Life's Ironies

Go read this post today. It's very thought provoking. This post is so good!!

The Irony in Life
Paul is waiting for a heart transplant and he inspires me so much!! Pray for him.

Trust in God

Pieces of a talk by, Elder Jeffery R. Holland entitled, "Lessons From Liberty Jail"
listen to it or read it for free here http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1798

Everyone Faces Trying Times

Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail
painting by, Liz Lemon Swindle

"Every experience can become a redemptive experience if we remain bonded to our Father in Heaven through that difficulty. These difficult lessons teach us that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity, and if we will be humble and faithful, if we will be believing and not curse God for our problems, He can turn the unfair and inhumane and debilitating prisons of our lives into temples—or at least into a circumstance that can bring comfort and revelation, divine companionship and peace…."

"…whenever these moments of our extremity come, we must not succumb to the fear that God has abandoned us or that He does not hear our prayers. He does hear us. He does see us. He does love us. When we are in dire circumstances and want to cry “Where art Thou?” it is imperative that we remember He is right there with us—where He has always been! We must continue to believe, continue to have faith, continue to pray and plead with heaven, even if we feel for a time our prayers are not heard and that God has somehow gone away. He is there. Our prayers are heard. And when we weep He and the angels of heaven weep with us…."

"…When lonely, cold, hard times come, we have to endure, we have to continue, we have to persist. That was the Savior’s message in the parable of the importuning widow (see Luke 18:1–8; see also Luke 11:5–10). Keep knocking on that door. Keep pleading. In the meantime, know that God hears your cries and knows your distress. He is your Father, and you are His child…."

"…Even though seemingly unjust circumstances may be heaped upon us and even though unkind and unmerited things may be done to us—perhaps by those we consider enemies but also, in some cases, by those whom we thought were friends—nevertheless, through it all, God is with us."

Even the Worthy Will Suffer

"Father Forgive Them"

painting by, Liz Lemon Swindle

“We need to realize that just because difficult things happen—sometimes unfair and seemingly unjustified things—it does not mean that we are unrighteous or that we are unworthy of blessings or that God is disappointed in us. Of course sinfulness does bring suffering, and the only answer to that behavior is repentance. But sometimes suffering comes to the righteous, too.”

“….In fact, it ought to be a matter of great doctrinal consolation to us that Jesus, in the course of the Atonement, experienced all of the heartache and sorrow, all of the disappointments and injustices that the entire family of man had experienced and would experience from Adam and Eve to the end of the world in order that we would not have to face them so severely or so deeply. However heavy our load might be, it would be a lot heavier if the Savior had not gone that way before us and carried that burden with us and for us.”

“Very early in the Prophet Joseph’s ministry, the Savior taught him this doctrine. After speaking of sufferings so exquisite to feel and so hard to bear, Jesus said:
I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they [and that means you and I and everyone] might not suffer if they would repent. [D&C 19:16]

In our moments of pain and trial, I guess we would shudder to think it could be worse, but the answer to that is clearly that it could be worse and it would be worse. Only through our faith and repentance and obedience to the gospel that provided the sacred Atonement is it kept from being worse.

Furthermore, we note that not only has the Savior suffered, in His case entirely innocently, but so have most of the prophets and other great men and women recorded in the scriptures. Name an Old Testament or Book of Mormon prophet, name a New Testament Apostle, name virtually any of the leaders in any dispensation, including our own, and you name someone who has had trouble.

My point? If you are having a bad day, you’ve got a lot of company—very, very good company. The best company that has ever lived."

"First, God has not forgotten you, and second, the Savior has been where you have been, allowing Him to provide for your deliverance and your comfort.”

Remain Calm, Patient, Charitable, and Forgiving

“When we face such distressing circumstances in our life and there is something in us that wants to strike out at God or man or friend or foe, we must remember that “no power or influence can or ought to be maintained [except] by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; . . . without hypocrisy, and without guile” (D&C 121:41–42; emphasis added).

It has always been a wonderful testimony to me of the Prophet Joseph’s greatness and the greatness of all of our prophets, including and especially the Savior of the world in His magnificence, that in the midst of such distress and difficulty they could remain calm and patient, charitable, and forgiving—that they could even talk that way, let alone live that way. But they could, and they did. They remembered their covenants, they disciplined themselves, and they knew that we must live the gospel at all times, not just when it is convenient and not just when things are going well. Indeed, they knew that the real test of our faith and our Christian discipleship is when things are not going smoothly. That is when we get to see what we’re made of and how strong our commitment to the gospel really is.

Surely the classic example of this is that in the most painful hours of the Crucifixion the Savior could say, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). That is a hard thing to ask when we’re hurting. That is a hard thing to do when we’ve been offended or are tired or stressed out or suffering innocently. But that is when Christian behavior may matter the most.”

Optimism in the Face of Cynicism

This is a continuation of previous posts. I have been sharing quotes from each chapter of a favorite book I've been reading, "Standing for Something" by, Gordon B. Hinckley. This chapter is called: Optimism in the Face of Cynicism

"We are creatures of our thinking. We can talk ourselves into defeat, or we can talk ourselves into victory."

"There will doubtless be challenges of all varieties. No one can avoid them all. But we must not despair or give up. We must look for the sunlight through the clouds."

"Criticism and pessimism destroy families, undermine institutions of all kinds, defeat nearly everyone, and spread a shroud of gloom over entire nations."

"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort."

"What I am asking is that we turn from the negativism that so permeates our culture and look for the remarkable good in the land and times in which we live; that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults: that optimism replace pessimism; that uncertainty and worry be pushed aside by an enduring feeling of hope."

Brokenhearted

I stumbled across a couple of blogs the other day. http://ekrausch.blogspot.com/ and http://cynthialovespictures.blogspot.com/ These sweet mother's have lost their little babies. I ache for them because even though they haven't been able to keep their little ones, you can see they have a mother's heart and how painful this must be. I will keep them in my prayers.

I want to thank these two women for opening my eyes to the miracles I have... today I will try speak a little softer when the house is a disaster, today I will play with them more before I ask them to put their toys away, today I will laugh more when they are being "too silly", today I will stop what I'm doing and listen to them tell their stories, today I will hold my children a little tighter and love them a little more.

Thank you Emalee and Cynthia! Thank you for teaching me today.

Here is a song for you! May the Lord bind up and heal your broken heart.

"Only the Brokenhearted"- By, Cherie Call

Who can hear your sorrow?

Who can listen right?

Who can tell you stars shine

Through the darkest and the longest lonely night?

Only the brokenhearted can

Who can feel the fire?

Who can taste the rain?

Who can laugh till tears fall?

Who can know your pain and take your hand?

Only the broken hearted can

How are you gonna take a stand?

How are you gonna hear the band?

How are you gonna love the sunlight

If those precious summer days never had to end?

You have to learn like only the brokenhearted can

Broken hearts are deeper

They've been open wide

And the tears become containers

To hold more love inside

And truly feel what only the brokenhearted can

If you need a shoulder, bow your head and pray

And He'll wrap you like a blanket

With love to face the day

Because He knows like only the brokenhearted can

How are you gonna comprehend

Love that has no end?

Why'd you ever have to leave Eden

If you were never truly meant to understand?

You had to live like only the brokenhearted can

Who can love you deepest?

Who can hold you tight?

Who can tell you stars shine

Through the darkest lonely night?

You know I can

Like only the brokenhearted can

Lyrics by Cherie Call, from her album "He Gives Flowers to Everyone."

Painting by Adam Abram

Are You Ready For Miracles?

My husband and I have been praying that he will find a job to provide for our little family.

Yesterday my husband was at the University visiting the Astronomy department. During casual conversation with one of the professors, my husband mentioned that he had been laid off and was searching for work. The professor informed him that he was looking for someone to help him with Astronomy research and could pay my husband $10 an hour. Only thing is...my husband's full-time school schedule only allows him to work 20 hours a week.

This would equal out to being $200 a week... for a family of 6. That's before taxes!

We went to the temple today fasting and praying.... crazy thing is we both feel like he should take this opportunity doing research with the professor. I know, I know... if you do the numbers it doesn't add up at all!!!

As we were in the temple praying about our financial situation I kept thinking, "If he takes this research job we just won't have enough, there's not enough money for us here!" Then as my husband and I joined hands and I whispered a prayer for guidance, I envisioned myself with 5,000 people sitting at the feet of Christ (in Mark 8) and staring at the few loaves of bread and fishes saying, "Lord there's not enough here, there's just not enough, it doesn't add up!"

But the miracle is that it was enough!! Christ fed the 5,000 with just a few fishes and 5 loaves of bread...hello! 5,000 people... and that's not all... after everyone was fed there were 12 baskets of fragments left over.... there were left-overs!!! As this image came to my mind, I felt the Spirit witness to me that we will be ok and I began to cry tears of gratitude. This experience will strengthen our faith. I am so grateful. I believe in miracles, most of all I have no doubt that the Lord knows our needs and hears our heartfelt prayers.

Maybe my husband getting laid off is not a loss after all, maybe it has provided an opening for opportunity.... an opportunity to strengthen our faith, gain experience, learn wisdom and witness MIRACLES!

In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles: 1917 - 2008

I am going to miss this giant of a man. His talks always fill me with hope, faith and a greater perspective of life. His sense of humor, wit, humility, faith and love is so inspiring to me. This is a man who lived what he taught! I love Elder Wirthlin! I will miss him.... I will miss him.

Here are a few excerpts from his last talk given in Oct. this year.

Come What May, and Love It

"Over the years I have learned a few things that have helped me through times of testing and trial. I would like to share them with you."

Learn to Laugh

"The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."

Seek for the Eternal

"Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others....Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome."

The Principle of Compensation

"The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."

Trust in the Father and the Son

"He who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort and uphold us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He will make weak things become strong... The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him"

"Come What May, and Love It:" Address Given by Elder Wirthlin at October 2008 General Conference

Terror, Triumph and the Wedding Feast

Three years and one day after September 11th 2001. Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to the students of BYU. I must have listened to this talk 10 times within the past week. It brings me so much comfort! I really needed these words!! You can read the full talk or download it free at this link, I highly recommend it: http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1371
God Bless You!!!



"…we cannot and must not be paralyzed just because that event and the events surrounding it are out there ahead of us somewhere. We cannot stop living life. Indeed, we should live life more fully than we have ever lived it before….First, we must never, in any age or circumstance, let fear and the father of fear (Satan himself) divert us from our faith and faithful living….Just be faithful. God is in charge. He knows your name and He knows your need.

God expects you to have enough faith and determination and enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. In fact, He expects you not simply to face the future (that sounds pretty grim and stoic); He expects you to embrace and shape the future—to love it and rejoice in it and delight in your opportunities.God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can’t if you don’t pray, and He can’t if you don’t dream. In short, He can’t if you don’t believe.

If you recall, this revelation came as the Saints who were gathered in Missouri were suffering great persecution—were at the very height of their persecution. Mobs had driven them from their homes. Hostility, even hatred, followed them from county to county as they sought refuge. These frightened Saints lost land, livestock, clothing, furniture, crops, and a host of personal possessions. Threats of death were heard every day. I suppose, at its worst, this was the most difficult and dangerous time—may I say “terror-filled”—that the Church had ever known. Later on names like Haun’s Mill and Liberty Jail would take their place in our vocabulary forever.Yet in that frightening time the Lord said to His people:Let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered.They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion—And all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled. [D&C 101:16–19]

The other verse I refer to is from the Savior, spoken to His disciples as He faced His crucifixion and as they faced fear, disarray, and persecution. Talk about troubled times! In His last collective counsel to them in mortality, and knowing full well what lay ahead for Him and for them, He 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).

Is there a happy future for you and your posterity in these latter days? Absolutely! Most assuredly you have a beautiful future. All wedding feasts are happy occasions. Will there be difficult times when those ominous latter-day warnings and prophecies are fulfilled? Of course there will. There always have been. Be prepared. Will those who have built upon the great rock of Christ withstand such winds, such hail, and the mighty shafts in the whirlwind? You know that they will. You have it on good word. You have it on His word! That “rock upon which ye are built . . . is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men [and women] build they cannot fall” (see Helaman 5:12).

I leave an apostolic blessing on each one of you individually within the sound of my voice that you will live with confidence, optimism, faith, and devotion. I bless you that you will be serious about life’s challenges but not frightened or discouraged. I bless you to feel the joy of the Saints in the latter days—never crippling anxiety or destructive despair. Indeed, the only concern I would have us entertain is a very personal one: How can we live more fully, more faithfully, so that all the blessings of this great dispensation can be showered upon each one of us and upon those whose lives we touch?"-Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Power of Hope

“Doubt, despair, and failure to care for our fellowmen lead us into temptation, which can cause us to forfeit choice and precious blessings."

"The adversary uses despair to bind hearts and minds in suffocating darkness. Despair drains from us all that is vibrant and joyful and leaves behind the empty remnants of what life was meant to be. Despair kills ambition, advances sickness, pollutes the soul, and deadens the heart. Despair can seem like a staircase that leads only and forever downward...."

..."Hope, on the other hand, is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father, who has prepared a way for those who seek for eternal truth in a world of relativism, confusion, and of fear.”

“Hope is critical to both faith and charity. When disobedience, disappointment, and procrastination erode faith, hope is there to uphold our faith. When frustration and impatience challenge charity, hope braces our resolve and urges us to care for our fellowmen even without expectation of reward. The brighter our hope, the greater our faith. The stronger our hope, the purer our charity.”

- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

“My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.”13 On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.”

- Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

For the Record

I know this will surprise some of you and it might be hard to believe... but here it goes..... I'm NOT perfect!... I know, I know... it's a shocker :)

Seriously though, sometimes I worry that my blog might paint the wrong picture of me. What I mean is... because of the nature of my posts, one might be led to think that I am always so positive, so spiritual or that I live the gospel so naturally.

Just for the record, I'm not a perfect mom, I'm not a perfect wife, I don't have the perfect marriage, and I don't have perfect children. I know it's hard to believe... heh heh. But if you were to live in my house for one week you would come to this conclusion on your own very, very quickly.

The reason I try to keep my posts positive and uplifting is because I have set up my blog with the intent to share the gospel, to share my testimony and not so much as a diary of my life.

This last week was really rough. To make a long story short: my husband and I had some heated arguments, I lost my temper with my kids on several occasions and the whole week I felt depressed and pessimistic.

... All I can say is, I couldn't make it through any of these rough times if it weren't for prayer and calling upon God for strength. I am so thankful for the Atonement, that God has mercifully provided a way for me to be cleansed from sin. I am thankful for His power to heal wounded relationships and bind up the broken hearted. I am thankful my husband and I have a habit of kneeling together in prayer every morning and every night. It helps us resolve conflicts much quicker this way.

I draw strength from prayer, hope from the scriptures, guidance from living Prophets and Apostles, comfort from Priesthood blessings, peace from the promises of the temple and joy from my Savior. My list could go on and on and on. But I feel so richly blessed to have the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ .... I can't imagine my life without it!

I relate to the words of the Prophet, Nephi when he was weighed down with discouragement:

"Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.
Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen. " - 2 Nephi 4: 28-30 & 35

God bless you my friends,

Alicia

Miracles

Increased prices at the pump... Grocery bills are doubling.... Value of the dollar is dropping....Our economy is facing some real tough times. And we, just like so many others, are feeling "the pinch."

Thinking of my husband going to school again full time and cutting back on his 40hr work week to accommodate his school schedule, having our forth child, moving to a new place.... all this has been, in my mind, somewhat frightening.... wondering how everything is going to add up. We are completely debt free and are trying to get scholarships to pay for school... but even with the scholarships we still have the cost of living, of taking care of our 3 little children and the 4th one on the way. I'm a stay-at-home mom (by my own choosing) and so my husband is the only source of income. This is all a leap of faith for us.

A couple of days ago I was reading in John chapter 6 where Jesus fed 5,000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. Now, I've read this account and heard this story hundreds of times, it's one of my favorites. But reading it the other day, it came to me in a whole different light. After all the people were fed... Jesus sent out his disciples to gather up the fragments left over from the 5 loaves and 2 fishes..... wait a minute... what?.....The fragments? There was left-over??? Yes! 12 full baskets of crumbs.

You do the math... does that add up for you?
5,000 hungry people + 5 loaves + 2 fishes = the remainder of 12 baskets full of crumbs.
This brought to my mind the promise found in Malachi 3:10

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

For those of you who might not know what a "tithe" is :
It's 10% of all our income that we give to the Church for the purpose of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and building up the kingdom of God on the earth.

My husband and I have a firm testimony that this practice in our lives has brought forth amazing blessings... nothing short of miracles, in our lives. We have had many situations where we have looked through our own eyes, wondering how on earth everything would add up or come together.... only to turn it over to the Lord and watch miracle after miracle occur.

I came home from grocery shopping the other day and opened my fridge only to find I didn't have much room for what I just bought "there shall not be room enough to receive it, Alicia" came into my mind. I just smiled. I almost felt like crying. My heart was full of gratitude. "I don't have room for all these blessings," I thought. It was a fulfilment of the promise in Malachi and just like the 12 baskets left over when Jesus fed the 5,000.

I can't explain it. I don't know how He does it! All I know is that God loves us and is aware of each and every one of us. He delights to bless us! He is anxious to bless us! He wants to "prove it." He only asks us to follow Him, to apply His counsels and His teachings.... He wants to be #1 priority in our lives. I know that when we put God first.... amazing things happen. Miracles happen. He has helped us to be wise with our resources. He has helped us to discern between those things we need and those things we don't. He has blessed us with creative ideas of how to make things last longer.... and so on.

How thankful I am for such a Faithful Friend,
I know God lives, I know His Son, Jesus Christ, is my Savior and Redeemer.
I know He guides us through His Spirit and through Scripture.... and so many other ways.
He loves us and is anxious to bless us.
I trust Him and I will praise Him and thank Him every day!
"I am believing God, I am believing Christ."
I feel at peace.

God Bless You!
Alicia

Comfort Through Scriptures

"Before all else fails, read the instructions." (See Mosiah 1:6-7)

These past few days have been a little overwhelming. I'm just getting comfortable in this area and it's a little hard to think about starting over in a new place.... again. This will be the 5th time we've moved in the 9yrs. we've been married.

It's going to be hard with my husband working full-time and going to school full-time. I worry about him getting burned out. He can't stand being away from me and the kids. He's such a good daddy, it will be hard without him home. I just need to endure a few years and then his schooling will be over before I know it.

I know it will all work out though. We have fasted and prayed about this and have felt the wittness of the Spirit so many times guiding us to this point, and confirming to our hearts and minds that it's the right decision.

Last Thursday I had the privilege of attending a dinner/fireside where a beautiful couple spoke about the experiences they've had in their lives and some really difficult trials. They both testified so firmly that God lives and hears and answers our prayers. They testified of God's Son, Jesus Christ, and how if we build and pattern our lives after His teachings we can be assured of His grace, His enabling power. Where we are weak, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can make us strong through the power of the Holy Ghost.

They quoted one of my favorite scriptures:

"12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." - Helelman 5:12

This scripture has been playing over and over in my mind for some time. I am so thankful for the scriptures and the peace, perspective and comfort they give me.

I don't know what the future holds....

But I know Who holds the future.

God bless you,

Alicia

What are you afraid of?

It seems like every time I turn on the news, all I ever hear about is war, murders, robbery, abuse, lewdness, violence, cheating, fraud, lies, and destruction.... to focus on this can weigh quite heavily on my heart and be quite depressing. Especially when I look at my children and think, "If things are this bad now, what kind of world are they going to be living in when they have children of their own?" It's a frightening thought.

This morning I was reading in Luke 21:26. Here it says that in the last days, men's hearts will fail them because of fear. "Fear" I took an interest in this because of the fear I have felt at times in my own heart. So, I began looking up all the different verses on "fear" that stood out to my mind and wrote them down. These are what I found- these comfort me:

"And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee..."- Gen. 26:24

"Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."- 2Kings 6:16

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"- Psalms 27:1

"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe."- Prov. 29:25

"For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed."- Isaiah 50:7

"Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."- Isaiah 51:7

"And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord."- Jeremiah 23:3

"And he (Jesus) arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"- Mark 4:40

"Speak the word without fear."- Philip. 1:14

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."- 2Tim 1:7

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:"- 1John 4:18

"you should not have feared man more than God."- Doctrine and Covenants 3:7


"Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward. Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock (the gospel of Jesus Christ), they cannot prevail... Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."- Doctrine and Covenants 6:33,34&36

"... if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. "- Doctrine and Covenants 38:30

"strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me [Jesus Christ]."- Doctrine and Covenants 67:10

Now the final scripture... this one I share last because I jotted down some additional thoughts that go along with explaining this one:

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."- Matt 10:28

This is what came to my mind...
What are the things that can destroy the body but not the Spirit?:
Sickness, Illness, Disease
Natural Disasters, Plagues, Famine,
Accidents, Shootings, Terrorists, Death, Etc.

Now what are the things that destroy our body and our Spirit, and create a literal hell of a life?
Ungratefulness, Jealousy, Greed, Hatred
Selfishness, Lust, Arrogance,
Lies, Hypocrisy, Gossip, Bitterness
Laziness, Self-righteousness, Etc.

The difference between these two forms of destruction is that the first are ones we don't necessarily have any control over....
But the second, (those things we should really fear)- we have complete control over. Each day, every moment we choose whether or not we let these things reside in our hearts or cast them out.
And I wittiness to you that you are not alone in overcoming these things.

Through daily prayer and seeking for God's help to keep these things out of your life, I promise you the riches of Eternity... and peace in this life here and now, no matter what is going on in the news. Your family life will be better, your workplace will be better, relationships with neighbors will be better.

The scriptures bring me so much comfort. I am grateful for something solid to stand on in the midst of a raging sea. I feel anchored and safe... yes... safe, even in this world. Isn't that wonderful!

God Bless You!
Alicia

Peace in Troubled Times

Sometimes living in today's world can be frightening. These are some words of encouragement and hope I would like to share that I pray will bring peace and comfort in troubled times this wonderful Easter Season. The following is clipped from a talk by Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles- April 2003

" After teaching the multitude, Jesus and His disciples set sail for the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was night and the Savior rested comfortably near the stern, asleep on a pillow. In time “there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship.” Terrified, the disciples awakened Him: “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” 1 His answer was characteristically calm: “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” 2 “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” 3
He who had created the earth was again commanding the elements. 4 In wonderment, His disciples asked, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” 5
We are living through turbulent times. A great storm of evil has come upon the earth. The winds of wickedness howl about us; the waves of war beat against our ship. As Paul wrote to Timothy: “In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, … Having a form of godliness; but denying the power thereof.” 6

"Stilling the Storm" Painting by- Ted Henninger

It is true that ominous clouds gather around us, but just as the Savior’s words brought peace to the Apostles in the boat, they bring peace to us today: “And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.” 7 “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” 8....
As we look into the eyes of our children and grandchildren, we see the doubt and fear of our times. Wherever these precious ones go in the world, they hear about unemployment, poverty, war, immorality, and crime. They wonder, “How can we cope with these problems?”
To find answers, they look back into our eyes and listen to our words. Do they hear us speaking faithfully and hopefully, despite the tribulations of our times?....

I am moved by the extent of the tribulation in the Savior’s experience. Even though He was the Only Begotten of the Father, cunning men sought to take His life from the very beginning. Throughout His ministry, a storm of rumors, lies, and persecutions followed Him wherever He went.
I am especially impressed as I consider the week leading to His death: the chief priests challenged His authority, tried to trap Him, and twice conspired to kill Him. In Gethsemane, while His disciples slept, He suffered the sins of all mankind and bled from every pore. He was betrayed, arrested, questioned, struck, spat upon, and beaten. After interrogation by the ruling council, He was mocked by Herod and finally taken to Pilate, where He was made to stand before an angry mob. Whipped and crowned with thorns, He was forced to carry His cross to Golgotha. Nails were driven into His hands and feet. His body was raised up between common thieves. Soldiers cast lots for His earthly possessions, and vinegar was given to quench His thirst. After six hours, 20 He commended His spirit into the hands of His Father, gave up the ghost, and died.

"The Cruscifixion" Painting by- Harry Anderson

When we observe the last week of the Savior’s life from our earthly perspective, our first impression may be one of suffering and destruction. We may see only the Savior’s mother and others weeping at the cross, soldiers afraid, the earth in great commotion, rocks broken up, the veil of the temple rent in twain, and three hours of darkness covering the land. A similar scene of storms and destruction unfolded in the New World. In short, we see the terrible tempest raging.

But look again—this time through the eye of faith.
In the last, most agonizing weeks of His life, consider that Jesus taught, testified, lifted, blessed, and strengthened those around Him. He raised Lazarus from the dead, taught about His Father, set the temple in order, gave several parables, witnessed the widow offering her mite, instructed His disciples about the signs of His Second Coming, visited the house of Simon the leper, instituted the sacrament, washed the feet of the Apostles, and taught His disciples to love one another. He testified of His divinity as the Son of God and taught of the Comforter—the Holy Ghost. In His great Intercessory Prayer, He prayed to His Father for His Apostles and all who believe on their words, “that they might have [His] joy fulfilled in themselves.” 21

"The Last Supper" Painting by- Ford Madox Brown

In His darkest hour, the light of peace and joy did not fade. It grew brighter! After His death, He appeared to Mary Magdalene. What joy must have been felt that morning as the news spread: “He is risen”! 22 In time He came to the women on the road, to Cleopas and a disciple who were traveling to Emmaus, to the Apostles and disciples in the upper room, to Thomas, who doubted, and to others. Again, there was joy and rejoicing in the Atonement and the Resurrection. 23...

"Mary and the Resurrected Lord"- Painting by- Harry Anderson

My brothers and sisters, however dark conditions may seem in this world today, whatever the storms we are facing personally, in our homes and our families, this joy can be ours now. Sometimes we don’t understand death, illness, mental and physical disabilities, personal tragedies, war, and other conflict. Some of these are a necessary part of our mortal probation. Others, as Enoch foresaw, are part of the preparation for the Savior’s Second Coming, when “the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but,” said the Lord, “my people will I preserve.” And when Enoch saw all these things, he “received a fulness of joy.” 25

"The Resurrected Lord"- Painting by- Harry Anderson

On this morning, during this season of the Savior’s birth and Resurrection, I bear special witness with joy and rejoicing that He did come into this world, suffered for our sins, and will return again. Our faith in Him and obedience to His commandments will bring “a perfect brightness of hope” 26 and dispel the darkness and gloom of despair in these troubled times. The One who had power to calm the elements of earth has power to calm our souls, to give us refuge from the storm: “Peace, be still.” 27
I so testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Elder Robert D. HalesOf the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Faith through Trials

My friend and I had a great conversation the other day about trusting in the Lord and faith through trials. It caused me to remember this wonderful talk given in the world-wide April General Conference in 2004 by Elder Dennis E. Simmons, of the Seventy.

"Faith is not bravado, not just a wish, not just a hope. True faith is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—confidence and trust in Jesus Christ that leads a person to follow Him. 1

Centuries ago, Daniel and his young associates were suddenly thrust from security into the world—a world foreign and intimidating. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refused to bow down and worship a golden image set up by the king, a furious Nebuchadnezzar told them that if they would not worship as commanded, they would immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. “And who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” 2

The three young men quickly and confidently responded, “If it be so [if you cast us into the furnace], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand.” That sounds like my eighth-grade kind of faith. But then they demonstrated that they fully understood what faith is. They continued, “But if not, … we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” 3 That is a statement of true faith.

Painting by:William Maughan

They knew that they could trust God—even if things didn’t turn out the way they hoped. 4 They knew that faith is more than mental assent, more than an acknowledgment that God lives. Faith is total trust in Him.

Faith is believing that although we do not understand all things, He does. Faith is knowing that although our power is limited, His is not. Faith in Jesus Christ consists of complete reliance on Him.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego knew they could always rely on Him because they knew His plan, and they knew that He does not change. 5 They knew, as we know, that mortality is not an accident of nature. It is a brief segment of the great plan 6 of our loving Father in Heaven to make it possible for us, His sons and daughters, to achieve the same blessings He enjoys, if we are willing.

They knew, as we know, that in our premortal life, we were instructed by Him as to the purpose of mortality: “We will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” 7

So there we have it—it’s a test. The world is a testing place for mortal men and women. When we understand that it’s all a test, administered by our Heavenly Father, who wants us to trust in Him and to allow Him to help us, we can then see everything more clearly.

His work and His glory, He told us, is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” 8 He has already achieved godhood. Now His only objective is to help us—to enable us to return to Him and be like Him and live His kind of life eternally.

Knowing all this, it was not difficult for those three young Hebrews to make their decision. They would follow God; they would exercise faith in Him. He would deliver them, but if not—and we know the rest of the story.

The Lord has given us agency, the right and the responsibility to decide. 9 He tests us by allowing us to be challenged. He assures us that He will not suffer us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. 10 But we must understand that great challenges make great men. We don’t seek tribulation, but if we respond in faith, the Lord strengthens us. The but if nots can become remarkable blessings.

The Apostle Paul learned this significant lesson and declared, after decades of dedicated missionary work, “We glory in tribulations … knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed.” 11

He was assured by the Savior, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 12

Paul responded: “Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. … I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 13 When Paul met his challenges the Lord’s way, his faith increased.

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac.” 14 Abraham, because of his great faith, was promised posterity greater in number than the stars in the heavens, and that that posterity would come through Isaac. But Abraham immediately complied with the Lord’s command. God would keep His promise, but if not in the manner Abraham expected, he still trusted Him completely.

Men accomplish marvelous things by trusting in the Lord and keeping His commandments—by exercising faith even when they don’t know how the Lord is shaping them.

“By faith Moses … refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. …

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king. …

“By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land. …

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down.” 15

Others “through faith subdued kingdoms, … obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

“Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight.” 16

But in the midst of all those glorious outcomes hoped for and expected by the participants, there were always the but if nots:

“And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, … bonds and imprisonment:

“They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about … being destitute, afflicted, tormented; … 17

“God having provided some better things for them through their sufferings, for without sufferings they could not be made perfect.” 18

Our scriptures and our history are replete with accounts of God’s great men and women who believed that He would deliver them, but if not, they demonstrated that they would trust and be true.

He has the power, but it’s our test.

What does the Lord expect of us with respect to our challenges? He expects us to do all we can do. He does the rest. Nephi said, “For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” 19

We must have the same faith as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.

Our God will deliver us from ridicule and persecution, but if not. … Our God will deliver us from sickness and disease, but if not … . He will deliver us from loneliness, depression, or fear, but if not. … Our God will deliver us from threats, accusations, and insecurity, but if not. … He will deliver us from death or impairment of loved ones, but if not, … we will trust in the Lord.

Our God will see that we receive justice and fairness, but if not. … He will make sure that we are loved and recognized, but if not. … We will receive a perfect companion and righteous and obedient children, but if not, … we will have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that if we do all we can do, we will, in His time and in His way, be delivered and receive all that He has. 20 I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
-World-wide April General Conference in 2004 by Elder Dennis E. Simmons, of the Seventy. Published in the May, 2004 Ensign.


1. See Guide to the Scriptures, “Faith,” 80; Heb. 11:1; Alma 32:21; Ether 12:6.
2. Dan. 3:15.
3. Dan. 3:17–18; emphasis added.
4. See Mosiah 7:33.
5. See Alma 7:20; 3 Ne. 24:6; Morm. 9:19; Moro. 8:18.
6. See 2 Ne. 11:5; Alma 12:25; D&C 84:35–38.
7. See Abr. 3:24–25.
8. Moses 1:39.
9. See 2 Ne. 2:27; Hel. 14:30; D&C 101:78.
10. See 1 Cor. 10:13; Alma 13:28.
11. Rom. 5:3–5.
12. 2 Cor. 12:9.
13. 2 Cor. 12:9–10.
14. Heb. 11:17; emphasis added.
15. Heb. 11:24–27, 29–30; emphasis added.
16. Heb. 11:33–34; emphasis added.
17. Heb. 11:36–37.
18. Joseph Smith Translation, Heb. 11:40.
19. 2 Ne. 25:23.
20. See D&C 84:35–38.

My poor little boy.

My youngest has the flu. Poor kid. I've been holding him in my arms for 3 hours this morning just trying to ease his discomfort. I laid him down in his bed and held him some more until he finally fell asleep. I feel so bad to see my children sick. I'm grateful it is nothing too serious. Moments like these give me greater admiration and compassion for those loving parents who have had to watch their child go through or even be taken by a life threatening illness. That would break my heart into a million pieces - it would truly tear me a part.

Is it ok if I just vent today?!

Shhhh. Let them sleep. They just need a nap, or a time-out... or they're hungry and tired and could use a nice long, warm bath.... but mostly they need a nap. I'm not talking about kids.... I'm talking about MOTHERS.

Normally I like to share things that are inspiring and uplifting to others. Today I'm not so sure that I could call this post "inspiring."

Today has been so overwhelmingly difficult with my kids and I am ready to explode. My kids are on year-round school and they have been off track for almost three weeks. Off track means no school... no school in the middle of the fridged winter with no money means my creative juices are all gone by the third week and I am drained!!!! Today they have done nothing but fight, scream, make messes, climb the walls and complain!!! They are driving me CRAZY! So, for their safety and my sanity, I have tucked myself in a little corner of the house and am wearing ear plugs.

I'm using my blog to vent this time.... I know it's not very uplifting but.... do you mind if I just SCREAM? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Breathe. Breathe. Breath. Now say to myself, "I love my kids. I love my kids. I love my kids. I don't want to kill them. I don't want to kill them. I don't want to kill them."

My mother-in-law is so awesome. She must be inspired. She called to offer to babysit tonight so my husband and I could have some time away from the kids. Oh, I love that woman. THANK YOU. My father-in-law is coming to help babysit too. Now I just need to endure the children for a couple more hours... I think I can make it. There is a light at the end of the tunnel... and I don't think it's cuz my children are killing me, so this is good.

How is it that these beautiful little children of mine, who have given me so much joy and fullfilment in my life, give me days that are a living hell? OH how I love them. I think that it's BECAUSE I LOVE them that days like this hurt so much.

Tonight, I will have some time off (thanks to my in-laws who are a God-send). I will get some good rest tonight and tomorrow I will feel much better. Awww. I feel better already.

I am thankful for God's tender mercies.

My heart is somewhat heavy today. I am thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who I can address through my Savior, Jesus Christ. Sometimes the trials I face can strike a hard blow and tempt me to feel discouraged in life, discouraged in circumstance but mostly discouraged in myself. I find solace and comfort in the quiet moments of prayer where I know that God sees all and knows all and still loves me. He manifests that love through the ultimate sacrifice of sending His only perfect and sinless Son to ransom me from my failings, to redeem me from my sins, to comfort me through trials and offer His complete forgiveness. Oh how my heart is filled with gratitude for His mercy, His patience and His great compassion... it compels me to follow, I want to "pay it forward" in my small little way, it inspires me to love others as He has loved me. I am so thankful for the tender mercies of the Lord and the quiet moments of peace through prayer.

The following is one of my favorite poems by Roy Campanella. It's about God's love and wisdom. I know He hears and answers prayers and ultimately knows what is best for us I know that each of us are so precious to Him and His love for us knows no bounds... of this I am eternally grateful!

"I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey...
I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things...
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise...
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God...
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things...

I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among men, most richly blessed!
- Roy Campanella

"Peace, be still."

These past few days I've been studying the Book of Mark in the New Testament KJV. I read some passages that gave me great comfort in today's troubled world. I'll explain:

About a week ago my husband was talking with me about the difficulties his job is facing because he works in the housing market. I am sure that there are more people out there than just us who have felt the effects of the economy and have had a little anxiety over it all. The comfort I found was; the other morning I opened my scriptures to Mark Chapter 4, there I read the account of the disciples being tossed about on the stormy sea. When the storm becomes so terrifying the disciples believe they are all about to perish, they turn to Jesus who was sleeping and cry out, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" The Savior stands up, stretches forth His mighty hand, rebukes the wind and calms the troubled waters, "peace, be still." Instantly there is calm and the storm has ceased. He then turns to His disciples and asks, "Why are ye so fearful, how is it that ye have no faith?"

When I read this, I thought of our financial situation with my husbands work in jeopardy. We have been faithful in the council to stay out of debt by our church leaders, we have been faithful in being wise with our purchases and not spending more than we earn, we pay an honest tithing, we do our best to practice frugality and self control. But even so, the financial storms still beat upon us from time to time. It is easy to get a little fearful.

When I read what Jesus said to his disciples after calming the stormy sea, I felt it spoke directly to my heart about my husbands job, "Alicia, why are ye so fearful, how is it that ye have no faith?" A great calmness filled my heart and I know that we will be fine. The Lord has never failed me. I have always had sufficient for my needs. I have always had shelter over my head, a place to sleep, clothes to wear and food to eat. I testify that the promise found in Malachi 3:10 is true, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Along these same lines I also share the scripture found in Psalms 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." I love this because the rod is symbolic of God's word and the staff is symbolic of God's power. So basically it is God's word (the scriptures, the teachings of Jesus Christ, the voice of the Holy Ghost, the teachings of God's prophets from Adam down to the present time) and God's power (most especially the redeeming power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the power of the priesthood, blessings and ordinances) is that which comforts me. This is why I shall fear no evil... because I know in whom I trust... I trust in my Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ.

What Matters Most

I've been thinking about events such as the Tsunami that hit Indonesia a few years ago, Hurricane Katrina, September 11th and so on. Events like these really caused people to think about what really matters most.

One person who was in New Orleans during Katrina said that the most common question they heard come from peoples lips was, "where is my family, my children, my loved ones... are they alright?"

I worked in a nursing home a few years ago and I recall that the most common question among the residents there too was"where is my family, my children, my loved ones... are they alright?" Completely different circumstances but both faced with the frailness of life.

Can you imagine when you are faced with the possibility of dying tomorrow saying, "Oh I wish I could just spend one more hour at the office" or "I wish I could have one more chance to watch my favorite sitcom or play my favorite video game." Guaranteed that these will not be what we are thinking about.

We will be wondering if we have shown our love to our family, our loved ones and especially for God. We will be thinking about the things we taught to our children, the examples we set for our friends and how much devotion and time we gave to those things that really matter most.

I think that if we start off each day and list the three most important things to be done... and I mean most important... and then do these three things... we will live with very few regrets and when our life on earth is through we will be at peace.

Here is an example of 3 things a person could list that would be most important on a daily basis.

1- Spend quality time with the Lord through studying His word and communicating through prayer to our Father in Heaven - (offering thanks, sincere repentance and seeking for guidance.) Write impressions or thoughts down in a journal.

2- Spend quality time with your spouse and children. It could be for at least just 30 min. Focus on them. Listen to them. Express your love. If you are not married or don't have children think of your parents, niece, nephew, brother or sister - someone who is close to you and spend this quality time with them.

3- Try a little harder to be a little better, a little kinder, a little more patient, a little more soft spoken, to listen a little better... to basically practice the "golden rule."

I think if we all did this first of each day or at least made them the top priority of our day, we would enjoy more peace in our life... don't you?

Poem: For the Child Whose Mother Died

My friend told me that her sister died yesterday. She was only 30 yrs. old. She left behind her daughter, a cute little 5 yr. old girl. In consolation my friend told her niece that everything will be alright, she has an Angel for a Mommy. I wrote this poem for that 5 yr. old girl.

An Angel for a Mommy

My mommy’s deep love for me
Goes beyond the brightest star.
She keeps me as a treasure,
Like a moonbeam in a jar.
She whispers to me gently
When it’s hard to make a choice,
And guides me through decisions
With a calm and soothing voice.
Each day she stays close by me,
She is often at my side-
And though you might not see her,
I can feel her there abide.
At night, when I am sleeping,
I can feel her kiss my head-
Singing songs that angels sing
As I’m lying in my bed.
She tells me of the Savior
Says, “His name is Jesus Christ,”
Then whispers the sweet Story
Of the Greatest Sacrifice.
She says that He’s my Brother,
Because God’s His Father too.*
Once He lived upon the earth
Just the same as me and you.
But He was pure and perfect,
And He showed us how to live;
To love and serve my neighbor,
How to pray and to forgive.
When the final hour had come
And He drank the bitter cup;
He paid the ransom for us
That we might be lifted up.
I know my mother’s spirit
Shines bright and still lives on.
Even though here in this life
It might seem like she is gone.
But death is not forever-
Just remember Him who came.
My mommy is my angel
Who I know I’ll see again.

By- Alicia

* “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”
- John 20:15 – 17 KJV