Focus!

Last week I felt very good about accomplishing two things that have been on my "To Do" list for a very long time - months for one, years for the other.
Don't laugh now, but I am very proud that I actually went geocaching by myself and found a cache that I could deposit the travel bug that I got from Jeff D. last summer. OK, I wasn't totally by myself. I had my son Trevor on my cell phone who was very excited for me and giving me as much encouragement as a new father in the labor room who's wife is about to "deliver!"
The cache was hidden under rocks near the Spokane River Falls. When I approached, marmots started crawling out of their hiding places in the rocks and stared at me. Good thing I had Trevor on the phone to protect me... Never mind that I lost my balance, fell over backward, dropped my purse and my phone, and screemed...as Trevor is yelling, "What happened?" I am sure the riders in the Gondola overhead were getting more for their money that day in entertainment.
Wow! I hit the jackpot, or the travel bug "hotel" as there were 5 travel bugs in there. OH, I couldn't help myself. I deposited one...and yes, took one. So now, I'm off on another adventure...
Now for the 2nd goal accomplished: We painted our kitchen on Saturday! Yes, Lisa, it's all done! I love love love it! It's cream on three walls, and a nice warm brown on an accent wall. We also picked out new backsplash tile. Our home teacher, who is a contractor, came over Sunday morning and talked to Gayle while I was getting appropriately dressed, and by the time I came out they had decided that we also should get new countertops and a new sink before we put on the tile! Well, it makes sense... I'm kind of sad to see the yellow sink go though...It's sort of grown on me. Anyway, I walk into the kitchen now and say, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh..."

Rejoice! Happy Easter

My heart is full of gratitude for our Savior. I know that he is my Redeemer, that he was resurrected, and because of Him, we all will be resurrected. He has made the way possible to eternal life, now the rest is up to us.
A scripture that describes my feelings today is:

"Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel." (Alma 26:16)

Day Twelve: The Gift

in Bryce Canyon National Park

Come and See The Giver of Every Good Gift
Luke 17:11-19 tells the story of the healing of the ten lepers. Of the ten, only one returned, fell down on his face at Jesus' feet, giving Him thanks. For a leper, becoming clean was an impossible dream. There was only one who could make that happen, and that was Jesus Christ. I know that, like the leper, I have turned to Christ when I have needed his outstretched hand. And though I cannot fall down at Jesus feet, I can kneel in prayer and vocally show my respect and grateful heart. What impossible dreams do I have? How about you? There is nothing that the Lord cannot help us to accomplish or to fix, or change. Then which of the lepers will you be like? This week we celebrate Easter, and I reflect on the great incomprehensible gift of Christ's atonement. Because of this, we can overcome physical and spiritual death. Our bodies will be reunited with our spirits (be resurrected) and we can return to our Heavenly Father and Jesus, overcoming spiritual death and live with them in celestial glory. This is within the reach of ALL of us! I am so filled with gratitude to my Savior for this wonderful gift.

Day Eleven: Calm the Storm

Cannon Beach, Oregon

"Seek the Lord...[for] he be not far from every one of us. - Acts 17:27"
Remember the story of Christ walking on the water? It is recorded in Matt. 14:22-33. Late one evening the disciples were in a boat in the midst of a stormy sea and were fearful. They looked up and saw Christ walking on the sea. He assured them, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." Christ's answer was as it always is every time: 'Come.'"

Instantly, Peter sprang over the side onto the churning water. He focused on Christ, and took a few steps, then got distracted. He realized the force of the elements around him, became fearful, and began to sink. In terror, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately stretched forth his hand and caught him.

"Many times we find ourselves in a similar situation, overwhelmed with the path before us. Distractions come quickly in the busy world we live in. Sometimes pressure comes from discouragement or depression that can somehow turn our lives upside down. Often we find ourselves in a whirlwind of demands and time constraints that do not allow us to focus on the Lord. Sometimes the simplest tasks are the ones that become forgotten first." (21 Days Closer to Christ, Emily Freeman)

Simple tasks, like taking time to pray. Read scriptures. Having family time together discussing spiritual lessons. Sounds so easy, yet some have the challange of making them reality. It is a challange, but so worth the effort. I know that if we have the desire to be close to the Savior, he will carry us through our own raging waters when we call to Him. He is able to calm our storms, giving us the strength to endure. He will be more than a painting in our homes, He will be our Friend. He'll listen when there is no one else to dry our tears.
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith: that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all Saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowlege, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19
Yes, he can calm your storm.

Day Ten: Stand

From "21 Days Closer to Christ" by Emily Freeman:
"Those who serve in our nation's military regularly meet with a captain who gives needed direction. The soldiers show their respect by standing "at attention" while he speaks to them. It is common, when he is finished, to tell his men to stand "at ease." There is an interesting parallel to this common practice and the scriptures. As "captain" in this spiritual battle, Christ asks us to stand "at attention" in many ways.

Stand by faith (Rom. 11:20)
Stand fast in the faith (1 Cor. 16:13)
Stand and testify (Alma 5:44)
Stand spotless (3 Ne. 27:20)
Stand in the places of our stewardship (D&C 42:53)
Stand in holy places (D&C 45:32)
Stand as witnesses (Mosiah 18:9)
Take upon us the Lord's whole armor, that we may be able to stand (D&C 27:15)
Having done all, to stand for truth, righteousness, peace, and faith (Eph. 6:13)
Caution: "Woe to them that are "at ease" in Zion" (Amos 6:1)"

When I think of Christ's last week on earth and how he was betrayed by Judas, one of the disciples, and how even Peter, the chief apostle, denied that he knew the Savior three times, I have to ask myself: Would I done the same? Would I have stayed awake all night while Christ prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, or slumbered like the apostles did, not able to stand watch? Fast forward to our time. Do I have the strength and courage to STAND as his witness at all times and in all things and in all places?

"I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, No! I will praise and adore at the mercy seat, Until at the glorified throne I kneel at His feet.
Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!"

Day Nine: Ancient Keys

"When Christ was on the earth, He held the keys of the priesthood. He promised these keys to Peter, saying, "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matt. 16:19. These same keys were given to Joseph Smith by Peter, James, and John and have been conferred on every prophet who has served since that time. These keys allow our prophet to exercise "the same divine priesthood power and authority that was held anciently" (David B. Haight, "The Keys of the Kingdom," Ensign, Nov. 1980, 73).

If we want to know the Savior, we can look to the prophet who holds the keys who will lead us closer to Christ. These last two days we watched General Conference, broadcast from Church headquarters in Salt Lake City from Temple Square. The Holy Ghost bore witness to me that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet on earth. I am grateful for the guidance that we heard these last two days and look forward to studying the talks that were given more fully and apply their direction in my life.

Today is Palm Sunday. There was much taught about the Savior. I loved Pres. Monson's quote, "The future is as bright as your faith." There is much fear about the global economy, so many people losing their jobs. The world needs to know that Jesus Christ is the source for peace and answers to finding joy and happiness in life. I love his gospel - I am so grateful for my blessings. I love my family so much, my husband, Gayle, and each child, each grandchild are so precious. I miss you so very much.

Day Eight: Recognize His Voice

Marigold's Invitation

Come and See: The Good Shepherd
Christ said of Himself, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). As the Good Shepherd, He has promised to lead us, protect us, heal us, defend us, and comfort us. He gave His life for us. In return He asks each of us to "come, follow me". But to follow Him, we must be able to recognize the voice of the Shepherd. That voice comes to us in many ways. It is the still small voice of the Holy Ghost that gently guides and prompts. It is the clarion call from the prophet of the Lord, Pres. Thomas S. Monson, or other General Authorities who are called as witnesses of Jesus Christ. It is the words of the scriptures that encourages us and increases our ability to recognize the voice of the Lord. If He, the creator of the Earth, of all things in the earth, with perfect organization, can provide for a butterfly, than what are we, but a little lower than the angels? "Be still, and know that I am God." Today, I will listen for His voice.

Day Seven: "The Author and The Finisher"

I'll bet that you thought that I have given up on reading and writing about the book "21 Days Closer to Christ," by Emily Freeman. I've been very busy. I took last Friday off work, and prepared for Lisa, Dave, and their family to come stay with us for the week-end. They arrived Friday night. We bought our new trampoline on Friday, and that was part of the preparation. Saturday morning, we woke up to sunshine which was a surprise, so took advantage of it, and with jackets and gloves on, jumped on the trampoline and later I pitched a wiffel ball to Dakota and Paige, who took turns trying to slug it. Paige used to play on a team, so she did very well. Dakota had to be helped. It was funny seeing Paige prompt her to bend her knees, stick her rump out, and choke up on the bat. Dakota got the hang of it quickly. Too bad I couldn't take pictures and pitch at the same time!

Sunday morning I went to a special Stake Meeting for all those who usually go to Ward Welfare Meeting. It is a new program from the Church and is all about self-reliance. I was asked to play the organ for the hymns. Following that meeting, attended ward welfare meeting, followed by home teaching visit, followed by an hour and a half preparation for my lesson in Relief Society, which went pretty well. By day's end, I was VERY tired.

Monday night was MOVIE night, with Lisa and the girls. Dave left to go back to Kennewick as he had to work on Monday. We watched TWILIGHT, my second time, and their 7th. Yes, they are ape over Edward and Bella.

So back to the book. I have been reading and studying everyday, not only this book, but reading last year's April Ensign on the Savior. Our 2009 April Ensign arrived last week, but I don't want to read it until I finish reading last year's again.

Paul the Apostle has counseled us, "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." (Heb. 12:1-2)

In the race of life, it is very easy to get off-track by not maintaining balance. For me, the challange and opportunity is to make choices wisely about how I spend my time. There are many distractions in the world that pull at our time and energy. Time is a precious commodity not to be taken for granted. I want to finish the course - this race of life - successfully, and so daily invite Christ to be my "running partner." I am so much better when He magnifies my abilities. I am stronger, faster, smarter, more spiritually aware. One example of this, are the times that I have prayed before retiring about something, and then when I wake up, all these ideas flow into my head about what I have prayed about. It's wonderful. I am humbled. And I pray, "Run with me this day."

See more trampoline pictures online in my picasa web album. http://picasaweb.google.com/nc.crawford/2009_03_28#