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.

Surrender

For the last couple of decades of my life, I have had an uneasy relationship with the story of the young rich man spoken of in the gospels of the New Testament. (See Matthew 19, Mark 10) When the Savior tells him that in order to obtain eternal life he must keep the commandments, the young man replies, "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?"

There have been several times in my life that I have come to the Lord with that very same question, and being convicted by the Spirit with certain aspects of my life that needed changing or forsaking, I would react just as the young man did-- saddened and unwilling to make the change. I wasn't quite ready to give up the proverbial summer cottage in Babylon.

In his recent General Conference address, Elder Robert C. Gay recounts the story of another rich and worldly man from the Book of Mormon who posed a similar question.  King Lamoni's father, being stirred by the words of the Lord's servant Aaron pleaded, "What shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit[?] ... I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy."

Aaron answered him, "If thou will repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest."

It was with this understanding that King Lamoni's father prayed fervently to the Father, "O God... I will give away all my sins to know thee."

As a teenager and young adult, I always admired this response from the Lamanite king and wished that I too had that same kind of resolve. But it always seemed too hard, too extreme. There was no way I could do it on my own.

And you know what?
I was right.
I couldn't do it on my own.

But with the help of my Savior, well, that's another story altogether.

I love these words from an apostle of the Lord, Elder David A. Bednar:

If I were to emphasize one overarching point this morning, it would be this: I suspect that you and I are much more familiar with the nature of the redeeming power of the Atonement than we are with the enabling power of the Atonement. It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us. That is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us—not only to direct us but also to empower us. I think most of us know that when we do things wrong, when we need help to overcome the effects of sin in our lives, the Savior has paid the price and made it possible for us to be made clean through His redeeming power. Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints—for good men and women who are obedient and worthy and conscientious and who are striving to become better and serve more faithfully. I frankly do not think many of us “get it” concerning this enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement, and I wonder if we mistakenly believe we must make the journey from good to better and become a saint all by ourselves through sheer grit, willpower, and discipline, and with our obviously limited capacities. ("In the Strength of the Lord," Oct. 2001 BYU Devotional)

I have since learned that it is only when I lay everything I have, everything I am down on His altar and surrender all to His tender care, that I am transformed. Reborn.

And suddenly, those sticky sins that seem so very difficult to excise from our lives slip away without much struggle.

In the words of author John Pontius, "If we yield ourselves to His direction He will show us what to do first, and give us the power to do it. He will direct us, step by step, all along the way home. Additionally, as we obey Him, He will change and purify our hearts. As our hearts become single to His glory, we will find the changes we thought most impossible will just quietly, sweetly occur. The patience which previously eluded us, the gentleness we never knew, the love and brotherly kindness we thought unattainable, the powerful prayers and faith we yearned for, yet never attained-- all these and many more precious gifts will simply distill upon our souls." (Following the Light of Christ, Ch. 3)

I know this is true, because I have lived it.

Left to ourselves, we are weak, imperfect.
In Christ, we are made whole. Complete.

And all it takes to begin is that first step in His direction.

To quote Elder Gay once more:

The Lord loves our righteousness but asks of us continued repentance and submission.

This is the exchange the Savior is asking of us: we are to give up all our sins, big or small, for the Father’s reward of eternal life. We are to forget self-justifying stories, excuses, rationalizations, defense mechanisms, procrastinations, appearances, personal pride, judgmental thoughts, and doing things our way. We are to separate ourselves from all worldliness and take upon us the image of God in our countenances. (see Alma 5:14)

Brothers and sisters, remember that this charge is more than just not doing bad things. With an engaged enemy we must also act and not sit in “thoughtless stupor.” Taking upon the countenance of God means serving each other. There are sins of commission and sins of omission, and we are to rise above both. ("What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?" Oct. 2012 Conference Report)

As a young mother of five small children, I frequently felt completely overwhelmed by all that I had to accomplish and never seemed to complete. My to-do list was just too long, and just the thought of adding in all of the spiritual elements that I knew were lacking in my day was incredibly daunting. It seemed absolutely impossible. I literally didn't think there were enough hours in the day. But when I made the decision to lay this burden at His feet a couple of months ago and seek out His will for me--nothing wavering, a gradual shift began to take place in our home. Things that were unnecessary and perhaps damaging began to slip away. In its absence, time was made available to center my days on the things that matter most-- and I have been amazed in how much of a difference just a few weeks can make.The difference has been palpable.

In Christ, truly all things are possible.
He strengthens us, helps us, and causes us to stand. In the midst of it all, He upholds us by the enabling power of His infinite and eternal Atonement.

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

Where we are weak, He is strong. And if we so desire, He can make us new creatures in Him.

His promises are sure.

• • •

This post is part of a blog hop hosted by the Book of Mormon Forum!

He Is Risen • An Easter Playlist

***Edited to add: There is now an updated version of this playlist available here. I hope you enjoy!*** 

Well, as you probably know-- and if you don't, you should-- there are four weeks until Easter Sunday.

I love this time of year. While the crisp days of early autumn are my favorite time of year, the weeks leading up to Easter are a close second. And Easter itself is my most favorite holiday of all.

While I've been getting in the Easter spirit for awhile now (see my recent post on Lent here), I thought now would be a pretty good time to share the playlist I've been listening to lately as I strive to deepen my personal meditation on the atoning sacrifice of our Savior.

This is a group of songs that I have put together over the last few years, consistently adding to it over time-- just like my other playlists that I've posted. Hopefully you will enjoy it as much as my family has.

 (If you are reading this post on an RSS feed reader, please be aware that there is a widget link to my Spotify playlist on my site which will allow you to listen to the entire playlist for free.)

• • •

If you don't want to create a Spotify account, here is a list of the tracks on my playlist if you are curious:

 1. Morning Has Broken - Steven Curtis Chapman

2. Christ Is Risen - Matt Maher

3. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee - Page CXVI

4. What a Savior - Laura Story

5. Alive - Natalie Grant

6. He Is Risen - Jacob & Matthew Band

7. Empty - Dan Haseltine & Matt Hammitt

8. No Not One - Brandon Heath

9. Overcome - Jeremy Camp

10. All of Creation - MercyMe

11. Glorious Day - Jeff Johnson

12. The Victory - Phil Wickham

13. Scandal of Grace - Hillsong United

14. How Deep The Father's Love For Us - Katy Kinard

15. We Fall Down - Nichole Nordeman
(added after initial post published: My Savior, My God - Aaron Shust)

16. Wondrous Love - Jadon Lavik

17. Christ the Lord is Risen Today - Aaron Hale

18. I Will Rise - Chris Tomlin

19. After All (Holy) - David Crowder Band

20. Mighty To Save - Laura Story

21. All For You - MIKESCHAIR

22. O Praise Him (All This For A King) - Oceans Above

23. The Light In Me - Brandon Heath

24. Strong Enough to Save - Tenth Avenue North

25. You Have Redeemed My Soul - Page CXVI

26. His Name Shall Be Called - Jadon Lavik

27. In Christ Alone - Bethany Dillon & Matt Hammitt

28. Lead Me To The Cross - Hillsong United

29. Beautiful Scandalous Night - Robbie Seay Band

30. Hero - Abandon

31. How Great Is Our God - Bethany Dillon

32. My Hope Is In You - Aaron Shust

33. Your Great Name (Acoustic Version) - Natalie Grant

34. Healed - Nichole Nordeman

35. How Great Thou Art - Jadon Lavik

36. Motion of Mercy - Francesca Battistelli

37. Redeemed - Big Daddy Weave

38. Your Love - Brandon Heath

39. One Thing Remains - Jeremy Riddle

40. Forever Reign - one sonic society

41. How He Loves - David Crowder Band

42. Open Up - The Brilliance

43. The Proof of Your Love - for King & Country

44. Own Me - Ginny Owens

45. Hallelujah - Tenth Avenue North

46. Stolen - Brandon Heath

47. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Katy Kinard

48. Delivered (Acoustic Version) - Casting Crowns

49. I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman

50. You Love Me Anyway - Sidewalk Prophets

51. At Your Name - Phil Wickham

52. Isaiah 55 - Leigh Nash

53. Joy Is In Our Hearts - Sara Groves

54. I Need Thee - Jadon Lavik

55. We Are - Kari Jobe
(added after initial post published: Jesus, Firm Foundation - Mike Donehey, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Hall & Mandisa)

56. He Paid It All - Brandon Heath

57. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Chris Tomlin

58. Sing Hallelujah - Steven Curtis Chapman

Feel free to use this as a starting point for creating a soundtrack of your own!

♥

{five things • xxvii}

- one -

I am terribly slow at posting this Five Things, but it's for good reason.

Last week, Bryson got really sick. It started just like any other stomach ailment, but quickly escalated until we were fairly certain he was suffering from appendicitis. So we spent the greater part of Valentine's Day getting him tested for a bunch of things and having a CT scan at the hospital. He was in a great deal of pain and unable to sit at all-- he either had to be laying down or pacing while we waited for results.

And then after all that, every test and scan came back totally clean and clear. So the doctors gave him a tentative diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis-- which basically means "we don't know what is causing this." He had to stay in bed for awhile and keep to a bland diet, but he is doing a bit better now. I wish he would take it a little easier, but yesterday he insisted on attending all his meetings and today he is at work as usual. It's still not gone, but he is no longer in constant serious pain, so I am tremendously grateful for that.

Now I just need a few days convalescence to recover myself!

- two -

This little munchkin is officially a baby on the move.
He started army crawling a couple weeks ago, and already he is getting up on his knees and motoring around the house pretty quickly.

I can't leave him alone for a second.
But I like spending time with this little guy, so it's all good.

- three -

Rounding the corner of my neighborhood and seeing this every day always makes me smile.

The work on the temple is coming along quickly, and they just brought in a new crane to start on the stone facing this week. Pretty exciting!!!

- four -

I'm going to try and post a couple of playlists here in the next few days. One is my standard go-to when I'm having a rough day, and the other is a collection of Easter-appropriate contemporary Christian tracks. I love, love, love Easter time, and I hope that you will enjoy bringing Christ-centered music into your day as much as I have! Here's one of my favorite songs just to whet your appetite. Bethany Dillon & Matt Hammit's version of "In Christ Alone."



- five -

There is a storm brewing in our house of late. You see, tomorrow is the Big Game.
BYU vs. USU basketball.
Have mercy.

My parents were able to snag some tickets last minute, and already the kids have taken sides. Taylor is a true blue dyed in the wool Cougar, and Reilly is passionate about her Aggies. Seriously.

Being that I am the only member of the family who has actually attended both schools, I am always caught in the middle. And honestly, it doesn't matter one bit to me who wins or loses. But you may want to batten down the hatches if you're in the area...

• • •

And those are my Five Things for the week!
Thanks to Heather for hosting our regular blog hop! 
♥

Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday, and many of my friends from other Christian denominations are attending services and going without a certain luxury or giving up a personal vice as they begin their observance of Lent.

I've discovered through my years of living in the Beehive State that there are a lot of members of the LDS faith here in Utah that know very little about Lent. Most assume that it is just a Catholic observance, when in actuality many Christian denominations participate. The holiday is part of the Roman Catholic tradition, to be sure, but Lutheran, Methodist, and Episcopalian congregations, and many other branches of the faith also recognize it. 

As far as the Latter-Day Saint tradition is concerned, the Lenten season is not observed in a traditional way. In fact, Jenna Jones, an LDS script writer for Jon Stewart's The Daily Show has quipped, "Mormons don’t participate in Lent because being Mormon is like Lent 24/7. The only thing left to give up is dessert. & NO ONE’S TAKING THAT FROM ME!” 

Her thoughts, while humorous and very tongue-in-cheek, are actually worth noting-- because as Latter Day Saints, we are constantly trying to come unto Christ and leaving our baggage at the door. Every Sunday we seek to remember the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ and covenant to repent and turn to Him. The first Sunday of each month is typically designated as a fast Sunday, and congregants generally will go without food for a 24-hour period by their own choice and donate the funds not spent on those meals to the poor. Our spiritual journey compels us toward constant growth and searching for truth; and fasting, prayer, and sacrifice are considered necessary components of such development. So in a way, a formalized observance of Lent would be a little redundant for our faith community, because if we're truly engaged in our religion we are always "observing Lent," as it were.   

For me personally, I like to recognize the Lenten season because it helps prepare me for Easter. So often it seems like the Easter season comes and goes without much fanfare. This is distressing to me, because I feel it is perhaps the most important holiday we celebrate. I may be biased, since it is my favorite holiday, but I don't think I'm off base for saying that. If we as Christians truly believe as we say we do, if the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior is the most meaningful and singular event ever to transpire on this planet, then it would seem that we should approach Easter with at least the same amount of anticipation and reverence as we do Christmas.  

I love these words of Christian writer Ann Voskamp, "Lent. It’s the preparing the heart for Easter. Like going with Jesus into the wilderness for forty days, that we might come face to ugly face with our enemy. Our sacrificing that we might become more like Christ in His sacrifice... Lent isn’t about forfeiting as much as it’s about formation. We renounce to be reborn; we let go to become ‘little Christs’. It’s about this: We break away to become."

This is exactly how I feel about Lent. It is similar to how Advent helps me to celebrate Christmas with the right frame of mind. 

Just as Christ spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and preparing for His ministry, I have the opportunity to spend 40 days in deepened meditation and contemplation, giving up some things that have a tendency to separate me from the Spirit and adding elements that allow me to more fully come unto my Savior.  

And that is definitely something my faith tradition embraces.