Steering By Kindled Light

Martha’s comment the other day reminded me of the rich symbolism in the story of the Jaredites as they make their way to the Promised Land. I’ll write more about that tomorrow, but wanted to share this quote with you from Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen’s book My Grandfather’s Blessings. In the Epilogue of the book she says:

"In the Book of Mormon, there is another version of the Exodus story. In it, the Jaredites, forced from their homes by conditions that stifle their freedom, set out across great uncharted waters to reach the land of promise in boats sealed up tightly against the sea. Jared speaks to God about the difficulty in steering these boats in total darkness. He is told that if he brings stones with him, God will touch them and they will shine forth light.

The voyage is long and difficult in the extreme; there are mighty storms, and the boats are plunged deep beneath the water over and over again. But their seal holds, and the stones, touched by God, continue to shine. According to Jung, the stone is one of the two archetypal symbols for the soul. This image of a people sailing through heavy seas in search of freedom, steering only by the light that the touch of God kindles in their souls, is a particularly beautiful one for me."[My Grandfather's Blessings, P. 375]

This symbolism is especially beautiful for me also. And there is so much more!

Sidetracked By Guilt

The last few days have been very interesting. When we live in truth we accept what is, the verity of a situation, and then do what needs to be done. But it is amazing the subtle ways the adversary uses to tempt us away from the truth.

As we found out about our grandson yesterday the immediate reaction was toward worry or fear. But I Anchored myself and let the peace wash over me and began to move forward. Then a strange feeling of guilt came over me. The thought that I must not love my grandson or I’d be worried and fearful swelled in me. It was a very odd feeling which at first seemed logical and right. But as I stopped to ponder it, I realized that worry and/or fear would not help my grandson. The thought was a lie. There is no way that my worry or fear would or could heal him. Worry and fear aren't part of love. All worry and fear would do is make me miserable. They would also consume me with so much negative thought that it would make it very difficult to hear any promptings or receive any comfort from the Spirit.

Living in Truth is living in peace. But the adversary doesn’t want us to have peace. He wants us to be miserable. As we consistently examine the thoughts and feelings that pull us away from peace, we learn to recognize the lies that hold us bondage in the realm of Illusion. We learn more and more about what the Savior meant when he said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Good News!

This is what he looks like. Although the pictures don't capture how bad it was.













We just returned from the hospital and it was determined that my grandson doesn't have the terrible disease they first thought. It is something else that isn't as serious!!! All is well.

When It Rains, It Pours

We've had another set back around here. My one-year-old grandson, Josh's son, was just taken to Primary Children's Hospital. He's had a terrible rash and fever for several days. The doctors suspect a very rare disease and 7 of 10 people who contract it die from it. I'm asking for your prayers again. Prayer works!

I am so thankful for the things I've learned about living in Truth or I wouldn't be making it right now. I'm staying Anchored and feel at peace.

Be Happy!

Today I visited a care center where I learned from some wonderful women. We held Relief Society with them and then stayed to visit with them individually. I met a wonderful woman named Helen who is 97 years old and has a much better memory than I do. She astounded me! She is surrounded by people who can no longer carry on intelligent conversations. I'm sure it is a challenge for her and yet she gracefully helped those around her.

I also talked to Jean, who had the most beautiful pure white hair. Jean was in a wheel chair and told me she was from Nebraska and didn’t have much family around here. She wasn’t quite sure how she ended up in Utah.

As we spoke another woman walked by and said to me, “Ask Jean why she is always so happy.” So I did. Jean smiled at me with a twinkle in her eyes and said, “Because I will it so.” Now there is a woman who lives in truth. Jean is a woman who understands that happiness is a choice not a situation.

I’m going to remember Helen and Jean and on days when I’m tempted to feel unhappy, I’m going to think of them and choose to be happy.

Memories

Today is Memorial Day, a time many people honor their ancestors who have passed on. In is also the birthday of my father who passed away two years ago. Between the two days, I’ve been thinking about Dad a lot today.

Growing up I idolized my dad. Because of him I love to read. Most of all it was from him I gained my love for the scriptures.

I have a lot of memories that are flooding back today. Whenever we went anyplace in the car at night, I’d fall asleep and when we got home Dad would gently gather me in his strong arms and carry me to my bed and tuck me in. I loved it! Dad would always listen when I was sad and he always had a story to illustrate his points. When I needed encouragement, he’d leave just the right book on my bed for me to read.

One day while I was in college, he had business in Provo and stopped by to see me. I opened the door in my old, worn robe. “Don’t you have anything better than that?” he asked. When I told him I didn’t, he took me downtown and bought me a new robe.

I could go on, but you get the point. I love my dad and miss him. He was the kind of person my post yesterday was about. He lifted and encouraged anyone who came in contact with him—especially me.

You Do Make A Difference!

Have you ever walked into a room and from all appearances the people in the room are happy but you feel a tension or negative energy and just know that they were arguing or upset with each other before you came in? Or have you been around people that after they leave you feel like they’ve somehow sapped all the energy out of you?

The opposite can happen also. Have you ever walked into a room and been bathed in warmth and light? Or have you been around people that after they leave you feel lifted and encouraged not by what they said but just by being in their presence?

We sometimes don’t stop to realize the effect others have on us or the effect we have on others. Therefore, when we read, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” (Romans 14:19), we tend to think that we need some extraordinary talent in order to edify others. But we all give off either a positive or a negative "energy" that others can feel. That means that just by being we influence others, and when we choose to live in Truth that influence will be edifying. We can make a difference! Our positive attitudes and feelings help us, but they also encourage others.