Becoming like Jesus Christ day one

Our family moved to the Dominican Republic in August of 1994. We were getting settled in our new environment, but I was feeling so lost and alone. We looked very different from everyone around us, the Dominican Spanish was difficult for me to understand, our house was in a neighborhood that was not easy to walk around in. One morning I dropped the older children off at school, and took baby Laura for a walk in the stroller at Parque Mirador, a park that runs along side and overlooked the Caribbean.   I was shuffling along, feeling sorry for myself.

(Are you feeling sorry for me yet? I’m on a tropical island,  walking along a path lined with palm trees and lush green vegetation, pushing a healthy, beautiful baby girl in a stroller,  feeling the sweet ocean breeze and seeing the blue Caribbean in the distance? Such a sad life!) We had been living overseas for nine years at this point, and there I was, feeling sad and lonely.

I began praying…actually kind of whining,  in my heart, “Heavenly Father, I feel so alone. When am I ever going to feel like I belong? When am I ever going to feel like I am home?” And then the Lord whispered to me, through the Holy Ghost, “Everyone is a stranger on earth. You won’t be home until you are home with Me.” Oh. 

In that moment, I learned on a different level who I really am: I really am a daughter of God. We are ALL children of Heavenly Parents, who want us to return Home. We sing the song, “I am child of God” in Primary all the time. The song teaches truth, and it is one of the Holy Ghost’s favorite songs. How do I know? Because there can be all kinds of Primary chaos going on in the Primary room, but as soon as the children start singing “I am a child of God, and He has sent me here”, the feeling in the room changes. The children feel the  truth of the words that they are singing, and it’s like the Holy Ghost has opened the door and walked in. 

My assigned topic today is “how to become like Jesus Christ”, and I’m going to tell you something that might surprise you or that you might argue with. 

This is the truth: because you are a child of God, you are already just like Him and like our brother and savior, Jesus Christ. In “The Family: a proclamation to the world” it says: ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.

The following experience helps me understand this concept:  

Many years ago in Florence, Italy, I saw some sculptures by Michelangelo that I will never forget. These sculptures, called the Slaves or Prisoners, are marble figures that look like they are caught in the act of freeing themselves from the stone. They look unfinished. Some believe that Michelangelo deliberately left them incomplete to represent the struggle of human beings to free themselves from worldly temptations.  In fact, that was exactly Michelangelo’s philosophy:  he believed that he was a tool of God, not creating anything but simply revealing the powerful figures already contained in the marble. He believed that his only task was to chip away the excess, to reveal what was already inside. 

We can draw a spiritual parallel to ourselves. Because we are children of God, our spirits are divine Godly matter. We have a divine nature; we are ALREADY like Him. We can’t see that masterpiece until we remove all the things in the way. At times, all we might see is a slab of marble or a statue very much in progress—until we take away everything that isn’t us. Becoming like Christ isn’t something that we find outside of ourselves. Instead, it is something already inside of us. We deliberately and intentionally and prayerfully unwrap all the layers that keep it hidden and reveal that whole and perfect spirit that is in there. 

This truth is so hopeful and liberating for me. It means that we don’t need to be someone else to be like Jesus Christ. It means that all of those Christlike attributes that we want to have: humility, obedience, kindness, courage, and love are already within us. We just need to do the work to remove the layers of impatience or disobedience or selfishness or whatever else is getting in the way.”

Another way to think of this divine Christlike nature is to consider an acorn seed. 

The tiny acorn seed contains the blueprint to grow into a mighty oak tree. It  pushes deep into the dirt to root itself, it seeks light and water, and little by little it becomes what it is meant to be. In a 

Elder Oaks said in a conference talk ,  “We qualify for eternal life (and  become like Christ ) through a process of conversion…. this word of many meanings signifies not just a convincing but a profound change.” 

Because Christ knew exactly who He was, other people could be negative and mean to him, and he never was negative about their negativity. He genuinely loved others unconditionally. He didn’t resist what His life was meant to be, and understood His own worth so fully that He had no fear driving Him as sometimes the rest of us do. Elder Holland said, Jesus’ entire being, His complete purpose and delight, were centered in pleasing His Father and obeying His will. Of Him He seemed always to be thinking; to Him He seemed always to be praying. Unlike us, He needed no crisis, no discouraging shift in events to direct His hopes heavenward. He was already instinctively, longingly looking that way.

Michelangelo was willing to do the work of transforming a block of marble into a masterpiece of powerful art. A tiny acorn seed works very hard to grow into a mighty oak. Christ was the ultimate example of becoming who He was meant to be.  

        I believe that our work is to discover that divine nature within us who we truly are; to remove those worldly layers  so that we can grow and experience that profound change into the person we were created to become. 

Why? Personal and family scripture study day one

Before I start a project, I like to ask myself “why”? Why am I doing this? what is my purpose? What do I hope to accomplish?"

Our new prophet, Pres. Russell M. Nelson, recently counseled us to “begin with the end in mind”. Bro. Talbot and I were asked by the stake to bring you some thoughts about personal and family scripture study. So, I asked myself, “Why? Why are we counseled to study the scriptures?  Why should I take time to study them by myself? Why should I go to the effort of studying them with my family?”

And taking Pres. Nelson’s counsel to begin with the end in mind, I can ask,  "What is the end? My answer to that question is “I want to be like Heavenly Father and Christ; I want  to go back home with my family and loved ones forever.”

Pres. Nelson answered it like this: “The end for which each of us strives is to be endowed with a power in a house of the Lord, sealed as families—faithful to the covenants made in a temple that qualify us for the greatest gift of God, that of eternal life.” 

“These two objectives—immortality and eternal life—are both enabled by the Atonement of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.”

So, in preparing this talk, I searched through the scriptures and prophetic counsel looking for the “why”. What do the scriptures tell us about why we study the scriptures?

Christ himself teaches us why: 

In the Bible,   ¶ ^aSearch the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which ^btestify of me. John 5: 39

In the Book of Mormon: 

 he that hath the scriptures, let him ^asearch them 3 Nephi 10:14

In the D&C 1:37 aSearch these commandments, for they are true and cfaithful, and the prophecies and dpromises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

In the Pearl of Great Price: Joseph Smith Matt.1: 37 And whoso atreasureth up my word, shall not be deceived

These are reasons from Christ Himself. 

Latter-day prophets have also answered the question: How does personal and family scripture study help me? Why do I want learn about my Heavenly Parents and my Savior Jesus Christ ? How does personal and family scripture study help me reach my end goal?

From Pres. Monson, April 2017:

 I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you.

Because the Book of Mormon is true, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church on the earth, and the holy priesthood of God has been restored for the benefit and blessing of His children.

A testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through continued obedience to the commandments of God and through daily prayer and scripture study.

From Pres. Nelson April 2017:

Consecrate a portion of (your) time each week to study everything Jesus said and did as recorded in the standard works.9 I invite (you) to let the scriptural citations about Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide become (your) personal core curriculum.10

October 2017  The Book of Mormon provides the fullest and most authoritative understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be found anywhere. It illuminates the teachings of the Master and exposes the tactics of the adversary.

The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls.

My dear brothers and sisters, I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day, even the gripping plague of pornography and other mind-numbing addictions. 

From other apostles;

1. Pres. Eyring: God reveals things to me that are personal and helpful. We find answers to our questions. Personal revelation will flow”

From my journal a couple of years ago: I was listening to the scriptures as I drove to Kensington this morning. When I heard about Moroni's fortifications that had never been seen before. I thought to myself, "Wow! I would love to have a fortification against Satan like that!" I pushed the pause button, and said a prayer. "Heavenly Father, what would be a fortification for me that would prevent Satan from getting into the chinks in my armor?" Almost immediately, the Spirit whispered something to me that I sort of knew was important, but not really a commandment. Sure, it's in my patriarchal blessing. Now I know that, for me at least, it is a commandment and will be my fortification against Satan. Want to know what my new commandment is? Sleep. Get into bed earlier and get a good night's rest. When I am sleepy and fatigued, I am much more vulnerable. This is a tricky one for me, because there's always something more to do. But now that I know it's my personal commandment and my fortification against Satan, I will be obedient.

2. Pres. Hinckley: We will experience the sweet whisperings of the Spirit to our souls; the scriptures become a part of you. Lives will be infinitely more blessed and our burdens will be made lighter.

When I was a young mother, there was  a sister in RS that I respected and admired. She had reared a large family and was very close to Heavenly Father. Her husband had passed away a few years before, which, of course, was a very difficult thing for her. One day in RS, she told us an experience that she had at the time of his passing that I have always remembered. She said that she was sitting in her husband’s hospital room, grieving, her heart broken, when a scripture came into her mind. I don’t recall which scripture she mentioned, but I do remember that she said that it gave her great comfort and her grief was eased. She testified of her gratitude for the scriptures and how thankful she was that she had studied the scriptures all her life. Because she had done that, Heavenly Father was able to help her recall a scripture that would bring her solace and reassurance. I remember thinking to myself, “I want to be like that! I want to be able to have that blessing myself in difficult times."

3.  Pres. Monson: We will gain a sure testimony of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of Their love  for us.

   Some of you might remember Sandee Everett, who was a member of our ward years ago. One time she told us that when she returned from her mission, she was so attached to her Book of Mormon, she would sleep with it under her pillow at night. At the time, I thought that was really funny and a little strange :) But I think I understand that feeling better now. For me, the scriptures and especially the Book of Mormon are a tangible evidence of God’s love for us. It’s a gift from Him that we can actually hold in our hand. He has given us everything, but we can’t touch faith; we can’t touch eternal life; we can’t touch repentance. But we can lift this wonderful book that, if we will study it, it will help us develop faith, learn how to repent and yearn for eternal life with our Heavenly Family. So, if someone wants to sleep with it under their pillow to remind them of God’s love, that’s awesome!!

4. Elder Scott: Study of the scriptures will give us an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience; we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives.

 Brock: Personal scripture study for me is a shield against temptation. In particular, reading the Book of Mormon each day has blessed my life immensely.

5. Pres. Eyring: Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. The Book of Mormon especially reveals the will of the Lord for family life.

Kate: One quote and truth that I love is from Elder Packer: “The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”

I have definitely seen this in my life. As a mother and wife, when I am reading daily and studying the doctrines of the gospel, I am much more patient and closer to the spirit so I can check my behavior. Also, the more I study, the easier it is for me to teach my girls about the scriptures. I can retell scripture stories easier (more accurately) and bring up doctrine in conversation much more easily too. 

My girls are much more understanding of gospel truths than I was even at twice their age. They have been prepared for these days FOR SURE. Reading the scriptures with them and watching them read and comprehend, and answer meaningfully in primary and FHE, brings me so much joy. They are arming themselves against the adversary and it shows. The scriptures are too powerful not to use. 

6. Pres. Benson: the scriptures help us understand our purpose on earth

According to President Ezra Taft Benson, a patriarchal blessing is “personal scripture to you.” .Remember, the Liahona was a perfect compass for Lehi’s family as they traveled to the promised land—if they heeded it and kept the Lord’s commandments. In your journey to the promises in your patriarchal blessing, take special note of what this personal Liahona tells you about what to avoid and what to do to obtain those promises. https://www.lds.org/youth/article/what-a-patriarchal-blessing-can-do-for-you?lang=eng&_r=1

I know that my own patriarchal blessing has given me comfort and at times, chastisement, when I read it and examine my life. Because of this special blessing, I know the gifts and responsibilities that Heavenly Father has given me and for what I must be accountable in my day of judgement.

7. Pres. Nelson: most importantly, the scriptures help bring the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ into our lives. 

I know that when I take time to be still, to study and ponder, that allows my Spirit to calm and be receptive to the Spirit; that is when the Holy Ghost manages to pierce my heart. And when we feel the presence of the Holy Ghost with us, that IS the atonement of Christ working within us. It’s as simple as that. 

I find that it’s easier to follow a commandment if I know the “why”. 

In this case, the “how” might be even trickier. We have busy lives. This is what our leaders, who are probably busier than any of the rest of us, have said about that: 

Pres. Eyring: The only way you can be sure that a busy schedule doesn’t crowd out scripture study is to establish a regular time to study the scriptures. I have found that the beginning of the day and the end of the day are mine.

When I am in situations where I break out of the pattern, it’s hard on me. Once you get used to regular scripture study, you miss it if you don’t have it. It’s like food—you have to have it. I know that I need the scriptures like I need food. I don’t miss a regular meal, and I don’t miss regular scripture study.

For me at least, and I think my six children would agree, scripture study works well only if your children know you love the scriptures and they also know as individuals that you love them. Then whatever pattern you have will work. If scripture study is forced for either them or you, if your children feel pushed, or if you don’t really love the scriptures yourself, then scripture study doesn’t have as much power.

I’m blessed with a wife who absolutely loves the scriptures. If I ask her, “What would you like to do?” she says, “Oh, read me the scriptures.” I think our children sensed that it wasn’t a duty for us to read the scriptures—it was a pleasure."

Sister Neill Marriott of the General RS said, “Sometimes in the harbor of our homes, we can’t see that by the simple, consistent acts—including family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening—great things are brought to pass. But I testify that these very acts carry eternal significance."

Elder David A. Bednar said: “Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results” (“More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 19–20).

I know that when our family was growing up, we tried many, many different ways to read scriptures as a family. We tried before seminary, at dinnertime, at bedtime, right before each group went off to school. We were never perfect, but as I look back, at least our children can say that we tried. We tried and kept trying. I guess we thought that there would be the perfect time if we kept trying to figure it out. I see now that there is never “the perfect time”. My son in law spoke truth when he said, “I used to think that some days I was too busy to study my scriptures, but I changed my mindset this year. I've studied the Book of Mormon every day. I just had to make time for it. Does that mean giving up doing something else? Often it does, but it's worth it. It's prioritizing. The more I study, the easier it is for me to do so again, and I find myself wanting to take that time each day to study God's word, to learn, to feel the Spirit. One of the things that has made scripture study easier for me recently is giving myself permission to be "creative" with my scripture study time. In an ideal world, I would take an hour each day in a quiet room, begin with a prayer and study the scriptures. But the reality is different. I used to find myself thinking that if I couldn't get that ideal setting, then I couldn't study the scriptures, and so I missed a lot of days. But what I've done recently is studied the scriptures each day in whatever method is available and works for that time and setting. Sometimes it's brief. Other times it's longer. Sometimes I open paper scriptures. Other times I read them on my phone. And sometimes I even listen to the scriptures on my app. The point is, God has given us many methods for studying His word these days. I think what matters most is that we take advantage of one of those methods for some amount of time each day. The quality and depth of study will improve as time goes on. 

So, my questions have been answered. The scriptures  help me learn more about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I want to learn about them because I want to be like Them. I want to be like Them because if I am like Them,  I will love perfectly, make decisions perfectly, obey perfectly, and have complete happiness. And that sounds pretty good. 

Hear! Hear! for Forty Years! day one

Forty years ago, I became a mother. I was a bit terrified and very clueless, but my mother was there to help. This sweet baby girl was the first grandchild on both sides, and was welcomed into the world with so much joy from her grandparents and newly-minted aunts and uncles.

You know how it is: you don’t know what you’re doing, but you pray and do your best and read “how to” books and pray again and study the scriptures and do your best and pray again and again. Forty years ago, If I could have seen the beautiful woman Emily would become, I would have been so thrilled. I feel thrilled now; and added to that is a feeling of awe. Emily has developed unconditional love; she really has, and all those that come in contact with her feel it. In addition, she has become a rock; her faith has been tried time and again, and she has always looked to The Rock.

I’m not the only one who sees her goodness. See for yourself:

From Kristin-

-Nothing means more to Emily than family. She has jumped through some crazy hoops just to see me for a hour or so when I've been within 100 miles of her. She's driven me through snowstorms and into NYC at midnight - and if you know Emily, you know she hates to drive. She never has complained and always makes time to see me. And that's just for me! She is such an amazing wife and mother. She is the heart of her family and makes anywhere she is home.

- No one has a better laugh then Emily. She is one of my favorite people to be around because she is always laughing or finding humor in things.

- Emily is so brave. I've watched her do some things that truly terrified her but she has faith and courage.

- Emily is a friend to everyone. I once went to visit her in NJ and Maddie was having a basketball game. Emily introduced me to her many friends at the game and I was so impressed by their obvious love for her.

- Emily knows everyone. Some of the most random moments I've had have been because of Emily. I remember her seeing someone she knew from South America (I can't recall where exactly) at a movie theater in Draper, UT. Another time we were wandering through the Sacred Grove and she pointed out one of my good friend’s brothers and said "Hey, don't you two know each other?" What an amazing memory to know all of these people out of context!

From Kate:

- Emily is such a great example of service and magnifying callings. I remember her working SO hard as RS president when she was in the singles ward in Va. She has continued to serve in callings where she is needed, and is such a great example of accepting those callings.

- Emily is my second mom. She has always looked out for me! Most of my childhood videos have her correcting me, playing with me, carrying me, feeding me...

- Emily is FUN. We cannot get together without laughing hysterically about literally nothing. She's a good time and really has the best laugh. It seems like a majority of our family inside jokes originated with her!

- Emily can do hard things. She has had to overcome so many little and big obstacles in her life. She continues to amaze me with her bravery and spirit.

I'll leave some for others. Em is the best.

From Adam:

-Emily is entrepreneurial: clowns, swim lessons, mom's day off, babysitting, Singer's Company.

-Emily is fun: Madonna lip sync, Beach Boys lip sync, Disneyland trips, road trips.

-Emily is a caregiver: nursing Maddie through cancer treatments.

-Emily is amazing: she is raising twins. Period.

-Emily is adventurous: went to Cuzco with the Marines when she was about 9 years old. (Mom - can you verify?) (Mom: um...she was 10. So that makes it all better.)(Remember what I said about being clueless? Case in point)

From Marie:

-Emily is an awesome aunt: holding baby nieces and nephews and coaxing smiles out of reluctant toddlers.

-Emily is an excellent example: loved watching her get married and start a family and then following in her footsteps.

-Emily is hilarious: especially late at night at family gatherings.

-Emily is thoughtful: she always helps tidy up after a meal and makes sure everyone has what they need - cups of water, utensils, etc. before tending to her own needs.

From Tyler (Lively) - so cool that we have lots of Tylers in the family!

- Emily knows the meaning of Ohana - Family. No one gets left behind.

- Emily knows the meaning of having a personal Savior. I cannot even begin to fathom the trials that Emily and family have been through, but I have been able to understand and see it when I talk to Emily that she knows she has an Elder Brother who is right beside her.

- Emily knows how to Laugh. I think a lot of people have touched on this but it is just GREAT!

- In order to raise a superhero like the one and only Mighty Maddie, there certainly must be a superhero - Mighty Mommie and Superhero Mighty Jorge...That definitely didn't rhyme, but I'm going with  it! :)

From Brad

- Emily's smile and laughter light up the world and make everyone near her happier.

- I am in awe of her entrepreneurial spirit and hard work and success with Singers Company...I could never do that!  I'll take bad guys any day over 60 little girls!

- I love her testimony and dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ.   I know very few individuals on this earth with her love of the gospel and willingness to make it the center point of her life.

- I am so grateful for her example and ability to teach, along with Jorge Luis, the gospel to our dear Maddie and Daniel and Ryan.

- I am in awe of her patience.  Twins.  Enough said.

- I wasn’t able to be with Maddie when she was facing such pain and dark days, and Emily stood beside her and helped her through this while helping so many others in the Ward and community at the same time.  I am eternally grateful to her for this example of selfless love and devotion to her family and the Savior.

-  She understands and is closer to the true Character of Christ as taught by Elder Bednar, than just about anyone I know. He defines this character as “one's true self and actions to understand others and help alleviate their suffering when one is facing his or her own most serious challenges in life.”  That is our dear Emily.    

- She is an amazing friend and daughter.  More thoughtful and loving than just about anyone I know, and boy, do I have some wonderful women in my life who set that bar pretty high.

-  When our family was little and living in South America, I think she was more concerned about the welfare of her siblings than I was...at least that is what she told me!

- She is just about as close to a cross between Mary Poppins/Sheri Dew/Sister Hinckley as anyone could be in real life.

I love you Emily!!!

From Brock:

-Emily has a beautiful smile that lights up the room.

- Emily has a contagious laugh that will get everyone else around her laughing, no matter how silly or not silly the situation actually is.

- Emily has a way of making every situation fun and enjoyable. She brings happiness to all her circumstances.

- Emily has a heart full of service -- to her friends, family, neighbors and church members.

- Emily is a great big sister. I love seeing how she's such good friends with her younger brothers and sisters. I love that she'll call up Kate to catch up on her life.

From Shauna:

This last week while I spent time with her, I started thinking of 40 memories I have with Emily.

Valerie being sooooo sick in her pregnancy.

Emily being born on July 19 and Lizzy being born nine months to the day later.  Lizzy just couldn't let her best friend go.

She and Lizzy fighting over the swing at our MaryRose home in Murray, and my drama queen 2 year old falling on the ground screaming.

Emily playing in Grandma Wride's playhouse with my girls FOREVER.

Trips to Peru and Kristin and Liz going to school with Emily and Adam.

Emily watching out for all of her siblings while the Wrides were over seas.  

Walking to the Sun Gate and along steep mountain trails with Emily in Machu Picchu.

Riding four-wheelers with Emily at the Wride cabin in Daniels Canyon. (Valerie: hmm....Beth sold the cabin when Emily was a baby. Where else could this have been?)

Swimming in the pool in Dominican Republic with her.

Trips to Disneyland with Emily.

Made up songs and names on trips with Emily. Where did RE-Tar-Don-Do come from???

Meeting Emily's friends Paola and...can't think of her roommate at BYU. (Nadia)

Hardly able to go ANYWHERE with Emily that she didn't know someone!

How she took care of Mom and Dad when they were living at the Senior MTC.

Visa waiting for her mission to Argentina.

Called to serve in Anaheim. Faithfully serving there.

Living with Grandma Wride after her mission and helping Grandma finally talk about her life with Rex and the huge difference that made in the last years of Beth's life.

The best wedding reception ever with dancing, food, family, fun!

Baby showers for Maddie and Daniel and Ryan in Grandma Wride's basement.

Loving and Living through childhood cancer with Maddie.

Faith and Hope and Gratitude that has made her the confident woman she is now.

Emily makes every effort to be part of family events, even driving a few hundred/thousand miles for a few days in Bear Lake.

I love Emily's laugh.  

I love Emily's continued support of JL in his family and his business.

I love seeing the difference Emily has made in the lives of her singing group.

So glad Emily came to New York with us this week.

The Beard Family loves you!

Happy Birthday Emily!

From Leslie:

- Emily has the best laugh! And she's always willing to share it. 😊 She makes everyone happy!

- Emily is one of the most thoughtful people I know. She always reaches out to say hello, or ask how the first day of school was for your kids, or Happy Mother's Day... whatever it may be. If she's thinking of you, she lets you know! It's so easy to let thoughts like that slip by without acting on them. I love her example of action!

- on that note, Emily is always quick to share a compliment or say something nice. ❤

- I love her willingness to share her testimony and her example of service.

- Emily is a good mom! (A perfect example: kids that struggle with anxiety are no joke... they are so lucky to have her fighting in their corner!)

From Tammy:

Years ago, somehow somewhere, Emily and I came up with a phrase "Don't forget our secret".  I have forgotten what that secret was haha but I think it was "I love you".  But I've always felt we were kindred spirits.  But I think everyone that knows her thinks they are kindred spirits to her.  Hence that's why, wherever you go with her, she knows someone.  I believe she was a mighty spirit in the pre-existence, the general relief society president of heaven.  That's where her purity sets in.  

Her laugh, her love, her faith is unmeasurable.  

Happy birthday emily.   Don't forget our secret.  😉

From Peter:

Emily's voice goes up a step when she prays and talks on the phone.

She is a great example of obedience.  I can remember throwing the football with dad on a Sunday and she came out on the patio and reminded us it was the Sabbath.  

We named her car on the drive from Utah back to Virginia "Escape Chi-chi Mini Mosca" but I can't for the life of me remember why.  We needed a place to stop and came across Gary, Indiana, which sounded like a grand place from the musicals, but turned out to be a ghetto.

She is incredibly patient and nurturing as a mother - always keeping her cool and showing restraint and love.

Emily set a precedent of hard work for the siblings - she got into a tough university through her studies, was always working and busy, and set the example that shaped siblings lives for the better.

I've always thought of Emily as someone close to the Spirit - who lived life in such a way, who treats people, and put herself and family in situations that the Holy Ghost could always be near.

From Laura:
-She. Makes. Me. LAUGH! Like no one else! Our funny bones must be linked in a big way because every time we are together, I can't help but laugh! It's contagious! Her kids have even noticed this "You guys are weird when you're together" 😂
-The most caring human. When I spent a month living with her and JorgeLuis before D&R were born, I remember time after time, Emily was concerned with serving everyone around her. People at church, the MISSIONARIES! (She loves the missionaries!!), her neighbors, her little sister.
-Her testimony of Jesus Christ has inspired so many other's, including my own! And her service in the church is a major inspiration to me.
-She has great taste in movies, music, and tv shows. Gilmore girls would never have been as fun if I didn't have memories of being doubled over in laughter while watching it with Emily! And I remember blasting the Princess Diaries soundtrack in her Ford Explorer. She's so fun!!
-She is the BEST example of "I can do hard things!"
- Maybe this stems from her stint as a lifeguard 😉 But I've always felt so safe around Emily. She has a peaceful spirit, and I have always felt so loved and cared for by Em. The best big sister there ever was! I love you Em! Happy birthday!

From Corey:

When I was thinking about what to say, the first word that came to my mind was charity. I can't really express in words the length of her charity, but I knew there was a scripture somewhere that could. I found it in 2 Timothy 3:10. "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience." This is Emily. Love Corey, Gina, and the AAAA's

So there you have it. Brad and I are very grateful to have a daughter like Emily. Happy birthday, dear Emily!!

P.S. If anyone wants to add to this, just send me an email. valerie (dot) wride (at) gmail.com

…

on day one but no pics. Inside Out Day, on Steroids. Literally. day one

What a week it was going to be! Adam and Spencer were at the Aaronic Priesthood Encampment in West Virginia, about a five hour drive from Leesburg. Marie was at stake girls camp, about 45 minutes away. Merilee and I were taking turns, doing our Grandma thing for the week with Emma, John, Brett and Tyler, and we had PLANS.

Monday, June 18, was  Cars day;
We took a road trip and looked for different makes of cars; (learned a lot! Who knew that so many people drive Hondas??)  In the evening, Brad took them all (but Tyler) to see Cars 3.

Merilee took the kiddles on Tuesday, and hey had a blast at Papa and Grammy's house. By Tuesday evening, Tyler started showing signs that he was coming down with croup. John had been sick with it the week before, so it was not entirely unexpected. Ty slept well on Tuesday night, with just a couple of coughs.

Wednesday was Inside Out Day! And, oh boy, was it.

Tyler woke up, still wheezing a bit, but John had sounded the same the week before, so I figured that Tyler's little body just needed to work through the virus.  At 10 AM, Emma, John, Brett, Tyler and I went to a friend's house to prepare for a missionary zone conference luncheon that would be held the next day. The kids played in the basement while I chopped veggies. Tyler was a little sad, so he came up and played with toys next to me. Eventually he went back downstairs, but at about 11:45 AM, he came to the bottom of the stairs, breathing with more difficulty and crying, so we all whisked out of the house. He was very tired, and when we got home, I laid him in bed, where he immediately fell asleep.  Emma and John were very worried. John stayed in the car after we arrived at home earlier. He came in and told me, "I was praying in the car." Sweet boy. Emma was praying too, very worried.
Still, I thought Tyler was just working through the virus. My kids never had croup, so I didn't have any experience with it.
The rest of us ate some lunch, but after about 30 minutes of sleep,  Tyler woke again. This time he was really struggling to breathe, and at one point, he panicked. He calmed down a little, but I was was worried and trying to figure out what to do. Just then, the doorbell rang. Merilee had come to drop off something for Brad to take up to girl's camp that evening. (Merilee's words: Trina grabbed the wrong pair of identical shoes before she left for camp - she took the broken ones accidentally, necessitating the need for me to drop off another pair. Also, I was planning to come at 11:15 am when you would not have been home, but I was visiting Carol Jenkins that morning and we just kept finding things to talk about, so I didn't get to your home until just after 12. Glad you were home or I would not have been able to help.)
TENCER MERCY!!!
 Emma and John had prayed her there, for sure. She came up to the bedroom to see Tyler, we talked and decided that it would be good to take him to the nearby urgent care; we thought that maybe they would give him a breathing treatment to help him breathe better, then send us home. She would stay with the other children while I took Tyler.

Holy cow. When we walked into urgent care, they took one look at him and rushed him into a examination room. We were swarmed with doctors and nurses: they cut off his shirt so they could get to where they needed, they gave him an epi shot, put a mask over his nose to give him oxygen and other medications. Within just a few minutes, they had called 911 to rush him to the hospital. The ambulance arrived,  and it wasn't long before Tyler was buckled into a seat in the back of the truck; I was in the front seat. He was very calm-looking, but I later learned that is a symptom of lack of breath. Yikes. The paramedics turned on the siren and we zoomed down Route 7 to the hospital.

When we arrived at the ER at Lansdowne, little Tyler's lips were white and his face was ghostly white. They rushed him in to a room and started administering medications through a mask.  Almost immediately, the doctor was advising me that they might have to intubate him. Mercifully he started responding to the medications, began breathing more easily and started getting his color back, which was a huge relief and answer to prayers.

Tyler even had a T-Rex nebulizer!

Our sweet little guy received a blessing from Brad, who "happened to be" on his way to the stake center to release a couple of missionaries, and was able to swing by the hospital first. Tyler also received a health blessing from two wonderful missionaries from the Leesburg ward, who were worthy, available, and willing. I'm so grateful for the priesthood, and for priesthood holders that keep themselves worthy, and are able to exercise their priesthood power at the moment it is needed. 

Priesthood power!

Meanwhile, I had been trying to get a hold of Marie at girls camp, but couldn't get a hold of her. I called Vi Moran and Penny Jones, who both went looking for her. Eventually someone found her and told her what was going on. She grabbed her duffle bag, jumped in the car and arrived at the hospital just in time! About 10 minutes after her arrival, the Fairfax pediatric ambulance arrived. Because Lansdowne doesn't have an Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Tyler was going to be transferred to Fairfax. Tyler hadn't cried very much up to this point (no air), but cried when he saw his mommy and asked, "Da?" Mommy and daddy are supposed to be together! She had time to snuggle him for a few minutes, then it was back in the ambulance. Because croup goes in waves and can turn so quickly (as it had that morning!), they wanted to keep him under observation.

Finally snuggling with mama

This time Tyler was strapped into a pediatric stretcher, hooked up to all kinds of good oxygen (Heliox).

Heading of to Fairfax PICU

This time he was out of danger, and the ambulance didn't turn on the siren. 

Cute little ambulance...

Post script: yesterday, Monday the 26th, I went back to the same urgent care, this time for me; diagnosed with acute bronchitis. Thanks, Ty ;o)   I was ushered to a room, and sat there waiting, when the same nurse that helped Tyler walked in, recognized me and wanted to know how he was doing. Then the same doctor who helped Tyler walked in! She said, "What are the odds that you would come in here, with the same nurse, the same doctor, in the same room??!?" I had no idea I was in the same room, but that little tender mercy definitely brought the tears. I was able to thank them for all that they did for our T-Rex, who is just runnin' and running' around. Love you all!!! 

Wanderers in a strange land day one

This morning I was reading the Book of Mormon in Alma 13. In verse 23, Alma talks about his people being “wanderers in a strange land”, meaning that they had been cast out of Jerusalem and taken to a different land to make a new home in the wilderness. That phrase reminded me of a couple of sweet experiences that I’ve had.

The first was when we had first arrived in the Dominican Republic in August of 1994. We were getting settled in our new environment, but I was feeling so lost and alone. We looked very different from everyone around us, the Dominican Spanish was difficult for me to understand, the neighborhood was not easy to walk around in. 

One morning I dropped the older children off at school, and took baby Laura for a walk in the stroller at Parque Mirador, a park that runs along side and overlooked the Caribbean.   I was shuffling along, feeling sorry for myself.

(Right? Walking along a greenery-lined path, pushing an adorable baby girl in a stroller,  feeling the sweet ocean breeze and seeing the blue Caribbean in the distance? Such a sad life!)

I began praying, “Heavenly Father, when am I ever going to feel like I belong? When am I ever going to feel like I am home?” And then the Lord whispered to me, through the Holy Ghost, “Everyone is a stranger on earth. You won’t be home until you’re home with Me."

Oh. Ok.

 I learned to love the people on this island. I was called to be Young Women’s president in our ward, and loved my girls so much. In the margin of my scriptures in Alma 13:28-29, I wrote, “Feb. 20, 1995. My prayer for the YW in our ward”:

28: But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and ^awatch and pray continually, that ye may not be ^btempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be ^cled by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, ^dmeek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;

29 ^aHaving faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the ^blove of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his ^crest.

 When I said goodbye to these girls in June of 1997, I thought my heart would break. I remember leaving the goodbye gathering, and just sobbing as I was driving along: “Heavenly Father, who is going to take care of these girls?? Who is going to love them like I do??”  Once again, He whispered to me, “I do.” 

Oh. That’s right.

The second experience that comes to mind happened at a youth conference in Kirtland, Ohio. We had gone to the room in the Whitney Store where the School of the Prophets had been held. It’s just a small room,  with a few benches around the walls.

 

But it has been called the first temple of this dispensation, and the Spirit was so present in the room that I didn’t want to leave. In fact, I was the last person to leave the room, and I only left because I was supposed to be chaperoning, and my group was long gone. As I walked down the road to find my group, I found myself feeling VERY homesick!! I thought to myself, “What in the world is going on? I’m not missing my house in Virginia. Most of my family is here at youth conference with me” Then I realized that I was missing my home above; my home with Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. Sometimes I think that one of the missions of the Holy Ghost is to give us just a glimpse, a tiny spiritual peek, into our home there, to help us remember how we felt.  Anytime that we feel the Spirit, He’s opening that door just a teeny bit: “See! That’s what Home is like!” I wanna go back. Sometime.