The Miracle of the Shamrock Shakes

My sister-in-law Noma wrote this and graciously allowed me to post it on my blog.  This is one of those awesome, faith-promoting experiences that will be passed down through generations in our family (and other families as well since she has shared it with a ton of her Seminary students over the years).  Every time I hear "Shamrock Shakes," my thoughts automatically think of the blessings of obedience and that the Lord really is aware of our needs and desires.  Thanks for sharing Noma!  You are a gifted writer and story-teller.

On occasion this time of year, teenagers tag me in pictures of them drinking Shamrock Shakes. It's time to share this Cody Seminary tradition with the FB world. Twenty-six years ago, Derrik and I were dirt poor newlywed college students, both completing our senior year at BYU, working, and barely surviving financially. We were sitting in church, and a lady stood up and gave a talk on tithing. She told a story about a person who was @ $56.32 short on rent, but she acted in faith and paid her tithing anyway. The next day she looked in the kitchen garbage and saw a white envelope. She opened it and found.... $56.32!! Did this story spark a little cynicism in me? Oh, yes. I leaned over to Derrik and mumbled, "We're poor, and we pay our tithing. Why don't I ever find money in the garbage?" (Not a proud moment.)

The next day was President's Day, so there were no classes. While Derrik was reading the newspaper (which must have been free, because we couldn't afford a subscription) I walked by and saw a 1/4 page color ad for Shamrock Shakes. I had never heard of them, and I was completely smitten and infatuated. I suggested to Derrik that we celebrate our holiday by going to McD's and getting a Shamrock Shake. He reminded me of the hard truth that we were poor college students and couldn't afford to run off to McDonald's on a whim. I knew he was right. So I sulked my way to the kitchen and started cleaning. As I went to take the garbage out, I grumbled, "Yeah, I pay my tithing and I can't even afford a Shamrock Shake. Why don't I ever find money in the kitchen garbage?"

Garbage in hand, I murmured my way outside to the apartment dumpster. As I threw the garbage into the dumpster, a movement by my foot caught my attention. I looked down, and I was standing on a $10 bill. I bent down and picked it up. It was a windy day. I looked up and down the street to see who might have lost it. No one was outside. At which point I lost all dignity as I ran into my apartment waving the $10 bill over my head, yelling, "Derrik, Shamrock Shakes! Shamrock Shakes!" We indeed got our Shamrock Shakes that afternoon (in addition to Big Macs and fries)!

This unconventional experience reinforced some great lessons. First, Heavenly Father is completely aware of the least of us down to the smallest details, and He cares. He knows us personally. And He hears our murmuring. (After the minty nirvana left my tongue, I was somewhat spiritually embarrassed by my behavior.) Next, we are blessed for obedience, even if our hearts need to make some progress. And finally, I know He has a sense of humor. Because I can only imagine how much fun it was arranging for me to stand on that $10 bill, knowing that hundreds of Seminary students would be subjected to the story at least annually.

Flecks of Gold = Great Wealth

This is a wonderful story about a young merchant who was caught up in the Gold Rush in the 1850's. He was discouraged when he didn't find large nuggets of gold as he panned and searched.  He overlooked the small flecks of gold that didn't seem worth his time.  He envied a nearby old prospector and his full pouch of gold.  Imagine the young man's surprise when the prospector showed him that his bag was full of small flecks, not nuggets.  He said, "The patient accumulation of these little flecks has brought me great wealth."

I love this analogy and  I agree that by small and simple things great blessings are brought to pass.

Elder M. Russell Ballard shares:
"The Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple. Like the small flecks of gold that accumulate over time into a large treasure, our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, devotion to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a sense of peace and joy."

Thoughts on Conference Talk - "I Have Given You an Example"

Love this article entitled "I Have Given You an Example" by Elder Richard G. Scott.

After reading it several times, I have been contemplating the many examples I have had in my life that have helped me become a stronger person.

Elder Scott said, "... I have reflected on loved ones whose tender influence helped me find the divinely appointed path that aided my spiritual progression.  At vital times in my life, Father in Heaven blessed me with someone who cared for me enough to help guide my choices in an appropriate direction."

I appreciate those people in my life (and there are many) who have loved me, trusted me, taught me, encouraged, provided questions, shared principles, testified, served me, etc.  I want to be the type of person who can be a positive influence on others and I know the Lord puts people in my path who help me and that I can help.

I am compiling a list of people who have been an example to me and influenced me for good.  This list will keep growing.  I know it is important to see the tender mercies in our life when people teach us things and love us.

By sincerely loving each other, we can help them feel God's love which is the most important thing, right?

Baptism Talk with Kit Kat Reminder

This afternoon I am speaking at the baptism of a sweet nine-year old son who was just adopted into our friends' family.  They asked me to speak at his baptism this afternoon so I wrote this talk this morning.  Our main audience will be children so I know this object lesson will hold their attention and that they'll remember what is said.  Feel free to use this talk.  By the way, I didn't think of the concept of using the Kit Kat, it is "out there" on Pinterest.  I just made the graphics and wrote the talk which was inspired by the Pinterest pins.

There are links listed to access these graphics in PDF format.  PS My son with a sweet tooth will be thrilled with the handouts ;)

This poster can be placed by a basket of Kit Kat's as handouts for after the baptism.  Click HERE to get the PDF.

These signs can be used during the talk as visual reminders to hold the kids' attention.  Depending on your stake, you may or may not be allowed to use visual aids during your talk.  Click HERE to get these pages in PDF format.

These are little handouts that can be printed on a sheet of cardstock at home and then attached to Kit Kat bars.  Click HERE to get the PDF.

Here's the actual talk (feel free to cut, paste and edit if desired):

Do you know that you are just about to participate in your very first saving ordinance and make your very first official promise to Heavenly Father?

Today when you are baptized you will make some promises to your Heavenly Father.

See this Kit Kat bar?  It may look like an ordinary candy but it is a symbol that will help you remember your baptism covenants.

K is for KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. 

When you are baptized, you promise to do your best to follow Jesus and keep all of His commandments.   When you make a mistake, you repent and try to do better.

God Customizes Our Curriculum

As we returned to school this past week, I reflected on how unique each student is at school.  As a mother, I realize that my own three children are very different from each other and have diverse needs emotionally, physically, spiritually, socially, and scholastically.  

The same goes in the classroom.  I am not a full-time teacher.  I substitute teach in classes ranging from preschool to high school, from gifted education courses to special education.  I have literally taught a thousand different children over the past few years.  Each child is important and unique with totally different needs.  It is challenging for an educator to meet all these different needs since teachers have limited time and resources, and big classes to take responsibility for.  I watch the full-time teachers patiently and lovingly struggle to attempt to accomplish this task.

On a different note, I also had been reflecting on how Heavenly Father is the master at everything.  He is the master doctor, the master scientist, the master engineer, the master poet, the master geologist, the master therapist.... well you get the idea.  When I have a question about something, about anything, I can ask Him for help because He knows the answers.  

Then a friend emailed me this perfect quote and it all clicked in my mind. 

“The realities are that God loves us and, loving us, has placed us here to cope with challenges which he will place before us. I'm not sure we can always understand the implications of his love, because his love will call us at times to do things we may wonder about, and we may be confronted with circumstances we would rather not face. I believe with all my heart that because God loves us there are some particularized challenges that he will deliver to each of us. He will customize the curriculum for each of us in order to teach us the things we most need to know. He will set before us in life what we need, not always what we like. And this will require us to accept with all our hearts--particularly your generation--the truth that there is divine design in each of our lives and that you have rendezvous to keep, individually and collectively.”  (From "But for a Small Moment,"  NEAL A. MAXWELL,  BYU,  1 September 1974.)

I realized that one of God's most important roles is that of MASTER TEACHER.  He sent us to earth to learn.  So earth life is like school.  We didn't obtain physical bodies and come to earth to just sit around and lazily breeze through life.  We came here to LEARN.

As a master teacher, it only makes sense that Heavenly Father would have prepared perfect individualized education plans for each of us.  He CUSTOMIZED THE CURRICULUM for each of his children because he loves us.  

We will struggle to learn lessons.  We will have challenging tests.  We will feel excited when we have "ah ha moments."  We will have aides (family, friends, prophets, and church leaders) to give us advice and guidance.  We will take required courses that we didn't want to register for.  We may have classmates that we need to learn to get along with.  We have been given instruction manuals and reference books (the scriptures) to help us navigate our educational process.  We have a tutor (the Holy Ghost) to help us remember things and feel peaceful through the process.

He is the most perfect and caring teacher that ever was and His lesson plans are the best because He sees the eternal picture.

Now when I have challenges, I will remember that these are part of my customized curriculum.  And as I look at all the sweet (and sometimes sassy) students that I teach, I will remember how much each Child of God is loved and that if I have questions about how to help one of them, I can ask the master teacher for help.

Primary - Theme and Purposes

Here's the theme and four purposes of Primary in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I think it is important for all of us who work with the children to keep our focus on these important points.  Everything we do should be fulfilling one of these purposes.

They say if the Savior came to visit church, the first place He'd would be to see the children.  I feel blessed to be able to serve in Primary with the children who have such pure and kind hearts (even if they are wiggly and chatty too!).

Seeing the Blessings in Trials

Our good friends were in a bad car accident on their way home from visiting us a few months ago.  She had just texted me when they were finishing up dinner and said things were going well.  I had a bad feeling when the phone rang about 10 minutes later.  My hubby answered and his expression said it all.

I am so grateful our friends lives were preserved.  Click HERE to read the whole story and see how there are indeed tender mercies to be seen even in the midst of trials.

(Thank you to Stephanie for allowing me to share your story)

Thought of the Day - Refiner's Fire

Here, then, is a great truth. In the pain, the agony, and the heroic endeavors of life, we pass through a refiner’s fire, and the insignificant and the unimportant in our lives can melt away like dross and make our faith bright, intact, and strong. In this way the divine image can be mirrored from the soul. It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Divine Shepherd.

Into every life there come the painful, despairing days of adversity and buffeting. There seems to be a full measure of anguish, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, including those who earnestly seek to do right and be faithful. The Apostle Paul referred to his own challenge: “And lest I should be exalted above measure … , there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me.

The thorns that prick, that stick in the flesh, that hurt, often change lives which seem robbed of significance and hope. This change comes about through a refining process which often seems cruel and hard. In this way the soul can become like soft clay in the hands of the Master in building lives of faith, usefulness, beauty, and strength. For some, the refiner’s fire causes a loss of belief and faith in God, but those with eternal perspective understand that such refining is part of the perfection process.

To whom can we go? Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles asked and answered this question:

“To whom do we look, in days of grief and disaster, for help and consolation? … They are men and women who have suffered, and out of their experience in suffering they bring forth the riches of their sympathy and condolences as a blessing to those now in need. Could they do this had they not suffered themselves?

“… Is not this God’s purpose in causing his children to suffer? He wants them to become more like himself. God has suffered far more than man ever did or ever will, and is therefore the great source of sympathy and consolation.”

Refined in our Trials, Pres. James E Faust.

Thought of the Day - God will Guide our Steps

In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances. This is in part the meaning of the scripture that declares, “Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45).

As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5; 2 Nephi 12:5). Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding (see Alma 5:7; 32:28), and direct and protect you and your family.

 

David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Ensign, May, 2011

Developing Divine Dependency

Allowing our lives to become negatively impacted as a result of the behaviors of others is unhealthy and damaging but learning to completely rely upon our Father in Heaven is essential. We learn to say, on my own I can’t, but God and I together can. Divine dependency replaces codependency. We detach from fear, frustration, and hopelessness and attach to God, seeking His strength and grace to guide and comfort our lives. Elder Richard G. Scott taught this form of dependence upon the Lord when we are “completely willing to be taught by the Spirit and committed to apply consistently the lessons learned. . . . Be ‘easy to be entreated’ . . . and you will be amazed at the problems and challenges that will be avoided or dissipated.”

Both prayer and love are needed when addiction is present within the family unit. “The intent of mighty prayer is to accept the Lord as the changer of the human heart. When we are frustrated with a loved one, it is hard to focus on loving instead of criticizing . . . In mighty prayer we can take our frustration to God; then we can take our love to our loved ones. The Father will intervene.”

We always remember to not interfere with God’s plan through codependent behaviors. “Only with God’s way is there a promise that those who are faltering can come back. Suffice it to say that unrighteous dominion, improper criticism, and coercion are not the Lord’s way.  We can bind the Lord with a promise that in doing things His way . . . we will not be tied down in resentment but lifted by the Spirit.”

An unknown author said, “Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there.” Surrendering to God frees us from the worry and fear of what the future may hold and provides the strength to “endure all things”.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell explained, “With enduring comes a willingness, therefore, to ‘press forward’ even when we are bone weary and would much rather pull off to the side of the road.”  His invitation is and always will be to, “look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” (D&C 6:36)

Thought of the Day - Yield our Will to God

President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve described his decision to yield his will to God and the freedom that decision gave him: “Perhaps the greatest discovery of my life, without question the greatest commitment, came when finally I had the Confidence in God that I would loan or yield my agency to him—without compulsion or pressure, without any duress, as a single individual alone, by myself, not counterfeiting, nothing expected other than the privilege.  In a sense, speaking figuratively, to take one’s agency, that precious gift which the scriptures make plain is essential to life itself, and say, ‘I will do as you direct,’ is afterward to learn that in so doing you possess it all the more”. (Obedience, Brigham Young University Speeches)

 

You may not be able to change some things in your life, but you can change your willingness to trust in God and obey Him.  As you learn to trust Him, you will see that His plan is for you to follow what Alma called the “great plan of happiness, (Alma 42:8). You will learn that even in affliction and difficulty ALL things work together for good to them that love God and keep His commandments. You can accept with serenity the current reality of your condition when you TRUST in God’s ability to help you. If you trust God, you must also trust his TIMING.

 

Primary Talk - I am a Spirit Child of Heavenly Father

Here is the talk that my son is giving in Senior Primary tomorrow....

In the Proclamation on the Family 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.

This means that Heavenly Father is the father of each of our spirits. That is why we are all brothers and sisters and why we call each other brother or sister at church.

Lots of people tell me that I look like my dad and mom. I have brown eyes like my dad does. Our hair is the same color too. I have my mom’s smile and a strong chest like my uncle.

My body also looks like Heavenly Father’s body. In the scriptures it says, “God created man in his own image.” That means that I also look like my Heavenly Father.

The Family Proclamation also states:
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life.

This means that even though we don’t remember it, we knew and lived with Heavenly Father before we were born. When His plan was presented to us in heaven, each of us accepted His plan. I am glad that I made the right choice.

As part of His plan, we were able to get physical bodies and come to earth to learn and grow. Heavenly Father loves each of us and wants us to return to live with Him someday.

I am grateful that Heavenly Father gave me a spirit body and a physical body.

I can take care of my spirit body by praying, reading the scriptures, attending church, following the prophet, keeping the commandments, being morally clean, and having faith.

I can care for my physical body by keeping the Word of Wisdom and staying away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco. I can eat healthy foods and exercise. I also show respect for my earthly body by not getting body piercings or tattoos.

I am thankful that Heavenly Father created us in His image. Because we are His children, we know that we are special and that He loves us. I am grateful we have the chance to live on this earth and to progress and that we can have the blessing of eternal life someday.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Quote on Atonement

The other day we had the most amazing thunder and lightening storm. The power that I saw unleashed reminded me that we really aren't in control. It made me realize how powerless we truly are and caused me to reflect on the love and patience that our Heavenly Father has for us. He allows us the agency to make mistakes and doesn't interfere and take away those learning moments and growth. He is patient with us when we think we have all the answers ourselves and we forget how much we fall short and how much we need our Savior. He watches us do stupid things and loves us still the same. I want to keep an eternal perspective and I want to be a parent like that.

As I read this quote this morning, I thought about my gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who allowed His Son to suffer and die for each of us. I am grateful that our Savior, Jesus Christ, was willing and able to make this sacrifice and save us from sin and death.

“In that hour I think I can see our dear Father behind the veil looking upon these dying struggles until even he could not endure it any longer; and, like the mother who bids farewell to her dying child, has to be taken out of the room, so as not to look upon the last struggles, so he bowed his head, and hid in some part of his universe, his great heart almost breaking for the love that he had for his Son. Oh, in that moment when he might have saved his Son, I thank him and praise him that he did not fail us, for he had not only the love of his Son in mind, but he also had love for us. I rejoice that he did not interfere, and that his love for us made it possible for him to endure to look upon the sufferings of his Son and give him finally to us, our Savior and our Redeemer. Without him, without his sacrifice, we would have remained, and we would never have come glorified into his presence. And so this is what it cost, in part, for our Father in Heaven to give the gift of his Son unto men” (Melvin J. Ballard, Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin Joseph Ballard, comp. Bryant S. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1949], pp. 153-55).

Talk - Relationship with Heavenly Father

Katelin Roberts is a young woman in my ward and she gave this awesome Sacrament Meeting talk at church today. I was so impressed. It was such a great talk that even my kids listened attentively (I think they perked up with the In-N-Out Burger analogy). Hope you enjoy the talk too.

Friends are great most of the time. Hang outs on the weekends, after school vent sessions, and laughing so hard you cry as you try to ride a tandem bike down the street. However, sometimes they steal your babysitting jobs, they make plans with other friends, or they won’t pick up their phone during that one time of peril that you are in desperate need of a “spill your guts session”.
Heavenly Father has no busy signal. He is always on the other side and he anxiously awaits our call for His help and guidance. However, we must build that relationship. We must build it like, well like we might build a burger.

I don’t know if you know this…but I work at In-N-Out Burger, working hard every day to slowly clog your arteries.

At IN-N-OUT, we are trained using acronym as we learn to put our burgers tog ether. It goes in an SLTO.

S for the spread, a real calorie spike.
L for the Lettuce, green and leafy.
T for the Tomato, ripe and red.
and O for the beloved Bremuda onion.

That same acronym can be used to build a relationship with our Heavenly Father.

We’ll start with the S, the spread, or in this case the scriptures. The scriptures were given to us as the Lord’s word. By reading them we are given the chance to apply principles of the gospel to our lives. We will learn of Him, and in turn, become closer to Him.

Next is the T. Not the tomato, but the time. We need to be consistent in taking time out for the Lord; show Him that we are on His side, to show Him that we need Him in our lives. When we let Him in, we’re saying that we are ready and willing to be instruments in His hands. When we show him our efforts, He’ll show us His. Not only do we need to devote the time, we need to also remember to be patient.

Lettuce, and Longing comes next in the SLTO way. In order for any of this to work, we must have the desire to have a relationship with our Heavenly father.

Dan 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

He knows the true longings of our hearts and He waits to reciprocate them.

Going through the motions is only half of what needs to be done. Without the will in your heart, your other efforts will most likely trickle away anyways because you will no longer want to put in the effort.

O is for Opening our hearts and minds. We should remember to keep an open heart and mind for the answers and instructions the Lord will surely pass on. Obeying Him will bring us closer to Him and will allow Him to show us what important friends we are to Him. Knowing this, we should to make sure that we aren’t the ones putting out a busy signal. We are instruments and He’ll play us if we’re tuned.

The meat comes last, after all of the other preparation is done. After we’ve done all we can do, the Lord will respond. He will give us an answer or will in some way manifest his love to us.
Now we have this beautiful Relationship. We can talk to our Heavenly Father about anything and we know of His power. But if we just let it sit there, things might begin to slide, and come apart. To keep it from happening, we can wrap it. Wrap it firmly to keep all of the good things inside and to keep the relationship strong.

I, as many other youth did this summer, attended a session of EFY. For those of you that don’t know, EFY stands for Especially for Youth and it is a church summer camp for youth older than 14.

During that week, everyone is placed into a “spiritual bubble” if you will. We are separated from the world as we learn what we can do to grow closer to our Heavenly Father.

However, the purpose of EFY isn’t to be able to say, “Wow, I had indescribable experiences that week.”

The idea is to be able to say, “Wow! I have indescribable experiences EVERYDAY because of the things that I learned at EFY!”

They stressed daily the idea of “taking it home” because the things we learn are only useful if we continue to use them.

Just because we receive an answer or feel His love a few times doesn’t mean that the relationship has hit the climax. The relationship we have with our Father in Heaven is eternal we need to continue to live that way and improve daily.

TESTIMONY.