My Savior, Redeemer and King~

by Greg Olsen~

As Easter is approaching I have been thinking about my testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I truly love my Savior, with all of my heart and soul. My relationship with the Him is deep and abiding. I feel His love in my life. I believe in Him. I trust in Him. I follow Him. He is the "Savior and Redeemer of my soul".
This precious relationship has become to me a source of strength and peace. I know  that He knows me and loves me. I know that in the pre-mortal world I chose to follow Him and His plan for us all.

Art by Greg Olsen

I know that in this earth life I am here to gain a body, experience life, and develop a trusting relationship with Him. I truly, "Stand all Amazed At The Love Jesus Offers Me,"
I have had many prayers answered through Him. He is our deliverer and mediator. He gave freely his blood, sweat, tears and life for us. He died and was Resurrected for us; that we might live again.  He suffered for us beyond anything we can comprehend. We close our prayers in His sacred name. He is our Savior, Redeemer and King.

                                                         Art by Greg Olsen
My favorite scripture is found in Proverbs 3:5-6.
5 .Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Through the years I have used this scripture many times while going through the fiery furnace of life experiences. Life is not easy nor was it meant to be. I know that He walks with me and beside me on my daily journey through this challenging world. I do not know what I would do if I didn't have this faith in my Savior. I have deep gratitude for His many tender mercies. In my joys He is there. He desires for us to have happiness and joy; He is the way, the truth and the light.

I am blessed with an Eternal Companion that shares this strong belief in Christ. The two of us are together in our relationship with our Redeemer. We together walk hand in hand with Him.

Art by Greg Olsen 

Take My Hand~ by Greg Olsen 

 

`Take my hand and follow me;

There are things ahead for you to see.

Little wonders are all around

And tender mercies to be found.

We'll take our time -no need to run;

Breathe deep the air and feel the sun.

The grass is soft and just be still;

Our heats will tell us God is real!

Small graces along our path appear;

They let us know that heaven's near.

So take my hand anew each day;

The walk is lovely, and I know the way

 

 Take a moment and enjoy this beautiful rendition of Savior, Redeemer of My Soul by a favorite singer of mine Dallyn Vail Bayles~

 

A Letter To My Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren~

I have been thinking a lot about my precious grandchildren and great grandchildren. I have 13 granddaughters and 2 great granddaughters along with 18 grandsons and 1 great grandson. It is often difficult to have one and one moments with each of them because many of them live far away. I do have a blog entitled: Grandpa and Grandma's Twitterings. This blog is in the development stage and I hope it will be a fun way to connect with them all.
When we visit our grandchildren, I can tell which one of these spirited children will give their parents a run for their money. Through the years while raising my own children I have gained wisdom through the process of struggles and trials that go along with parenthood. However, to me my grandchildren are wonderful and each one is unique and very special spirit. I know that all of them have been reserved to come to come to earth; each with an assigned purpose in the winding up scenes before the 2nd Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today, I thought I would write a letter to them all. There are only a few of them that are at an age to read and understand the feelings of my heart.

Dearest and beloved Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren:

Here are some thoughts from my heart to yours.
Babies are such a miracle. How could anyone not know that they have come to this earth from a pre-mortal realm where they left their Heavenly Parents and their Elder brother Jesus Christ. The veil was drawn at birth and you cannot remember that wonderful pre-mortal life. I know that in that state I knew you all and that you were assigned to come into our earthly family. 

When I have held each of you adorable and precious grandchildren and great grandchildren in my arms; I can see in your sweet little faces that you had just freshly left the courts on high. I like to think that perhaps you received a blessing from our loving Heavenly Father as you left for this great adventure.  Here you came to earth to fulfill your divine and chosen earthly mission. How I loved to kiss your little cheeks, necks and tiny little feet and hold you close to my heart. You were and are so precious and innocent to me. I know that you are truly Sons and Daughters of our Heavenly Parents. As I looked into your angelic little faces I know that you have strong spirits that were prepared  to tackle your earth life experiences. At that moment I prayed that your earthy parents and we as your grandparents could provide the support  and teachings you will need as you sojourn through life. 
So dear grandchildren and great grandchildren this is my hope and prayer for you. Here are some thoughts that come from my heart and hopefully to yours.
In the beginning as you are taught to pray; I pray that you will always know that you have a kind wise Heavenly Father and your Elder Brother Jesus Christ who are there to listen to your prayers. I myself like to picture that I am at the knees of my Father in Heaven as I praise Him, give gratitude for His countless blessings and pray for my everyday needs. There will come emergencies into your life when only prayer can give you that comfort, peace and direction that you seek. I know beyond doubt that our Heavenly Father and our Savior knows your name; you are his child and He knows your needs.

Our Father in Heaven wants us to return to Him clean and pure and He will help us accomplish this if we but reach up through prayer for Him. God is our 911; Prayer is our emergency line. Use prayer to reach Him wherever you are and in whatever situation you find yourself in.
I pray that you will love the scriptures. I hope that you will find within the scriptures answers to your prayers and a closer relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that as you read the stories, prophecies and counsel within those pages that you will feel the Spirit of the Holy Ghost whisper into your ears that these are eternal truths. Perhaps you will feel like you have heard some of these thoughts somewhere before. Feast upon the words of Christ especially found in "The Book of Mormon".

Another thing that I pray for is that you will be given opportunities and teaching experiences  when you will feel the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. I pray that you will understand, feel and obey that special gift that you have been given at your baptisms. This is a priceless gift; learn to let it guide you.

The question is asked; what else can you do to bring more happiness and joy into your lives? I found that the answer is to serve one another. Finding opportunities to serve your family, friends and neighbors will bring into your soul great happiness. I pray that you will think outside of yourself and what you think you need and look for opportunities to serve others. When your heart is troubled, when you are alone and afraid; go out and serve someone. Those troubles will just slip away. It is one of the greatest sources of help for depression and those down days we all have.
Many years ago I was quite ill and at the time was working as a Hospice nurse. I had to drag myself to work. However, once I visited my first patient I would lose that feeling of hopelessness in my physical distress. I would think to myself; this dear person I am working with will die soon and I still have time to live. When you don't feel like serving another is the exact time to do just that. Look for opportunities to serve and your life will be greatly blessed.
Learn to work; work is a principle of power. By working and accomplishing tasks you will find more satisfaction in your life. Perhaps your work in the beginning will be helping at home, then working a job to prepare for going to college or on a mission. Have a goal to work towards and you will find that your happiness will multiply.
You will one day want to find an eternal companion. I pray that you will choose well. I pray that you will go to your Heavenly Father in prayer to verify that this young man or woman whom you love is the one you should marry. This one decision will be the biggest decision you will every make in this life.
I pray that I might live to see you all married in the Temple of our Lord. The temple is the crowning joy of this life. To be an eternal family is so important to me. I pray with all my heart and soul that all of our families will be in the Celestial Kingdom together. I desire with all my heart that there will be "No Empty Chairs" in our family.

The temple is a oasis. It is the fountain of Living Water. Here you will learn of eternal truths. Here you will provide saving ordinances for ancestors who are waiting to receive their blessings though you.  Here if you come prepared  you can receive answers to prayers and revelation for all of the important decisions that you will make in life.

 Last of all here are a few moments in my life  that have filled my heart with joy. The kind of joy that I would term exceedingly great joy; an exquisite joy. The first was when I knelt across the alter to be married and sealed to your grandfather many years ago. What a very good man I chose to be my eternal companion. I hope you will look to him as a true disciple of Jesus Christ.  He is there to support you in any way he can. Another moment was the day that our last child was married and sealed in the temple to her chosen companion. In that beautiful temple sealing room sat all of my children and their beloved spouses. We were together as one family with "No empty Chairs". Finally, but not least the moments when I held each of you sweet ones in my arms and welcomed you into the world; just as I had held my own sons and daughters.

This kind of joy is indescribable and you have to experience it to know.
I pray you will.

With great love to you all; I send these thoughts to you all today.

My three precious Great Grandchildren: Lilly, Jadyn and Sagan ~





A Few Life Regrets and Resolutions~

Our Family in 1981 - Families Come First~

Last October in our semi-annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus  Christ of Latter-day Saints; President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency gave a beautiful message on the subject, "Of Regrets And Resolutions".

Last month one of our Relief Society Lessons was given on this particular talk. As I listened to this wonderful lesson it brought to my mind a few thoughts about Regrets that I have had in my life and also Resolutions to change some of those regrets.
President Uchdorf stated the following: "The path toward fulfilling our divine destiny as sons and daughters of God is an eternal one...We must begin to walk that eternal path Today;
We can not take for granted one single day. I pray that we will not wait until we are ready to die before we truly learn to live."
In my own life I do have regrets. This talk caused me to ponder upon some of those regrets and analyze how I resolved some of them and how to prevent having regrets.
 
President Uchtdorf gave the following three resolutions.
1. Resolve to spend more time with those we love.
During the years of raising my children I had to work off and on. I am a nurse by profession.  I usually worked shifts and other assignments that allowed me to be home with my children during the crucial moments when I felt my family needed me. My last position was in Hospice Home Health Care. Most of the time I could schedule around my children's activities. In the summer of course this was more difficult because they were home more. Also, if one of my patients were dying or had died; I needed to go and be with them and their family.  Sometimes, this caused an interruption in my mothering care. Later on I became the Director of the Hospice Home Health and my hours to be home were more restricted. At the time, I felt that I was doing OK. However, later on after I quit and became a more full time mother; I realize that my working did have an affect upon my children. Working at that time was a necessity and I didn't have much choice. I learned later on that my one daughter felt like I wasn't there for her very much. One of my younger daughters couldn't remember me being home very much. One of my son's had some big challenges and I didn't know about some of it because I was at work. I really have some regrets and often have wondered how I could repair that damage. For my last four children I was able to be a full time mother during most of their teenage years.  This was such a blessing in my life. All of my children came through this period of time with a few scars but basically they have remained true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.They have served missions for our church and been married in the temple .However, I do regret that I wasn't home with them more. I know I did try to be a loving mother; but I also feel I failed in giving them the time they needed with me.
Back then Family Home Evening was very inconsistant for our family. I have a testimony of that program and recognized that it can bring great blessings into your home when you have  regular Family Home Evenings each week.
Another quick regret is that I didn't have time to see or call my parents as often as I should have. Now both of them have passed away. I miss them so much.
We also didn't have family reunions with our extended families so that has been sad. Now that we live near our brothers and sisters; we do see them a little more often.
Treasure family relationships and provide time in your life for them.
President Uchtdorf gave the following thoughts; "When Jesus Christ interacted with those around Him, they felt important and loved. He knew the infinite value of the people He met. He blessed them, ministered to them. He lifted them up, healed them. He gave them the precious gift of His time."
If we fail to give our best personal self and undivided time to those who are truly important to us, one day we will regret it.
"Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories". ~ Pres. Uchtdorf.
 
So ask yourself, how can I encourage quality family time in my home?

For now I can just hangout and enjoy each of my sweet Grandchildren - This is the biggest blessing of being grandparents instead of parents.

2. Resolve to strive more earnestly to become the person God wants us to be.
I must say on this one that I try very hard to be the kind of person Heavenly Father wants me to be. Of course,I am far from accomplishing this. I do realize that we are here on earth to learn and grow in our testimony of the Savior. We are here to make choices every day; we have agency a true gift. I and we are all imperfect. However, I believe that I can work on attributes that will bring me closer to my Savior and closer to my goal of becoming the person God wants me to be.
 I am now in the retirement years of my life without children at home. I have more time to delve into the scriptures and other good books. I have always been one to pray alot; but now my prayers are more intense and meaningful. I understand what prayer can bring to my life to help me on a daily basis. I frequently get answers to prayers through the scriptures and other things I read.  I find more time to provide service to others which has broadened my experiences and taught me many lessons. Going to the temple more often and serving there weekly has opened my eyes to many truths.
My regrets would be that I didn't realize that the scriptures are the prime source for raising children and solidifying marriages. I tried to be a good mother; but I would have been a better one if I had studied the scriptures more intently while raising children. I didn't realize that they had the answers to every problem that came up through those child raising years.
Although we did go to the temple fairly often through the years; if I would have been more consistant; I would have found greater strength and revelation through temple service.
Now I see the blessings from doing those things mentioned above. Sometimes we get so busy that we do not do those things that will bring us closer to the person God wants us to be.
In Pres. Uchtdorf's message he said: "Discipleship is the pursuit of holiness and happiest
self.
Let us resolve to follow the Savior and work diligence to become the person we were designed to become. Let us listen to and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we do so Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves. He will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown an perhaps unimagined talents.
The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness and happiness, the less likely we will be on a path to regrets. The more we rely on the Savior's grace, the more we will feel that we are on the track our Father in Heaven has intended for us.

How will following the Savior help me to discover the woman God wants me to become? What can I do to be a better disciple of Christ?

3. Resolve to find Happiness, regardless of our circumstances.
I have a little clause in my partriartical blessing that states that I am to be optimistic and cheerful. I must say that I usually am the one in the family to be the most optimistic. I also through the years have tried to be cheerful and happy. I told my husband when we were first married that I would go with him  and live where ever we needed to live and that I would be happy with him even if we lived in a tent. Through the years we moved a lot. Sometimes in rental homes in the same ward and homes that we bought and sold. We lived mostly in three bedroom homes and had our three boys in one room and three girls in another. I always felt happy in whatever home I have lived in. Each of these moves and homes bring to mind many sweet memories along with a few sad ones. In later years we were fortunate to have more living space; but it also brought more rooms to clean. I just know I have been greatly blessed by having a good attitude through the years of raising children and moving into different states and homes. We have moved a total of 22 times and have lived in four different states.
Through life experiences I have always tried to be happy. I have tried hard to live in the present. I can't say that I haven't been depressed over different experiences; but I never remain that way for very long.
A closing thought by President Uchtdorf: ".....No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trial, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.
Perhaps we should be looking less with our eyes and more with our hearts. I love the quote: "One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes."

What can I do to see and acknowledge the good things in my everyday life?

Pause for a moment and answer those questions??You will be greatly blessed if you do~ 

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~

   FOR TODAY -February 23, 2013

Outside my window...it has been snowing most of the day. Our yard is arrayed in beautiful white fluffy snow. I am thinking that a day like this requires us to enjoy this lovely sight as we sit by the fire sipping hot chocolate and reading a good book. I wonder if I can make that happen.
I am thinking...I hope that my husband will quit working soon. We had our wonderful temple shift this morning and then we came straight home so that he could get his reports for work sent out. He has been at the computer now for about 5 hours. I truthfully don't know how he keeps working. He has always been a faithful, loyal employee and gives his job the best that's in him. I feel deeply blessed that he can do this work at home. I can at least bring him little treats and quick kisses. He is such an awesome man.
I am thankful...for the tender mercies of this week. I sometimes become emotionally overwhelmed with daily blessings that come into my life. Sometimes, it is a friend calling me just when I have a need to talk with someone. Often a prayer will be answered while reading  the scriptures. I am so grateful for the blessing of prayer and the ability to pray whenever or wherever I am.  I have been trying to be more aware of my every day blessings. It truly touches my heart when recognition of a blessing comes.

In the kitchen...I have already made popcorn that I keep snacking on. I am about to prepare some delicious Hot Chocolate. It's dinner time and I think this night's
 meal will be something simple.
I am wearing...comfortable Flannel PJ bottoms and a black top to match. I have on black socks and slippers. This is just the kind of fashion wear for a cold snowy day.
I am creating...this post and that is probably all I will create today.
I am going...to take a few moments and practice my piano. I started trying to practice everyday and thus far I haven't missed very many days. For some reason I am enjoying doing this more than ever. Hopefully, I will keep it up. I would like to learn most of the Hymns. I am working on two other pieces; "How Great Thou Art" and "I Heard Him Come". These are two of my favorite pieces of music.
I am wondering...if my granddaughter is up and about yet. In December my Granddaughter moved in with us. She is 21 years old and keeps strange hours. We are enjoying having her here when we do see her.
I am reading...and studying The Book of Mormon on a daily basis. I am reading in the book of Helaman. I don't have much more to read in the Book of Mormon and then I will start it over again. I am amazed at what I learn each time I read this book of scripture. I am also reading the Doctrine and Covenants; which is the study book for the Sunday School lessons this year. I am enjoying the opportunity to read it again after 4 years. This time I am also studying the Doctrine and Covenants with the Institute manual.

 

Of course, I always have other books I am reading. I am loving the book "21 Days Closer to Christ" by Emily Freeman and Simon Dewey. I read it about a year ago; but didn't follow the daily suggestions for drawing closer to the Savior. I am not reading it on a daily basis; but I am learning much more by being active in following the suggestions at the end of each chapter. The pictures by Simon Dewey in the book are breath taking. 

 

One more book I am reading is "To The Rescue", the Autobiography of our present day Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. I am so grateful for the testimony that I have that he is a modern day prophet for our world. If one would read this book they could know what I am saying is true. He is a disciple of our Savior Jesus Christ. The stories are so heartfelt and faith building. 

 

I am hoping...for some warm days soon. I really want to bask in the Sun. I need some of those warm rays of sunshine coming through my windows. I don't get seasonal depression; but sometimes I don't function as well on cloudy days.
I am looking forward to...the Sabbath Day. I love Sundays. There is nothing better than to mingle with the saints and hear faith promoting messages and enlightening lessons. I always come home with my cup filled with Living Water. This Living water quenches my thirst for increased faith for the coming week. We also get a chance to be with some of the families that we are assigned to assist on our Inner City Mission. Lately, we have been very busy with a couple of families and we feel happy that some are attending church regularly. I feel such inner happiness when they are there for the meetings.

We are also traveling up to Heber to my son's ward for our 14 year old grandson to receive the office of teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. We are so pleased with this choice young man and his accomplishments.

I am learning...that it is going to take a lot of time to learn what I need to know for doing Family Research. When I prayed to find some names to do temple work on my husband's side as a gift for Christmas; I made a commitment in prayer to learn how to research more effectively. I can't even begin to tell you how sweet it was to be baptized and confirmed for one of his female great great great cousins and he was baptized for two male great great great cousins. The three cousins are brothers and a sister. We completed other work for them and soon we will have these three children sealed to their parents for eternity.

One of my guilty pleasures......I asked my husband what he thought one of my guilty pleasures would be and he said: "Chocolate" Yup, that's me. Here is my favorite guilty chocolate.

Around the house...I can hear my dog Sammy whining for my husband to play with him. It is so fun to see the two of them together. Every time that Sammy wants Roger to stop working he finds his toy and brings it to him and paws at his pants until he stops to play.

I am pondering....on how I might be able to help my granddaughter. I love her so much but I am struggling on how to help her have increased faith in her life. There are so many things I would like to tell her that have helped me through various hard moments of life; but I don't know if she is ready to listen.
A favorite quote for today..."Never suppress a generous thought - Bonnie D. Parkin
One of my favorite things...is to read and then read some more. If I could, I would read all day. However at my age I am not retaining much of what I read; so reading more won't help that problem. I just need to focus more in order to retain more of what I read.

Something new about me.....I have actually lost 21 pounds in the last 3 months; plus I am exercising as often as I can. I feel great and have about 12 more pounds to lose. I have been on countless diets through the years and I finally figured it all out. I eat what I want but just less of it and exercise more.

A pet peeve.....I hate to leave my house without the dishes done and my bed made. I am actually a little nervous if this is not done. I certainly hope that I am not developing OCD. 
A few plans for the rest of the week: Sabbath day activities - Family time- Mission visits -Temple moments and perhaps a date thrown into the mix.
A peek into my day...up at 3 a.m. to the temple by 3:45 a.m., Pre-prep meeting, Preparation meeting at 5:20 a.m., training with two sisters, home at 11:30 a.m., journaling, reading of posts, doing a post, a light dinner, early to bed, early to rise~

 

 Be sure to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself!

Have You Let The Stranger In?

The Stranger

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family.The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on. As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors:Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey.But the stranger... he was our storyteller.He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures,mysteries and comedies.

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future!

 He took my family to the first major league ball game.He made me laugh, and he made me cry.

The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind. Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet.(I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home - not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our long time visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and it made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad didn't permit the use of alcohol but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much to freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.

 I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked ...And NEVER asked to leave.

More than sixty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?....We just call him 'TV. (Note: This should be required reading for every household!)He has a wife now....we call her 'Computer.' 

      Their first child is "Cell Phone."Second child "IPod.” And MOST RECENTLY BORN WAS a Grandchild: “IPAD.” Anonymous

OH MY----HOW TRUE THIS IS!!!

The scary part is how fertile they are and the gestation period for the next
intrusions are getting shorter and shorter!!!I

Who will you ask into your home?

I desire to have a Christ-centered home; a home where the Savior would be welcomed in. " Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelations 3:20

Who will you ask into your home?

I desire to have a Christ-centered home; a home where the Savior would be welcomed in. " Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelations 3:20

"Choose you this day whom we will serve......as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

Love Is In The Air~

Can you feel it? Can you breath it in?
Yes, love is in the air today.

 I can feel it. I can breath it in.

Love comes in many shades of color. Love can be white; in it's purity. Love can be red, in it's passion. Love can be yellow; cheerful and fun.
Love can be warm as the sun. Love can be bright as the moon. Love can twinkle like a stars. Yes, love is all around us; can you feel it?

  Here Are My 15 Loves~ 
&
 There Are Plenty More!

I love my Heavenly Father and I know that I am His daughter.

 I know that My Heavenly Father loves me.

I love my Savior Jesus Christ and I know He loves me.

I love my husband with a profound tender and passionate affection.

I know he loves me. He is my Eternal Love~

I love my children and  grandchildren and great grandchildren

with the kind of love that only a parent and grandparent can feel~

I love our parents and miss them so~

My Parents~Leone and Millan

My husband's parents LaMar and Nyal

I Love Our Brothers and Sisters~

My Husband's family

My Brothers and Sister in laws

My Brother and Sister in law ~ Mac and Amparo

My Brother and Sister in law ~ Gloria and John

I Love my two Aunts~

My Aunts ~ Della, age 99 and Alene, age 93

I love my Sammy and he brings joy to me~

 I love my friends of whom I have a deep warm, personal love for each of them~

There are those from my past, and those that are near,

and those that I blog with that are so dear~

I love our beloved Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson~

I love the Temple and love to serve there with my eternal companion~

I love the scriptures and they feed my soul with comfort, peace and love~

I Love Music; it stirs my soul~

I love the United States of America and the freedoms we enjoy~

Most of all I love this man~

All of these Loves are loved in a unique and different way
Can you feel love in the air today?
I can!

To All~

Celebrating 3 years of Living Waters ~

Three years ago today I started my Living Waters blog. My purpose was to share my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, share precious family moments, and just musings from me. I have loved writing posts. I have learned a lot about writing but plan to continue to improve. I have enjoyed sharing many aspects of my religious beliefs. There have been some wonderful family events and other special moments that I have tried to capture. Sometimes, it has been fun to write about what interests me at the time; which included thoughts on politics, religious principles, love, marriage, and family. It has been such a joy to write what I am passionate about.
Most of all I have enjoyed the opportunity of making new friends on my blog. I have been enlightened, challenged, spiritually uplifted and amused as I have read your posts. I have laughed and cried over many of your entries. I have actually met and had lunch with two of you; one from California and one from northern Utah. Many of you have become my good friends through follwing each others posts. I would love meet each one of you in person someday. Thank you for blessing my life with a glimpse into your lives. Just know that I love you all and will always be near to pray for you when in need and rejoice with you in  moments of joy. Blessings and hugs to all who follow my blog.

When I started this blog I had just read a book entitled: "The woman At The Well by Emily Freeman" with painting by Simon Dewey. This book had a profound impact on me. As I read the scriptures that was the premise for this book, I became overwhelmed with the thought; "How Thirsty Am I". I determined that my soul was indeed very thirsty for the words of Christ. I wanted to develop a closer relationship with Him. I desire to keep my cup full of Living Water.
Emily Freeman in her book stated: "These latter days are a time of great spiritual thirst. Many in the world are searching, often intensely, for a source of refreshment that will quench their yearning for meaning and direction in their lives. They crave a cool, satisfying drink of insight and knowledge that will soothe their parched souls. Their spirits cry out for life-sustaining experiences of peace and calm to nourish and enliven their withering hearts."
The following words from Christ in John 4:14 are profound: "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

As Bruce C. Haven, in an article entitled "Beauty for Ashes: The Atonement of Jesus Christ;" said the following: "Coming closer to Christ is not an event, but a process...We will find that he is not only aware of our limitations, but that he will in due course compensate for them, 'after all we can do.'....He can save us in our inadequacies as well as from them. A sense of falling short or falling down is not only natural, but essential to the mortal experience. But, after all we can do, the Atonement can fill that which is empty, straighten our bent parts, and make strong that which is weak." (Ensign, April 1990, pg. 8, 13)
Take a moment to read the sweet scriptures found In John 4: 5-29. Ponder on this interchange between the Savior and the woman from Samaria. He knew her; though she did not know him. Christ does know each of us. He knows us by name. He loves us enough that He gave His life for us that we might live now to learn of Him and then someday be with him eternally. Come draw the water from the well and partake of His eternal living water.

 

Reflections by Emily Freeman~

Have you ever yearned for happiness?

Are there places in your heart that are empty or filled with doubt?

Is there something that you long for that the world cannot satisby?

Have you ever felt inadequate?

Are there days when you wonder if you have anything to offer?

Have you ever wished there were someone who really knew you?

Have you let the Savior begin to help you recognize your weaknesses?

What are you willing to give up to know Christ

Have you placed your burdens at his feet?

When the healing comes, do you remember to rejoice?

What are you certain of about Christ?

What do you know of Christ?

Where is the well that you visit daily?

How thirsty are you?

 

Take a moment and ponder on these thoughts then fill your own waterpot with Living Water~