Micah and that Magnificent Number

Micah turned twelve this last month. He wanted only one friend for his party to hang out with for the entire day. Micah has know Lex since he was three-years-old. They used to be only a few houses away from each other until they moved... and we moved. Now Lex lives several cities away but when these two get together, they act like they've never been apart.

We have a tradition that when our children turn twelve, Joseph and I are the first ones to take them to do baptisms at the Temple. Micah was so happy and so fun to watch.

The brethren at the recommend desk told Micah to hit the wheelchair buttons on both the entry doors. Then the men ducked behind the desk and told us to snap a picture with Micah and the stain glass behind him.  He thought that was so fun. The workers really love the youth here.

We have another tradition when our kids turn twelve, it's sort of a "coming-of-age tradition". We buy them a plaque with their full name engraved on it, along with a scripture that we feel will serve as a very personal guide through life, and the date of their 12th birthday.

The scripture we chose for Micah was Alma 38:12 "Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love..." This one was perfect for him because Micah is such a deeply passionate boy.

Six to Eight

Our family grows by two more today.  We're being placed with our first official foster children. I have their beds and dressers ready.  I bought a little stuffed animal for both of the children and wrote a small note to the older one welcoming him into our family. He's been coming over every day after school for the past week-and-a-half, staying until dinner.  The social worker didn't tell him we'd be his new foster parents until a couple days ago and I think it's a frightening change for him just as it is for us--so many unknowns.

The woman who had been watching the kids for the past three months came over yesterday and we talked for about an hour.  I was in the middle of doing my homework when she stopped by and the timing of her visit wasn't the best. I have been doing research for my class at BYU and it has been a very time-consuming project- so I was already a bit nervous about my schedule. I must admit that the things she shared with me were very intimidating too.  She warned me that the little girl never sleeps because of night terrors--waking and screaming, biting and scratching herself almost every hour from so much trauma. I could feel the anxiety grow in my heart as she shared other stories with me.

After she left, I prayed and pled for guidance and comfort. I decided to make an impromptu visit to the DCFS office near my home and speak with the children's social worker.  He spoke to me for over an hour and I was glad to have connected with him.

Later in the evening, Joseph and I went to the temple and did a session.  We always take a moment to pray together and share with each other thoughts and impressions as we sit in the Celestial room. He expressed the insights he had and then asked, "What about you?" I reflected on the events of the day and the intense emotion I felt earlier in contrast to how I was feeling then. I answered, "I didn't have anything revealatory come to me, but I have felt incredible peace. Somehow, at this moment, even knowing what lies ahead and the exhaustion I will feel caring for these children (the weekly parent visits, the court dates, the medical, dental, school appointments, etc.) I feel peace. All the anxiety and worry is gone from my heart and I'm so incredibly grateful for that."

This morning, I went to take my two oldest to do baptisms at the temple with a friend but the kids decided last-minute to sleep in. I was already up and ready to go, so I went alone and did some initiatories. Again, nothing revealatory happened, I just felt peace.

One foot in front of the other.  Keep on keeping on.

I'm so grateful that this is the Lord's work and that He'll be with our family through all of it, just as He has always, always been there for us.

-Alicia

And... the view from HERE still makes me smile.

We got the keys to our garage last week and the keys to our house yesterday. We have been moving everything over slowly and will be in our home completely in just a few more days.  I took the kids over this evening to put a couple of things in order while the boys were at Priesthood Session.  I'm very happy to say that I still have a good view of Timp, the Y, and the Angel Moroni.  

I also noticed something else in this lovely little home of ours I hadn't noticed before... 

....a beautiful message on the bathroom mirror that trails off into forever,
"Believe in miracles everyday."  

Perfect, absolutely perfect! 

Yeah, I believe.

-Alicia :)

I Believe by, Catherine Papworth

Beautiful
Wonderful
With kindness and compassion on his face.
Merciful
And personal
Giver of the most amazing Grace.

He saved my life;
Opened up my eyes.
He gave everything to rescue me.
Knowing where I've been,
Let me start again.
Healed my broken heart and set me free.
I believe.

Creator
No one greater.
Maker of the heavens and the Earth.
Holy
King of Glory
Words cannot describe his endless worth.

He saved my life;
Opened up my eyes.
He gave everything to rescue me.
Knowing where I've been,
Let me start again.
Healed my broken heart and set me free.
I Believe.

Comfort
Keeper
Gracious
Redeemer
My Defender
Forever
And Ever

He saved my life
Opened up my eyes.
He gave everything to rescue me.
Knowing where I've been,
Let me start again.
Healed my broken heart and set me free.
Healed my broken heart and set me free.
I Believe.
I Believe.

I Need a Revival!

It's been one of those days where I feel like I've really had to struggle to fight off negative thoughts about myself.  I can't quite put my finger on where it started but it grew increasingly worse when I was studying in my textbook for Writing and Rhetoric about ethos (who we are to our audiences).  Don't get me wrong, It's a wonderful chapter, extremely insightful but maybe reading about how "my audiences" might perceive me gave me a little stage fright?  Reading how to "look smart, be smart" and "show balance" reminds me that I'm not very graceful and...well, I feel like this apple falls pretty far from the tree.  So many times when I talk to other adults, even young adults, I feel incredibly inferior in my vocabulary, my wit, my sense of humor, my knowledge of current events, you name it... so inferior that when it comes to conversation, I freeze-up.  On the other hand, there are times I get so nervous that I end up talking too much to avoid an awkward silence and end up boring "my audiences" or shoving my foot in my mouth somehow.  This "tight-rope walking" doesn't happen every day... just on the ones where I seem to keep straining at all my idiosyncrasies.

Other worries began to plague my mind too...  one thought after another about the job I'm doing teaching my children how to handle their own life skills (you know- good communication, good study habits, hard work ethic, being spiritually motivated, choosing good friends, and their own "ethos")

When my husband returned home from work, he greeted me thoughtfully and asked how things were going.  I sighed and laid my head on his chest, "I'm feeling really lame.  I need to re-center somehow."  Understandingly, he sweetly offered to let me be alone in the bedroom to pray.  After a moment, I requested that I make a quick Temple visit.  I promised I'd make it back in time to watch a concert we had planned to go to as a family.  (The Lower Lights  -blue grass gospel)  

I think the combination of both the Temple and the concert was just what the Dr. ordered because I feel great now.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I'm a sucker for blue grass gospel.  I've loved it ever since I can remember! (Maybe it's the southern girl in my blood?)  A few old gospel hymns, a little bit of clapping and toe tapping, along with shouts of "hallelujah" and "amen" is guaranteed to lift my spirit anytime!  

My favorites tonight were: This Little Light of Mine, Down to the River to Pray, Calling You, I Need Thee Every Hour, Brightly Beams, and I'll Fly Away 

I'm so thankful for tonight.  I just needed a revival!

-Alicia

A Little Piece of Heaven

Last week, early Friday morning, we discovered a cute little house in excellent condition within our price-range.  It seemed to have everything we were looking for... only I wasn't extremely fond of the location.  Nevertheless, we immediately scheduled with our realtor to take a look at it.   Throughout the day, we told our friends about it too. It seemed so promising.  After numerous attempts, our realtor informed us late that evening that she just couldn't get the selling agent to respond.  It seemed that within less than 12 hours of our inquiry about it, the listing was taken down because another buyer made an offer and it went under contract.  We were both disappointed, everything else about the place would have been great.

That night, as I laid in bed reflecting on the events of the day, I remembered that morning when I was up on campus waiting for my friend, Jennifer, to give her forth-day lecture for Education Week.  I made it to class a few minutes early. The hum of friendly chatter filled the room as people found their seats and greeted one another.  I met a sweet woman in her late 70's and we talked as we waited for the lecture to begin.  Jennifer came around the back of the room and turned up the isle I was sitting on.  She patted me on the shoulder as she passed and asked how our house hunting was going.
With a sigh, I replied, "We backed out of the house in the 11th ward.  There were way too many issues with it."
"Oh no.  I'm so sorry to hear that." she said sincerely. In the same breath she asked, "Have you re-considered my friend Sherry's house in the 6th ward? She hasn't had any bites on her place at all."  Jennifer looked at the clock.  Class was starting soon. "Think about it," she said as she waved and hurried to the front of the room. Sherry works with Jennifer in the Stake Young Women's Presidency.  Sherry received notice that her family had to move out of their home the exact same day we discovered we had to leave ours..., only her situation was that her husband was being offered a job in Idaho.

Flashback One Month Ago:
Jennifer called me after one of her presidency meetings to tell us about her friend's house and encouraged us to arrange a time to walk through it.  We set up an appointment the next day.  Sherry's place was one of the very first homes we looked at.  It's was a charming little house built in 1895 with a front porch like I've always wanted, a rod-iron fence, a large fireplace,  an attic for the children to play in, and a swing hanging from a gorgeous tree in the front yard.  But the cost was a little higher than our target price.  Plus, it only had three rooms and one was just barely large enough to fit two children. State law requires that the foster kids must have  at least  40 sq ft of bedroom space for each child. 

I really hadn't considered that house again until Jennifer reminded me about it over a month later that morning in her Education Week class.  "Have you re-considered my friend Sherry's house?...Think about it,"
Well, I did think about it... in fact, it was all I could think about during Jennifer's lecture.
I imagined to myself how I could make that 3-bedroom place work and how we could afford to pay slightly more per month.

The foster kids have bedroom-living-space regulations but I can let my biological kids have a room anywhere we want.  Maybe it could work?  That's when I recalled that there was sort-of a forth room there even though they couldn't include it as such in the listing.  It was a small little space right off the entry way  that was not much larger than a good-sized walk-in closet.  It could fit a twin mattress and still have a couple square feet left over.  Chandler would take that room without any objection... he has always expressed how badly he wants a room of his own.  Well, he could have it here..  It would be tight but I really don't think he'd mind so much as long as it made him feel more independent.

I discussed with Joseph my ideas of how we could make the 1895 house work.  He agreed and definitely felt more comfortable with the move-in conditions of the place compared to other homes we had looked at.  We still couldn't believe that no one had made an offer on it yet.

We put our bid in Saturday morning and then right on our heels came another bid Monday.  But the owner had not only heard my name from her friend, Jennifer... It turns out that the Stake Primary President, whom I'll be serving with, had a conversation with the seller about me Sunday.  I don't know what the other bid was but the seller ended up accepting ours Monday night.  We offered just barely below asking price and we're so glad we moved on this place when we did.

There are lots of things I really love about this new home of ours but my favorite is that it's still very close to the place I love so much and to our beautiful  City Center Temple.  Even within its walls there are reminders of that Temple, complete with stain-glass windows and the same circle and square or "heaven and earth" motif in the door frames.  :)

I think I'm gonna like it here.
-Alicia

For Time and All Eternity

This evening, my husband and I had a unique experience that doesn't come around to many people.  Our good friends, Regee & Loraine, from Zimbabwe are converts to the church and Regee has never been sealed in the temple to his parents.  They passed away when he was still a baby and most memories he has of them are only from stories he's heard.

 About a year-and-a-half ago I went with Regee and Loraine to the Salt Lake Temple where he was able to be baptized as proxy for his brother who had passed away. That was an awesome day!

But tonight was even more incredible because Regee had Joseph and I be proxy for his parents while he was sealed to them as if he had been born in the covenant.  Regee also performed as proxy for his deceased brother so he could be sealed to them as well.

It was a small group, just us, the temple sealer and his wife (who they are close friends with), one other neighbor from the ward, and a long-time friend of theirs from Zimbabwe. The evening sun shone perfectly through the stain glass window of the sealing room causing everyone's face to reflect its golden light.  The Spirit was strong and all who were present could sense the sacredness of the moment.  What a beautiful experience we had!

-Alicia

A Preparatory Temple

I had the opportunity of attending both the 9:00 and the 3:00 dedication services of the Provo City Center Temple in March.  I took a notebook with me to write down my thoughts and impressions from all who spoke.

The talk that struck me the most during the 9:00 session was Elder Oaks.  He began his address referring to another Temple in our church history that had risen from the ashes, the Nauvoo Temple.  He spoke of it as being a preparatory temple for those pioneer saints to face the difficult journey ahead of them.  It had just been completed when the persecution against the Church grew so intense that they were forced to leave their beautiful Nauvoo.

In his talk Elder Oaks likened the Provo City Center to the Nauvoo Temple saying that it would also be a preparatory temple for the struggles we would face in these last days.  In order to press through the hardships and trials of our day, he encouraged us to re-dedicate our lives to the building of Zion.  He testified of the ability to access heavenly power by doing temple work for our ancestors and also learning their stories.

Along this principle of building up the kingdom of God and establishing Zion in such a contentious day and age, Elder Oaks quoted from Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address, "Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." (I especially loved that Elder Oaks quoted this because it was something I had just written about 2-and-a-half weeks prior to the dedication.)

He emphasized that this "union" would be bound by the "mystic chords of memory" the stories of our loved ones, our ancestors, those in our family who have passed away.  He promised that as we learn and share their stories of faith, their personal testimonies, their struggles, and their triumphs, we will be "touched... by the better angels of our nature."  This very simple act of turning and connecting to the faith our forefathers and foremothers will not only soften our hearts and help us connect, instill unity, and increase our affection for one another in our family... but also in our community.

This past year, I have studied the life and stories of my 3rd great grandfather, William Wall (on my dad's side) and my great aunt Sylvia (on my mom's side).  Their stories of faith have astonished me.  I had no idea the kinds of things they had to persevere and press through.  They were every bit as brave and valiant as the prophets of old.  A great spirit of reverence and respect has instilled upon my heart for these ancestors of mine.  Even more wonderful, is that through reading their records I have felt their presence very clearly in my life...
I have felt the presence of angels... Something I think we are ALL going to need... for what lies ahead. (2 Kings 6:16)

-Alicia

Timp, the Y, and the Angel Moroni

Early last September, I wrote a post about the perfect view from my apartment.  From the windows of my place, I can see three significant markers in my life all somehow tied together and playing out a story:  Mt. Timpanogos, The "Y" for BYU, and the Angel Moroni who stands atop our beautiful City Center Temple.

If you ever go to a Temple Open House, you might have the opportunity to see some gorgeous murals.  Many of our temples have them in the creation room.  Our new City Center Temple opened its doors in January of this year to give visitors a first-time view before it was dedicated in March.

I could spend all day staring at the brush strokes and color details on the walls.  What I wouldn't give to learn the technique of these master artists! It's awe-inspiring! Someday, when we own our home, I'd love to take a room and paint over every last inch of the walls and ceiling, creating my own mural.

This past week, I went to do a session at our new Temple and found myself lost in the artwork surrounding me.  Then, I noticed something I hadn't before.  (Anyone can interpret it how they want.  In fact, most people won't find any meaning in it at all... but I saw it... and for me, it was personal.)

 In the back of the creation room in this House of the Lord, crowned with the Angel Moroni, there was painted within the mural Mt. Timpanogos and a cougar (which is BYU's mascot).  I smiled when I put them together.  There they were... that lovely little trilogy pattern of significant markers in my life reoccurring all in one place: Timp, the "Y", and the Angel Moroni. Once again, from where I stood, it was the perfect view!

-Alicia

"As Thou Wilt" - Ponderize - Week 25

I had the opportunity to take my son and four other youth to the brand new City Center Temple this morning.  Chandler wanted to get there super early so he left with his friend at 4:30 am.  I met him later at 5.  We weren't the first ones in the font but we were pretty close.

It was great to see some familiar faces with Brother and Sister Oliver & Brother and Sister Rowley  (Workers from the old Provo Temple on the hill.)  In this new Temple, I love the stain glass windows on the wooden doors in the baptistry there because you can see clearly through them into the next room. The whole Temple is absolutely beautiful.

Since Easter is this coming Sunday, I took my scripture study focus to the later chapters in Matthew and the week of events leading up to the Savior's atonement.  It caused me to reflect on the wonderful lesson Miriam and Micah gave last night for FHE.   I've been pondering on the verse where it describes Jesus praying in Gethsemane, "He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." -  Matt 26:39

Those words, "As Thou wilt" stood out to me more than usual and I read them in modern language, "As you wish."  This may seem kind-of cheesy, but reading it like that immediately made me think of The Princess Bride and the code-word Westley uses for "I love you."  As cheesy of a parallel it may seem, I think it really fits!!

"As Thou Wilt = As You Wish = I Love You." 

 It makes so much sense!  The only thing is now every time I watch that movie and every time I read this verse, both will come to my mind. ....I guess that's okay as long as I don't have thoughts of Westley rolling down a hill during the sacrament.  :P

-Alicia

"Happy Day!!!"

Today is the big day! It's Palm Sunday and the First Day of Spring; a day of letting the Savior in, a day to start a new life, and begin new beginnings.  It's also the day we shout "Hosanna!" and dedicate the new Provo City Center Temple. This is the only one with such a unique "back-story."  It's inspiring to me on so many levels.  

After the tabernacle was gutted by fire and it stood a hollowed burned-out shell for months, I remember when President Monson announced it would be made into a temple, I was so thrilled that I cried and laughed at the same time.  I drove down the street and around the corner either that same day or the next, I remember it was raining.  I looked up at the east wall and saw a big banner with balloons that proclaimed, "Happy Day!"  This written declaration made my heart burst and the joyful tears I cried when it was announced returned.  I parked alone at that corner for just a moment to catch my breath and said out-loud responding to the banner, "It IS a happy day isn't it, it truly is a happy day!" 

Photo by, Sammy Jo Hester - Daily Herald

The kids had the cultural celebration last night.  They had been preparing for months.  We've never had an opportunity like it before and will likely never have one again.  All of the performances were beautiful.  Our kids danced to the song Reaching by, Audiomachine. They were awesome and I couldn't stop smiling, I felt so proud!   

I also really loved the one with umbrellas.  They danced to a song called, "Sometimes He Let's it Rain."  I've heard that song before and some of the lines are these:

"Sometimes He lets it rain, He lets the fierce winds blow.

Sometimes it takes a storm to lead a heart where it can grow.

He can move mountains of grief and oceans of pain, but sometimes He lets it rain.

There is no joy without the pain. Sometimes, He has to let it rain." 

It made me think of the talk by President Eyring a while back called "Where is the Pavilion?"  But after the storm, the sun is sure to shine, and shine it did!  For the final song, all 6,000 youth created a sun with girls dressed in white at the circle's center and beautiful rays of fire and light reaching up into the stands.  It was perfect!  Just perfect!

I pray my heart will be open today during the dedication.  I pray I will be receptive to the Lord and His way of transforming me, to purify me into who I need to be;  a better wife, a better mother, a better servant, and friend. I thank my Father in Heaven for this beautiful, beautiful house with it's inscription "Holiness to the Lord" and I pray dear Father, more holiness give me.

-Alicia

Hosanna!

This coming Sunday we will have the opportunity to participate in the dedication of the Provo City Center Temple.  How fitting that this sacred and glorious dedication has been appointed to be on Palm Sunday.  For FHE last night, we discussed the symbolism of Christ's entry into the ancient city and how He is entering our city today.

John 12:12-19, Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44 , Zechariah 9:9 

• The Palm Branch = symbol of victory, triumph, peace and eternal life
• Riding on a donkey = a symbol of peace and meekness.  The horse was a symbol of war but donkeys were often used in peace treaties. 
• He came from the east and up into Jerusalem = The names of the cities listed in the Gospels  are of such an order to show this direction.  He also ascended upward into the city since Jerusalem is on a hill.  (The rising sun also comes from the east.)
• Hosanna - is a Greek form of the Hebrew expression for "Save us now," or "Save, we pray."... Note the rendering of the :Hosanna Shout: in the restored Church of Christ in the current dispensation on occasions of particular rejoicing before the Lord. (p. 523 Jesus the Christ)
• The first thing Christ did after entering the city was cleanse the Temple.

"The people were jubilant over the spectacle of Jesus riding toward the holy city... For the time being He was their king, and they His adoring subjects.  The voices of the mulititude sounded in reverberating harmony: ;Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the hightest'; and again: 'Hosanna to the son of David: blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.'" - James E. Talmage (Jesus the Christ p. 514)

We too feel blessed and are thrilled with the opportunity to rejoice and shout "Hosanna!" at this Temple dedication.  To offer Him this Holy House and welcome Him to our city.

We really had a great time with the kids last night in our discussion but it has caused me some deeper reflection - so I want to take a little time to go slightly further into this story. You see, with the temple that Christ entered into in Jerusalem, it was a different event than ours here in Provo:

"Amidst all this jubilation, Jesus was sad as He came in sight of the great city wherin stood the House of the Lord;  and He wept, because of the wickedness of His people, and of their refusal to accept Him as the Son of God; moreover He foresaw the awful scenes of destruction before which both city and temple were soon to fall.  In anguish and tears, He thus apostrophized the doomed city: 'If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.' (Luke 19:42)" - James E. Talmage (Jesus the Christ p. 515)

In other words He lamented, "If you had only realized what would bring you peace, real peace... but you've closed your eyes and refuse to see."

How were their eyes closed?
Is there a clue to this answer by the Savior's first choice of action after he dismounts the donkey? What does He do?  He immediately clears out the temple because they had turned it into a "den of thieves." - Luke 19:46  Perhaps He had some interest in real-estate, after-all, they had no right to do whatever they wanted in the Temple.  This was HIS house.  He was the owner, the possessor of this place.

Speaking of houses...  what about the one we dwell in as a family.... Who is the rightful owner of our home?  Is our home just a residence for ourselves or have we dedicated it to the Lord?  What do we invite in on a daily basis and would He approve?  How do we maintain the kind of atmosphere where His Spirit may dwell?

And what about our mortal tabernacle?  Who possesses it?
Each day the Lord leaves it up to us to choose, but we must always remember Who bought us.

"The purchase price for our fullness of joy--body and spirit eternally united--is the pure and innocent blood of the Savior of this world. We cannot then say in ignorance or defiance, 'Well, it's my life,' or worse yet, 'It's my body.' It is not. 'Ye are not your own,' Paul said. 'Ye are bought with a price.'" - Jeffrey R. Holland 

What kinds of things turn my own home "into a den of thieves"?

The way to peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come is to let the rightful Owner in our hearts, let Him in our home, and into our life!  Let Him claim His rightful place and take ownership.... not partial... this isn't fractional real-estate.... but full and complete ownership.
How do I let Him in?
What does that look like in my daily choices?
What does that look like for me as a mother, a wife, a sister, and a neighbor?

Just some thoughts I've been having....
-Alicia

Christ in Me

by, Jeremy Camp

"In this obsession with the things this world says make us happy

Can't see the slaves we are in all the searching all the grasping

Like we deserve much more than all these blessing we're holding

So now I'm running free into an ocean of mercy unending

So come and empty me 

So that it's you I breathe

I want my life to be 

Only Christ in me 

So I will fix my eyes

'Cause you're my source of life 

I need the world to see

That it's Christ in me"

Tour the Temple

This is a really cool in-depth tour of the symbols and design of the new Provo City Center Temple.  We watched it as a family tonight.  Enjoy!

Reaching

My kids have the opportunity of participating in the Cultural Celebration and Temple dedication for the Provo, City Center Temple.  They had their first dance practice last night.  Afterwards, my son came home and told me the song they are performing to was "Reaching" by, Audiomachine.  I thought to myself "That's perfect! Absolutely perfect" because whenever I think of Audiomachine, I think of their album, "Tree of Life."  This temple and the Tree of Life have long been tied together in story for me. 

• "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." - Isaiah 61:3

This temple is a symbol of incredible beauty, shining like a light, a symbol of a new life, of redemption from the ruins, of triumph through tragedy, and holiness out of heartbreak... How glorious it is, to rise from the ashes, and constantly reach to a higher and more noble place no matter the cost.  Through Christ, all things are possible.  The Lord is aware of our every need and every struggle.  He is mighty to save and there is nothing we can't make it through when we rely and trust in His wisdom and grace.  He is so very good... all is well... all is well.

• "This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13

• "For ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. " -2 Nephi 31: 19-20

• "He saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree." 1 Nephi 8:24

-Alicia :)

Shelter From the Storm

I'm studying the Book of Mormon again (a little slower this time).  I'm also working my way through the Old Testament.  The brave stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have been fresh on my mind.  The culture tide that is sweeping away so many of our young adults has been heavy on my heart. You know how in Helaman 5:12 it warns "when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds... his shafts [directed or barbed in sharp attack] in the whirlwind, yea... his hail and his mighty storm...[that] shall beat upon [us]".  Well, it's not a matter of "when" anymore... it's happening now.

Have you ever been in a category five hurricane or tornado?  I haven't but I've seen pictures of the devastation.  Imagine heaps of wood, metal, and glass shooting at you from all directions at 180 mph. 

Aftermath of Hurricane Andrew - 1992

Before something like this ever happens the people of the community hear numerous urgent warnings over the air waves from the news anchors.  "Run for cover! Find shelter! Head for a safe place!"  

I looked up images of storm shelters last night.  I was amazed at some of the stories of people emerging after the whirlwind to find nothing but devastation and rubble for miles and miles.  I'm sure their first thoughts as they step out uninjured and surveyed the scene, were thoughts of gratitude for the one little safe place they had for their family.

Moore, Oklahoma - 2013

In the Gospel, where is our shelter, our safe place?  

"And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory of Zion shall be a defense.  And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain." - 2 Nephi 14:5,6  Isaiah 4:5,6

I love this description!  Every time I read it I think of the Provo Temple.  It was designed to look like a cloud around the base and the spire used to be almost orange to represent a pillar of fire.

Look at those words in the verse again, "a place of refuge, and a covert from storm" isn't it beautiful and comforting to know we have these in so many areas of the world?  

What makes this place safe?  How does it rescue us and help us be anchored in such trying times?  Why do we run to the temple?  Of course the most central focus of the temple is Jesus Christ, He is the foundation and cornerstone.  The temple helps us understand our true identity and purpose.  It helps us discover who we are and who we are meant to become.

The temple also helps us understand who the Lord has appointed as true messengers to guide and teach us in our mortal journey.  In every single temple the baptismal font is built upon the backs of twelve oxen.  There is a reason for this! The number represents the twelve tribes of Israel.  It is a place of gathering back the branches of Jacob's tree.  Twelve is also the symbol of the priesthood, a symbol of covenant.

Phoenix, Arizona Temple

Early this Monday morning, I sat on the bench in the baptistery of the Provo Temple and gazed out at the font. For the previous two days my head had been spinning about the negative voices of the world calling after and leading astray so many of our good members.  I thought of the recent Facebook conversation I participated in and the young women involved.  I thought of this girl's father and how many tears he has shed on her behalf.  Knowing some of his stories, I reflected further... "He has gone through so much anguish for this daughter on so many levels - pleading and praying for her physically and spiritually. How much more burden does this man have to shoulder? Lord, how much?!" Alma 4:15 played in my mind, "Having seen the afflictions of [this] humble follower of God....[I] began to be very sorrowful; nevertheless the Spirit of the Lord did not fail [me]."  My heart ached, and I prayed, "Lord, isn't there something I can say or do to help rescue these children?" I opened the Book of Mormon to where I am in my personal study.  

"We are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old.

 But behold... they despised the words of plainness... sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall." - Jacob 4:13,14

I reflected over and over on these words. They "looked beyond the mark." They missed the whole point, the plain and simple truths.  The storm was upon us.  We shouted and waved.  We pointed to the children where the shelter was "Get inside! Take cover!"...and they ran right past it looking for something "more appealing" less "restrictive," imagining something more significant. 

"However frustrating outside critiques may be, the bigger obstacle to finding sanctuary is when we begin to misunderstand our own beliefs—when we allow our faith to be diminished and trivialized. That can occur if we rewrite our own history, concluding that 'my mission wasn’t that meaningful' or 'I didn’t really have that experience.' In so doing, we fall prey to the situation described by George Orwell in his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four when he wrote: “Who controls the past . . . controls the future: who controls the present controls the past” (Nineteen Eighty-Four [New York: Penguin, 1950], 32).

At our worst, we caricature our own beliefs, making them seem small, insignificant, and slightly embarrassing. In the end we come to believe that our religion is no more than a series of interesting social customs and that our faith is as easily discarded as an unwanted gym membership." - Jeffrey F. Ringer - Finding Sanctuary

How is it that our culture has come to reject our very foundations of freedom?  How can we save our children who are being led astray?  "According to the scriptures, this stone shall become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the Jews can build. And now, my beloved, how is it possible that these, after having rejected the sure foundation, can ever build upon it, that it may become the head of their corner?" - Jacob 4:16, 17

The Lord of the vineyard, after all His labor, all His digging, all His nourishing and pruning, saw the branches of his beloved tree begin to perish and He cried, "It grieveth me that I should lose this tree." (Jacob 5:11) In an effort to save it He called servants to labor with Him.  Together they "did go and labor with their mights" (Jacob 5:72).  Even though the tree was dying for a time and it seemed as if there was no hope, the tree was revived and their efforts were not in vain. The Lord rejoiced saying, "I have preserved the natural fruit, that it is good, even like as it was in the beginning. And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard." - Jacob 5:75

There is another temple in Provo.  It will be dedicated next March.  It stands as a symbol of redemption.  It proves that even if one has been ravished by storm or fire, even if it looks as if all hope is lost or that they will never return.... that there is a bigger part of the story to unfold we don't always foresee and that God is "mighty to save!"

Hold on and never lose hope!  "God's in His heaven.  All's right with the world." - Browning

Provo Tabernacle - December 2010

Provo City Center Temple - Present Day

Let it be known:
 "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." - Isaiah 61:3

This is my testimony.
-Alicia

The View From Here :)

I love the little apartment where I live!  I've loved it since the first time I set foot in it - It felt like home to me.  It's funny because never in my wildest imagination did I think I would say something like that about a run-down place like this, especially in my late 30's married for nearly 16 yrs and having four children.  I imagined at this time in my life I'd be living in a nice little cozy house with a fenced back-yard, a large front porch just like my grandma used to have, a tire swing hanging from a tree, and a huge garden full of fresh vegetables.  

So what is it that I love about our little place if there is none of this?  It's the location.  

I have my very best friend who lives a block and a half up the street from me, I have the perfect place for skate parties and BBQ's with all my neighbors in the south parking lot, there are events, concerts, and celebrations within walking distance from my doorstep, and so much more. 

Also, from the inside of my apartment I have the perfect view of three things: Timp, the Y, and the Angel Moroni. -  

All of the north widows of my little apartment frame in Mt. Timpanogos perfectly: I will never forget the first time I hiked to the summit of that mountain.  Out our east window I can see the Y:  The first six-and-a-half years of living here in Provo, I'd stare out that window in a dream and wonder when my chance for attending BYU would come.  It came sooner than I thought and I'm living that dream now.  From the view of my kitchen window, I can see the Angel Moroni:  He stands with regal splendor upon the spire of a building that testifies of redemption, renewal, resurrection, and second chances. The view of these three things serve as symbols to me of my past, present, and future.  

Yesterday morning, I hiked the Y with my dear friend, Suzanne.  From the view up there we could see four temples in this gorgeous valley.  Four temples!!  Payson, City Center, Provo, and Timponogos. How richly blessed we are!  Last night in my prayers, I thanked my Father in Heaven for giving me such a wonderful life.  I have a great relationship with my husband, we love each other and enjoy the simplicity of being together.  We have four of the coolest kids who ever walked the face of this earth.  We live in the best ward and have the finest leaders.  We are surrounded by amazing family and friends who we love dearly and they love us, and we have this Gospel, the True Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I couldn't be happier.  God is good, so very very good.  The view from here is sweet.  This is my home!!

-Alicia