Finding Faith in an Age of Doubt

This video/fireside is a must watch!  His experience, and the way he explains the necessity of balance of contrasts within the restored Church just makes so much sense. He has a gift for explaining & teaching. 

How Firm is Your Foundation?

 Here is my takeaway from General Conference.

Charity and Today!

 Getting caught up! Here's the last two video messages. Enjoy! 

My Talk on Storms and Faith

Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking in sacrament meeting. It was our first time back since March, when life had drastically changed. We were in the later session with families named I-Z. I had never seen the chapel so sparse of people, but it felt more intimate for sure. It was very quiet and had a noticeable reverence. There were about fourteen families in attendance and only five of those families (including mine) had kids. The other families were couples or single individuals all spread out. The first six pews were empty, as people preferred to sit in the back of the chapel.

Prior to speaking, the bishop greeted me and told me that there was no time constraint. There was no pressure to fill time, nor was there a problem if I were to go over the ten minute allotted speaking time. I said to him, "I really like that!" and he responded, "We do too." With no pressure either way, it felt as though the spirit could really flow, and it did!

After the bishop announced that I would be speaking, he said we would close with the hymn, "True to Faith". My heart lit up. I had planned to read the lyrics to "True to the Faith " in my talk as I had felt inspired to the night before. The Lord is amazing!

I ended up speaking for about fifteen minutes, and after the meeting had ended, some of my friends and neighbors asked me if they could have a copy of my talk. I didn't feel I had anything adequate to share, I had given my talk from a paper filled with bullet points and quotes. So, today I took the time to type up what I shared in yesterday's sacrament meeting, as well as the parts I skipped over. Here it is.

I was asked to speak about the fruits of our faith, and finding refuge from life’s storms. It felt very fitting with the Come Follow Me lesson from this last week as well as everything going on in the world right now. As I pondered this topic, three things came to mind;

First, there have been a lot of storms since now and last March, when life drastically changed for everyone.

Second, during this time, I have come to know of many people who have suddenly taken their life. Enough to count on two hands.

Third, in the last seven days, I’ve witnessed two friends renounce their faith and walk away from the gospel. As far as I'm concerned, that’s two people too many.

During these hard times, I’ve seen many friends and family struggle, as I am sure many of us have. I’ve also noticed that those who don’t believe in God, or have abandoned Him, seem to struggle the most. They struggle because they try to face the storms on their own. Alone.

Storms will do one of two things; they will either make our testimony, or break it.  It all depends upon our faith. We have been reading about faith in Alma this last week in Come Follow Me, and I have been reflecting on this topic all week. I'd like to share with you one of the storms that our family has been dealing with.

Earlier this year, prior to COVID, we decided to get a dog. We bought an English Labrador Retriever puppy who we named "Ace". He has been so good for our kids, especially during these crazy times. Yes, he has been our greatest joy and also our greatest trial.

Last week he injured his foot and it has required 24/7 care. Just when the wound starts healing he manages to reopen it and he leaves a trail of bloody paw prints through the house. This trial has been exhausting, and there have been days when every one of us has said, "I'm done. I give up. I can't do this anymore." It has definitely been hard.

The other day I decided to make a list of all of the difficult feelings I have felt during these last few months. I have felt;

• Uncertain
• Alone
• Uneasy
• Anxious
• Frustrated
• Cluster phobic
• Defeated
• Annoyed
• Disappointed
• Exhausted

Which have led to me feeling, Humbled.

Because of this, I am grateful for life's storms and challenges. You see, they make us even more dependent upon the lord. They humble us. And as Alma taught, humility softens our heart. When our heart is soft, seeds of faith can be planted.

Often when I think of faith, I think of my pioneer ancestors. This week we'll be celebrating Pioneer Day. Again, the timing of this topic couldn't have been more perfect.

I have a wonderful heritage of pioneer ancestors who immigrated from Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, England, and Ireland. Some of them sacrificed everything for the gospel and to come to America. Others were so poor that they didn't have much to give up, the gospel is what gave them hope and something to live for. My ancestors experienced many trials on their journey to America, including being disowned by family, kidnapped by Indians, robbed of all possessions and family heirlooms, attacked by mobs and persecuted for their beliefs, betrayed by friends, afflicted with sickness, and experiencing the sudden and unexpected deaths of parents, spouses, and young children.

One of these ancestors, my Great, Great, Great, Great, Grandmother Elizabeth Mills Oakden Whitaker (whose home is a museum in Centerville) shared in her biography some reflection on her own storms and the storms of the Saints.

While reflecting on the martyrdom of the prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum she said,

“This scene occurred in America. ‘the land of the free, and the home of the brave,’ to which our ancestors fled for religious freedom, where the dear old flag yet waves.

Oh the things I have seen in my life! I saw the Nauvoo temple burn. What a terrible thing that was. All that beautiful work. The terrible sacrifices the Saints made to build it and all gone up in smoke. We all wept. Even the little children. I was little then too, but I cried as if my heart would break. 

I remember taking my father’s lunch to him when he worked on it when it was being built, and the Prophet holding me on his knee, stroking my hair. I remember his strong, beautiful face, his deep powerful voice, mellowed with a gentle kindness impossible to describe. Then, he was dead, the beautiful temple destroyed. What next? But behind the anguish and despair, there was no thought of giving up among those faithful saints, just the pain of witnessing the cruel destruction of that sacred structure that tore at our hearts. We all knew we would go on an endure to the end.”

Just the other day I heard someone say, “I didn’t come this far in life to give up now”. I imagine the pioneers saying that as they faced obstacle after obstacle on their journey to Zion. “I didn’t come this far, all this way, to give up now”. Their sacrifices have built my own faith. What they gave up so that I could have the gospel means more to me than they probably ever knew. No, I don’t want their sacrifices to be in vain. I am a fruit of their faith. We are a fruit of their faith. Our children are the fruit of our faith. The gathering of Israel taking place right now on both sides of the veil, is the fruit of someone’s faith.

So, what is it that helped their faith endure? Elder Ricardo P. Giménez of the Seventy said in his talk, “Finding Refuge from the Storms of Life”,

"As I have seen the storms that affect people’s lives, I have concluded that no matter what kind of storm is battering us—regardless of whether there is a solution to it or whether there is an end in sight—there is only one refuge, and it is the same for all types of storms. This single refuge provided by our Heavenly Father is our Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

I am reminded of Helaman 5:12  -

 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.

All week long, the hymn "True to the Faith" has come into my mind, especially the second verse and the chorus;

While we know the pow’rs of darkness
Seek to thwart the work of God,
Shall the children of the promise
Cease to grasp the iron rod? No!

True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand,
Faithful and true we will ever stand.


I've been reading President Nelson's biography, and last week I read an experience he shared that goes along with faith. He shared how he had taken his family on a rafting trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. They encountered some rapids and a drop in the river which catapulted President Nelson from the raft. For a while he was trapped under the raft and thought that he just might drown. Eventually his family spotted him and pulled him up to safety.

They pulled off to the side for a break and when it was time to head back down the river President Nelson counseled his family, “No matter what happens, the rubber raft will remain on top of the water. If we cling with all our might to the ropes secured to the raft, we can make it. Even if the raft should capsize, we will be all right if we hang tightly to the ropes.”

Forty years later reflecting on this experience he said, “If anything good came from that experience, it was a powerful lesson for me. We are all, metaphorically speaking, on a rafting trip through life. Some of the trip is beautiful and peaceful, but at some point we all hit rapids. As we face the churning challenges of our lives, the greatest, and only real safety comes, as we hold on to the raft, which is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Clinging to others can help as we minister to each other, but not if it means letting go of the raft."

What wise counsel from our prophet! I imagine the raft also being the iron rod, and I like to imagine that when we hold to the iron rod we are holding the Savior's hand. We should never let go.

The storms in life are inevitable, and in the year 2020 we have definitely hit the rapids. Now, we can face these storms and rapids alone, or with the Lord. So my question is, WHY DO IT ALONE?

When we hold to the rod (the Lord's hand), and stay on the covenant path, we have his power to help us. Power from our covenants.

Sheri Dew said in a 2003 devotional, “You were recommended to help run the last leg of the relay that began with Adam and Eve because your premortal spiritual valor indicated you would have the courage and the determination to face the world at its worst, to do combat with the evil one during his heyday, and, in spite of it all, to be fearless in building the kingdom of God.

You simply must understand this, because you were born to lead by virtue of who you are, the covenants you have made, and the fact that you are here now in the 11th hour.”

Let’s not forget that. I believe this speaks for all of us.

Truly, I am so grateful for life's storms. Yes, I'm grateful for 2020, because without trials we wouldn’t know the miracles. As I look back on my life, my greatest miracles came from my greatest trials. I’ve come to learn that it’s not the trial itself that grows our faith, it’s the miracles which are the fruits. If 2020 has shown us some pretty wild storms, we can expect that some pretty incredible miracles await on the horizon.

Back to the feelings that I listed above; our Savior experienced them all in the garden. He sacrificed and suffered, so that I don’t have to. I don’t want to take that for granted. I know that as we verbally hand over our pain and suffering to the Lord, he will gladly take it. He wants to lighten our burdens.
That’s how we’ll be able to endure until He returns.

I say this in Jesus' name amen.

From Wilderness to Wedding Feast!

Wrapped up my final thoughts about everything going on, before conference. There's a part in here where I share something about China and the dragon. I'd love to hear any additional thoughts on that if any come to mind. ❤️

Woman Gets Abducted and Converts Serial Killer to Jesus!

A friend reached out to me and suggested I listen to this video. She said the women in the video reminds her of me. So I took a listen today while I was on a walk and I LOVED it!! I think you will too!

This is the kind of missionary work that changes lives.

Are Healings Outside of the Priesthood Legit?

Not a question I have been pondering, however I know many people who have. I came across this 1979 Ensign article last week, when searching for something completely unrelated. Because this has been a question that has surfaced lately in social media groups, I thought I would share this article here on my blog. 

Can healings be real if they are not performed by the priesthood?

William E. Berrett, stake patriarch and professor emeritus of Church history and doctrine, Brigham Young University While considering this question, remember that one of the Lord’s apostles once said to him,

“Master we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

“And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” (Luke 9:49–50)

Clearly, it is good to be healed. And there are many ways to be healed in addition to the administration of the priesthood—by good health habits, herbs, medicines, and prayers of faith.

God has given us the Word of Wisdom as a health guide. He has also provided various herbs in the earth that have healing properties. We read in the book of Alma that “there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land—but not so much with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate.” (Alma 46:40)

For countless ages medicine men in all cultures have used many of nature’s remedies and have healed many people. And in our day, God has poured forth knowledge upon the earth which the medical profession has used to administer much relief to the sick and afflicted—thankfully going far beyond the limited herbal remedies available to earlier cultures.

God expects us to utilize all that he has provided to heal us of our afflictions. The question which has bothered man the most has had to do with healings in which none of nature’s known remedies or of man’s medical skill has been applied to the sick individual. These have usually been termed faith healings—healings which may have occurred either through the power of the mind over the body or by the administration of the power of God. While both of these methods are legitimate, they are often confused; healings caused by mind over body are frequently mistaken for priesthood healings.

The more we learn about the power of the mind over the body, the clearer it becomes that to some extent, and in ways still largely unknown to us, our mind can and does effect a powerful role in selected kinds of health improvement. Mostly, however, we are just beginning to glimpse these capabilities, rather than being able to implement them.

Countless healings have occurred through exercising the power of the mind over the physical body. Aboriginal doctors, for example, have employed sometimes devious methods to induce faith in the sick that they might be healed. Healings have often followed not because of the incantations of the doctor, but because of a natural law whereby the mind is able to affect the body.

The great preacher, George Fox, founder of the Society of Quakers, advocated faith healings with some success, though all too often the malady returned, only to be labeled by him as a punishment for disobedience to God. Other healings have occurred at shrines such as Mecca in Arabia, though only a very small proportion of those who go to be healed actually are. There have been some faith healings at revivalist meetings, but the permanence of some of the relief has been questioned. Further, Christian Scientists contend that pain does not exist but is only an error of the human faculty.

I believe that many who are healed by the power of the mind and the spirit over the body have not been led by men influenced by the devil but by good-intentioned individuals, and that the faith which has produced healings at shrines, for example, is not necessarily the work of the devil, but may have been simply the application of an unrecognized God-given principle of life. I also believe that when we classify all such healings as being of the devil, we do an unjustice to that group of well-meaning individuals who have induced the sick to exercise faith, even though it is very apparent that some incantations and exhortations used and some settings and individuals do not reflect the Spirit of God.

I believe that we must recognize that there are charlatans, imbued with unholy purposes, who use the true principle of the relationship of mind and body in devilish ways. While the devil cannot do good, men imbued with evil designs may sometimes mix the good and the evil. This led Brigham Young to say of the hypnotism he saw practiced in his day: “Mesmerism is an inverted truth; it originated in holy, good, and righteous principles, which have been inverted by the power of the devil. … Show me one principle that has originated by the power of the devil. You cannot do it. I call evil inverted good, or a correct principle made an evil use of.” (Journal of Discourses, 3:156–57)

We find examples of this evil use of true principles in Biblical and historical accounts. For examples, using demonic powers, the magicians of Egypt were able to duplicate many of the miracles Moses performed with the power of God. (See Ex. 7–8.) During the days of the early apostles, Simon the sorcerer so convincingly portrayed his satanic powers as divine that many people, “from the least to the greatest, [said], This man is the great power of God.” (Acts 8:10) In 1830, Hiram Page, one of the eight witnesses of the Book of Mormon, claimed to receive “revelations” for the Church from a certain stone he had obtained. Although these “revelations” contradicted those Joseph Smith had received from the Lord, his manner of receiving them deceived several members of the Church, including Oliver Cowdery. The Lord commanded Oliver to tell Brother Page “that those things which he hath written from that stone are not of me and that Satan deceiveth him.” (D&C 28:11) Eight years later, Hiram Page left the Church. Obviously in these cases, Satan gave men mighty power so similar to that manifested by true servants of God that many were deceived. It seems to me, therefore, that true principles can be used both for good and for evil.

Now, with this understanding of other kinds of healings—some good and some of Satan, let’s turn to priesthood healings. There are limitations to healings produced by faith alone. But when the faith of the sick person is accompanied by the healing administration of priesthood power, there is no limit to the possible results. Listen to the invitation of Christ to the Nephites:

“Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.” (3 Ne. 17:7)

In priesthood healings the faith of the afflicted is also a vital factor—but it is true faith in a true power: the priesthood. In such cases, faith acts somewhat as a catalyst in bringing about the desired physical reaction. Mark, in his Gospel writing, records that the Lord could perform few of his usual healings during his visit to the people of his native Nazareth because of the people’s unbelief. (See Mark 6:5.)

Thus, when the priesthood of God lays hands upon the faithful sick, a powerful healing element flows from the priesthood holder to the mind and body of the recipient. It is as real as the ultraviolet ray or the laser beam, but far more potent, when the right conditions prevail, in affecting the physical body. Brigham Young thus explained it:

“When I lay hands on the sick, I expect the healing power and influence of God to pass through me to the patient, and the disease to give way.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1977, p. 162)

Although this healing power which flows through proper priesthood administration is not understood by the world, it is known and attested to by the people of God. Thus, while recognizing the power of faith without priesthood administration, Latter-day Saints look for the far more potent healing power of the priesthood of God, which circumscribes and encompasses all other forms of healing, and when necessary, goes far beyond any of them in its power and healing influence. (See D&C 43:44.)

Goodbye Lies - Transformation Begins!

Hooray!! Thank you everyone for your prayers. ❤️ At times it almost seemed impossible that the glitches with this video would go away. I woke up this morning and everything was fixed! Here is this week's video message - it comes with an awesome surprise I am excited to share. Has taken a lot of hours to put together. Now my kids can have their mom back. 😄

In this video I share a tool I created for incredible transformation and healing. Plus, I talk updates on what's happening in the news and what it all means! 

The John 3:16 Story!

This is a great story about how God uses numbers to send profound messages to us individually and to the world!

A Message in the Mess?

This speaks wonders about what God doing and what He is telling us...

Insight from General Conference & A Message for Now!

Here it is! What a powerful and important message I have taken away not only from General Conference, but also from the top news stories of last week. It all fits together. Did you notice too? After 18 hours of filming, editing, and uploading, I'm happy to announce that my 10-day social media fast begins right now! See you all after the 22nd. :)

A Battle For Your Mind - & An Epic General Conference!

Yay! I am so excited that this day has finally arrived. This General Conference should one we never forget. I have the orange rolls rising in the oven and spent some time in the early hours this morning being with the Lord. I am so ready to hear the inspired new messages that the Lord will reveal to us today. I pasted links below if you'd like to watch.

In this week's video message I share about more symbolism in local and world events as well as the battle that is raging right now within the kingdoms, the world, and our very own minds. How can we come prepared to the battle? Watch to find out.

WATCH GENERAL CONFERENCE LIVE TODAY AND TOMORROW:
https://www.lds.org/

RE-WATCH PAST BROADCAST:
https://www.lds.org/general-conference?cid=HP16GC&lang=eng

In the End, Only Kindness Matters

Last night my husband shared these map images with me. The first is a current weather radar image of the U.S. The second is a radar image of the next few days in which we’ll go from parched, to grab your life jacket! Rain from both ends of the country meeting in the heartland. When was the last time this happened?

This morning I woke up to this 1998 Jewel song playing in my head. I have not heard this song in a really long time, so I took it as a message from the other side. As I began to sing it out loud, I realized just how relevant the lyrics are to this hour we are living in. I pasted the music video below which very much resonates with what's going on in the world.

Hands

If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear

My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken

Poverty stole your golden shoes
But it didn't steal your laughter
And heartache came to visit me
But I knew it wasn't ever after

We'll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what's right
'Cause where there's a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing

My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken

In the end only kindness matters
In the end only kindness matters

I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray

My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken

My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
We are never broken

We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's mind
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's heart
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's eyes
We are God's hands
We are God's hands

Encounters with Angels and Prophecy Fulfilled

I have been a fan of the Sid Roth show for a few years now, and occasionally I share some of my favorite episodes. Here are two recent videos that really lit up my heart. The first video reminds me of the type of work 311 workers are engaged in this last hour, and the second video is a man named Mike Bickle who I have mentioned before. He started a prayer movement on 9/19/1999 (significant numbers) known as IHOP (International House of Prayer) in Missouri. In this video he shares how a prophetic minister prophesied over his life back in the 70's and it has since all come to pass.

My friend Lynn Ridenhour who founded our Believer's Building Bridges movement and also lives in Missouri, is a part of Mike Bickle's movement as well. In Lynn's books he talks about Mike Bickle, Bill Johnson, and Randy Clark who are all apart of this restoration movement in which their core beliefs are:

• Recognizes  the  prophetic; particularly  the  offices  of prophet and apostle.
• Believes in open revelation.
• Believes that God speaks today.
• Embraces  kingdom  theology;  i.e.,  the  kingdom  of God not  only will  be  established on earth
but is on the earth.
• Embraces  remnant theology that will overcome this world's present - day government.

With all of their commonalities with what we believe as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and what the prophet Joseph already has restored to the earth, we are excited to bring these groups together to become more acquainted with each other, as we believe this interfaith unity will bring about Zion.

I have provided recent videos below of Mike Bickle, Bill Johnson, and Randy Clark so you can hear their incredible testimonies and stories of faith, prayer, and healing. God is working with so many wonderful Christian men and women all over the earth to bring about His purposes. I believe we will see more of this as we continue building Zion together all throughout the world.

President Nelson's Calling: A Strong Witness!

Lately, I have been thinking of the many emails and messages that often come my way filled with sincere expressions of alarm and sadness as fellow Latter-day Saints share experiences in regards to friends and family leaving the faith. The Adversary is working hard right now to create confusion and doubt. The tool of his choice, and also that he is currently having the most success with, is spreading the false belief that the Church(leadership) is in apostasy. That during the early years of the Church all was on track, and now we've come to a place where we've fallen off the wagon and therefore, the Lord has left our Church and is turning to others outside of the Church to start over and carry on the work. 

There are many groups and churches forming throughout the U.S. and South America, made up of former Latter-day Saints who have left the Church or been excommunicated. Not just one group - but many. They share many commonalities such as spreading the message that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in apostasy and that they have been called take over the work. With the many different choices of groups to join, all declaring a similar message (that they have been called to steer the ship), I have observed that those who are contemplating following them, are confused as to which group to join. Confusion has never been the Lord's method. His pattern is sending a strong, clear witness and peace of mind. 

It reminds me of the confusion that Joseph Smith experienced as a young boy. I thought to myself how the Lord didn't work that way during Joseph's time. He didn't call many prophets in the Eastern states to restore His Church in the 1800's - He called one. The Lord's pattern has always been to call one prophet to lead His Church. These different groups (many in the same geographical regions) have such compelling stories and messages that many Saints are struggling with doubts, confusion, and are leaving the Church. It seems to be a growing topic on social media, and I have felt the need to address it in an upcoming video.

Today, I was so happy when I saw that Neil L. Andersen shared these beautiful thoughts on his facebook page last night. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. The power of Sister and President Nelson's words (whenever they speak) is profound. My spirit bumps go crazy and I receive witness after witness that the Lord is using Sister and President Nelson to do His final work in this last hour. The amount of change alone over the past 8 months is a clear witness that the Lord is at the head. He is getting His house in order. He is revealing that final phase so that He can return soon. President Nelson has a unique and incredible work to do unlike any other president before him. Satan is aware of this, and he is desperate. He knows that if he can create fear, doubt, and confusion, he has a shot at frustrating the Lord's plans. Yes, he has been successful with many, as he has destroyed testimonies, marriages, families, trust and confidence in leadership, and he isn't ready to call it quits yet. Though he may triumph at many times (from his limited perspective), God has a greater perspective and His plans and ways surpass our own understanding. All we are asked to do when we can't make sense of what lies before us, is exercise our trust in the Lord while praying for discernment and seeking for that comfort, peace, and witness that only the Spirit can bring. We let go of logic influencing our discernment, and we clear our mind of all the noise. We then go to the Lord in fasting and prayer, and wait on Him to pour truth into our heart. We have to find time to ponder the Lord's voice in scripture, and we must find time to be still and listen as He speaks directly to us. 

As you read Elder Andersen's words I pray that you will feel that spirit of peace and assurance that the Lord still heads His Church. He has not abandoned it, but is finishing what He started. Through imperfect people, He accomplishes His purposes. 

After returning to Salt Lake City late last night, Kathy and I have continued to think about and talk about the experiences of the past few days with deep appreciation for the unparalleled experience of being with President and Sister Nelson. Listening to Sister Wendy Nelson bear testimony of President Nelson’s prophetic calling and having her give a glimpse into what it has been like in their home since he became the Lord’s prophet, strengthened the faith of those who listened. Sister Nelson spoke of her own witness of President Nelson’s prophetic calling.

She said, “Two days after President Monson departed the Lord gave me a singular, most distinct experience with my husband. So distinct, so vivid, so clear. Every detail of that experience is seared in my mind and heart forever. Two days later it happened again exact same experience again” (to her alone).

She said that it was “too sacred to share over the pulpit,” but that “because of that I can take any witness stand and testify that Russell Marion Nelson is the Prophet of the Lord. Russell Marion Nelson is the living prophet of the living Lord.”

For Kathy, for me and for many other saints, her comments about revelation were powerful and reinforced our belief, “whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants it is the same.”

Sister Nelson explained that in their 12 years of marriage, she had watched the process of revelation and inspiration upon her husband but that since becoming the president of the Church, those revelations have “expanded exponentially.”

She explained, “He keeps a lined yellow pad of paper beside his bed.” Then she declared, “In the morning he holds up a half page to one and a half pages of notes with joy.”

Although she said that sometimes she remains close to him when this process is happening, sometimes she does not. She recounted a night in January when “I got the prompting, ‘move out of bed now.’”

“Two hours later he emerged from the room. ‘Wendy, you won’t believe what’s been happening. The Lord has given me detailed instruction on what I am to do.’”

Sister Nelson said that during the “last eight months it has been an experience to send my husband off to work. He comes back, different than when I sent him off in the morning. I have seen him change at the pulpit. I have heard him use phrases he hasn’t used before. I’ve seen him make changes at the pulpit.”

She said that just a few weeks ago speaking to young adults in a sacrament meeting, “I saw 30 years fall away.”

I, too, would add that it was amazing to me that a man fewer than three weeks away from being 94 years old could go to the pulpit last night in Toronto with no notes, never repeating himself and speaking for 45 minutes, with the audience of 8,000 riveted on him and his message. When I commented on this after the meeting, President Nelson said, “Well, these people have come from a long way. They come prayerfully. The last thing they want me to do is come to the pulpit and read them a talk.” It was an experience of revelation.

Becoming Whole & Casting Nets

It's has been the busiest summer ever! There are so many posts I want to write, but I find myself never having enough time in the day and therefore sharing these topics in my video messages. I plan to post something later in the week that will lead very well into my next video message. I think you will like it! :)

This week's video message is about some dreams and visions that shed light on what we need to be doing in this final hour, as well as signs, symbols, and number meanings. I share an incredible story and vision about a mother and her missionary son. Enjoy!

Yes, You Can Meet the Savior Before He Returns - No NDE Required!

One thing I must express gratitude for, is the opportunity I have to share all the amazing videos, books, teachers, and links I come across here on my blog and in my Happy Lady videos with all of you. Not only are the blog and YouTube channel, tools where I can share what I've been discovering but also a great source for all of you (my friends and subscribers) to share what you have been discovering. There are so many of you who are so kind to share in private emails and messages your sacred experiences, testimonies, suggested reads, materials & teachers, and I love returning the favor in my videos and blogposts. Links are always provided in the video description of each of my videos to a wealth of resources. I'm amazed at how many messages come through each day from all of you, and humbled by what you share.

A friend of mine and follower of the blog, referred me to this video yesterday. I must say how grateful I am to have been able to watch this. It's so refreshing to know that there are more LDS people out there who are on the same page as me. This is the message I have been feeling so strong lately, and conveying in my video messages here a little and there a little - and so you can imagine how excited I was to discover all of it one video presentation. Adam Miller sums it up so well - better than I can. This is exactly how I feel! We can meet the Savior in the flesh before He returns to the earth as prophesied. We can meet Him often, and there is no Near Death Experience required! We can and should be seeking this kind of relationship with Him. This is His will for us - all of us.

If you don't have time to watch the entire video, go to 41:08 and you will hear Adam confirm (in his own words) that he has had what I believe to be a Second Comforter experience. To hear someone speak so boldly and beautifully about a topic that has always been "hushed" over the years, and to hear them speak it at BYU and see that it was so well received, just had me doing a happy dance!

The Battle For Your Soul!

I listened to these two episodes the other day back to back and wanted to share. They have a similar message in relation to sharing personal experiences that shed light on the adversary's plans to steal our soul.

The first episode is a recent interview with Mike Simpson from Theta Wellness, who I have mentioned many times in my videos. He helped with a physical health issue and has since helped so many of you. The second episode is a Provo man's story of overcoming incredible hurdles of darkness. Both episodes have a theme of "physical, spiritual, and emotional healing comes after forgiveness."

Enjoy!!

New Way to Minister?

As ministering is becoming a big part of the saints of the Church, I think it's important to look for new "outside of the box" ways to minister. I think we can get creative when serving those both in and outside of our ward communities.

Here is what a church in Houston did to serve those outside of their walls. I have often mentioned in videos and on facebook that I'm happy to take requests, and many times people have written me asking me to pray for them - which I have. This is prayer request on a whole new level for today's fast paced modern world.

It's a great service to be able to help pray for others, but it's even more power when we vocally pray with them. I believe it increases the faith of both the person praying and the person being prayed for. It creates strength, unity, and bonds as well. 

Could you imagine what this would look like in an LDS community? Missionaries standing on the side of the road with signs offering drive up prayer. Or young men and young women, instead of washing cars for fundraising, standing by the side of the road with posters offering drive up prayers at no cost. Forget fundraising, how about soul saving? This would be awesome! I mean even walking into a retirement center and asking the residents if anyone would like a word of prayer? Taking the time to talk with them and ask them what they need prayers for, and then taking the time to pray over them each, individually.  

When I saw this, I imagined a weary man or exhausted mother driving home from a long and stressful day, feeling hopeless and at the end of their rope. Not finding a reason to continue living and feeling so alone in their trials. Then seeing a sign on the side of the road that says, "Drive-Thru Prayers. Let us Pray for You". Just imagine what that one prayer and act of kindness could do for that one soul. Beautiful!

An Interview You Need to Watch!

Today this video caught my attention when I saw that it was 1:13:52 in length. There's that number! After watching it I felt the importance of this man's message as he truly operates in third day power in the eleventh hour. This is the kind of faith that's needed in this eleventh hour and these are the kinds of miracles we need to be claiming. I feel we have a lot to learn from our Christian brother's and sisters when it comes to faith.

I've always been a fan of the Sid Roth show because I love the miracles and experiences that the guests often share. Miraculous healings, angelic visitations, the glory of God working in the lives of the believers. I remember at times feeling a little envious that we as Latter-day Saints aren't having these same kinds of experiences in our conferences and meeting houses. I would think about how awesome it would be if members could experience healing at church. If the hand of God would fall upon congregations and we'd witness miracles just like during the time of the Savior. How come so many other Christian leaders and congregations were experiencing these powerful miracles, acts of faith,  and witnesses, but it seemed to be lacking or seldom spoken of in our services? Our members have access to the power the Priesthood. We have the restored gospel, yet more and more of our members deal with depression, anxiety, mental illness, and suffer from physical ailments. They accept it as their cross to bear rather than asking for healing miracles through priesthood power. Why?

I was beginning to lose hope in our Latter-day generation, and felt we were slipping away from the powerful faith held by our early fore-bearers of the Church, especially in such a critical time as this eleventh hour. And then...

... at the recent General Conference, President Nelson spoke these powerful words that ushered a wake-up call to the Saints, especially the brethren. I could feel it in the sound of his voice and see it in his eyes. He knows. He knows our potential that we are not tapping into. He knows who and what this generation of Saints is supposed to be. He knows, and he'll see to it that we step into our divine roles and become powerful sons and daughters in the Lord's Kingdom.

He said;

"We see faithful women who understand the power inherent in their callings and in their endowment and other temple ordinances. These women know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen their husbands, their children, and others they love. These are spiritually strong women who lead, teach, and minister fearlessly in their callings with the power and authority of God!1 How thankful I am for them!

Likewise, we see faithful men who live up to their privileges as bearers of the priesthood. They lead and serve by sacrifice in the Lord’s way with love, kindness, and patience. They bless, guide, protect, and strengthen others by the power of the priesthood they hold. They bring miracles to those they serve while they keep their own marriages and families safe. They shun evil and are mighty elders in Israel. I am most thankful for them!

Now, may I voice a concern? It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. They act as though they would rather satisfy their own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children.

I fear that too many of our brothers and sisters do not grasp the privileges that could be theirs. Some of our brethren, for example, act like they do not understand what the priesthood is and what it enables them to do.

Priesthood power has been restored to this earth, and yet far too many brothers and sisters go through terrible trials in life without ever receiving a true priesthood blessing. What a tragedy! That’s a tragedy that we can eliminate.

Brethren, there are doors we can open, priesthood blessings we can give, hearts we can heal, burdens we can lift, testimonies we can strengthen, lives we can save, and joy we can bring into the homes of the Latter-day Saints—all because we hold the priesthood of God. We are the men who have been “called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of [our] exceeding faith,” to do this work."

Back to the video. As wonderfully bizarre as this man's experiences may sound, I believe his example to be a blueprint for all Christians (especially Latter-day Saints), who believe in the Lord and His power, who understand prayer, who have unwavering faith, and who hear the Lord's voice and obey. The Lord can and will use us as instruments in His hands in these last days - if we are willing.

I have included a link to the full version of this interview that contains extra awesomeness, as well as a link to the transcript for the interview, if you'd prefer to read. :) Enjoy!

https://sidroth.org/television/tv-archives/henry-gruver/

https://ofm6z46z825qpxk83fa00q1a-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IS947Transcript_Gruver.pdf