In January 2016 we went to the Provo City Center Temple open house. As I walked through the doors I remembered in great detail where I had been the day that the Provo Tabernacle caught fire. I was a missionary at that time serving on the East Coast. We lived with a wonderful family in our area. On that December Day we were making lunch when the dear sister asked if we knew that the tabernacle was burning. I froze at her words and then in a daze turned to look at the computer screen where live footage was showing the black smoke billowing from the caving roof. There are very few buildings that I can honestly say have made an impact in my life, but the tabernacle was near the top of that list.
From the time that I was about seven-years old I participated in a children's choir that performed multiple times a year in the tabernacle. I had spent many hours sitting on the hard choir seats waiting to practice or perform. I had participated in singing praises to God in such songs as "The Hallelujah Chorus" and "Come Thou Fount." The tabernacle was a place that I had learned to recognize the promptings of the Spirit, felt God's love for me, and where I learned to love music and singing praises. My last performance in the tabernacle was just before I turned eighteen. I remember the feeling that I was losing something special and that the next time I entered the tabernacle would be to hear others sing.
In October 2011 I was sitting in my family's home watching General Conference when the announcement was made that the tabernacle would become a temple. I felt the spirit testify to me that this was a great miracle. This building, now just a shell of brick walls, that was loved by thousands would now become a holy temple. Living relatively close, while my husband attended school, we were able to watch the transformation from ashes to temple. To see the building raised on stilts as the foundation was dug, reinforcements placed, and the structure made sound. We were excited when windows were placed in the walls and doors were added. It was fun to watch the many changes that would become the house of the Lord.
Back to January, as we walked through the temple I could feel many of those same feelings from my time in the children's choir. The Spirit was there, God's love was there, and through the organ music playing I knew that praises were there. Even our little daughter felt these things and quietly looked about her on the tour. I have seen many stories and analogies about the tabernacle turned temple, but for me the greatest thing was the knowledge that God cares more for his children than for a building, but He turned a loved building into a temple so that He could bless the lives of His children.
I said there were few buildings that were important to to me. At the top of that list are the Temples of the Lord. My favorite has aways been the Provo, UT Temple for it is the one that I grew up next to and learned to love first. Now I can add the second Provo temple to that list of favorite buildings as I learned to love it in my youth.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Sunday, October 25, 2015
The Day The Clutch Went Out
This was a lesson on following the spirit and a reminder of God's tender mercies.
Sometimes I'm really good at following promptings, and at other times I'm really bad at it. About three weeks ago I had taken our car to the mechanic shop to have them check on a sound that it had been making. On my way down the sound stopped (kind of like when your tooth magically stops hurting on the drive to the dentist). They test drove the car and couldn't get it to reproduce the sound, but they mentioned to me that the "clutch was all the way at the top and should be replaced soon."
That night I talked to Kevin about the clutch and we decided that we should get the clutch replaced. The plan was to have me call on Monday and schedule it. Monday came and I had a prompting reminding me to call. I was taking care of my daughter at the time and decided to wait until a more convenient time. Later that day I was trying to plan a trip to the thrift store to get some warm baby clothes and had a thought that I should invite my sister-in-law and her daughter to come with me. We set up a time to go on Wednesday.
Tuesday, I again did not call the mechanic. The car was running well and the sound hadn't returned (this could be likened to a "false sense of security").
Wednesday we arranged the carseats in the back seat of the car and headed to the thrift store. We found some great winter wear for our little girls and then headed home. We were about 3/4 of the way back to my home and coming to a stop light when the clutch gave out. Thankfully it happened in neutral, so the car continued running and I was able to come to a complete stop. The growling noise returned along with a terrible squeal, a smokey smell, and the inability to shift. We both began praying to know what to do. The light turned green and I waved to people to go around us as I worked on trying to get the clutch to a position where I could shift. Slowly, like moving a stuck piano key, the clutch rose with pressure from my foot. By just barely tapping it I was able to shift into first and we continued on our way. At each intersection I would barely tap the clutch and force the stick into gear amidst squealing, growling, and terrible smells. I felt that I should just drive it down to the mechanic shop without going home. So, I dropped my sister off at the corner by our house and continued driving while she ran to her car to follow us down. We (two sleeping babies and myself) made it to the shop without incident. My sister arrived shortly after and began transferring babies and shopping bags to her car while I went in and, a little embarrassed, arranged to have our clutch replaced.
The end of the story is that they had to order in the part, and we all arrived home safely.
In hindsight, if I had followed the prompting to schedule the clutch replacement on Monday the part would've been already on order and maybe even at the shop. Thankfully I followed the prompting to invite my sister-in-law to go shopping with me that day, so that she was able to have a car to help us out and so I wasn't going through it all on my own. The day could've been very stressful, but it ended up being an enjoyable adventure with her there (yes, having a clutch go out is NOT enjoyable, but having a positive person with you can make it so).
One of the other big blessings of the day was that the two babies fell asleep as we were driving home and remained asleep through all of the car crazziness. I have found that my stress levels rise very quickly when my daughter is upset. Having her asleep during this time helped me to remain calm and focused.
I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and provides us with many opportunities to grow and learn. He had given me several reminders to call the mechanic and I had not heeded them. However, He still blessed me and provided a way for me to get that car into the shop safely.
Sometimes I'm really good at following promptings, and at other times I'm really bad at it. About three weeks ago I had taken our car to the mechanic shop to have them check on a sound that it had been making. On my way down the sound stopped (kind of like when your tooth magically stops hurting on the drive to the dentist). They test drove the car and couldn't get it to reproduce the sound, but they mentioned to me that the "clutch was all the way at the top and should be replaced soon."
That night I talked to Kevin about the clutch and we decided that we should get the clutch replaced. The plan was to have me call on Monday and schedule it. Monday came and I had a prompting reminding me to call. I was taking care of my daughter at the time and decided to wait until a more convenient time. Later that day I was trying to plan a trip to the thrift store to get some warm baby clothes and had a thought that I should invite my sister-in-law and her daughter to come with me. We set up a time to go on Wednesday.
Tuesday, I again did not call the mechanic. The car was running well and the sound hadn't returned (this could be likened to a "false sense of security").
Wednesday we arranged the carseats in the back seat of the car and headed to the thrift store. We found some great winter wear for our little girls and then headed home. We were about 3/4 of the way back to my home and coming to a stop light when the clutch gave out. Thankfully it happened in neutral, so the car continued running and I was able to come to a complete stop. The growling noise returned along with a terrible squeal, a smokey smell, and the inability to shift. We both began praying to know what to do. The light turned green and I waved to people to go around us as I worked on trying to get the clutch to a position where I could shift. Slowly, like moving a stuck piano key, the clutch rose with pressure from my foot. By just barely tapping it I was able to shift into first and we continued on our way. At each intersection I would barely tap the clutch and force the stick into gear amidst squealing, growling, and terrible smells. I felt that I should just drive it down to the mechanic shop without going home. So, I dropped my sister off at the corner by our house and continued driving while she ran to her car to follow us down. We (two sleeping babies and myself) made it to the shop without incident. My sister arrived shortly after and began transferring babies and shopping bags to her car while I went in and, a little embarrassed, arranged to have our clutch replaced.
The end of the story is that they had to order in the part, and we all arrived home safely.
In hindsight, if I had followed the prompting to schedule the clutch replacement on Monday the part would've been already on order and maybe even at the shop. Thankfully I followed the prompting to invite my sister-in-law to go shopping with me that day, so that she was able to have a car to help us out and so I wasn't going through it all on my own. The day could've been very stressful, but it ended up being an enjoyable adventure with her there (yes, having a clutch go out is NOT enjoyable, but having a positive person with you can make it so).
One of the other big blessings of the day was that the two babies fell asleep as we were driving home and remained asleep through all of the car crazziness. I have found that my stress levels rise very quickly when my daughter is upset. Having her asleep during this time helped me to remain calm and focused.
I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and provides us with many opportunities to grow and learn. He had given me several reminders to call the mechanic and I had not heeded them. However, He still blessed me and provided a way for me to get that car into the shop safely.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Our Miracle Baby
My daughter is over two months old and the time has come to tell of our greatest miracle; her birth!
Today Kevin was talking with her and said, "Did you know that you are our miracle baby?" Her blue eyes were watching him as he continued, "There were a few times earlier this year that we thought we had lost you, and then when you had the cord around your neck that was scary too." I reflected back on those early moments in my pregnancy that had us so worried. "But you are here, you are happy, and you are healthy," he finished. It was a good reminder to me of how she really is our "miracle baby".
On July 20, 2015 I was sitting at work helpng with a major file audit. I'd had a backache that was progressively getting worse throughout the day. By lunch it was almost more than I could handle, but I knew that I couldn't go home. I was needed to assist in the audit. As I prayed over my lunch I asked Heavenly Father to help me make it through the day. I explained my situation and that I was doing all I knew how to manage. Shortly after ending my prayer I heard a voice say, "This would be a good time to use those relaxation techniques that you have been practicing." I was surprised by this answer. Those techniques were supposed to be used to help me when I was in labor and my baby wasn't due for 11 more days. Willing to try anything I followed the counsel and allowed my tense and painful back and body to relax. Almost instantly the pain lessened to a very dull back ache. I was able to eat my lunch and then return to work. As the day progressed I would work until I could feel the pain intensify and then I would stop and relax and breath. About 7 pm I realized that I could time the surges (for they were no longer painful contractions) every 5 minutes a part. This was great because I could relax just before the surge would start and practically avoid the pain that threatened to come. Somewhere I had the presence of mind to have Kevin come pick me up so that I wasn't trying to drive through the surges (I figured that having to pull over about every 4 minutes would be a hard way to get home). I finished work about 8 pm and Kevin found a ride to come get me.
On the way home we stopped and bought me some dinner to eat (so glad we did that because I wasn't in a mood to eat the rest of the labor and when all was done I was starving!) and stopped at the store to purchase some snacks (I ate dinner in the car while Kevin did the shopping). Once home we read scriptures and packed a hospital bag. The surges were about every 3 minutes apart now, and I was having trouble walking, so we headed to the hospital. The nurse that we were assigned was an angel in disguise. We had not been able to tell anyone our preference for a natural birth before being ushered into a room. After the exam and being admited, she sat down with us and read over our birth plan. We were overjoyed to learn that she had helped in several natural births and had worked with many HypnoBirthing couples. She was amazing and very supportive. Our next nurse was a similar story, and the third nurse as supportive even though she didn't have much experience with HypnoBirthing. Through the several hours of labor Kevin was always at my side reminding me to relax and breathe. He would read over the scripts we had practiced, as well as making up his own scripts. He told me I was beautiful, that I was made to give birth, and that he loved me. Even though I labored for several hours, I wasn't in pain (except for the added intensity of the back labor), I wasn't afraid, and I really had little concept of time. The moments were peaceful and spiritual in that hospital room.
I had been dilated to 8 cm for several hours without further progression. The nurse and my doctor kept asking if they could release my membranes (break the waters). I knew that once that happened thing could get vey intense. I had been laboring very well up to that point. I prayed after each time they asked and felt like I needed more time. After about 4 hours at 8 cm I felt that it was right for them to release my membranes. I prayed that I would continue to labor well and have the strength I needed. Less than an hour later everthing became very intense and I knew that our baby was trying to come. Our daughter was born in the late morning of July 21. A beautiful, red-haired, perfect little girl. Holding her immediately after birth with Kevin right there with us was a truly beautiful experience. I could feel such love in that room. I could feel a little bit of what heaven feels like. I had felt Heavenly Father and other heavenly influences helping me through the most physically and spiritual intense moment of my life: giving birth. I could feel those same influences surround my little healthy family as we bonded together. It was amazing that I could feel so alive (and starving) after giving birth. Even though we had been up the entire night, Kevin and I were filled with energy to get to know our little girl.
I know that every birth is a miracle. Children are part of the great plan of our Heavenly Father. A plan aptly referred to as "The Plan of Happiness". I am so grateful for the many miracles that I witnessed on the night/day of my daughter's birth. She truly is "our miracle baby".
Today Kevin was talking with her and said, "Did you know that you are our miracle baby?" Her blue eyes were watching him as he continued, "There were a few times earlier this year that we thought we had lost you, and then when you had the cord around your neck that was scary too." I reflected back on those early moments in my pregnancy that had us so worried. "But you are here, you are happy, and you are healthy," he finished. It was a good reminder to me of how she really is our "miracle baby".
On July 20, 2015 I was sitting at work helpng with a major file audit. I'd had a backache that was progressively getting worse throughout the day. By lunch it was almost more than I could handle, but I knew that I couldn't go home. I was needed to assist in the audit. As I prayed over my lunch I asked Heavenly Father to help me make it through the day. I explained my situation and that I was doing all I knew how to manage. Shortly after ending my prayer I heard a voice say, "This would be a good time to use those relaxation techniques that you have been practicing." I was surprised by this answer. Those techniques were supposed to be used to help me when I was in labor and my baby wasn't due for 11 more days. Willing to try anything I followed the counsel and allowed my tense and painful back and body to relax. Almost instantly the pain lessened to a very dull back ache. I was able to eat my lunch and then return to work. As the day progressed I would work until I could feel the pain intensify and then I would stop and relax and breath. About 7 pm I realized that I could time the surges (for they were no longer painful contractions) every 5 minutes a part. This was great because I could relax just before the surge would start and practically avoid the pain that threatened to come. Somewhere I had the presence of mind to have Kevin come pick me up so that I wasn't trying to drive through the surges (I figured that having to pull over about every 4 minutes would be a hard way to get home). I finished work about 8 pm and Kevin found a ride to come get me.
On the way home we stopped and bought me some dinner to eat (so glad we did that because I wasn't in a mood to eat the rest of the labor and when all was done I was starving!) and stopped at the store to purchase some snacks (I ate dinner in the car while Kevin did the shopping). Once home we read scriptures and packed a hospital bag. The surges were about every 3 minutes apart now, and I was having trouble walking, so we headed to the hospital. The nurse that we were assigned was an angel in disguise. We had not been able to tell anyone our preference for a natural birth before being ushered into a room. After the exam and being admited, she sat down with us and read over our birth plan. We were overjoyed to learn that she had helped in several natural births and had worked with many HypnoBirthing couples. She was amazing and very supportive. Our next nurse was a similar story, and the third nurse as supportive even though she didn't have much experience with HypnoBirthing. Through the several hours of labor Kevin was always at my side reminding me to relax and breathe. He would read over the scripts we had practiced, as well as making up his own scripts. He told me I was beautiful, that I was made to give birth, and that he loved me. Even though I labored for several hours, I wasn't in pain (except for the added intensity of the back labor), I wasn't afraid, and I really had little concept of time. The moments were peaceful and spiritual in that hospital room.
I had been dilated to 8 cm for several hours without further progression. The nurse and my doctor kept asking if they could release my membranes (break the waters). I knew that once that happened thing could get vey intense. I had been laboring very well up to that point. I prayed after each time they asked and felt like I needed more time. After about 4 hours at 8 cm I felt that it was right for them to release my membranes. I prayed that I would continue to labor well and have the strength I needed. Less than an hour later everthing became very intense and I knew that our baby was trying to come. Our daughter was born in the late morning of July 21. A beautiful, red-haired, perfect little girl. Holding her immediately after birth with Kevin right there with us was a truly beautiful experience. I could feel such love in that room. I could feel a little bit of what heaven feels like. I had felt Heavenly Father and other heavenly influences helping me through the most physically and spiritual intense moment of my life: giving birth. I could feel those same influences surround my little healthy family as we bonded together. It was amazing that I could feel so alive (and starving) after giving birth. Even though we had been up the entire night, Kevin and I were filled with energy to get to know our little girl.
I know that every birth is a miracle. Children are part of the great plan of our Heavenly Father. A plan aptly referred to as "The Plan of Happiness". I am so grateful for the many miracles that I witnessed on the night/day of my daughter's birth. She truly is "our miracle baby".
Sunday, August 2, 2015
He Felt That Too
I was excited when I opened the Ensign in January to discover that the visiting teaching messages were still focused on the attributes of Christ. I had loved the focus on individual attributes during 2014 and was pleased that it would continue.
January was on how Jesus was an obedient son. As I read through the lesson, in preparation for sharing it with the sisters I visit, I felt the spirit strongly testify that Jesus really did feel everything that I had been feeling and everything that I would feel. He was the only man who had felt what it was like to have a baby. This thought was truly amazing to me. I found myself returning to this realization several times throughout the remainder of my pregnancy and during labor. He had been there, and because of that he would be there to bear me up.
I know that I felt His presence, especially just before my daughter was born, during labor and delivery. I am so grateful for the atonement. I am grateful that Jesus Christ was an obedient son and that He did all that the Father asked of Him. I know that no matter what we may go through in life we can be assured that He experienced it and, because He did, He can help us through it if we let Him.
January was on how Jesus was an obedient son. As I read through the lesson, in preparation for sharing it with the sisters I visit, I felt the spirit strongly testify that Jesus really did feel everything that I had been feeling and everything that I would feel. He was the only man who had felt what it was like to have a baby. This thought was truly amazing to me. I found myself returning to this realization several times throughout the remainder of my pregnancy and during labor. He had been there, and because of that he would be there to bear me up.
I know that I felt His presence, especially just before my daughter was born, during labor and delivery. I am so grateful for the atonement. I am grateful that Jesus Christ was an obedient son and that He did all that the Father asked of Him. I know that no matter what we may go through in life we can be assured that He experienced it and, because He did, He can help us through it if we let Him.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Two Books
It has been just over a week since my little daughter was born. As I sit here holding her, I am reminded of so many little miracles that took place during pregnancy and during her birth. Since I was terrible at recording them in the moment, I will attempt to share some of them in the next few blogs.
During the first trimester I experienced a lot of anxiety. I had two episodes of severe bleeding, routine morning sickness, and I was dizzy enough that I couldn't walk without the room spinning. Added to the phisical side-effects were my own fears and concerns about childbirth, particularly about the hospital and about pain. One day at work I mentioned a few of my concerns to a friend. I was surprised as she responded to my worries by telling me what a beautiful experience giving birth could be. She then asked if I would be interested in borrowing some books on natural childbirth. I felt some of my anxiety calm at her encoraging words and I looked forward to reading the books.
A few weeks later I was speaking with a good friend in my neighborhood. She was prompted to ask how I had been doing emotionally and if I knew the kind of birth that I wanted to have. I mentioned that I had been thinking of going natural, but that I had a lot of concerns. She then introduced me to a book called "The Gift of Giving Life" written by several LDS co-authors. The book was filled with positive, beautiful birth stories fromm every kind of birth experience. It also had essays on gospel topics and related them to childbirth. As I read the pages of this book my heart grew lighter, I felt peace, and I felt Heavenly Father's love for me. I knew that somehow everything would be okay.
When the books from my friend at work arrived I was curious about the one titled "HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method" by Marie Mongan. As I opened to the first pages and began to read, something about this book felt right. I stopped reading and asked my husband if he would be willing to read the book with me. One of the big things that HypnoBirthing focuses on is replacing fear with joy and calm. As we read together we would discuss the things we were learning and then pray to know if the techniques were what we should be using to bring our daughter into the world in a calm and gentle manner. We both felt strongly that the breathing and relaxation techniques we were reading about were worth pursuing. We eventually took a five week HypnoBirthing class and set to practicing.
As I read from these books the fear and anxiety left. Instead of worry about the future I felt excitement and anticipation. I knew that everything would work out the way that it needed to and that Heavenly Father was watching over my little family. I am grateful for two inspired friends who introduced me to the two books I most needed during my pregnancy.
During the first trimester I experienced a lot of anxiety. I had two episodes of severe bleeding, routine morning sickness, and I was dizzy enough that I couldn't walk without the room spinning. Added to the phisical side-effects were my own fears and concerns about childbirth, particularly about the hospital and about pain. One day at work I mentioned a few of my concerns to a friend. I was surprised as she responded to my worries by telling me what a beautiful experience giving birth could be. She then asked if I would be interested in borrowing some books on natural childbirth. I felt some of my anxiety calm at her encoraging words and I looked forward to reading the books.
A few weeks later I was speaking with a good friend in my neighborhood. She was prompted to ask how I had been doing emotionally and if I knew the kind of birth that I wanted to have. I mentioned that I had been thinking of going natural, but that I had a lot of concerns. She then introduced me to a book called "The Gift of Giving Life" written by several LDS co-authors. The book was filled with positive, beautiful birth stories fromm every kind of birth experience. It also had essays on gospel topics and related them to childbirth. As I read the pages of this book my heart grew lighter, I felt peace, and I felt Heavenly Father's love for me. I knew that somehow everything would be okay.
When the books from my friend at work arrived I was curious about the one titled "HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method" by Marie Mongan. As I opened to the first pages and began to read, something about this book felt right. I stopped reading and asked my husband if he would be willing to read the book with me. One of the big things that HypnoBirthing focuses on is replacing fear with joy and calm. As we read together we would discuss the things we were learning and then pray to know if the techniques were what we should be using to bring our daughter into the world in a calm and gentle manner. We both felt strongly that the breathing and relaxation techniques we were reading about were worth pursuing. We eventually took a five week HypnoBirthing class and set to practicing.
As I read from these books the fear and anxiety left. Instead of worry about the future I felt excitement and anticipation. I knew that everything would work out the way that it needed to and that Heavenly Father was watching over my little family. I am grateful for two inspired friends who introduced me to the two books I most needed during my pregnancy.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
The Rainbow Miracle
Last night we witnessed a reminder that God is in charge and sometimes our faith needs to be tried before we can witness the miracle.
We both have teenage siblings living within the Payson Temple District who have worked very hard in preparation for the Payson Temple Cultural Celebration. We were very excited to go the Lavell Edwards Stadium at BYU and watch the performance. Neither of us had seen a temple celebration performed in person before. We arrived at 5:40 (the gates supposedly opened at 5:30) and already the stadium was filling up. Just as we found a seat it began to hail nickel-sized hailstones. Everyone quickly ran to cover. The hail stopped and a light rain began. With the rain came thunder and lightning, and with the lightning came an announcement, "Due to the weather, tonight's performance has been temporarily suspended. Please return to your cars or take shelter within the stadium. Updates will follow." The show was scheduled to start at 7 pm.
For the next two hours, we waited below the stadium with the rest of the crowd and watched as torrential rain poured over and through the portals. Waterfalls fell through the cracks creating rivers and small ponds where we waited, but everyone stayed relatively dry. Some of the 13,000 youth performers went and found their families, while others stayed with their ward groups and prayed that an umbrella would be put over the stadium so that they could perform. We eventually located Kevin's parents and joined them in the wait. There was a boy waiting with his family behind us, and around 8 pm said, "I just got a text saying to line up. We are back on." I watched as he hurried to get to the other end of the stadium where the youth were gathering. Not long after, the crowds were able to return to their sopping wet, but beautiful seats. The rain had stopped and the storm was heading north. An announcement came over the loud speaker that said, "The performance will begin in 10 minutes." A loud cheer went up from the youth that was quickly picked up by the spectators. Then the message on the monitor, which up 'till this point had been the warning about the temporary suspension, returned to the picture representing the program and an even bigger cheer went up. Then things began to move. Elders Eyring, Nelson, Oaks, Cook, and Anderson along with their wives and several members of the seventy and general auxiliaries rode in covered "golf buses" to a waiting pavilion. When Elder Eyring spoke his opening remarks he was wearing the biggest smile I think I have ever seen on him. It was clear, that they had been praying for this miracle, too.
The performance was spectacular. Each city in the temple district was represented through song and dance. It was fun to pick out our siblings who were performing and to get caught up in the magic of it all. At the end of the performance all of the youth returned to their seats on the east side of the stadium. They filled nearly every seat. They then began to sign the song "Fill the World With Love" and as they sang they began removing their white dress shirts to reveal a colored shirt beneath. The result was a beautiful rainbow represented by 13,000 youth. It was the perfect way to end the evening with that reminder of God's promises to his children. A miracle had truly taken place, and everyone there knew it.
I know that in life we have to face challenges and tests, and sometimes they can leave us unsure of which way to go or what to do. Like the torrential rains, thunder, and lightning it can seem overwhelming to face these challenges and we can feel like we are facing them alone. As we look around us we can see that others are also facing challenges, perhaps even a similar one to what we are going through, and we can stand together and pray for strength to make it through. God always keeps His promises (D&C 82:10) and if we do our part we will be blessed with the miracles. The rains will stop, the lightning will leave, and we will see the rainbows of God's love.
We both have teenage siblings living within the Payson Temple District who have worked very hard in preparation for the Payson Temple Cultural Celebration. We were very excited to go the Lavell Edwards Stadium at BYU and watch the performance. Neither of us had seen a temple celebration performed in person before. We arrived at 5:40 (the gates supposedly opened at 5:30) and already the stadium was filling up. Just as we found a seat it began to hail nickel-sized hailstones. Everyone quickly ran to cover. The hail stopped and a light rain began. With the rain came thunder and lightning, and with the lightning came an announcement, "Due to the weather, tonight's performance has been temporarily suspended. Please return to your cars or take shelter within the stadium. Updates will follow." The show was scheduled to start at 7 pm.
For the next two hours, we waited below the stadium with the rest of the crowd and watched as torrential rain poured over and through the portals. Waterfalls fell through the cracks creating rivers and small ponds where we waited, but everyone stayed relatively dry. Some of the 13,000 youth performers went and found their families, while others stayed with their ward groups and prayed that an umbrella would be put over the stadium so that they could perform. We eventually located Kevin's parents and joined them in the wait. There was a boy waiting with his family behind us, and around 8 pm said, "I just got a text saying to line up. We are back on." I watched as he hurried to get to the other end of the stadium where the youth were gathering. Not long after, the crowds were able to return to their sopping wet, but beautiful seats. The rain had stopped and the storm was heading north. An announcement came over the loud speaker that said, "The performance will begin in 10 minutes." A loud cheer went up from the youth that was quickly picked up by the spectators. Then the message on the monitor, which up 'till this point had been the warning about the temporary suspension, returned to the picture representing the program and an even bigger cheer went up. Then things began to move. Elders Eyring, Nelson, Oaks, Cook, and Anderson along with their wives and several members of the seventy and general auxiliaries rode in covered "golf buses" to a waiting pavilion. When Elder Eyring spoke his opening remarks he was wearing the biggest smile I think I have ever seen on him. It was clear, that they had been praying for this miracle, too.
The performance was spectacular. Each city in the temple district was represented through song and dance. It was fun to pick out our siblings who were performing and to get caught up in the magic of it all. At the end of the performance all of the youth returned to their seats on the east side of the stadium. They filled nearly every seat. They then began to sign the song "Fill the World With Love" and as they sang they began removing their white dress shirts to reveal a colored shirt beneath. The result was a beautiful rainbow represented by 13,000 youth. It was the perfect way to end the evening with that reminder of God's promises to his children. A miracle had truly taken place, and everyone there knew it.
I know that in life we have to face challenges and tests, and sometimes they can leave us unsure of which way to go or what to do. Like the torrential rains, thunder, and lightning it can seem overwhelming to face these challenges and we can feel like we are facing them alone. As we look around us we can see that others are also facing challenges, perhaps even a similar one to what we are going through, and we can stand together and pray for strength to make it through. God always keeps His promises (D&C 82:10) and if we do our part we will be blessed with the miracles. The rains will stop, the lightning will leave, and we will see the rainbows of God's love.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
The Miracle of Living Prophets
The following post is one that I wrote at the beginning of April. I had it in a draft state and forgot to publish it. Enjoy!
I have been thinking recently back to General Conference. As I sat in church last sunday listening to the testimonies being shared, I noticed that many individuals mentioned how President Monson only spoke twice this time and how sad they were that he didn't give his usual opening and closing remarks. As I sat listening, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the fact that his health is still permitting him to speak at all. It is a great blessing to be able to listen to a living mouthpiece and witness for God. The church news mentioned that over the years several different formats have been used in General Conference and there isn't a right or wrong way. Personally, I think the change of format helped me to pay a little more attention to who was speaking. From the testimonies of the many who mentioned general conference, I think it helped them to do so as well.
My husband and I are in a state of transition these days, and with transition comes questions. I am not very good at writing questions down before conference, but this time around I decided to at least keep some questions in mind as I was listening. Preparing to give birth to our daughter this summer has had me wondering about many things, but one of the things I have wondered is "can I do this?" "Am I made to do this?" As I sat listening to the talks on Saturday on the importance of the family and the power of procreation, I had the overwhelming assurance that YES women are created in God's image and we ARE able to fulfill our role in bringing His children to this earth. Elder Christofferson mentioned that we are more in God's image at that time than at any other time. God knows the questions of our hearts and sometimes He uses living prophets and apostles to answer those questions. What a marvelous time we live in!
I have been thinking recently back to General Conference. As I sat in church last sunday listening to the testimonies being shared, I noticed that many individuals mentioned how President Monson only spoke twice this time and how sad they were that he didn't give his usual opening and closing remarks. As I sat listening, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the fact that his health is still permitting him to speak at all. It is a great blessing to be able to listen to a living mouthpiece and witness for God. The church news mentioned that over the years several different formats have been used in General Conference and there isn't a right or wrong way. Personally, I think the change of format helped me to pay a little more attention to who was speaking. From the testimonies of the many who mentioned general conference, I think it helped them to do so as well.
My husband and I are in a state of transition these days, and with transition comes questions. I am not very good at writing questions down before conference, but this time around I decided to at least keep some questions in mind as I was listening. Preparing to give birth to our daughter this summer has had me wondering about many things, but one of the things I have wondered is "can I do this?" "Am I made to do this?" As I sat listening to the talks on Saturday on the importance of the family and the power of procreation, I had the overwhelming assurance that YES women are created in God's image and we ARE able to fulfill our role in bringing His children to this earth. Elder Christofferson mentioned that we are more in God's image at that time than at any other time. God knows the questions of our hearts and sometimes He uses living prophets and apostles to answer those questions. What a marvelous time we live in!
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