Petition The Powers of Heaven, with Prayer and Fasting

By most definitions of the word, I grew up in a less than conventional family. While my father was raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints decisions made drew him away from his beliefs and it took a change of heart to bring him back to his heritage. 

Fast forward several years, 1 marriage, 1 child, 1 divorce and a second marriage...I found myself, the 1 child referred to, in a less than conventional family unit. My father had re-married a wonderful woman and together they had made the decision to give them, us, our family, a more solid base by reclaiming who they are and becoming active again, as members of the church. Part of that included sealing their civil union of marriage for time and all eternity through a temple marriage.

As members of the church, we hold a temple marriage in high regard. Children that are born to a couple married in the temple are considered to have been 'born in the covenant', and have the opportunity to be re-united as an eternal family in our next existence.

In this instance, of my family, I had not only not been born in the covenant, but I was faced with the union of my father to what essentially would be my 'step-mother', as my biological parents were married only civilly, and not had their union sealed through the covenants of the temple. I was soon to be given a very unique opportunity.....

My then 'step-mother' announced that she would not only like to be sealed to my father for time and all eternity, but that she desired to have myself sealed to her and my father- making us an eternal family. 

While the prospect of an eternal family was greatly desired, this was a decision not to be made lightly. I had the feelings of a biological mother to consider and wanted to make sure that the decision I made was not only the right one for me but her as well. So, I set out, seeking guidance from a loving Father in Heaven. Communicating with him directly through prayer.

Looking back, I don't remember the exact prayer I used to petition the guidance of my Father in Heaven, nor do I remember the exact moment I knew what my decision was going to be. What I do know, with certainty, is that I was to accept this eternal blessing and be sealed to my father and 'step-mom'. 

This, however, could not be done without the full understanding and an agreement to the sealing being offered by my biological mother. As a family we were asked to petition my biological mother through letters, telling her of our desires and seeking her approval. As a family we fasted. For us, fasting is the combination of a sincere prayer and purpose while voluntarily going without drink or water for a period of time. 

This quote was proven as we prepared and sent our individual letters to my biological mother. The writing of a letter, to essentially give up her rights to me as a mother, in an eternal perspective, is not an easy task. 

Our petitions were proven to be more powerful, as within moments of receiving our letters my biological mother received a visit from the bishop of the ward within which she lived. Making this event even more remarkable is the fact that while the Bishop knew of my biological mother, she was not an active member of the church, nor had he ever met her. He, however, had received a prompting earlier in the day instructing him to visit her that very evening. He was able to help her work through her initial emotions and explain to her, fully, the process. Him being there also ensured that she had a complete understanding of what we were asking of her and the impact this would have on all of us in the eternities.   

Within a few short days we received written consent, from my biological mother, and through the proper authorities, authorizing me to be sealed to my father and 'step-mother'.  It was truly the power of prayer and fasting that brought this blessing to us. Without our fervent prayers, and sacrifice through fasting, our petitions would not have had the same power and the family greeting me in the eternities may have not been my parents as so desired. My parents being my biological father and my mother, formerly known as my 'step-mother'. 

Through this experience I have learned the true power of prayer and the benefit of fasting. I am so grateful for the abilities we have to petition the powers of heaven through these things.

Authored by LLHappyEternal Writer: 1402

The Temple is a Sacred Place

Photo Credit

Our living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, said, “To members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple is the most sacred place on earth.”  I have found this to be true in my own life.  At times when I am faced with a difficult decision or feel lost or confused, I find myself longing to be in the temple.  There is a peace in the temple like no other peace I have felt.   

The temple closest to wear I live is the Ogden, Utah temple.  This temple has been closed for renovation for the last few years.  The renovations were recently completed.  Before the temple is rededicated, the Church holds an open house for anyone with a desire to tour the temple.  I had the opportunity to volunteer for a day at the temple open house, and what a wonderful opportunity it was!  I got to push patrons in wheel chairs during the temple tour.  Although the tour is a silent tour, I loved hearing people’s reactions to the beauty and peace in the temple.  Some people I helped had been to the temple many times and for others it was the first time.  Regardless of their previous experience or inexperience with the temple, each person I helped was touched in some way during the tour.  I felt so blessed to be able to see others blessed by the temple.

When my husband and I were married, we were sealed in the Logan temple.  As latter-day saints, we believe that families sealed in the temple are eternal and can be together forever, even after this life ends.  This knowledge has been such a blessing in my life.  When our son was first born, I found myself constantly worrying that something was going to happen to him.  At times, my worrying kept me up late at night.  When I didn’t know what else to do, I found myself pleading with Heavenly Father to help me find some comfort and peace.  I believe that Heavenly Father sent the Spirit to comfort me and remind me that our family is eternal and that our relationships will extend beyond this life.  This didn’t entirely stop my worrying, but it did bring comfort during those times.  

I know that the temple blesses lives, because I’ve experienced it!  At times, the Lord’s requirements for entering the temple may seem daunting or too difficult, however, I know that the blessings of the temple are far greater than any sacrifice we are asked to make.

Authored by LLHappyEternal Writer: 1404

Am I Better Than I Used To Be?

Photo Credit

All too often I feel like we are hard on ourselves! "I should have done this better;" "If I only would have done this;" "If I only knew then, what I know now!"

I have come to realize that this is just part of life and learning. A question that I often ask myself helps keep me in check: "Am I better than I used to be?" More often than not the answer for all of us is "yes." We are all trying. It doesn't mean that we are doing everything perfectly, it just means that we are progressing. Sometimes the answer may be "no," and that's okay! We just need to make the necessary adjustments, whatever they may be, to get back on track.

When I was in High School, I remember one General Conference, where President Hinckley commented on the wonderful performance of the Tabernacle Choir and the spirit they brought to conference. What really stuck out to me was when he mentioned that their best that day wasn't good enough for “tomorrow.” Since that day, I have tried to use this to help remind me to try harder each day to do my best. Some days our best might be small and simple, other days our best may entail much more. The important thing, is that we are constantly working to try and be the best we can.

As we go through experiences that strengthen us, stretch us, and help us grow, we will look back on our lives and feel joy and happiness as we realize that we truly are “...better than [we] used to be!”

Authored by LLHappyEternal Writer: 1407

The Temple, The House of the Lord

My wife and I along with our three young children had the opportunity to attend the Ogden Temple open house on a beautiful summer morning. My parents, now in their 70's and residing in central Utah, were able to join us for this special occasion. The elegance and beauty of the architecture and design, both on the exterior and interior were awe-inspiring.  But what impressed us the most were the feelings of peace and comfort that touched our hearts while slowly walking through the various rooms. The kindness of the many volunteers (and their willingness to serve happily) there that day only furthered our appreciation for this special edifice. Having three generations of our family present reinforced the treasured principle of eternal families and inspired us to live worthy of those blessings. The temple truly is the House of the Lord and we're so grateful to have one so close to our home.

Authored by LLHappyEternal Writer: GUEST

Love One Another

Photo Credit

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

As I have loved you,

love one another.

This new commandment,
love one another.

By this shall men know
ye are my disciples,
if ye have love
one to another.

Before Jesus came to earth, followers of God were given a law which said, an "eye for an eye". If someone did wrong to you, it was your right to do the same thing back to them.

However, when Jesus came he fulfilled the old law, and instituted a new law, a higher law. He taught,

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if you salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

[Matthew 5:38-48]

After his death and resurrection, Jesus came to his other sheep on the American continent. To them he said,

"For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."

[3 Nephi 11:29-30]

"And behold it is written also, that thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy; But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good.

Therefore those things which were of old time, which were under the law, in me are all fulfilled. Old things are done away, and all things have become new. Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect."

[3 Nephi 11:43-48]

Today, hate and contention are all around us. Even sometimes within us. After all, that is the way of the natural man. But remember the natural man is an enemy to God. And we must learn to put off the natural man to become true disciples of Jesus Christ.

I love the words of Moroni when he taught,

"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."

[Moroni 7:47-48]

By this shall men know
ye are my disciples,

if ye have love
one to another.


Authored by LLHappyEternal Writer: 1408

We Need Each Other!

Photo Credit

My husband and I recently returned from a trip to Martin’s Cove, Wyoming.  This was no ordinary trip.  Martin’s Cove is a sacred place to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This is the place where many Mormon handcart pioneers, who left too late in the summer, faced extreme physical hardships.  Some even gave their lives.

 We took our trip to Martin’s Cove because we were invited to participate in a pioneer trek as a ma and pa over a group of youth.  Trek is an opportunity for youth and leaders to get a small glimpse of what the Mormon pioneers experienced as they crossed the plains.  As part of trek, we reenacted a few of the events that actually occurred along the handcart trail.  This was both a challenging and rewarding experience.

              

 Before leaving for Martin’s Cove, we were asked to do some research and learn about someone who really did cross the plains.  My heart was full as I read stories of pioneers—trying to decide who I would be “walking for.”  Once I found Nancy Bailey Steele, my great-great-great grandmother, I knew she was the one I wanted to “walk for.”  Nancy crossed the plains as a single mom of two young children.  At the time I found her name, I didn’t realize what a great impact she would have on me. 

               

While on trek, I found myself wondering how Nancy could have done it on her own.  I can’t imagine crossing the plains with my husband by my side, let alone by myself, as Nancy did.  But, time and time again, I had the thought and realization that Nancy didn’t do it on her own.  There were others all around her, both physical and heavenly beings, who helped her along the way.  This is a lesson that the Spirit would teach me several times while on trek—We need each other.  Our lives are not so different from those of the pioneers.  We don’t face the same trials and hardships that they faced, but we do face them.  Life is hard, and we can’t do it on our own.  

My husband and I did lots of preparation before leaving for trek.  We had many discussions about our desire to be prepared in such a way that we would be able to help the kids in our family instead of having to worry about our own problems.  Our plan worked well on the first day, but for me, the second and third day was an entirely different story.  By the middle of the second day, my feet were completely covered in blisters.  Every step I took was painful.  It was hard for me to be there for my husband and the youth in our family when I was in such poor shape myself.  This was not the way we had planned for it to be.  We were prepared!  Once again, Heavenly Father was teaching me a lesson.  I needed the youth in our family just as much as they needed me.  They rose to the occasion, stepped up and did the things that I myself couldn’t do.  Oh how grateful I am for them!  We need each other!

One morning on trek we gathered together as a whole group (almost 350 people) to have a short devotional.  We began the devotional with the women and young women singing one of my favorite Latter-day Saint hymns, “As Sisters in Zion.”  The first line says, “As sisters in Zion we’ll all work together.”  In this moment, I felt an outpouring of gratitude to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and of the Relief Society.  I feel the strength of sisters joined together for the same cause.  I know that my sisters in the Gospel are there to help me face life’s challenges so that I don’t have to do it alone, and I have a great desire to do all that I can so that I can be there for them too.  Once again, the Spirit reminded me just how much we need each other.   

I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who places people in our lives because we need them.  I am grateful for angels beyond the veil and angels here on earth who are there for me.  Most of all, I am grateful for a Savior who will never leave me alone.  He knows me.  He loves me.  He knows all that I go through and will always be there if I seek Him, and I will because I truly need Him!

Go to Your Knees in Prayer

Photo Credit

Within in the walls of my living room there is a quote by Abraham Lincoln which reads:

 " I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."

Several weeks ago I had double jaw surgery. When I came home from the hospital my mouth was banded shut and I had a splint between my teeth.  My face was swollen, I couldn't talk and I was in agony beyond explanation.  I often found myself feeling as if I couldn't take anymore.  I just wanted the pain to stop and to be able to talk and eat.  Frustrated beyond my control, I too found myself on my knees in solemn prayer to my father in heaven.  Though I could not utter any words out loud, I prayed in my head and my heart.  This being the only place that I could go to find rest and peace in my moment of agony.

Heavenly Father listened and answered my prayers in many ways some of which I know and others in his own way, and for my good.  My testimony has been reaffirmed that prayer is real.  Our Heavenly Father is real and he waits anxiously for us to reach out to him so he can bless us.  Father in Heaven will always be there for anyone that needs a friend to talk to.  It matters not what you have done or what religion you are or are not, you can always pray to your Father in Heaven.  He will listen and help you in the way he knows will be for your good.

So, when you have the overwhelming conviction that you have nowhere else to go, go to your knees.

Authored by LLHappyEternal Writer: 1403