“God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her,
Through the night with the light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home!”

Irving Berlin

Recently, as I took the opportunity to make my voice heard by voting, I was surprised by my experience.  I drove to the voting place, with my sample ballot and my mail-in ballot, on a beautiful fall day. While driving, I felt a little apprehensive about what it would be like, since there had been so much ugliness this year. My thoughts turned to others throughout history, who must’ve felt much more fear and trepidation than I was feeling, as they faced violence and hatred in order to exercise their right to vote. My heart hurt for them, while at the same time I admired their courage to do what was right in the face of violent opposition. I felt gratitude for those who helped make it possible for me to vote in safety and freedom.

I pulled into the parking lot, noticing there was a bit of a line. My first thought was about how long it was going to take, but it was quickly replaced with a gladdened heart that so many others had made the effort to vote in person. I walked over to join the line, enjoying the perfect weather for my outing. Some people felt hot and stood to the side in the shade, but I basked in the moderate warmth of the sunshine, which only a week before was still scorching in its intensity. I was happily surprised with the pleasantness and kindness of all those waiting. There was no griping or complaining. For the most part, it was a quiet, peaceful group of individuals, patiently waiting their turn to vote.

As has always been my experience, the volunteers were exceptionally kind and cheerful.  They were quick to assist any who needed to get to the front a little sooner, because of health concerns. Nobody in line minded; on the contrary, everyone encouraged the elderly to move ahead. One older gentleman wore a cap with military pins on it.  When he and his wife were ushered to the front of the line, one of the volunteers was coming out. As he passed the slow-moving veteran, he simply said, “Thank you for your service,” to which the man smilingly replied, “My honor.” I was incredibly touched by this brief exchange. 

A little further along, voters who were finished walked back out past those standing in the line. I liked observing the variety of people willing to come and wait.  At this point I’d been in line for 40 minutes and we had about 20 more to go. My feet hurt a little, but I was still enjoying the feeling of goodwill and community. A young woman, voting completed, passed by with a toddler’s hand clasped in each of her own. She was cheerfully talking with them, telling them she didn’t realize it would take so long, but how good they’d been.  I was impressed she would make such a big effort with those little ones, and quickly said, “Good job, Mama, you’re setting a great example for your children.” She smiled and said, “Thank you,” and continued on. Another brief exchange, but I hoped she felt the way my daughter told me she always felt when someone said a kind word to her when she was out, struggling with her children, trying to get things done.

The lady with the children also made me think of the times I’ve waited in lines with my kids and grands at Disneyland.  These are some really happy memories for me, and I felt sad the pandemic has closed Disneyland and wondered if we’d ever be able to go again. It felt a long way away and seemed symbolic of many more serious losses this year.

My turn finally came, and as I cast my vote, got my sticker, and made my way back out, looking again at all those still waiting, my heart was light and happy for the experiences of the morning. I’m truly thankful for the privileges I have in my country and pray God will bless our leaders and our citizens to remember Him and the principles this land, The United States of America, was built upon.  I’m grateful many are willing to do a small thing, like stand in line, to send the message that we value our opportunity to vote.

“For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. …

“Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ.”  Ether 2:10, 12

“Too many Americans have lost sight of the truth that God is our source of freedom—the Lawgiver—and that personal righteousness is the most important essential to preserving our freedom. So, I say with all the energy of my soul that unless we as citizens of this nation forsake our sins, political and otherwise, and return to the fundamental principles of Christianity and of constitutional government, we will lose our political liberties, our free institutions, and will stand in jeopardy before God.” President Ezra Taft Benson

“In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities. Families lie at the center of our Heavenly Father’s plan.” L. Tom Perry

It started with my son, his wife, and his 2-year-old little boy coming for a visit in October, since holidays are way too messy a time to travel and everyone always ends up sick.  They live the farthest, and we don’t get to see them as often as we’d like, but we do our best. Three of my children live here, and since two others live less than six hours away, they decided to come, as well.  My oldest daughter, and her family of 6, who live the farthest, hadn’t met their new nephew/cousin yet, so they wanted to come and join the fun, too.  The last time we had all been together was at my daughter’s wedding in October of 2017. There were two grands and two on the way, at that time.  Now there are five!

I knew with everything going on in all their lives, and the craziness of life, in general, during a pandemic and an election year, the chances of everyone making it here, with fairly short notice, was slim, but I didn’t let thoughts of failure intrude on my plans.  I jumped in and rented a big house with fun activities inside, like a foosball table and a pool table, and a big heated pool in the backyard.  Then I prayed.  I prayed everyone would stay well.  I prayed the travel plans would work out and everyone would be safe.  I prayed we could be together and celebrate our love for each other.  I’m truly thankful to say my prayers were answered!

We staggered comings and goings, making sure we had a couple of days where everyone would be here at the same time.  The only family member who wasn’t able to join us was my middle daughter’s husband, who was out of the country on an assignment with the military.  He was supposed to be home by then, but was delayed, much to our disappointment.  My sisters were able to see the kids, as well, and get lots of hugs.

Though family gatherings can be chaotic, everything doesn’t go as planned, and feelings can be sensitive around those we love the most and who, therefore, may hurt us the easiest, I felt this was our most successful gathering to date.  There was much joy and laughter, conversations and cuddles, and Jackbox game-playing hilarity. The grandchildren had a great time with their little cousin and with all the aunts and uncles who doted on them and taught them new games, which may have involved running around a pool table.  I joined in on one of these rounds, as my grandson said he wanted me to go after him so he could beat me.  Then when both he and his dad were out before me (yes!), he laughingly asked his dad how he “let an old granny beat you.”  I love that kid.

All the females in the group wanted to hold the baby—the most smiley 4-month-old in the world. She brought joy to anyone who needed a little. The two almost-3-year-olds became sweet buddies, and the big boys enjoyed hanging out with my big “kids,” mostly in the pool with a giant unicorn.

One evening we all gathered at my home to celebrate the lives of my mom and dad.  We had a slideshow presentation that I’d worked on forever, “Alan and Jackie, A Love Story.”  I sat between my dear sister and my youngest daughter. I held tightly to my sister’s hand and felt the gentle comfort of my daughter’s hand on my other arm as tears ran down my cheeks.  I loved hearing the laughter and the sniffles of my loved ones, as they watched and were reminded of the wonderful grandparents with which they’d been blessed. During the slow country music of the “Dad and Dearie Face” section, my little granddaughter got up with her small lamb snuggle toy, held it out at arm’s length with both hands, and began twirling around to the music.  So, so sweet. My son then played his beautiful piano arrangement of “If We Hold on Together,” which he dedicated to his Gramma.

Afterwards, family members gave lots of hugs to the tearful ones and then goofed off taking lots of fun photos (even though the lighting wasn’t perfect, and mascara had run). Trying to get a photo of the grands, when the little guy had fallen asleep and the baby was tired from all the commotion, was a bit sad, but mostly funny.  Throw a Gran in, and it’s even funnier. It was such a happy time, all together.

When it was time to say good-bye, and one-by-one they all returned home, I was more thankful than ever for the two people who live here with me every day. It’s sad for me to be far away from some of my children. I wish we all lived on a giant cul-de-sac and shared babysitting, meal prep, jam sessions, and game-playing often. These are the people I adore with all my heart.

When we’re all together, I’m reminded how precious a gift it is to know that families can be together forever. Everything of true value, I’ve learned through the experiences in my family, good or bad, sweet or sad, joyful or painful.  Every single part of being in this wonderful, fun, crazy family has made me a better person.  I’m awed by the wisdom and loving-kindness of our Heavenly Father’s plan.  Homes are the perfect place, and families are the best people, to teach us how to become like our Savior. 

“This is part of the miracle of Heavenly Father’s plan. He wants His children to come to earth, following the eternal pattern of families that exists in heaven. Families are the basic organizational unit of the eternal realms, and so He intends for them also to be the basic unit on earth. Though earthly families are far from perfect, they give God’s children the best chance to be welcomed to the world with the only love on earth that comes close to what we felt in heaven—parental love.

“…I testify that God the Father wants His children home again, in families and in glory.” Henry B. Eyring

“You have nothing in this world more precious than your children.” Gordon B. Hinckley

We were blessed to have a visit from my daughter and her family this week. She and her husband and their four young children were on their way home from an extended stay in a cooler summer climate, and more “open” environment, and we enjoyed a couple of days with them. I soaked in the baby snuggles, childish squeals, game playing, and family church. How I miss having small children in my home; they vibrate with energy, joy and innocence. 

“As the world grows ever more threatening, the powers of heaven draw ever closer to families and parents.” Boyd K. Packer

Each morning my two-year-old granddaughter joined me in my room to play with the baby (doll) stuff.  She was happy for hours laying her babies on the blankets, tucking them in my bed, changing their clothes, and giving them bottles. I could listen to her bright and cheerful toddler voice all day long. Whenever I helped or gave her anything, she quickly responded, “That’s so nice!” or “Oh, thank you, Gran.” Sunday after church, she sang “I Will Walk with Jesus,” as she scurried about taking care of her babies. I felt such joy listening to her sweetly sing the comforting words of her favorite song to herself, “I will walk with Jesus, and He will walk with me.”  My mind travelled back to times when my children were little and I taught them to sing, “I Am a Child of God,” and “I’m Trying to be Like Jesus.” I was thankful for the reminder that I had given them the same gift my daughter is giving her children—a knowledge of their Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ. As I heard that beautiful, innocent little girl sing the words she loved, which made her so happy, I felt the Spirit remind me that those things learned in infancy stay with us all our lives.

“Teach your children when they are very young and small, and never quit. As long as they are in your home, let them be your primary interest… 

“The proverb spoken of old said, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’” Gordon B. Hinckley

I also had the opportunity, rare and cherished, to sit with my daughter, my first born, and talk with her about life, change, and troubles. I loved hearing her plans, hopes, and struggles, and was thankful for someone to listen to mine, as well. At one point, as I shared with her, she gently counselled me not to let fear be my ruler. I saw her, then, as the wise woman, the friend, the sister in God’s family, that she is to me now. It humbled me and reminded me how blessed I am to have seven loving, talented people to forever be my best friends because my Heavenly Father sent them to my family, allowing me to be their mother. I love to help and serve my children, but each of them also does so many things for me to make my life happier and better.

They:

• Help me “lighten up” and “hug it out”
• Teach my youngest things I don’t know how to do
• Do the heavy lifting for me
• Help me feel safe
• Teach me how to use my computer and phone
• Come to my rescue
• Play my favorite songs on the piano
• Send me pictures and videos of the cute and funny things the grands do
• Pick me up at the airport
• Listen when I need to talk
• Sew quilts, do drawings, and loan stuff to us
• Play games with me
• Hold me when I cry
• Share inside jokes
• Text me when they arrive safely
• Snuggle on the couch and make popcorn

“The older we grow, the more precious our family becomes to us. We come to see more clearly that all of the wealth, honor, and positions of the world pale in significance when compared to the precious souls of our loved ones.” M. Russell Ballard

I often think of how my life would look if I didn’t have my two youngest with me.  They aren’t children anymore, but I love sharing my daily life with them here in our home. My youngest daughter has been my special companion from the day she was born, but having all grown siblings can get a little lonely for her. Since we’ve moved to our new house, we have felt like we’re still getting situated—still making it “home”. It’s cozy and beautiful, quiet and easy to keep clean.  There aren’t any little ones to make eternal messes; I remember those days. Since the actual move, when my daughter and son-in-law came to help us, and putting the house together, making it ours, my other children haven’t been here yet. I realized as my grandchildren came and made noise, left messes and fingerprints, and laughed and cried here, that our new house seemed to absorb those sounds, emotions, and living, making it feel more like home. The new memories of all my precious family have begun, and they will continue as the rest visit soon and as we have holidays and special occasions here, and my heart and my home will store them up and hold them dear.

“Most of what I know about how our Father in Heaven really feels about us, His children, I have learned from the way I feel about my wife and my children and their children. This I have learned at home.” Boyd K. Packer

“Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

I had the blessing of visiting my son, his wife, and his little 2-year-old boy this week.  They live over 900 miles from me, and I don’t get to see them nearly as often as I’d like, but that makes our time together more precious. Adding to my joy was the chance to travel with my youngest son and daughter. My girl has been my traveling buddy for many years, but my boy doesn’t love traveling too much, so it was a rare treat to have them both with me. I was thankful for the company, too, as traveling at this time was more stressful than usual, and wearing a mask magnified all the discomforts of flying for me. It was definitely worth it, though, to see my son and daughter-in-law, and experience my grandson’s happy responses to having us all there, from shy smiles to friendly giggles, and hugs around the legs. He loved having us sit on the floor with him, often backing up, trustingly, to make himself comfy in a lap, and was quick to welcome my daughter by reaching over, grabbing the French fries off the counter, and dumping the last of them over her head. He never gave up trying to sneak the phones, earbuds, snacks, and game pieces we had, or trying to escape the safety gate, which was open and shut a hundred times more often with us there. Toddlers are terrific.

I enjoyed watching my son’s family interact, and even grow and change, in the short time we were there. My grandson decided to climb out of his crib for the first time, so emergency baby-proofing took up one morning. We were on distraction duty, as my son did the not-so-easy work of wrestling with the crib, adding locks to all the drawers and the three doors in his room, and stabilizing the dresser. With all that in place at naptime, we watched the baby monitor, in amusement, as the unflappable little guy quietly tried all the doors, played with a few toys, then finally conked out in the corner, leaning against his soft mini-chair, later shifting to knees on the floor with his head on the seat of the chair for a pillow. At bedtime that night, he turned on the closet light, which shone through the door slats, then dragged that same soft chair into his open toddler bed and slept on it in there, finally ending up on his own tiny pillow, clutching his blankie, by about 5:00am. It was such a tender reminder of how fast children grow and change, and the sweet and funny way they have of finding their way in new circumstances. I learned a good lesson from that youngster about accepting change without a big fuss and patiently figuring out how it can work for me.

While there, we mostly stayed in, spending our time together talking, playing games, sharing meals together, and laughing at my grandson’s antics.  The weather was beautiful, so we took a few walks, as well, chasing the tiny, constantly churning, legs of a busy little boy. Watching him, I felt amazed at how much love I feel for the sweet angels sent to my own children. Even when I don’t get to live close, and be a major part of their lives, they are constantly in my heart and their names in my prayers. I’m thankful for the connection of generations, of love, of family. I had a sweet opportunity to talk to my daughter-in-law about our temple covenants and sealings, reminding her that because of those, she is my daughter, and her baby is my grandson; they belong with us and are forever a part of our family, along with my son. The blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ are the most comforting, sweetest, most unifying gifts we have in this life. Knowing these people, I love so much, are sealed to me—can be mine through eternity—gives me the strength I need when we are apart.

“Covenant belonging is to make and keep solemn promises to God and each other through sacred ordinances that invite the power of godliness to be manifest in our lives…

“To belong with God and to walk with each other on His covenant path is to be blessed by covenant belonging…

“As we honor our covenants, we may sometimes feel we are in the company of angels. And we will be—those we love and who bless us on this side of the veil and those who love and bless us from the other side of the veil.” Gerrit W. Gong

It’s hard to say goodbye, even temporarily. While we’re together, life feels brighter, more hopeful, more joyful. I imagine eternity is full of moments like these, together, happy, encouraging one another, and lending support and strength.  I think of my parents and grandparents, who were loving, cherished people in my life, and who I still feel around me often. I want future generations, to think of me in the same way; I want to be there for them, if only in heart and spirit, when I can’t be there in person. I want them to feel my love for them and for the Lord. I’m thankful to have these treasured years with them now, and I love building those relationships one trip, one hug, one precious moment at a time.

“All of us are in the middle of an eternal family. Our role can be a turning point at which significant changes can occur in positive or negative ways. President Hinckley [said], “Never permit yourself to become a weak link in the chain of your generations.” Your faithfulness in the gospel will strengthen your family…

“It is never too late to look up to Jesus Christ. His arms are always open to you. There are generations before us and after us depending on us to follow Christ so that we can be an eternal family of God.” Yoon Hwan Choi

“The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.

“Light and truth forsake that evil one. …

“I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.” Doctrine and Covenants 93:36-37, 40

Last week one of my friends, and reader of my blog, suggested I write about my homeschooling experiences, due to the fact that many people have unexpectedly found themselves in the homeschooling arena. I did write previously about it here but wanted to share some specifics today. Teaching my children from home is something I’m passionate about and believe in, otherwise, I never would have survived 20 years of homeschooling 4-7 children, during various times. Did I ever have doubts? Of course! I’ve had doubts about every part of mothering at one time or another. I didn’t, however, let those doubts stop me from doing what I felt called by the Lord to do for my children.

I think we all agree on the importance of being educated. Our leaders have spoken to us many times about getting an education, continuing to learn, teaching our children, and being a light in the world. I firmly believe in lifelong learning; I also believe there are many different ways to achieve the goal of becoming educated. Just as each child is unique and individual, each parent may choose the best education plan for that child, whether it be public school, private school, private tutoring, online classes, homeschooling, co-ops, etc. Each of us are blessed with the ability to receive inspiration and help from the Lord, if we seek it, in deciding how best to provide an education for our children—His children. Whatever method is chosen, we still teach our children at home every day of their lives.

“Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go,” ultimately this responsibility rests with parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is parents who are entrusted with the care and development of our Heavenly Father’s children. Our families are an integral part of His work and glory—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” L. Tom Perry

My answers from the Lord led my plan for educating my children. We had a variety of educational experiences, including public school and homeschool. Either way, I wanted my children to learn eternal truths along with their schooling. I put my heart and soul into teaching my children, and it was incredibly hard work, physically and emotionally. I can state now, with my youngest daughter one year away from completing home education through high school, that every hour spent researching, planning, printing, and shopping, every tear cried in frustration and worry, every mess made in the name of learning, every mile traveled, every dollar spent on supplies, games, charts, flash cards, trips, shows, instruments, and books, books, books, was 100 % worth it!  I’d choose it again. I’d happily do all the work again. One of the greatest blessings of my life has been learning with my children, strengthening our testimonies together, seeing their interest, watching them develop talents, and witnessing, in amazement, their creativity.

“Because of our sacred regard for each human intellect, we consider the obtaining of an education to be a religious responsibility. Yet opportunities and abilities differ. I believe that in the pursuit of education, individual desire is more influential than institution, and personal faith more forceful than faculty.” Russell M. Nelson

I’m going to share a few things that worked for our family and brought us joy. There were many things we tried that didn’t work, ending in frustration and tears. We kept the good and tossed the bad; that’s the freedom of homeschooling. I’m grateful for those who shared ideas with me. I used those suggestions, which often sent me off on tangents perfect for us. I hope to spark ideas in others who love to learn with their children.

At the beginning of every summer, I started planning.  For the base of that year, I referred to a four-year rotation plan (Kindred Learning), where core subjects, including the scriptures, were covered in four years, then started over every four years, with deeper investigating. Then I looked for the children’s current interests. I planned in detail for the whole year, but rarely covered every single thing I’d planned. I allowed for exploration of other interests. I don’t think children normally learn best by switching subjects every hour. Mine were generally interested in something for hours or days, then moved on. Sometimes they were excited about a subject (animals, constellations, inventions, art, music) for much longer and really wanted to delve into it. That’s true learning! Except for math, which needs to be consistent, we generally did one subject per day. As long as the subjects I wanted to cover were included sometime during the year, it was flexible.

Much of our learning was reading—the library was my best friend. I did searches according to subjects, and reserved books and movies ahead. Sometimes I had 75 books checked out, between all our cards. When we studied invertebrates, we used an Apologia science book, nonfiction books, learned a song from Lyrical Life Science for memorization, and watched “Finding Nemo.”  When there were several children, they’d each write a report about one of the animals and stand and share it with the others. (As much as possible, writing assignments related to their studies.) When the French Revolution was the subject, we read nonfiction books and historical fiction, like “The Scarlett Pimpernel,” and we watched “A Tale of Two Cities.” They might write about Napoleon or Marie Antoinette. For art and music, we often read a biography (with cartoons) by Mike Venezia about an artist or composer from the time period or geographic area we were covering.  We viewed paintings online or at an exhibit (the Leonardo da Vinci one was so cool!) and attempted to copy the style of painting. We listened to composers’ works and occasionally played a sample on the piano or watched “Beethoven Lives Upstairs” or Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.”

Some of our favorites:

• Incorporating scripture reading and Family Home Evening in studies and using Discover the Scriptures’ lessons to make scripture study more personal
• Reading aloud together (especially fun in a fort on rainy days)—that’s how we discovered Harry Potter, Fancy Nancy, Merlin, Winnie the Pooh, The Little Princess, The Secret Garden, and our love of reading
• Geography studies with maps, passports, dressing up, cultural activities (including creating a Chinese dragon and a piñata) and “feasts” of foods from the country studied, with friends invited
• Year-long newspaper project—all writing assignments were newspaper articles and entries for a completed newspaper at the end of the year
• Anatomy, with life-size body cutouts, field trips to “Slim Goodbody’s Bodyology” and “The Body Exhibit,” Lyrical Life Science songs about muscles and bones, and posters with labels to help with memorizing
• Science experiments, which succeeded about 60% of the time, but usually taught a lesson anyway
• A family history cookbook, with recipes received from many relatives we’d never met
• Making quilts for the grandmas 
• Illustrated timelines and homemade inventions 
• Award ceremony, gifts, and party at the end of the year
• Memorizing seminary scriptures, famous quotes, and church proclamations
• Once-a-week classes with a homeschool co-op and orchestra with the Southern Nevada Homeschool Performing Arts school
• Games, games, games for math and grammar, logic puzzles and brain teasers
• FREE TIME for creativity: magic shows, plays, music videos, karaoke, Dinotopia VR flying rides, concerts, travel, songwriting

There’s so much to explore, to learn, to enjoy with our children, who are only with us a little while. I miss those crazy, fun, hectic, strenuous days… but there’s always the grands!!

“God bless you wonderful mothers and fathers in Zion. He has entrusted to your care His eternal children. As parents we partner, even join, with God in bringing to pass His work and glory among His children. It is our sacred duty to do our very best.” L. Tom Perry

“It is the wounded Christ who is the captain of our soul—he who yet bears the scars of sacrifice, the lesions of love and humility and forgiveness.

“Those wounds are what he invites young and old, then and now, to step forward and see and feel.  Then we remember with Isaiah that it was for each of us that our Master was ‘despised and rejected … ; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.’ All this we could remember when we are invited by a kneeling young priest to remember Christ always.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I missed posting last week. It’s the first week I’ve missed in over a year, and I was pretty down about it. I had a week where I just couldn’t seem to get it together. As I spoke with a friend about all that was going on, the words I used to express how I felt were that I couldn’t get my feet under me. That’s how life has been, especially these last few weeks. My body and my mind have been trying to catch up on rest, but upheaval and stress make it difficult. Dealing with all the emotions of losing my mom, the many times I went to tell her something before remembering she wasn’t there, the painful memories of her last weeks, along with the relentless details of closing the book on her earthly life, has been a challenge.

At the same time, I have the exciting and overwhelming task of preparing for a move that is getting closer by the minute. More details. Incessant details. My list includes scheduling the move, document signings, utilities hookups, piano movers, bug guy, insurance, along with sorting and packing. Meanwhile, I’m trying to cope with a flood of memories associated with saying goodbye to the home I’ve lived in, loved in, laughed and cried in, for nearly 25 years.

In the midst of these taxing events, my youngest daughter has been having health issues, including pneumonia last week.  Worry for her, and sadness about her having to let go of some things that are really important to her, piled on top of my growing heap of stress. Then, of course, there’s just day-to-day living, with all of its ups and downs, including concern and love for my other six children and their families, who all have their own mountains to climb.

As I shared these feelings, crying on the shoulder of my trusted confidant, her love and faith eased my burden, and I felt able to face another day.  She, in turn, shared much that was going on in her life. Her trials, upcoming events, family and health concerns, and church assignments were staggering. She wholeheartedly concurred with the feeling of not being able to get her feet under her, but we held on to the knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father and His plan for our lives. Our troubles were lightened by our shared hope in Christ.

I believe most, if not all, of us are feeling these emotions, which are part of life in the world we now live in. We’re often tossed on the sea, feeling like we’re in a sinking ship.  However, we know the Captain of our ship; we aren’t steering into the storm alone. At times it may seem as if we’re not even in the boat, but floundering around in the waves, pleading for a line. The amazing part is, our Savior is always there to throw us the life saver. He is able to calm the seas and our troubled hearts. He sees. He knows. He sends help.

Jesus, Savior, pilot me

Over life’s tempestuous sea;

Unknown waves before me roll,

Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal.

Chart and compass came from thee;

Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child,

Thou canst hush the ocean wild;

Boist’rous waves obey thy will

When thou say’st to them, “Be still!”

Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea,

Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore,

And the fearful breakers roar

’Twixt me and the peaceful rest,

Then, while leaning on thy breast,

May I hear thee say to me,

“Fear not; I will pilot thee.”

(Edward Hopper, 1818–1888)

Remembering my Jesus is in all of this with me, brings the sunshine back into my day. He is my rock, my sure foundation when I can’t get my feet under me. I don’t have the answers, but He does. I don’t have the wisdom, but He does.  I don’t have the strength, but He does. And He’ll always, always be my Captain, through calm or stormy seas.

“Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order for us to be tested, we must face challenges and difficulties. These can break us, and the surface of our souls may crack and crumble—that is, if our foundations of faith, our testimonies of truth are not deeply embedded within us.

“We can rely on the faith and testimony of others only so long. Eventually we must have our own strong and deeply placed foundation, or we will be unable to withstand the storms of life, which will come.” Thomas S. Monson