Patience: A Process of Perfection

I find that often to hardest thing for me is to be patient with the Lord's timing and personalized plan for me.  I have the type of personality that if something needs done, I will do it right then and check it off the "to-do list."  That is exactly what I have done with as many aspects of my life as I can up to this point ~ graduate high school, graduate seminary, graduate with a Bachelor's Degree, find a good job, buy a dependable car, graduate with a Master's Degree, etc.  But there are some things on the "to-do list" that I simply can't do on my own time and I am constantly learning to be patient and have faith that the Lord's timing is the best timing.

My mom introduced me to a talk given at a BYU-Idaho Devotional in 2011 [Full Version of Talk].  I felt like this talk spoke to my concerns and frustrations right when I was needing a confirmation of peace that I am doing the right thing.  Sister Gee talked about three ways we can demonstrate our patience...

1.  Putting our desires on hold and submitting to His timing

Sister Gee told a story of a little boy who was given a penny to purchase a gum ball.  His mother continued into the store to get a cart, and the automatic door closed behind her.  When Tommy [the boy] struggled to turn the handle on the gum ball machine, he became worried.  His mother noticed, but she couldn't get back through the automatic door.  She told Tommy to take a step towards her so the door would open, but he clung to the gum ball machine, afraid he wouldn't get his treasured gum ball if he stepped away from it.

This little parable spoke directly to my heart.  "We feel that God has deprived us of something we really want, when he might actually ask us to step away from it for a time so that he can reward us with it at a later time." This sounds like such a simple task ~ to step away and learn from the experience or wait for something better, but I have learned in the last few months that it is far from easy especially if the "gum ball" seems so perfect and right.

Elder Maxwell says, "Patience is tied very closely to our faith in our Heavenly Father.  Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best --better than does God.  Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than his.  Either way, we are questioning the reality of God's omniscience."

2. Sustaining our obedience when results are not immediate or obvious

Elder Maxwell says, "The seeming flat periods of life give us a blessed chance to reflect upon what is past as well as to be readied for some rather stirring climbs ahead.  Instead of grumbling and murmuring, we should be consolidating and reflecting, which would not happen if life were an uninterrupted sequence of fantastic scenery...Patience helps us use rather than protest the seeming flat periods of life, becoming filled with quiet wonder over the past and with anticipation for that which may lie ahead."

Sister Gee testified that even though God isn't giving her everything she wants, when she wants it, He is pouring out other blessings, as He does on all of us, if we take time to notice.  I have been grateful to notice over the last several weeks the wonderful relationship I am developing each day with my Heavenly Father and my Savior.  I find myself looking forward to bed each night because that is when I take time to talk to my Heavenly Father through prayer, and He really is listening and providing peace in times of need.

3. Allowing others to exercise their agency in order to progress

Sister Gee illustrates that all people have good and bad layers.  Sometimes we initially see the good layers and other times it is hard to see past the bad layers to the good.  But it is our responsibility to focus on the good and learn how to handle the bad.

I have thought a lot about agency ~  it is such a blessing, but it can also create much heartache because the choices I make and the choices other people make can have great effects on each of us [good or bad].  President Kimball said, "We must remember that those mortals we meet in parking lots, offices, elevators, and elsewhere are that portion of mankind God has given us to love and to serve.  It will do us little good to speak of the general brotherhood of mankind if we cannot regard those who are all around us as our brothers and sisters."

It is my responsibility to be patient with all my brothers and sisters on this earth and myself as we are all striving for the same goal ~  Sister Gee concludes with, "The Lord loves us and he sent us here to learn and grow.  For that to occur, we must have patience with ourselves and others."


This talk has brought me much peace in the last few weeks.  I know that my Heavenly Father is watching out for me.  He knows what is best, and I am slowly learning to have patience in fulfilling my righteous desires.  I can feel wonderful blessings coming now, and I know there will be many more to come in my future as I choose to live as much like the Savior as I can.

Graduation

My family and I have been blessed to spend the week celebrating Chelsea's great accomplishments.  She graduated from Seminary on Sunday...

She graduated from High School on Thursday...

And she performed in a great Senior Recital on Friday...

It has been so much fun to celebrate all that she has learned and become over the last several years!  She is a great example to all of us, and I am excited to see where she ends up in the next few years!

On Saturday, we celebrated Memorial Day Weekend with a day trip to Island Park.  We went four-wheeling during the day, and then we returned to Nelson's cabin for dinner.  It was fun to spend time with family, and I enjoyed the time outside!

We also spent time visiting different cemeteries to remember the wonderful people who we love, who are now acting as angels to love and protect us.

The Temple

I had a wonderful experience this last week as I was set apart as an Ordinance Worker in the Rexburg Temple on Wednesday night.   Starting one week from Thursday, I will spend my Thursday afternoons and evenings in the Temple.  I love to be in the Temple, and I can hardly wait for this wonderful opportunity!

I met with President Hoopes on Wednesday night and felt so much joy as we talked about the opportunity to serve.  I just couldn't stop smiling!  We both had a very spiritual experience as he set me apart and gave me a special blessing.  He gave direction and advice that only my Heavenly Father knew I needed.  When President Hoopes finished the blessing, I turned around with tears in my eyes to thank him.  He looked me in the eyes and said, "Your Heavenly Father had several messages He needed you to hear, didn't he?"  I was overwhelmed at how blessed I am and how grateful I am to have the gospel in my life.

As I was leaving the temple, I saw a dear friend from the Middle School working the Wednesday night shift.  I stopped and visited with her for a few minutes, and she portrayed to me how wonderful it is to serve in the temple.  She said that people ask her how she has the time, and her response sounds something like this... "Why would I give up the opportunity to spend one night of the week in a completely peaceful environment giving service to others?" I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity, and will look forward to Thursday nights each week!

Teacher Appreciation Week

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and I was super spoiled by awesome parents in my class.  They started the week by decorating my door on Friday afternoon.

Then they brought in a gift bag for each day of the week to show their appreciation. They were so thoughtful and kind! I went home with delicious treats, air fresheners, tennis balls, and a water bottle.  The PTO also treated us like superstars. They paid for each of us to get an item of jewelry, they sent home dinner one night, they provided a delicious lunch at school, and they gave us chocolate covered strawberries!

On Friday, a few sweet moms brought in the last gift...they spent so much time making everything so perfect and thoughtful! Here is a picture of all I was given on Friday. I feel like parents give so much and volunteer so much time, and they were great to think of me and make my week a great one!

It never ceases to amaze me how I am blessed with loving friends and family who perform kind deeds or just take time to listen at exactly the time I need it.  My Heavenly Father is very aware of me.  I just hope that I am listening close enough to follow the direction to be a little angel in someone else's life when they are in a time of need.

Mother's Day

I saw this video last night and couldn't help but be moved.  I am so grateful to have a mom who has been everything to me.   She laughs with me, cries with me, and is always ready to help when I need her. 

I have also been blessed with countless other women in my life who have lifted me, taught me, and loved me just when I needed it.  Happy Mother's Day! 

Where Is Grandpa?

I am so blessed to be living at home at this point in my life. I have wonderful parents who are a constant example to me. They give me encouragement and help me see the good. I have a younger brother who is one of the happiest people I know. He is always smiling, singing, full of fun and laughter, and willing to bear his testimony. I have a younger sister who is a spiritual giant. She has such a strong testimony and is so happy and kind to everyone.

As we were sitting and talking the other night, my dad was helping me to gain a new perspective. He asked me where I thought my Grandpa Kunz and Grandma Dexter were and what role they are playing in my life. We questioned whether they can see into our future and help us with decisions. This question has stuck in my head for the last few days...

When I went through the temple for the first time, I could feel my Grandpa Kunz with me. When I walked into the Celestial Room, I could feel his presence so strong, and I have felt him near in the temple many times since. I will also never forget the first time I went to the temple after Grandma Dexter passed away - she wasn't able to make it when I went through the temple, but her spirit was most definitely there that first time I went through after her death.

As I have pondered the question, "Where is Grandpa?" I have developed a deeper testimony of the plan of salvation. I know that there is life after death. I know that those who have left this earth are doing a great work beyond the veil. And I really do think that my grandma and grandpa continue to play a large role in my life. I know that when I am in tune, I can especially feel my grandpa's love and concern for me. He always wanted only the best for me, and I think he is doing his best to make sure that I get only the best now that he is on the other side of the veil. I also know that I have an older brother and advocate in heaven who wants only the best for me as well...so between the two of them, I should consider myself pretty well taken care of!

2012-2013

I have had a prompting reoccur to me several times in the last few weeks that I need to start sharing my testimony and life experiences through my blog.  I have wondered whether this prompting to blog is for me - so I can learn and grow through documenting my testimony and life -  or for another one of Heavenly Father's children who needs to hear of His miracles.  Either way - I am going to listen to that little whisper and start documenting the miracles I witness.  Since it has been so long since my last post, I am going to give a short recap of my life to start out.

It is hard to believe that it has been one short year since I completed my Masters Degree and prepared to move to a new elementary school and a whole new experience.  This last year has been a wonderful, soul stretching experience.  I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, but it hasn't been easy.   I have been allowed experiences to see the hand of the Lord in all areas of my life, and I am forever grateful.

WORK

I have had opportunities to be associated with amazing people in the workplace.  I couldn't ask for a more supportive principal, and I am forever grateful for the 3rd and 4th grade teachers who I work with.  As the end of the year comes, we are all anxiously awaiting the announcement of our new principal.  I have been surprised at the peace I have felt through the changes being made in the district.  I know that whoever is chosen as the new principal will face many challenges, but I am willing and ready to embrace the change and love it.  I have felt my perspective change over the last several weeks as I realize what really matters most...

As I go to work each day, I pray for the Spirit to be near.  In the last year I have had many experiences where I didn't logically know the best way to handle a situation, but I did know that if I moved forward with a prayer in my heart I would be guided.  I have dealt with less than appreciative parents and students, but through it all I was led by the Spirit in the words I used and the decisions I made.  I can't imagine teaching a day without knowing that I can rely on the Spirit to direct me.

CHURCH

I have been blessed with so many opportunities to serve in the last year!  Through the year I have served as Ward Music Chairman, Ward Organist, Ward Choir Pianist, 1st Counselor in the Relief Society, 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society, and Stake Music Chairman.  Many of these callings have been at the same time, and I have felt stretched beyond my capacities, but the Lord has blessed me for my service.  I have especially appreciated the opportunity to serve in the Relief Society.  The young women in my ward are choice daughters of God.  They have taught me how to love unconditionally and live a joyous life.  It has been a blessing to spend Sunday afternoons discussing needs and then visiting sisters in the ward.

I have also been blessed with the opportunity to play the organ in the Rexburg Temple two Saturdays a month for one hour.  The hour I spend playing church hymns is irreplaceable.  I leave the temple feeling so much peace.  In working through life's trials, I have also found peace and solace in attending a temple session once a week.  As I set aside one evening to attend the temple, I have felt the strength to continue on.

FAMILY

I couldn't ask for a more supportive and loving family.  I truly am blessed!  I have parents who set the ultimate example for me to follow.  They never complain about serving in the gospel and they are constantly looking for ways to help and lift others around them.  I am blessed with siblings who live the gospel and constantly portray great examples for me to follow.  As I look at their strength and testimonies, I have the courage and hope that someday I will measure up!

TESTIMONY

I was blessed with the opportunity today to share my testimony with the sisters in Relief Society.  I was filled with emotions as our presidency will be released next week.  I am constantly amazed at the love our Heavenly Father has for each of His children on this Earth.  I know that He loves me and cares for my every need.  He is watching over me daily.  My Heavenly Father hears every prayer that I offer.  He answers them in His timing and His own way, but I do know that He is listening.  Some of my recent prayers have been answered with a feeling of peace, or the encouragement to continue on in patience.  Sometimes those are the hardest answers to understand, but I am developing faith  that Heavenly Father knows the plan best and it is my job to follow the steps laid before me.

I know that Christ atoned for my sins.  He feels my pain and He understands my heartache.  Through the enabling power of the atonement, I have felt peace and love.  I know that I can be forgiven of all my sins and shortcomings, and because of His sacrifice I can be made clean and whole.  I have learned that no matter what, He will always be my best friend and advocate.  As I have gained and
lost friends in the last year, this has been a comfort to my heart...to know that the Savior will never leave my side.

I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ.  I have found answers and guidance as I make a daily effort to read and study the pages.  I know that service is the key to happiness.  Through different trials in the last year, I have found that in order to return to a life full of joy and happiness ~ service is the key.  As I have found ways to immerse myself in the service of others and truly forget about myself, I have felt the love of the Savior and pure happiness!

I have high hopes that through the next few weeks and months I will have more opportunities to share my testimony and experiences through this blog.  I am truly blessed!