Pray, Then Work

And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me:  I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith.  Enos 1:12

A farm around the corner from our home.

We all want our prayers answered or else we wouldn't be saying them, right?  When I read the scripture above in my morning study, I realized that those with the most effective answers seem to put a lot of effort not just into the praying part of it, but going out and doing something to help the answers come.  Enos said he "labored with all diligence."  I think what he was laboring at was preaching the gospel.  He was concerned about others around him and he wanted them all to be saved.  First he prayed, but then he labored in keeping his faith alive (through prayer and scripture study) and serving others.  Heavenly Father told him he would give him what he wanted because of his faith.  There is that action word--faith.  Faith does not just abide.  We exercise our faith by doing righteous things, always striving to keep the commandments of God.

The owners of this farm above, have always had to work hard every day of the year.  A farm demands constant attention.  Everyone knows a farmer has one of the most difficult and demanding jobs around.  They know they have to do something to produce yields in their fields, herds and flocks.  The do their part and rely on nature to produce the desired results.  Sometimes nature does not cooperate.  Most farmers don't quit when things don't turn out like they expected.  They continue on in faith with the hope that things will be better the next time.  There's failure in farming, but there is success as well.  To every thing there is a season. 

Yes, just like with farming, life has its ups and downs.  We sometimes meet with failure and cannot see that our prayers are being answered. Rest assured, prayers are always answered.

The following are some ways prayers are answered and some of the roadblocking to receiving answers to prayer:

1.  "Yes" or "No"  

(scripture reference:  "But, behold, I say unto you that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.  But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor . . ."  D&C 9:8-9)

2.  The answer can be seen in the result

3.  The answer is already in the scriptures--it has not changed

4.  I already gave you the answer (don't keep asking)

5.  You need to spend more time pondering an answer to present to me

6.  You need to better prepare for the answer  (ponder)

7.  There are things you must learn first

8.  Your intellect or understanding increases

9.  There are some things you must learn for yourself

10.  You asked for the wrong thing

11.  You don't need my counsel on this matter 

12.  Not important to know--focus on other things

13.  You were not sincere in your prayer or cared enough to pray with real intent

(scripture reference)  "And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such."  Moroni 7:9

14.  The Spirit cannot break through your hardness of heart

15.  You did not listen

16.  You need to find a quieter place to hear the answer

Grain used to be kept in here

Whatever the season, let us be caught being diligent in our prayers of faith.

Evergreen Ranch barn.  One of the farmers who worked this farm died recently.  It is a sad tale.  He used to drive his tractor all day without stopping to get a drink of water.  Eventually, he experienced kidney failure.  In life, we can be wise in how we work.  Strike a balance for temporal and spiritual things.  Replenish ourselves in both areas to stay healthy.

Someone put in a lot of work to lay up hay for the animals for the winter

Isn't the barn wood beautiful?

Go Sing a Song

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.  
  --Doctrine and Covenants 25:12

The neighbor's peacock surprised me one day on our back deck.  His "song" was  loud and anything but melodic.  Did that make his music any the less acceptable to the ears of our Creator?

We are taught from the time we are children to sing a song to make us happy, sing to get a bad thought out of our heads, or sing a hymn if we are afraid, and it seems to work.  Yes, I know some songs can actually make us sad and cause us to weep, but singing or listening to music is an emotional experience that can bless our lives in many ways, even if serves to release sorrow from our hearts. One dear woman I met in England said that when she goes out to walk her dogs, she often sings, "Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?"  This song always cheers her up and helps her think of anything good she might have done, or provides a reminder to do something good for someone before the day is done.  I like that. What if you are like me and cannot carry a tune?  I love to sing, but only to myself and to God.  Well, I admit I did sing to my children a lot when they were little.  They smiled as babies, but asked me to stop and spare them when they were older.

I like to imagine that whatever I sing is magically transformed and perfectly transmitted to God's ears as perfect as it is meant to sound.  I'm sure He has a filter that puts it all right.  Surely, if singing to Him is a prayer, it will be a wonderful thing to hear.  His promise is true too, if we have a righteous desire to sing to him, we are blessed.  The right hymn or song at the right time does bless me when I need courage, understanding, patience, comfort, or just need to let my Heavenly Father how thankful I am and how much I love him.

Today, I need a song to help me in a difficult trial.  A hymn we sung in Relief Society on Sunday gives me the strength I need to face it.  It is Hymn #127 in Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the music can be played as you follow the words if you go to this link and type in under "D" and choose "Does the Journey Seem Long?" http://lds.org/cm/catalogsearchalpha/1,17929,4782-1-1,00.html#nullLink

For your convenience, I will print it below to read as a poem.  See if it helps you with your personal challenges and concerns.

Does the journey seem long, the path rugged and steep?
Are there briars and thorns on the way?
Do sharp stones cut your feet as you struggle to rise
To the heights thru the heat of the day?

Is your heart faint and sad, Your soul weary within,
As you toil 'neath your burden of care?
Does the load heavy seem
You are forced now to lift?
Is there no one your burden to share?

Let your heart be not faint
Now the journey's begun
There is One who still beckons to you.
So look upward in joy
And take hold of his hand;
He will lead you to heights that are new--

A land holy and pure,
Where all trouble doth end,
And your life shall be free from all sin.
Where no tears shall be shed,
For no sorrows remain.
Take his hand and with him enter in.

  --text:  Joseph Fielding Smith
  --Music:  George D. Pyper

Scripture references:   

" . . . whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day."       --Alma 36:3

(Surprisingly, the scripture reference included with this hymn reflects back on my post the other day concerning the scripture a friend sent that is helping him be strong in his trials) 

" . . . let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."  Hebrews 12:1-3

Now, go *"sing, sing a song, sing out loud, sing our strong.  Don't worry that its not good enough for anyone else to hear" (*from the Carpenters "Sing" (Peacewatcher).  Click on this link to listen to this classic happy song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYjcNR7W-Ow

Huh?  You don't appreciate my raucous song?  Humph!

Choose This Day

Searching for Enlightenment and Truth

Ask, [the right person],

and it shall be given you; 

Seek [in the right places] 

and ye shall find, 

knock [at the right door] 

and it shall be opened unto you.

  --Matthew 7:7

Today, I read a couple pages out of a small book in which the author suggests ways to take and inner journey to find oneself.  She related her ongoing search for spiritual enlightenment from sources as far back as 8,000 B.C.  She mentions that some of the teachings are obviously not helpful and that many have become corrupted through the years, but commented that true spiritual teachings have the goal to help us understand our purpose and place in the universe.  She also stated that no path was the only or best path and that, amongst the smorgasbord of spiritual teachings, anyone can find something that works for him or her.


This author then goes on to share stories about the masters under whom she studied, including a tidbit about a guru and the mind expanding technique he taught.  Her seemingly life-long pursuit of truth has lead her to many different ways of gaining enlightenment, but answers to her questions are not yet forthcoming.  She believes what she needs to learn is in the journey or search.


This author is misleading herself and others.  Man's wisdom, by itself, shall never replace God's truths, not to say that God hasn't given man wisdom and knowledge--we know he has.  Evidence is in our progression on this earth.  He is the only source of enlightenment.


We are told by God himself there is only one path--one way.  "One Lord, one faith, one baptism (Eph. 4:5)"  It has been spelled out since the world was created:  Faith in God and in his Son, Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by one having the authority from God to do so, receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (also by those with proper priesthood authority), and enduring faithfully to the end keeping the commandments.

As simple as that sounds, there are still thousands of different religious practices and beliefs in the world and millions of spiritual teachings spewed forth in books, on the Internet, and through workshops, and various other means.  Apparently, finding the truth is not as easy as it seems.


This is why there has been a restoration of Christ's Church as it is supposed to be.  This is why "Mormons" swamp the Internet, missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints knock on doors and stop people in the streets, and why members of the Church give people the Book of Mormon.  We know the answers to life's greatest questions and where to find them.  We strongly desire to share this great "enlightenment" with others. How can anyone find fault with people trying to share the greatest gift they have to give?

Of course, other religions present the same case that they have the truth and say that Mormons push their beliefs on others.  Isn't that what they said about Jesus Christ in his day?  Those with the truth have always been persecuted because Satan desires it not to be found.  Christians have never been able to give up spreading the word of God.  They have been commanded to do so--to take the gospel to all the ends of the earth.  Satan fights against that which is a threat to him being able to get people off track and away from eternal life.  How much energy do you see him wasting on other sects?


A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints may share beliefs or teachings with others, but if the other people reject the message, they should be treated with respect.  That doesn't mean we will stop telling others there is a living prophet guiding us today and that ordinances are available that make it possible to live with God some day.  The fullness of the gospel has been restored.  Somewhere out there is a seeker who will recognize the truth and find the path which will provide joy throughout eternity, so we do not give up spreading the good news.

Satan would have all people be forced to believe.  There are certain religions in the world today that kill their members if they choose another religion to follow.  The LDS Church's 11th Article of Faith states we allow others to worship how, where, or what they may.  We do that--after we share our message of hope and happiness.

If the public becomes tired of hearing from the "Mormons," would they, please, just kindly ignore us?  I know it is probably too much to ask, but there is no way to filter them out.  Our message is for anyone who wants to hear it and we have no way of knowing who that might be.  Similarly, the general media sends out messages of all types and in many forms throughout the world and we have a choice to turn to a different channel or go to a different site.  Everyone is sharing what they believe someone wants or needs to know.


People can choose to seek enlightenment and truth throughout their lives all over the world and in thousands of books, but I hope they fine it right under their noses with a click on lds.org.

Trials and Blessings - Sabbath Reflection

Coming out at the mouth of Ogden Canyon yesterday, I noticed Ogden got a heavier snow fall than Ogden Valley.

Even though these trees are laden with an extra burden right now, and some branches may break,  they will  survive to stand straight again as they patiently wait for warmth to melt the weight away.  THEN, they can get busy and lose their leaves so the next onslaught of snow won't be a threat.

This is part of an email a friend sent this week:  "I had an interesting insight today into Paul's statement in Hebrews 12:1, Wherefore brethren, seeing we are encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."   (underlined for emphasis)


This insightful friend sends many inspired reflections through emails.  Most of the discussions are about specific challenges and trials of an extremely difficult nature.  It is cause for celebration when my friend succeeds, even to a small degree, to conquer elements of  "the race" that requires so much inner strength, faith, energy, perseverance, and diligence.  Failures to "run" as well as desired are acknowledged, but there is no giving up or giving in.  That is why I pray so hard for my friend's ultimate success in that personal race.  That is why we pray for one another, isn't it?  We are cheering each other on.  What a  blessing to have others in our lives who will root for us as we strive and nudge us to get up when we fall. 


Our lesson in Relief Society today was also about the difficulties we often face in our lives and there was a lively discussion amongst the sisters about how they face their trials, where they receive strength, and the different ways people cope.  It is clear that we don't run the "race that is set before us" very well alone.  We need to let people in when we suffer. "Thee lift me, and I'll lift thee, and we'll ascend together" (Quaker proverb), is a beautifully condensed version of Christ's great commandment to love our neighbor. 


Yes, each of us CAN take one step in our personal race and be patient as we struggle up the hill of life, reaching for a hand when we need it.  Remember to always seek the help from God each day through prayer, then be watchful for who he puts in our path to answer our prayers.

See?  Some of the trees are doing better already under their extra burden.

Stuck in a Dress & Random Photos

Ah, hon, I hate to tell you, but he has passed on . . .

Okay, so I'm fashionably challenged.

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness:  for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.  Luke 12:15
Benedicto:  


May your trails be crooked,
     winding, lonesome,
dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.
       May your rivers flow without end,
meandering through pastoral valleys
     tinkling with bells,
past temples, and castles and poets' towers
  into a dark primeval forest where tigers
     belch and monkeys howl,
through miasmal and mysterious swamps
     and down into a desert of red rock,
  blue mesas, domes and pinnacles and
     grottos of endless stone,
and down again into a deep vast ancient
          unknown chasm
where bars of sunlight blaze on profiled
                 cliffs,
where deer walk across the white sand
               beaches,
     where storms come and go
 as lightning clangs upon the high crags,
where something strange and more beautiful
 and more full of wonder than your deepest
               dreams
          waits for you--
beyond the next turning of the canyon walls.
  --Edward Abbey


Well, after that thought, I suppose I should be happy for my little trials in life that take me to other more lovely adventures.

One of those "adventures" happened yesterday.  It was difficult.  I hate shopping, but it is a necessary evil.  When there is a huge sale that I must not pass up, due to my needing to be a resourceful money saver, I am forced to do a marathon clothes or shoe finding expedition.  This usually only happens once or twice a year at the end of winter and summer season.


The reason for this forced expedition:  The same clothes worn for two years and no basic black dress shoes.  My most comfortable and favorite dress shoes were finally donated to the bin when we left our mission in England.  Those stalwart puppies had served me well for approximately eight years (through two missions, before and in between).  The only reason they died is the straps that held them on had no hole to hold the buckle anymore. Because my feet are so narrow, I usually do need straps to hold them on and it is hard to find shoes that don't hurt my arthritic big toe that was operated on years ago.


This season, flats are waaaaay in.  They are so cute.  None come in narrow enough sizes to keep on my feet.  Besides, they offer no support--ouch when walking a lot.


After almost a hundred try ons, drooling over darling flats and really high heels like I used to be able to wear, I may have a pair of shoes.  I took the other pair back (that I'd found the day before) because when I got home and put on nylons, they fell off my feet.  I went back with nylons on this time so thick socks wouldn't disguise their staying on power.


After the shoes, I tried on some clothing and shimmied into a dress quite nicely only to find I couldn't get it off!  It had no zipper or buttons, and a tight top, so it had to go off over the head.  No way could it be slid over the hips and to the floor.  I refused to call the sales person to help me out of it--how embarrassing would that be?  She'd see all the weight I gained in England with the gravy problem.  She'd see lots of things I'd prefer not to go public.


One reason getting out of that dress was so difficult is, I'm now considered elderly.  Yes, the idiot media keeps reporting anyone above 50 as "elderly" when an incident happens,  I could see the headlines:  "Elderly Woman Freed With Jaws of Life."  The other reason is, because I am apparently so elderly that my arms don't work well without a lot of pain if moved at certain angles while pulling or pushing.  Even younger women, without the elderly thing going on, get stuck in this way occasionally (yes, girls, admit it).  I started feeling ridiculously claustrophobic and a little panicky until inch by inch I was able to get it off, through my muffled "just fine" to the sales lady who chirped,  "Is everything going okay?"

Who needs new clothes anyway?

That dress was only $11.00, marked down from $68.  There was no way I was going to have it ripped off me with the Jaws of Life--not that I bought it, but someone else can still get a deal.  That was my good deed for the day for some lucky gal needing a lovely dress she might (hopefully) be able to maneuver out of without any damage.

My depiction of a a tough day taken from an original photo I took of  our valley.

The "moon" in this photo points to our home through the lens of my  shopping-numbed mind.

Stylin' cool in purple

Overlooking Pineview Reservoir near our home (in purple)

Sunrise over Pineview

Find beauty in ordinary things, but its okay to find beauty in changed or different things too.

The Healing Power of Joy and Raccoon With His Pumpkin

Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of men of old; seek what they sought.
  --Basho


". . . men are, that they might have joy."  2 Nephi 2:25


The Healing Power of Joy


"Joy renews us in wondrous ways.  Norman Cousins told a story about his visit with Pablo Casals, then nearly ninety.  Every morning at eight o'clock, he saw Casals emerge from his room, crippled and bent over with rheumatoid arthritis, breathing with difficulty because of emphysema.


As he watched Casals walk painfully across the room to the piano, cousins said, "I was not prepared for the miracle that was about to happen.  The fingers slowly unlocked and reached toward the keys like the buds of a plant toward the sunlight.  His back straightened.  He seemed to breathe more 'fully' as he played Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier (German: Das Wohltemperierte Klavier),with precision and grace.  Casals then rose, straight and tall, walked briskly to the kitchen, enjoyed his breakfast, and went out for a walk before tackling the day's paperwork.  Casal's love of music, the joy he felt in playing, filled his body and soul so completely that there was no room for pain or weakness.  His daily ritual was a repeated demonstration of the healing power of joy."


  --From The Tao of Personal Leadership by Diane Dreher (I recommend you visit her web site.  The Tao books are great).
Outlaw, the Raccoon and his JOY!

Is there something good to eat in here?