“It is… through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means.” Bible Dictionary, Grace

I’ve been reminded many times this week of the feelings I had when becoming a mother for the first time. The utter joy of holding my precious baby close for the first time, my wonder at the miracle of it, and most specifically, my complete terror at the knowledge that I was responsible for the well-being—even survival—of this tiny, cherished human.  I questioned my own ability to handle it. At first, I was hypervigilant, listening to every breath, jumping at every cry. It’s an overwhelming feeling which takes faith and courage to face and even embrace. Those same feelings of fear and inadequacy have been swirling in my heart as I’ve been caring for my dear mother, who has become largely dependent on me to help her with all her needs. Through the grace of my Savior, as she has rapidly lost her strength, mine has increased to allow me to care for her and meet her needs.

“As time passes, the world grows more challenging, and our physical capacities slowly diminish with age. It is clear that we will need more than human strength. The Psalmist was right: ‘But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.’” Henry B. Eyring

During challenges and trials, the outside world fades into the background, as what matters most comes sharply into focus. Our time and energy resources have to be carefully rationed. At times, especially in the quiet, darkness of night, it feels like everything depends on me, like I’m all alone, like I’m not enough for what is required of me. As I cry to my Heavenly Father, I’m immediately, lovingly reminded that I’m never alone. He’s there. I can trust Him. I can give it all to Him. During those dark moments, He also reminds me to let others help, as well.

“God knew the challenges [Adam and Eve] would face, and He certainly knew how lonely and troubled they would sometimes feel. So He watched over His mortal family constantly, heard their prayers always, and sent prophets (and later apostles) to teach, counsel, and guide them. But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near.” Jeffrey R.  Holland

This week after an ER ordeal, where we gave up and came home, and an aborted trek to the oncologist, because mom couldn’t tolerate the pain of sitting up, Mom has chosen to forgo treatments and intervention and stay home with me, to be as comfortable as possible. With teamwork from family, friends, and home hospice care, we pray we can help her have peace.

I’ve felt very close to the Spirit during this time of sorrow and struggle. It‘s amazing to me that even during agonizing heartbreak, seeing her suffer, knowing she will leave us soon, there is also a sweet, deeply connecting sharing of our souls. There are precious moments of understanding, conversation, prayers together, and comforting each other.  There has been tremendously increased love, service, and healing in our family. Miracles have happened and joy has increased, despite the pain. Only God can make that happen. His plan isn’t always clear or easy, but it’s always loving. Many times we don’t see the beauty, the gifts, because we are consumed with the seeming injustice and agony of what we’re dealing with.  But it’s there. It’s not in vain, and it’s not unjust.  We become more one—more His—as we endure these battles together.

Jesus suffered everything. He made us His through that suffering. He became more one with His Father. We all became an eternal family through His pain and sacrifice, though we don’t fully understand it.  When our dear Savior was “sore amazed” at the intensity of the pain, and his soul was “exceedingly sorrowful unto death,” there “appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”  I love that so much, and I wonder who was gifted that supreme calling to comfort our Lord and Redeemer in His hour of need.

“…I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” Doctrine and Covenants 84:88

Besides the incomparable gift of the Comforter, and the knowledge of the eternal nature of life and families, I’ve also been blessed by the help of angels, both heavenly and earthly. We’ve had angels bringing flowers or homemade bread, driving far—leaving family—to be with us, mailing sweet, hand-written messages, praying for us, dropping everything to bring me something at the hospital, loading a truck with my DI, making a scripture quilt, dropping off medical supplies, giving my daughter rides, grocery shopping, and painting a picture.  I’ve had many texts with messages of love and encouragement and sharing of personal stories, and many willing to listen to my heartache. Next week we already have angels planning travels to visit and another bringing a meal. My heart, though taking a beating from the surprising and varied blows Mom endures each day, is swollen with joy and gratitude for the angels in my life who have appeared, strengthening me. Thank you. I love you.

“Heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind…

“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.” Jeffrey R. Holland

“Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.” Moses 6:34

Each day I’m more aware of how much I need the help of my Savior moment by moment. At this stage in my life, I don’t have the emotional or physical energy I had when I was younger. As a single woman, I also don’t have a partner with whom to discuss, brainstorm, and share the load. Challenges that used to seem like a few steep steps, now often feel like mountains to climb. I’m amazed at the speed with which life, circumstances, and emotions change. We’re fragile. Life is fragile. Thankfully, the Lord is aware of this and provides all we need to navigate life’s twists and turns, which perfectly, though sometimes painfully, do their job of teaching us and helping us grow.

“The humility you and I need for the Lord to lead us by the hand comes from faith. It comes from faith that God really lives, that He loves us, and that what He wants—hard as it may be—will always be best for us.” Henry B. Eyring

Before my sweet dad was called back to Heaven, he was a constant, dependable source of strength and help to me. I didn’t have to think about it much, I was totally secure in the knowledge that he’d be there for me if I needed him.  He wouldn’t be put-out or disapproving; he’d be happy to help, encouraging, and loving. He made me feel like my asking him for help was just what he was hoping for. I miss him so much.  Knowing this about my dad taught me it’s possible to have the same relationship with my Heavenly Father. He’ll always be there for me, always listen, and always provide a way for me to get through the next thing. He sent His Son, who knows my every need, sorrow, struggle, and hope. I don’t have to carry it all alone—He walks with me.

For years, I’ve had the desire to move.  Since my divorce and many of my children having grown and left the nest, I’ve wanted a smaller, more manageable home and a fresh start. About once a year, I’d get a feeling of restlessness and look at houses in Utah, where I loved living for a few years. After searching and dreaming, I’d always end up feeling it wasn’t the right time.  I’d hear the whisper, “Wait. Be patient.” I’d put away my floor plans and dreams, and trust in the Lord’s timing, then go through all our belongings (with considerable family resistance), paring down for when the time was right.

“Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us.” Jeffrey R. Holland

Viewing floor plans has been a fun hobby for me. I’ve always dreamed of a one-story house. When we had 7 children and were moving to Utah, I told the kids I wanted a one-story house. My son laughed and said, “Mom, we’d need a mall!”  Ironically, the house in Utah had three levels, but the kids each had their own room and a basement to secretly practice pole vaulting, construct Dinotopia virtual flying rides, and record music videos.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

This year, when I got that familiar urge to look at houses and plan for a move, I looked in this area. I have family here, whom I need more and more as I get older, and who need me, as well. I also wanted to be near a big airport to make it easy for my kids to visit, and near the temple, which is vital to me. I didn’t want to be close to downtown, though; I wanted to be outside the city a bit.  That one-story is especially important now, too, as my mom gets older and needs more care.

With all these criteria in mind, I prayed for help and guidance, and once again began my search. I systematically viewed floor plans, but this time I could also go see model homes and explore areas—very daring for me! Finding a single-story home with enough bedrooms and bathrooms for the family I have right now, a small yard to care for, and within my budget, was still challenging. As I explored different areas, I had distinct feelings.  In one area, I was immediately positive it wasn’t for me, while in other areas, I felt good and hopeful.  When I found a model home that felt nearly perfect for our circumstances, I came home to start looking at other areas around here which had the same model, but felt the impression to stop looking.  It was a feeling that I didn’t need to look further.

I was excited and panicked at the same time.  After all the waiting, could this really be the right time, the right house, the right circumstances to go ahead? Though I wanted it, I was fearful. It was such a huge decision to make on my own, but I knew it ultimately was my decision to make, and I wanted to be absolutely sure the Lord approved.  I knew I could be brave enough to go forward with all the details, drama, and effort this would require of me, if only I knew the Lord would walk with me.  I pretty much asked for a miracle, set aside all fear, and put my trust and confidence in God. He moved my mountains. He provided the miracles. My home is sold, and we’re renting here until the new house is built, in several months.

I’ve been humbled by the love and care I’ve felt from Above. I’ve experienced pure joy knowing Heavenly Father heard my prayers, had a plan for me, and guided me. When the anxiety and fear creep in, I remember the miracles and hold to the trust. I can do this—because I know my Savior walks with me.

“Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

“The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home.” L. Tom Perry

As another school year begins tomorrow, I celebrate 20 years as a homeschooling mom! It’s crazy, honestly, that it’s been that long. Although many people choose alternate schooling rather than public school now, homeschooling is still far from the norm and is regularly questioned, sometimes even disdained or mocked, by adults and children alike. To accept the responsibility for a child’s education at home is to swim against the current, which can be difficult for both the mommy fish and the rest of the “school.” Overall, however, I’ve loved it.  It’s been a blessing and a joy having the opportunity to watch my children grow and to learn along with them.  It has also been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I knew the Lord wanted me to homeschool, so I faced the unknowns, the challenges, the skeptics, and most of all—the CHILDREN.  Day after day.  Battle after battle.  It wasn’t perfect, not even close, but it was rewarding and strengthening to our family. 

A few things I’ve learned from being a homeschooling mom:

• Each one of us is a child of God and He loves and cares about us individually. He even cares about the little things, the details. He ministers to us one by one. He heard my prayer about what to do for a precious daughter, a free and joyful spirit whose light was being dimmed by her public school experience, and He answered me.  He loves and cares about me, and He loves and cares about her, too.

Elder M. Russell Ballard affirms mothers’ divine role in cherishing and teaching their children.  “There is no one perfect way to be a good mother,” he says.  “Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children.” Elder Ballard acknowledges that some women are “able to be ‘full-time moms,’ [and that] some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work,” but that “what matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.”

• When Heavenly Father asks us to do something, He gives us the strength, the courage, and the help we need to accomplish it—just like Nephi said. I was the mother of six children, one just a baby, when He called me to teach my children at home.  I had no idea how to make that happen. I didn’t know the laws, the requirements, any of the details. I didn’t know how I’d do it with my baby and five other kids, four of whom chose homeschooling.  I just knew God wanted me to do it, and that it was for my children.  Knowing those two things made me brave! He prepared the way.  He lovingly provided friends, mentors, inspiration, resources, and physical and emotional strength beyond my own.   

• Each child of God on this earth is a one-of-a-kind individual with a different situation, different desires, and different gifts. I love that each of my children is unique and different from the others, and the way their gifts and characteristics strengthen our family, as a whole. Seeing this in action has given me a greater desire to love and appreciate all of God’s children the way they are—all different, all beautiful, all interesting and gifted in various ways. I also enjoy my children’s shared family traits and things they have in common.  In the same way, we have much in common with our brothers and sisters all over this earth. With schooling, even in my own family, there was the same variety. Out of seven children, I had one that only attended public school, five that had some homeschooling and some public school, and one that only homeschooled. One daughter went to public school until sixth grade, then homeschooled through graduation from high school.  She had a one-student ceremony in a big, grassy backyard with family and friends, wore an orange cap and gown, and “walked” to the Theme from Star Wars.  It was awesome. Another daughter homeschooled until attending sixth and seventh grade in Utah, then homeschooled eighth grade after we moved back to Vegas, before finishing up with four years at the public high school. We took it one child, one circumstance, one prayer at a time and did what we felt was the right for each of them at any given moment.  

• When we act on the inspiration we are given from a loving Father in Heaven, through the Spirit, we are blessed in more, and farther reaching, ways than we could ever imagine. Homeschooling provided time to study the gospel every single day, along with history, science, and math. My children learned to read by finding “and” and “the” in the scriptures. We read about Columbus, The Pilgrims, and the Revolutionary War in The Book of Mormon, along with the history books. We read about Creation in Genesis and The Pearl of Great Price, along with evolution in our science books. I was able to teach my children those things that are most important and share my testimony with them. We had the spirit in our classroom. Of course, all of those things can happen in a non-homeschooling home, but I am a morning person.  I don’t function well after dinnertime (maybe even lunchtime some days).  For me, having that time in the morning was a huge blessing. Many years later, some of my grandchildren enjoy some of the same blessings of homeschooling.

“Neither the alphabet nor the multiplication table should be taught without the Spirit of God.” –Brigham Young

(as quoted by Karl G. Maeser, Educating Zion p.2)

I could go on all day; it turns out 20 years is a long time. Five of my children are University Graduates and degree holders. Now my youngest is a junior and will graduate “high school” having homeschooled her whole schooling career. I’m thankful for the gifts of homeschooling. I think all of my kids are smart, talented, amazing people. I’m thankful to know Heavenly Father loves them even more than I do and let me be their mother. 

“All of us will be tested. And all of us need true friends to love us, to listen to us, to show us the way, and to testify of truth to us so that we may retain the companionship of the Holy Ghost. You must be such a true friend.” Henry B Eyring

This week I’ve been thinking about the wonderful blessing of friends. Some of my truest friends are family members, who love me even though they know me too well.  My mom, dad, and sisters have been there for me during the storms as well as times of smooth sailing. Who, but a sister, can share the laughter of old inside jokes and memories of foolish youth, and grieve with you and comfort you at the bedside of a dying parent? My children are also are wonderful friends to me.  They listen and give great advice, accepting me as I am. My daughter once reminded me, when I confided my worry about sharing burdens with her and adding to her own heavy load, that we’ve covenanted to bear one another’s burdens. That’s what friends do.

Besides my family, my ward family has also been a cherished source of friendship. When we first moved to Vegas and to this ward, over 20 years ago, we had five small children. The bishop and his sweet wife invited the whole family over to dinner. I’ll never forget that gracious show of love for a big, crazy family, making us feel “no more strangers,” but friends. Since then, many friends have quietly, steadily, served and supported me and my family, strengthening our faith. There have been families our children grew up with, bishops who served with all their hearts, choir directors who welcomed, youth leaders who reached out in love, and sisters who brought tiny pink baby clothes and dinner for weeks when I had trouble recovering after my last baby was born. One brought root beer and pizza—I could eat that every night and die happy—and the root beer exploded all over when we opened it. Good times.

Some of my most treasured friendships developed from home and visiting teaching visits, both as I have served and as I’ve been served. Many years ago I had a dear, older lady to watch over through visiting teaching. After many tries, she finally let me in to visit. As I visited her, often bringing one of my children with me, she became a treasured friend to me and my family. She had a little case of yellow cars she pulled out if one of the boys came. She brought us treats and fruit baskets on holidays, and souvenirs when she traveled. After many years of friendship, I was blessed to help her when she was ill, before she moved to live with her daughter. I’ve learned so much from this cheerful, wonderful friend.

 I’ve been the recipient of loving ministering too many times to list.  When I was expecting my seventh child, I hadn’t had a baby for 5 years and I was 38 years old.  I had six children between the ages of 16 and five, plus my teenage niece lived with us.  Our loving home teachers, a husband and wife, were incredibly dedicated to our family. The last few months of my pregnancy, this amazing couple made dinner for our family every single week!  That’s a family of nine, if you were counting. Along with the blessing of those meals, was the knowledge we absolutely could trust and count on them.

Another home/visiting teaching couple have been true blue family friends forever. They are friends to me, my kids, my mom and dad, the whole family.  They always have love to give, time to share, and words of comfort and encouragement. They are valiant disciples of Christ, openly sharing their testimonies and knowledge of the gospel with us. They’re here when we need a blessing, a ride from the airport at some horrible hour, or a shoulder to cry on. I don’t know what we’d do without them.

As a young mom, I was often pushed to my limit.  It was all I could do to take care of my family and my church callings.  I didn’t feel I had time left over to spend with friends—until I became friends with one of my visiting teachers. Bless her heart, she wouldn’t let me get out of doing things with her. We played games, organized storerooms, played volleyball, and went to the temple. The only time I made it to BYU Women’s Conference was when she was going and took me with her. Best of all, she listened. We talked and talked about all the hard mom stuff. She built me up and also had the courage to call me out when my idealistic expectations were unreasonable. She knew my issues and loved me anyway. Although she moved away, she still attended my Dad’s funeral and kids’ wedding receptions. Priceless support.

“How can we help a friend? An Arabian proverb helps us answer: ‘A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.’ Yes, a friend is a person who is willing to take me the way I am but who is willing and able to leave me better than he found me.” Marvin J. Ashton

Here’s just a sampling of things friends have done for me:

Helped get our house ready to move in when things went wrong at the last minute.

Invited our big family for a water fight and fireworks on Independence Day.

Brought flowers for special days, including an anonymous one on a random Sunday with a note that said, “I felt like you needed to know you’re loved today.” (I did!)

Taught my children piano and played duets with them.

Took us for a sunny ride by the lake in a golf cart, which turned into a laughter-filled walk back in the rain (after a flat tire).

Shared love through oranges, garden-grown tomatoes, and Sonic shakes.  

Invited us to a “We’re thankful for the Barkers” feast at their dinner table.

Brightened my days by going to lunch or frozen yogurt, on walks, and to the temple.

During my divorce, the Lord lovingly provided a new bestie, one I needed desperately. We shared all the confusion, fear, anger, and grief only someone who has experienced it can understand. It felt like a miracle to me. On one occasion, she stayed at my home in Vegas to attend Time Out for Women with me.  We had a great time. While she was here, I had a family emergency at four o’clock in the morning and woke her up to tell her. She stayed, took my daughter to church, and even taught my Sunday School class so I could leave right away. I’m still overwhelmed with the love I felt from her sweet service to me.

All through this time, my friends have been a lifeline to me.  One friend, constant and true for many years, who shares holidays with us and is an honorary member of our family, sent me uplifting memes and beautiful messages several times a day, for months, when it was especially tough. Another dear friend and I enjoy Jane Austen movie nights, long walks and longer talks about our deepest hopes, fears, and testimonies. Many friends offer prayers for me and hugs in the church hallway. Often without knowing, they offer love and encouragement, strengthening my testimony in Christ.

Last summer a few friends and I got together for a couple of days. We saw funny plays, ate healthy food, and laughed. For hours and hours, we shared the tender and deep feelings of our hearts, how the Savior carries us. When I returned home, I felt like a fifty-pound boulder had been lifted from my shoulders and I had ten times the strength to carry on.  It lasted for months!

In the last year, a cherished friend has been lovingly reaching out to me, offering her gifts of compassion and wisdom.  Even though her own life is one of the most challenging I’ve seen, she’s called me nearly every week for a year, to let me share my troubles, my fears, my failures, my successes, my testimony, my life. And she shares hers.

“Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about what it means to be a friend and the powerful influence of friends in our lives. His definition has had lasting impact in my life. He said, ‘Friends are people who make it easier to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.’ In this sense, seeking another person’s highest good is the essence of true friendship. It is putting someone else first. It is being strictly honest, loyal, and chaste in every action. True friends influence those with whom they associate to ‘rise a little higher [and] be a little better.’” Elaine Dalton

It has been humbling and joyful to remember, with tears and smiles, wonderful friends who’ve influenced and lifted me. I wish I had a picture with each of my friends.  

Most of all, I’m thankful for the truest and dearest friend, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:12–15

In the Lord’s prayer, the Savior instructs us to say, “Thy will be done.” He then teaches us what this looks like by His perfect example throughout His life and, most poignantly, during His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane. When discussing this concept in a ward I was visiting, a woman shared, “I feel like I have a plan—an idea—of what my life should look like and what I will do.  But over and over I find that God’s plan for my life is different than mine.  I wonder sometimes why He doesn’t like any of my ideas. I feel like they’re pretty good.  It’s easy to turn our will over to Him when it’s not something we really care about, but when we have strong feelings about it, bending our will to His can be really hard!”  

Do we believe that His idea, His plan, His will, is better than ours?

 “Your life will be easier when you accept that what God does in your life is for your eternal good.” Richard G. Scott

 Years ago, I had a child who was breaking the rules.  I scoured parenting books and tried various behavior modification methods, but nothing helped.  I felt the need for more drastic action. I prayed about my decision and the answer, clearly, was, “No.” I was upset and discouraged. How could I ever be a good parent if my interpretation of the scriptures and words of the prophets had not been the right thing to do? I forgot that the Lord taught, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…” I was completely missing the point that because I had prayed, He was guiding me to do what was best for this particular child—one He knows well and loves. God won’t leave me alone to figure it out! I have all the tools I need if I do my best and then seek direction from the Holy Ghost. 

I’ve been blessed for accepting God’s will and following His direction. After living in Utah for three years, I had a strong impression that our family needed to move back to Las Vegas.  I didn’t want to.  At all.  I liked my new area and friends and dreaded taking my family back to a place with so many in-your-face temptations and evil influences. I especially worried about my son, who was just about to start his senior year in high school.  Knowing it would be hard on him, I shared with him my feeling that Heavenly Father wanted us to move. He was sad about it, but didn’t grumble, instead, he looked at me and simply said, “If you feel that’s what we’re supposed to do, then I’m good with that.” His faith strengthened mine and helped me get through that hard time. I couldn’t understand how it could be a good idea to move back, but I believed God knew.

A few years later, my dad, who lived near us, had a sudden and unexpected stroke, and only lived a few short weeks before returning to his Heavenly home.  I was blessed to be by his bedside, helping and supporting him, and being there to comfort my sisters and my mom.  After his death, Mom needed help, so we made some adjustments to our home and invited her to live with us.  She’s been with me since that time, five years ago.  I’ve been continually thankful that I listened to the prompting to move close to them. Our Father in Heaven knows what we need and kindly, generously, leads us, if we let Him.

“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good…” Alma 37:37

A couple of years ago, my mother-in-law began losing strength in her legs and having balance trouble.  Several times she fell and had to be helped up, even needing the paramedics to come in a time or two.  During a visit, my father-in-law told me that sometimes she couldn’t get up from kneeling to say her prayers.  I was stunned.  This dear, faithful, elderly lady was still kneeling for her prayers, even when she could barely stand on her weakened legs. I felt humbled by her example. I don’t kneel as often as I should.  I had knee trouble for several years, which made kneeling painful and distracting.  I stopped kneeling during that time and got out of the habit. Her dedication made me want to do better.

Often, I pray in my car. This started when I was attending the temple weekly. The 40-minute drive became my favorite time to pour out my soul, away from family interruptions, noise, and distractions. Now I sit in my car while my daughter attends early morning seminary.  In the quiet, the dark, I again have the distraction-free space to have a heart-to-heart with my Father. There’s something about praying aloud that heightens my connection with Him.  When I’m alone, I can be completely genuine, letting out all my tears, my fears, and my hopes to my Father in Heaven.  I have no doubt that He hears me.

“Make time every day to share your thoughts and feelings with Him. Tell Him everything that concerns you. He is interested in the most important as well as the most mundane facets of your life. Share with Him your full range of feelings and experiences.”

Richard G. Scott

Recently, while visiting my daughter, I joined in the family prayer.  As I listened, I was brought to tears by the sweet words of my grandson, “Please bless Gran.” Hearing the high, innocent, trusting tones of that boy, asking his Heavenly Father to bless me, humbled and touched my heart deeply. I experienced a tender feeling of being loved and nurtured.

One of my favorite scripture passages is John 17, where the Savior prays for His apostles and for all those who believe on Him through their word.  That includes me. He asks that we can be one with Him and Heavenly Father, know that they love us, and be made perfect so we can be with them forever. Jesus prays for me.

Prayer is a gift.  Expressing our deepest, most distressing or joyful feelings, helps us more fully understand, internalize, and absorb them. The scriptures tell us He knows what things we have need of, but many times we have no idea what we really need.  Praying is more than asking; it’s sharing who we are deep inside, trusting that He will still love us and bless us with all we need.  It strengthens our relationship with Him as we get to better know and love Him.

Life is unpredictable.  There are so many circumstances that are out of our control, people we can’t help, problems we can’t solve.  When something is troubling us or someone is hurting, we can pray, and know that we are heard and loved. Knowing the Father of us all is calmly in control, knows what’s best for each of us, and will help us in every circumstance, is a blessing I cherish.