Protect the Nestlings

It has been quite the week.

Bombings in Boston, explosions in Waco, massive flooding in my hometown of Chicago, a (small) earthquake here in our little corner of Utah. To say nothing of all of the political and international craziness that is currently going on.

These are interesting times, to say the least.

Here in our home the kids have been battling a particularly nasty stomach bug, and we are also trying to come to grips with how to approach ongoing health concerns with two of them in particular.

In the aftermath of this week the warrior mom has awoken in me. I want nothing more than to circle the wagons and protect my little brood from the approaching storms-- physical and spiritual.

As such, this story related by President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve has stuck with me ever since his address earlier this month. 

The back windows of our home overlook a small flower garden and the woods which border a small stream. One wall of the house borders on the garden and is thickly covered with English ivy. Most years this ivy has been the nesting place for house finches. The nests in the vines are safe from foxes and raccoons and cats that are about.

One day there was a great commotion in the ivy. Desperate cries of distress came as 8 or 10 finches from the surrounding woods came to join in this cry of alarm. I soon saw the source of the commotion. A snake had slid partway down out of the ivy and hung in front of the window just long enough for me to pull it out. The middle part of the snake’s body had two bulges—clear evidence convicting it of taking two fledglings from the nest. Not in the 50 years we had lived in our home had we seen anything like that. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—or so we thought.

A few days later there was another commotion, this time in the vines covering our dog run. We heard the same cries of alarm, the gathering of the neighborhood finches. We knew what the predator was. A grandson climbed onto the run and pulled out another snake that was still holding on tightly to the mother bird it had caught in the nest and killed.

I said to myself, “What is going on? Is the Garden of Eden being invaded again?”

There came into my mind the warnings spoken by the prophets. We will not always be safe from the adversary’s influence, even within our own homes. We need to protect our nestlings.

(Boyd K. Packer, "These Things I Know," Apr. 2013 Conference Report)

I may not be able to control the environment that swirls around us in society, but I can do my best to control the environment inside my own home. There may be chaos out in the world, but here within these four walls there can be peace.

In the Bible Dictionary, under the heading "Temple," we read:

A temple is literally a house of the Lord, a holy sanctuary in which sacred ceremonies and ordinances of the gospel are performed... A place where the Lord may come, it is the most holy of any place of worship on the earth. Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.

Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.

When I read those words for the first time several years ago, I was convicted in my heart. 

Was my home a refuge from the world? 

Sacred?

As time has gone by, I have made it my personal mission to create such an environment in our home. It's not by any means perfect, but we have made great strides. For me at least, it has become a sanctuary of peace. A place where we feel safe, secure, loved.

To quote President Packer again:

Latter-day Saints recognize the transcendent importance of the family and strive to live in such a way that the adversary cannot steal into our homes. We find safety and security for ourselves and our children in honoring the covenants we have made and living up to the ordinary acts of obedience required of the followers of Christ.

Isaiah said, “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (see Isaiah 32:17)

That peace is also promised in the revelations in which the Lord declares, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (see D&C 38:30)

I have come to know that faith is a real power, not just an expression of belief. There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of a righteous mother.

(Boyd K. Packer, "These Things I Know," Apr. 2013 Conference Report, emphasis added)

I believe in the power of faith.
The power of prayer.

I have experienced the power of the Holy Ghost enlightening my mind with insights that I would have never come to on my own merits. I know that God desires to bless His children, and that He will succor them, particularly in the sacred work of parenthood.

These times may be uncertain.
They may be filled with peril, both seen and unseen.

But through our faith, sacrifice, and reliance on the arm of Jehovah, we can protect our nestlings.

And in His loving embrace, we can find peace.

○ ○ ○

Come and share your thoughts on this talk with Becca and the rest of the General Conference Book Club at My Soul Delighteth.

Forget Me Not

I'm tired. I'm worn. My heart is heavy.

Lyrics from a Tenth Avenue North song that ring true in my life right now.

I am run down.
Burned out.

I am weighed down with concern for two of my children who are dealing with different health issues. Struggling to learn how best to help them and move forward. And it's difficult to keep balance in other areas of your life when you're just so weary.

I have been putting up a good fight, though. Most days I feel emotionally, mentally, and spiritually secure. Most days. Not all days. Certainly the daylight hours after a night of stress-induced insomnia can bring anyone's spirits down, though.

Through all of this, I have deliberately made an effort to stay focused on keeping the Spirit in our home. And I have found one of the most assured ways to make certain that this happens is to be obedient to the promptings of the still small voice when they come.

It's not always easy.
It's not always convenient.
And just to be perfectly clear-- I am completely imperfect at both listening and following through.
I am trying, however.

And so it was that I was driving along after dropping off our two oldest at school, with these thoughts and worries weighing on my mind. 

I had errands to run, and I was planning on going to our local supermarket when I had a vague feeling that I should instead go to one not too far from where the kids attend school. It seemed fairly reasonable, so I headed in that direction. As I continued down the road, I passed a store that I seldom enter: Intermountain Farmers Association.

When the store came into my sights, I suddenly had a very strong but very short prompting that I should go there. Being that I am not a farmer by any stretch of the imagination-- and had absolutely no reason to stop-- I was seriously doubtful about it. After the thought popped into my head, I actually said "Really?!?" out loud in what may or may not have been a terribly sarcastic tone.

I drove past the store.
And then I felt guilty about it the rest of the day.  

Yesterday morning, I decided to take a leap of faith and follow through. As I saw the store approach, once again I felt that I needed to go in. This time I did.

Getting out the car, I took a deep breath and just said a silent prayer that went something like this:

I have absolutely no idea why You have sent me here, but here I am. Please help me know why, because I really feel like a complete idiot right now. If there is something I am supposed to do here, please show me and I will try to do Thy will.

Looking around, I decided to head for the very small garden nursery on the side of the building. I was pretty sure I wasn't there for livestock feed, after all.

They had flats of pansies.
I love spring pansies.

As I admired the flowers, I noticed that there was a small display of potted shrubs for sale. Looking closer, I couldn't believe my eyes.

A variety of butterfly bush that I had spent the greater part of last year searching for without success was sitting right in front of me. On sale for half price, no less.

Heading inside to pay for my beloved little plant, I decided to look at their garden seed display. In years past, I hadn't been too terribly tempted by their varieties-- much preferring the heirloom and rare to the common hybrids typically sold. But I figured while I was here, why not? In the constant stress of the last couple of months, I hadn't had time to order my favorite seeds by mail.

Again, I stood in amazement as I found every single variety I had been lacking. Even the strange and rare gourd seeds I traditionally get for my mom each year for her birthday-- all there.

As I headed up to the counter, I saw a packet of seeds out of the corner of my eye. Picking them up, I smiled and added them to my collection.   

Forget-me-nots.

The words of a much beloved sermon came into my mind, and I clearly understood why I was there that morning:

...Forget not that the Lord loves you.

As a child, when I would look at the little forget-me-nots, I sometimes felt a little like that flower—small and insignificant. I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father.

Years later I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now—I was never forgotten.

And I know something else: as an Apostle of our Master, Jesus Christ, I proclaim with all the certainty and conviction of my heart—neither are you!

You are not forgotten.

Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.

Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!

He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name—you are the daughters of His kingdom.

(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," Oct 2011 Conference Report)

I learned an unexpected lesson yesterday. One I will never forget.
The Lord wants us to know and understand just how much He loves us.
The question is, do we stop to listen?

How many times had He tried to tell me before, and I hadn't even noticed?

He has my attention now-- love washing over me with a peace and stillness that has been lacking in my world lately. Mending my heart that has been frail and torn.

I'm worn.
But not worn out.
And for that, I thank Him.

A Letter to a Friend

Dear Emily,

You have been on my mind so much as of late. Even though hundreds of miles and several states separate us physically, I have felt a close kinship to you spiritually. I suppose that is to be expected and cherished with childhood friends.

Entrance to Enlightenment, oil on board, 1988, by Johan H. Benthin

I hope you know how much I admire you. To me, you represent the pinnacle of triumph over adversity. You have overcome so much in your life, and while many things could have made you bitter you choose to move forward in your life as a radiant, powerful daughter of God and follower of Christ.

I know things have been difficult for you lately. I understand how challenging it can be to continue on in the face of raging storms and obscured paths.

As I read the words you wrote recently, I found myself completely empathizing with you-- for I have stood in similar shoes time and time again. You said:

These past few weeks have really gotten me thinking about Job. How do you lose everything and still praise God? That is such an amazing Faith that I do not yet have. When you feel like the devil is running rampant trying to take everything you have, how on earth do you trust that it will ever end positively? ...Haven't I proven my strength? Why do I continue to be tested? When does it all end?

You and I may not have journeyed down identical roads of trial and tribulation, but I have also walked through stretches of deepened darkness and despair. I have echoed in my heart so many times the song of David:

Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?

Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake...

I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. (Psalm 6:2-4,6)

Although we may cry out, "The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me!"
Our God reassuringly speaks peace to our anxious hearts:

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands. (see Isaiah 49:13-16)

I cannot answer all the whys of this life. I do not fully understand why some people have to experience tremendous pain and suffering while others do not.

But what I do know is this:
That in Christ, all things are possible.

He Himself said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

C. S. Lewis phrased it this way, “God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain.”

Someone whose sermons I adore is Jeffrey R. Holland. In my faith tradition we sustain him as a modern-day apostle of the Lord. His retelling of the story of Elisha and the Syrian army cheers and sustains me through the difficult moments in life:

Elisha, with a power known only to the prophets, had counseled the king of Israel on how and where and when to defend against the warring Syrians. The king of Syria, of course, wished to rid his armies of this prophetic problem. So—and I quote:

Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. . . . an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. (2 Kings 6:14–15)

If Elisha is looking for a good time to be depressed, this is it... It is one prophet and one lad against the world. And the boy is petrified. He sees the enemy everywhere—difficulty and despair and problems and burdens everywhere... With faltering faith the boy cries, “Alas, my master! How shall we do?”

And Elisha’s reply? “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:15–16).

“They that be with us?” Now just an Israelite minute here. Faith is fine and courage is wonderful, but this is ridiculous, the boy thinks. There are no others with them. He can recognize a Syrian army when he sees one, and he knows that one child and an old man are not strong odds against it. But then comes Elisha’s promise:

Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. (2 Kings 6:16–17)

In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of [heaven and earth], and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of [God's children].
(Jeffrey R. Holland, "For Times of Trouble," BYU Devotional, 18 Mar 1980)

When hurricanes of life barrel down upon me, I try to remember those unseen angels helping me fight my battles. One of my favorite modern-day scriptures states, "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." (D&C 84:88)

Or, as Chris Tomlin says in more modern vernacular, "I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind: The God of angel armies is always by my side."

That thought in tandem with these words of Isaiah give me tremendous comfort and peace:

Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains:  for the Lord hath comforted his people and will have mercy upon his afflicted. (Isaiah 49:13)

I wish I could be with you in person-- to give you a hug and tell you just how much I love you and am thankful to have our friendship to bless my life. But these words will have to suffice for now.

But please know of my love.
And more importantly, His love.
Cling to His promises, and find solace in your strong supportive faith community.

And when those darkening moments come, take heart.
For all of the greatest heroines of this life have overcome formidable and unyielding obstacles.

And you, my dear friend, are one beloved heroine.  

With much love,
Tiff

• • •

Over the weekend, our faith's General Conference of the church was held. For two days we gather to listen to thoughts of comfort and counsel from our church's leaders. I thought these words from another beloved modern-day apostle were timely and moving. I am certain I will return to them often on the difficult days ahead.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Hope of God's Light," Apr. 2013 Conference Report

 

And some more comfort from one of yours & my favorite people-- Chris August, along with Group 1 Crew. Always a good reminder.