Priesthood Power and Healing Blessings

 This is a picture of a chair we use when participating in healing blessings. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints one receives blessing of healing by the laying on of hands. This means that one or more worthy male members, who have been ordained to the higher Melchizedek priesthood, anoints the individual with oil, by placing a very small drop of that consecrated oil on their head. They then place their hands upon the individuals head and seal that anointing by the power of the priesthood and pronounce a blessing as prompted by the Holy Ghost. The priesthood bearer when inspired by the Holy Ghost then has the ability to speak the healing words of Christ. (For more information see https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/healing-the-sick?lang=eng)

I have received many such blessings and I am always amazed that in every instance there is a positive change. Sometimes I have physically felt better immediately, other times I am prompted to seek proper medical attention in order to continue the healing process as the Lord directs. Yet regardless of the counsel I receive in that blessing my heart is lifted and I feel the love of my Savior and Heavenly Father.

One thing is also certain through these sacred experiences and this is that the holy priesthood power is a real force. Every time a blessing is extended to me I feel God’s love for me and His desire to bring His heavenly light and healing into my life, if I am willing to ask for it. I know He will do this same thing for all of His children. So remember that if life is dark and difficult, look to Christ and invite His help and healing through Priesthood power.

#HearHim

#gatherinchrist

Trials are Blessings if We Seek the Lord's Perspective

Dyers Woad is a noxious weed. This dreaded flowering plant grows so vigorously that the efforts to get rid of it have been organized and intense. Did you know that it had a purpose that was good? The root of this plant is one of the strongest known herbal antiviral. Harvested in the Fall, the roots contain the greatest concentration of its medicinal properties. Who knew that this terrible weed could have helped with those that are struggling with colds and sicknesses of a viral nature.

Locally, you can see this plant pretty much everywhere in the valley I live in. I have heard neighbors recently complain about its infestation. It is surprising to learn that this noxious weed has the ability to heal. How ironic that during the pandemic global proportions when antivirals were becoming harder and harder to get, they were with us all along. 

With that said, have you ever thought your greatest trial viewed with proper perspective may become your greatest asset in providing the strength we need to face the struggles we have in life? Sometimes I have viewed my hardships as being quite unfair… now I’ve come to understand that when we forgive a debt owed by another who is harmed us, we receive compensating gifts from the Lord. Those gifts then accelerate our progression along the covenant path. Sometimes the very source of our burden becomes the vehicle by which we can have a better life. Because of the Savior, Jesus Christ, everything wrong and unfair deed will be made up. There is no stronger source of healing. He is the healing that comes with every trial if we are will to see Him there. Trusting in Him, and in Him promises will uncover blessings within the tragedy. 

#gatherinchrist
#HearHim
#burdenstoblessings





Motherhood, The Celestial Role Of Women Of God

 My journey to be a mom was filled with years of tears. I didn’t know then that the Lord was preparing me through these tender experiences to be sensitive and to expand motherhood’s sacred role in my soul. Before I entered what the world would see as the role of motherhood, I learned of my eternal identity. That in the eternities an exalted woman was a mother. I realize that I was already deepening and exercising the gifts and talents of motherhood as I loved my students, cared for and prepared my home to be a refuge from the world, supported friends, and served my neighbors. I found life could be fulfilling, even if I was never going to be able to bear my own children. I WAS HAPPY! I loved others that God placed in my life. As a single woman without children I learned motherhood was no longer an event, but part of my eternal character.

At age 36 I entered an eternal family whose Mother died of cancer. Each Mother’s Day was extremely tender and sometimes the saddest day of the year. I knew my family was aching for the mother they lost and while I desperately wanted to help ease that pain, only the Savior had the power to right that terrible loss in their hearts.

Now fast forward twelve years, and I can honestly say, of all the Mother’s Days I have experienced, this Mother’s Day was the best! My younger son and husband sacrificed a fathers and sons outing to help me prepare for a commercial shoot for my book and tend to our many chores on the farm. I would’ve never asked them to give up that fun activity since my son and husband have very little time for fun events. They sacrificed and worked hard to clean the house and help stage the several scenes that were recorded the next day. I worked two 16 hour days in a row, and that was not enough to be ready. Without their help I would have failed. They made the impossible task, possible. My husband even starred in the commercial…which is really not his thing. Then against all odds, my own parents came to be stars in the commercial and to wish me a happy Mother’s Day. I don’t remember the last time I got to spend Mother’s Day with my mom. It was lovely. 

Those two, my little son and husband didn’t stop there. They made me dinner on Mother’s Day and invited my friends to share the day with us. My husband didn’t just make dinner he washed two loads of dishes.😂 My older boys found ways to let me know that I was cared about and thought of. One day at a time Jesus has healed our family. As we wait upon Him for the time where all of our tears will be wiped away we can enjoy truly heavenly days.

My heart is tender for friends and family who wait upon the Lord for their righteous desires to be realized. I know the only one who can give us perspective and ease our pain is the Savior.  I am so thankful He is the answer to all our of problems. I know through Him we as women can embrace the sacred role of all women of God, that role is motherhood. The sooner we embrace our eternal identity as mothers, and seek to fulfill it in the Lord’s time and way, the happier we will be. I promise you gaining a celestial perspective is worth it.

Some Angels Wear Chaps

It was a light year for hay and life is crazy for everyone, so we knew we would be bringing in this load ourselves. The situation was not perfect. When is it ever though? My husband Guy had periodontal-surgery on Monday and worked an overflowing schedule this week due to an international seminar he is in charge of the following week. He is the muscle for our hay crew and admittedly he was tired. Please don’t think we are ungrateful and whining, only understand we are helpers…which means, for the most part, we are used to doing everything ourselves and then helping others. Don’t get me wrong either, we have been the beneficiaries of Christian service before and perhaps that’s what made us even more the “helpers”. We know how good it feels when your neighbor shows up, and to lend a helping hand, when your workload is just too much. 

Now back to the miracle of the day. We were on day two of hauling hay and admittedly we were moving a bit slower than the day before. My husband and I with our 10 year-old-son were content to bring in the load of hay this year. We had a sunny weather forecast for a week and we knew we could get it all in eventually. We enjoy the time together even though the work is hard. 

I like to farm because it gives me time to reflect and today I began to reflecting on a story that took place during the Spanish flu epidemic. Those were difficult times. My memory was a bit foggy with some details but I clearly remembered certain details. A man had cared for and lost half of his family to that Spanish Flu, yet he still needed to go out and harvest his sugar-beets. When he went to the fields to work, to his astonishment he found the men from his congregation already had done the work. He just sat down and cried. 

Though I never had a story like that in my life, I was pondering that life was starting to inch closer to it. Today, in a small gracious way, this story came back to me as I pondered how hard our life has been since the pandemic. Life had been stressful for us for years. To save you from boredom, I will keep the sharing of that stress to the past 7 years. When we came to this new area we had a lot of trouble building a house and setting up a medical clinic, but that was nothing compared to the stress that came to our family in the beginning of the pandemic of 2020. We contracted Covid, which was later medically confirmed, early on in the pandemic. We were sick before the shut-down and even before we knew what symptoms to look for. Since I had several autoimmune diseases, and I was physically weakened by a miscarriage, I was a sitting duck for this disease…There was no time to grieve my loss in a culturally normal way or really understand everything that had happened… It was during that same time and due to my weakened state, I fell ill pretty quick and became a covid-long-hauler. 

With that said, I was really lucky that I am married to one of the best Chinese Medicine Doctors in the West and he had herbal medicine and acupuncture that was effective in treatment against this unknown virus. He was able to care for me and keep me from hospitalization and dying. I instinctively kept my distance from people and after three weeks I wiped away my tears and and I went to work. I started back to my regular routine of managing my husband’s clinic and taking care of the farm. 

When the “shut- down” happened in the US and our kids were sent home for their schooling, it was hard for people. It was difficult for us too. There was no shut down for medical workers. We adjusted our clinic to the requirements of the State and local area to stay open, and we worked hard to keep our first responders, and parents with young families working and healthy during that time. We had a spare room at the clinic and so I would help my son with his school, run the clinic, and watched my home fall into a deteriorated state…since I had very little time to work on it.

It was at that time I was extended call serve in our local congregation. I was called serve and minister to the sisters in our congregation. I’d been prepared by the the spirit of the Lord, to know that this was going to be the case, so I immediately accepted the assignment when it was extended. I found that serving during this difficult time wasn’t a burden, it was a blessing. Serving the Lord as I served my fellow sisters gave me a way to channel my grief into something positive. I worked to serve others who were in distressing circumstances and I felt myself heal and change at the same time. Then three years later my assignment changed, but the burden of my responsibilities remained heavy. 

Now for what all this has to do with hauling hay. We weren’t just having a busy summer or a hard year…it has been hard for many years. So now maybe you can imagine what I might have felt when my angels in chaps showed up today. I was rolling bales of hay so they could be more easily picked up by the truck and trailer in the north end of the field, so I was the only one that could see when the help arrived. I couldn’t hold back the tears when our neighbors, who have enough to do with their farm and work, came to help us. I still can’t think about it without getting emotional. Those strong, service oriented neighbors made quick work of a job that would have taken us days to complete. 

As I pondered on the story of the harvested sugar beets I realized while I haven’t burried half my children and our crop, while important is not our livelihood…Yet I cannot express in words what it was like to see our unexpected help. I feel a peace and love that is better than anything entertainment can offer. I feel what is feels like to be rescued again and it is amazing and special. So remember that when your trying to escape the stress and pressure of your world you will be lifted to a higher state of living if you seek to lift the load of another. 

#gatherinchrist
#HearHim
#helpaneighborinneed
#justserve

Follow the Prophet

As I sat in church I looked around the room a familiar picture captured my attention. It was a picture of Noah and the final boarding of the animals. This time Noah’s worn face stood out to me.  I tried to fathom what it must of have been like to have all your people, save your own family, ignore the warnings you were inspired by God to give. I thought about how sad he must have been. I am positive he loved them and it was difficult to watch the consequences of their decisions end their mortal lives. 

Many people on the Earth today do not know that there are living prophets again.  It began with Joseph Smith in the 1800’s and there has been an unbroken chain of living prophet’s since. Today President Russell M. Nelson is the Lord’s prophet. He has taken opportunities to share the word of the Lord on numerous occasions. Those who have listened to and followed the inspired word of the Lord through him have been greatly rewarded with increased faith.

Along with my gospel studies I like to study people. I have watched and studied people and their responses to prophetic invitations for many years. I have noticed that as the prophet has been extending challenges that are socially difficult yet faith promoting, there has been a group of people that have risen to every challenge. I like to call this phenomenon the rising of the wise.  In saying the “rising of the wise” I reference the wise virgins that were in the familiar New Testament parable, “The Ten Virgins.” 

This parable is widely known among Christian’s but the Latter-day Saint perspective has modern insights from Prophets that helps us better understand the context of that parable for our day.  President Dallin H. Oaks taught in his talk “Preparation for the Second Coming”  in April 2004 that the virgins represented the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He explained that 50% of the membership of the Church will not be ready for the Savior’s 2nd coming. In stating this he called this a “chilling statistic”. That is alarming to say the least. What I am amazed by are those dedicated saints that are willing to put politics, social status, and worldly positions behind to serve the Lord and follow the prophet. 

Of course with the “rising of the wise” we start to see division as well. To be perfectly honest I have felt divided in my own heart when I have had challenges extended that were really difficult to follow. This of course is a common feeling due the conditions of the Fall. We all have natural tendencies of the flesh that we must overcome through God’s grace. 

I once noticed the fight in me with a fairly simple challenge given by the Prophet to read The Book of Mormon by the end of the year. The challenge was simple enough but my life was extremely complicated. Even though my world seemed to be crashing down on me because I was struggling with my health, work and family responsibilities, I found the faith to trust in the prophet’s words and read The Book of Mormon. I wanted the blessings he promised. In following I chose to I ignored the justification, while still acknowledging the real fight within me, that I didn’t need to do it because I had already read The Book of Mormon several times before. I chose to obey with exactness. As was asked, I highlighted every time that the Lord’s name was mentioned. It was a good experience and as an unanticipated result I felt the desire to help gather scattered Israel grow within me. I became more courageous in sharing the gospel with others. My faith increased.

When the prophet encouraged us to get the vaccination I again had a wrestle within my heart. I am sad to say this challenge stayed a conflict in my heart much longer than any other challenge given by a prophet. I already had COVID-19 why did I need the shot? I erroneously thought it wouldn’t spare me anything. To be even more honest I was upset! All the counsel seemed to be “a day late and a dollar short” to help me. To make matters worse I was also getting conflicting recommendations from my Doctors. One Doctor sent out a form letter recommending that I get my shot and that it was a approved for my age group. I decided to take the recommendation seriously but my Specialist didn’t recommend that I get the vaccination due to my present health challenges and past medical history. 

At that moment, confusion and anger were reigning in my heart. I wanted to follow the prophet but my health would make this very difficult. Did I really have a legitimate excuse or was I falling into a trap and rejecting God’s blessing because of pride? Fortunately I knew anger and confusion was not from God. Clearly I was going to need inspiration to settle this problem. If I went against the specialist it wouldn’t the first time. In my single years I would choose to follow the spirit instead of well intentioned medical counsel. When I was in my early 30’s I was recommended to have a hysterectomy because of disease and I had a zero percent chance of having children. I chose to trust my patriarchal blessing which said otherwise and seek other methods of healing. Just as the Doctor predicted I did suffer for years, but the suffering motivated me to find alternatives that I didn’t know existed. I now have an awesome little boy who I love dearly and I still shock Doctors with my medical history and my miracle son. 

The letter from the First Presidency presented another faith building experience. I would again need to choose to put worldly wisdom aside and trust God. Thankfully my husband chose to follow the prompting he received from the spirit to get the shot first and his example helped to ease my concerns. My Specialist understood my dilemma completely and wisely allowed me the opportunity to choose for myself. I trusted in scriptural promises that I could take my questions to God and get my answer.

During that time I also had my faith nurtured as I saw faith-filled examples of my neighbors. I had spiritual impressions that softened my mind and heart. One such impression the spirit brought to mind was the children of Israel when they were asked to look at Moses’ staff. The story was graciously repeated over and over in my little world by faith-filled friends and leaders. It was a great illustration of what we were going through. Just imagine how strange it must’ve seemed to stare at an idol, which was not Christian worship. It was also an idol of what bit them. How ironic it must have seemed that they would need to look at an image of the very thing that bit them in order to get better. That story is definitely worth pondering about in context of what we are going through. Yet even with all of these tender workings of the spirit I was still uneasy. I knew I needed a confirmation from the spirit of the Lord. I do not take sound medical advice lightly.

In order to get the inspiration I also knew I needed I had to weed out the false assumptions I had made or accepted about the shot.  I would also need to work on my health challenges and not use them as an excuse, if I had a way to improve them. Through the grace of the Lord I did actually had a way to improve all of them. Unfortunately none of those solutions were quick easy fixes though. 

Most of the health challenges I had struggled with were part of Post-Covid syndrome. Since I had contracted the disease early on in the pandemic I was left to seek solutions that were on the cutting edge of science and most of the population in America didn’t know about them. Only through continued prayerful daily effort for more than a year did my health start to return…now I was faced with getting a shot before I was completely better. Would it put all my hard work into a tailspin? We actually didn’t know. 

I was also privileged to work in the healthcare system during this entire pandemic. I witness numerous cases of Post-Covid syndrome. All unique, but all devastatingly difficult. I also was aware that some groups of people would be medically unable to get the vaccine due to allergic reactions. I had seen allergic reactions to flu shots cause a recipient to have to learn to walk again. I had a sweet mother share her story of a child who almost died getting a normal vaccination. Their case was carefully recorded with the cdc and her daughter was actually medically exempt from getting the shot. Yet with all this information I was reminded of three boys who carried the Saints a crossed a frozen river and who all died later in their lives from the effects of this heroic act. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pXRRtjKRkvM Why did they do it? They did it to follow the prophet. They did it for the love of the people. They did it for the Savior. What mattered? Are we here to have a life filled with ease and luxury? Are we here to prove ourselves? For some the answer is to have the faith not to get the shot when it has been proven medically dangerous for them. For others it is to move forward and get the shot even if you don’t want to. For others it will be to make improvements to their health and make the requirements to get the shot. Whatever the spirit of the Lord says is right.

My healing experience had already given me plenty of knowledge about being on the cutting edge of science so the position wasn’t at all unfamiliar. Yet the moment came that all of my concerns and worries melted away when finally I weeded out the last lie about the vaccination I had accepted as truth.  In my heart all that was left was the desire to follow the prophet. I felt an increased appreciation for his faith and calling as a prophet as well as his wisdom as a medical Doctor. I more deeply understood the importance of his willingness to be vaccinated himself. That was enough for me to move forward with faith. As I was sharing my experience of having my thinking changed I felt a rush of that peace that comes only through the Holy Ghost. I didn’t have to move forward without a clear confirmation as was required of some of my close associates. I had received my promised confirmation.  

Within a few days I had my shot scheduled. I marveled that I had gone from never intending on getting the vaccination, since I had already contracted the disease and successfully fought it, to being submissive and getting it even with not understanding all the reasons why.

Like most people who get the vaccination I had uncomfortable side effects. I had my routine interrupted and faced the fury of the "anti-vaxers". Luckily for me I had great medical help through that process and I was able to overcome every side effect. As anticipated my experience with the shot was much more complicated than my healthier friends and family, but I had a confirmation that I was doing what was right and had proper help. Now I feel a great peace. Just as Nephi taught in the opening pages of The Book of Mormon if God gives a commandment he also gives a way to accomplish it. We also need to understand that just because God commands it doesn’t mean it will not be soul stretching. God loves soul-stretching experiences. Through the process we change and grow into the true version of our selves.

Now back to Noah. Just like in Noah’s day we have a choice to make. We can choose to ignore or misunderstand that there is a prophet on the earth today that speaks for God or we can find safety and peace in coming to know that truth and then follow him. I get that it is not always easy, but I am also secure in the knowledge that the Lord’s prophet is not allowed to lead God’s people astray. I feel that doctrinal truth in my heart and I have had it confirmed by the Spirit of God time and time again. I know that we can have personal confirmation that there is a Prophet on Earth again. We can also know by the spirit that a prophet is again speaking to men and that through following his prophetic counsel we can avoid many sorrows and tragedies in the last days. 

The vaccination is not the only issue that is causing people to leave the safety of prophetic counsel. Yet no matter which issue is a personal struggle for you the method to increase faith is the same. Our Heavenly Father understands our heartaches, our misunderstandings and the climate that we live in perfectly. He wants to hear from us in prayer about everything we’re worried about. Then he expects us to start listening to Him if we want things to improve in both ourselves and society. That’s why he’s given us a prophet, and scripture. The prophets and scripture declare His doctrine. Like the angels in heaven the Prophets only have the power of the spirit to do what God wants them to. Angels and Prophets must do God’s will. To think that they need to align their words to be politically correct, comfortable, or just not offensive to us would deny the purpose for their speaking. Jesus himself went to be baptized by John the Baptist because John had authority from God and Jesus said it was to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus didn’t have any sin therefore didn’t technically need to be baptized for the remission of sin. Yet Jesus was responsible to be baptized to fulfill a commandment and show the way to heaven. Should we really question “why?” when we’re asked to do something to show our faith and obedience? If Heavenly Father required the Savior to do it should we be surprised that He required a similar test of us? The nice thing is that we don’t have to do it alone and we have had others come before us to show us the way.

Some call this an Abrahamic test, as I was reminded this morning. Can you imagine being asked to give the only son you have left (since you already had to give your beloved Ishmael to the Lord’s keeping) and then have the faith to stop when the Angel came to tell you that you had to done what was required? You had to show your willingness. Abraham, Moses, Noah and the Savior were all dispensation fathers who had great things required of them. They also show that the Savior’s sacrifice in our behalf allows us to have a constant companion in Him, the spirit, and angels. With those heavenly beings He sends His enabling power to do whatever God needs us to do, and suffer whatever he needs us to suffer. 

It is my sincere desire to add my witness that Russell M. Nelson is the Prophet on the Earth today. I know there are solutions to all the world’s challenges because of Christ. Jesus is the way the truth and the life and is the solution to every problem. We need not be confused in life because we can know through prayer what to do. May God bless your hearts and minds through these difficult days with peace and God’s perfect love.

Education and Faith

Ready to go back to school? That’s a loaded question these days. Depending on your state you could be looking at online options, hybrid online and in person schooling, mandatory masks or no masks and the worries that come with any of those.

 

I hear a lot of information from people from all over the United States. They are talking about how their different schools in their communities are doing. Quite frankly I am impressed with the goodness of people everywhere. There are such amazing people that are really giving their ALL when it comes to securing educational opportunities for children. I have also noticed they are tired...they have been pushed to their limits with the pandemic climate. Many are seeking for greater strength, health and abilities to give even more this next year.

With that said I have a thought to share, and I hope it will be helpful to you or someone you love. The thought is this...if you find yourself missing the normal excitement and happy anticipation for the upcoming school year and instead you are noticing a feeling of dread you may need to prepare for this year differently. (Heightened stress can also be recognized when there is a lack of ability to get proper sleep.) Feelings of dread, heightened stress, and poor sleep can sometimes come from unprocessed grief and strain. The last school year was more than hard enough to bring these kinds of situations about. It is important to take time to be aware of how we are feeling. If we recognize we are overwhelmed we need to slow down and take care of ourselves. When we slow down it is easier to see the needs of our family too. It is also important to listen to your children’s worries and concerns. Once needs are identified it is time to seek solutions. Beginning to feel better can be as quick as a heartfelt petition the Lord in prayer. Tell Him everything! There isn’t anything He cannot help you with.

Whatever the problem Faith in God will help with the entire process. In fact, there is no better time to increase our ability to recognize how God speaks to us. When problems are identified we can pray in faith to find solutions. If we are pure in our hearts and our desires, that kind of diligent effort will lead to inspired insights and spiritual promptings. Promptings from God will always lead to greater faith and encourage us to change to be more Christlike. Following promptings that come will help increase our faith as well as give us greater power to help out. Each situation is unique and an opportunity to grow and stretch beyond our current capacity. All difficulties are really opportunities to use all the faith we have and ask God to increase our faith. 

With global upheaval and struggles increasing we can remember that it is a wonderful time to increase faith and get information on how you can be of service. The world needs people of all faiths to join forces during this difficult time. Instead of focusing on our differences we can use our energy and time to strengthen individuals, families, schools, teachers, administrators and communities. In addition to having good information on community and family needs we have a wonderful opportunity to fast and to pray for healing and strength. 

The Savior Jesus Christ calmed the waves and His disciples ....therefore He can calm you. He can make beauty out of ashes (Isaiah 61:3). Through His atonement we can access all the power we need to heal so that we can be a healing force for others. 

Thanks for taking the time to read and think about these things. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. 

If you still are pondering how to increase your faith this talk by President Russell M. Nelson has great faith-filled counsel on how to do just that. I would highly recommend studying it and following what the Holy Spirit teaches you through it.

Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains

By President Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/49nelson

If you have any questions and need to speak to someone personally about increasing your faith feel free to click this link to get in touch with missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in your local area. 

https://www.comeuntochrist.org/requests/missionary-visit

#doctrineandcovenants

#inspiration #wisdom #sharethegoodness #LDS #Spreadlight #churchhistory #BeDiscerning #Faith #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #mormon #latterdaysaints #hearhim #FollowHim #JosephSmith #FaithThroughTrials #Angels #DareToDoRight

#prayer #Fast #fasting

We can gain strength through Jesus Christ!

 In 2016 my family embarked on an adventure. We had the feeling to move to a new home after thinking we would stay in our old home forever. This initial feeling seemed uncomplicated but the move was filled with complications as well as miracles. The biggest complication was we were not just relocating our family we were relocating our business of 25 years. My husband knew more of how difficult this move would be but with unfailing faith he led the family through a significant and life changing move.

When we were finally in our home but only in the middle of transitioning the business, two years and many complications later, I faced a tough day. I was feeling the burden of that transition. My husband was gone a lot and I was left to manage the farm, and family needs alone. My work would often last all day and into the night. Due to our soil composition our new trees need water everyday. Since we were only going to need to water the trees by hand for a year, at the most, I added that to my list of already overwhelming responsibilities. On that difficult day I remember praying about my situation and asking if there was anyway possible that I could get some relief.

The answer to my prayer was not expected but it was just what was needed. I was promised that if I continued God would make me equal to my tasks. I knew that promise was true because I had felt the power of Jesus Christ before. I knew in order to qualify for that power that I needed to be on the correct course and then God would help me to achieve what was needed. The answer to my prayer told me indirectly that my course was correct. I knew that if He could help me in the past He would help me now. So I moved forward and continued my work.

Now we are still more years and more complications later. The difficulties of my life have only quadrupled. When the pandemic hit it sped up the transition of our business two years and I was thrust into full-time employment. I was not only working full-time but I experienced heightened family needs, and like many others was homeschooling. I prepared a room at work for my son and managed his classwork while at the same time I managed my husband’s office. During that time I was also asked to be a leader in my church. I had just suffered a great personal loss and was recovering from a serious illness. Regardless of my circumstances I felt peace in accepting the position. I also felt the power of a blessing given by our Prophet Russel M. Nelson in an April 2020 conference and I knew the Savior would continue to strengthen me.

Still even another year and more complications later we were preparing for another change in the family. My husband’s father, who had been battling a disease which we thought would eventually take his life, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He decided that he would not fight the cancer so we knew our time was short. We shifted priorities to be with him as much as possible and provide whatever comfort and help we could. We pushed some of our responsibilities aside, absolutely certain that we would catch up later. While my father-in-law was approaching the end of his life my father was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This required me to go to my Father’s home to assist him while my husband assisted his family. What we thought would be time to catch our breath soon turned into helping my father to battle a very aggressive cancer.

After returning home from a weekend of caring for my father and mother I realized I would need to get the hoses out again and water our trees. Our poor trees were struggling from the dry spring. We had not intended to use hoses to water our orchards for 5 years, but circumstances beyond our control had delayed our watering system for 4 uncomfortable years. The morning demands required me to get the old hoses out one more spring and do some mending to a hose that was about to be thrown out. There wouldn’t be time to buy a new one and I had been raised to mend things and wear them out. This was the chore that brought me to my knees years earlier. As I pondered on my feelings of the stressful situation I was in I was amazed at how remarkably easy it was to do the chore that had once stretched my strength. I felt calm and a thought had again come to my mind, the repeated message, “If you move forward with your work I will help you.” I knew my Heavenly Father heard my prayers then and I know it now. I knew that Jesus’ atoning sacrifice would strengthen me and I know that even more intimately now. I now have greater faith to endure difficulties. To cheerfully do what was in my power and then stand still to see the hand of the Lord do the rest.

His gospel is true. The scriptures are full of endless possibilities if we have faith! The scriptures are not just stories of those that lived before, they are guidance to help us heal and rise above our individual troubles! Miracles still happen today! God will strengthen us to lift our burdens that are intended to polish us, not crush us. I know that our Heavenly Father and Savior are there for us in the happy times as well as the sad times. I believe that Christ's suffering for us is real and as we allow God to guide us our burdens will make us into the people we were meant to be. We can be happy during difficult times because Jesus bore our troubles already and He only needs us to trust Him with them so He can grant us peace.

- Andrea Lindsey