live in a make-shift shelter,  spending months preparing rations and storages of food and supplies. They would have labored to make weapons and protections for war and sent their loved ones off to battle only to be destroyed. All of their efforts would have lead them to a devastating dead end of destruction. Not because their temporal efforts were not enough. Not because they did not make tremendous sacrifices. But because they would have deprived themselves of receiving divine guidance from an all knowing, loving Heavenly Father who knew which path would lead them to safety.

As I reflect on this chapter, I also ponder what direction I can go and what preparations I need to make to keep my family safe during these challenging times. I know that with every temporal preparation made, I also need to prepare myself spiritually to #HearHim (my Heavenly Father). To listen intently and then be willing to act when promptings come. I can do this just as the Nephites did - by daily repentance. Meaningful prayer. Following the Prophet. Choosing righteous people to lead and guide me in my life. By "exherting myself in all my might" to do what is right. Just as the Nephites, I may find that the right path for me is different from what is right from someone else. I may find that what worked for someone else doesn't work for me. I may find that the right path is not the most convenient. But I know that if I am doing all that I can to temporally AND spiritually prepare myself, the path will... eventually... be made clear.

The Olson's Care Package

My testimony of Heavenly Father's guiding and assisting us as we act upon promptings was strengthened this week. Not only was it a joy and pleasure to minister to a friend but I have enjoyed seeing a bigger picture come together of Heavenly Father perfectly laying out the path for me to take to do it.

A few weeks ago our sweet friend Shalyse Olson posted on Instagram that her little boy Van was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. In the days and weeks following, she has been very transparent with their gratitude for the miracles they have seen and also with the challenges they face as they adapt to a new lifestyle that comes with a type 1 diabetes child.

For several days I felt strongly that I needed to reach out to her above and beyond just commenting and messaging on social media. The first thing I did was add their names to the prayer roll in the Sacramento Temple on my next visit. Next I knew I wanted to send their family a little care package to show them they are loved and thought of.

I know it sounds so silly but for whatever reason the care package was really overwhelming me. A few months back I had taken a small package to the post office and the lady working the counter had been obliged to tell me everything that I had done wrong - from packaging it in the wrong box to placing the address in the wrong location. I left thinking "well I'm sure glad I don't send packages often because that was a pain!" So as I collected items at the store for the Olson's care package this was on the back of my mind. I knew I wanted and needed to send this package but I wasn't sure just exactly how to go about it.

As I was headed up to the checkout line I just happened to run into a friend, Jeannette Palmer. I stopped and said hello and then a light bulb went off in my head right then and there. Jeannette has a daughter on a mission; SHE will know how to send a package! I explained my situation to her and and she immediately swooped in and rescued me! She invited me to her house right then and there. She had boxes of every size stocked up in her garage ready to go and quickly created a packing slip and arrange for a porch pick up for me the next day and showed me how easy it was to do online for next time! This thing that I was just SURE would take me hours at the post office was done!

I KNOW I would have figured it out eventually and that in the grand scheme of things, sending a package in the mail is a small problem, nevertheless I knew that Heavenly Father was aware of me and involved in the details of my life. I also knew that I was following a prompting to minister to this family and that Heavenly Father was helping me to complete the task that He himself wanted me to complete. I know that He put a faithful sister in my path that was willing to minister to me as well.

I can gladly report that the package has been boxed up and sent. As I reflect on the experience, of course I hope that receiving a package in the mail brings joy to the Olson family however I am also very grateful for what I have received from the experience as well. I have been blessed with the opportunity to see Heavenly Father's hand in my life. Also in my pondering I see that Heavenly Father works the same today as he did in the past with those that desire to follow him. My patriarchal blessing tells me to "liken the scriptures to your life". This experience makes me think of Nephi.

Nephi, on a MUCH larger scale, also struggled with knowing just exactly how to carry out a task that he needed to do as well - retrieving the Brass Palates from wicked King Laban. Nephi was unsure how to complete the task but he trusted Heavenly Father.

1 Nephi 3:7 "... I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them"

Nephi suffered setbacks and great challenges yet continued to trust Heavenly Father even after his brothers wanted to give up. As Nephi persevered in his commitment to carryout the commandment that he was given, Heavenly Father (in his time) provided a way.

I am not brave or powerful like Nephi. I have never been commanded to risk my life to keep the commandments like Nephi was, but as I strive to be like him and trust my Heavenly Father I will gain the confidence I need to act on promptings and do the will of the Lord. I trust that he will continue to walk me thru the tasks that he needs me to do and put people in my path that will assist in the work as well. I know that there is not a task too large or too small for Heavenly Father to help us with. I also know that often it is the small gestures that we could brush aside as "insignificant" that can make a lasting impact.

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HOW A LOST CREDIT CARD STRENGTHENED OUR TESTIMONY OF PRAYER

On Tuesday, August 7th 2018 I was preparing the kids for the first day of school that would happen 2 days later and everything seemed to be going wrong. Mya broke her toe at a youth activity to Clark's Hole, I got locked out of my car at the grocery store which made me late to take Hunter to meet his Kindergarten teacher and on top of all that I had lost my credit card while getting gas at Safeway. I was feeling disappointed by how hectic life seemed to be going at the time.

Later that evening I talked with Jim about what to do about the lost credit card. We decided to pray together as a family including the kids for help in finding the credit card. We asked Heavenly Father to help us find the credit card or if we were unable to find it, we prayed that it would be safe until we could cancel the card. After the prayer, the kids were very excited to see if their prayers would be answered. They began looking thru the car, my purse and other placed that it could have gone, feeling certain that Heavenly Father would help us find it since we prayed. To their disappointment, that did not happen. Almost 2 weeks went by without finding the credit card. We had cancelled the card, school had started and we slowly began to forget about it.

In the meantime, within those almost 2 weeks of the card being missing, Jacob had a very difficult Sunday at church on August 12th. During Sacrament that day a scripture had come to my mind. I looked it up on LDS tools and screen-shotted it then put my phone away, not giving it any further thought. After church when we all got in the car Jake was tearful. Jim and I both asked him what was wrong and he said he wanted to talk about it at home privately because he "knew we weren't going to be happy". Coincidentally, he also told us that he had been assigned a talk in Primary on the topic "Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers". When we got home we brought Jake into our room where he tearfully told us that he just didn't think that church was for him. Simply put, he didn't like going. It felt long to him, he got bored and he had a difficult time sitting still. He was very emotional because he felt that expressing these things (which Jim and I already knew) would make us disappointed in him and hurt us. After listening to Jake, I remembered the scripture that had come to my mind in Sacrament meeting and I shared it with him:

MATTHEW 17:20 "IF YE HAVE FAITH AS A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED.... NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE UNTO YOU"

Jim and I testified to Jake that we know that Heavenly Father, who created him with all of his strengths and weaknesses, was aware of his feelings. We asked Jake if he believed that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers - he said yes. We asked if he believed that the Scriptures were true - he said yes. We asked if he believed that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was true - he said yes. Then we told him that he has a great testimony! We explained to him that his concerns with church sounded less like they were about "church" and more about physical/temporal discomfort. Jake agreed. We told him that if he could have the faith of a mustard seed that Heavenly Father would help him with this struggle. We finished our talk with Jake by saying a prayer where we asked Heavenly Father to help Jake with his struggles and to give him testimony building experiences that will help strengthen him and increase his desire to go to church.

4 Days later on Thursday, August 16, 2018 I received a message on Facebook from a young man named Xavier Charles. He was messaging to let me know that he worked for the City of Roseville and had found my lost credit card in the center divide on blue Oaks Blvd while working (how it got there I do not know). He asked if we would like to meet him and he would return the card. I told the kids that we needed to get in the car because someone had found my credit card. They immediately made the connection that Heavenly Father had answered our prayer! We met Xavier and I got my bent and wilted credit card that had been roasting in the hot summer sun for several days. Before we left we told him that we prayed as a family that the credit card would be safe and I thanked him for being honest in returning it.

As I pondered over the events that had taken place over the last 2 weeks or so I see Heavenly Father's hand in each and every step. He was connecting small pieces of a puzzle that from perspective I could not make sense of, revealing a bigger picture of how his small workings in our lives brings forth miracles.

I see that had I not lost my credit card, we would not have prayed as a family to find it.

I see that had we not prayed as a family, we would not have made the connection that Xavier was an answer to our family's prayer even though we still had to replace the card.

I see that the lord answers prayers on his own time frame and in his own way and that his ways are much greater than our own. At the time, I just wanted my credit card. By Heavenly Father witholding the desire of my heart at that time, I was blessed with something much better and of much greater value in the long run!

I see that that experience took place in perfect timing before Jake's talk that he was assigned to give the next Sunday on how "Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers".

I see that receiving the answer to our prayer about the credit card gave Jake an immediate and personal testimony of Heavenly Father hearing and answering prayers which he could share in his talk in Primary.

I see that Jake being given this experience and the opportunity to share it  was ALSO an answer to our prayer for Jake, in providing him with a testimony building experience that he could share at church. He looked forward to church and giving his talk for the next several days. Jake gave his talk on Sunday August 19th on how our prayers were answered and held up the wilted credit card to show the primary.

I see that Heavenly Father used the small and insignificant experience of losing a credit card to bring forth a miracle for our family! I trust Heavenly Father's plan for us and I trust that he is all knowing. I truly DO know that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.