There and Back Again: Week 46 Peace, Be Still

This has been a week of filling the world with Love. I was in awe of the beautiful temple once again. In the blackest of night it shines like the MOON. The Moon is always a reminder that the sun is always shining...ALWAYS even when the earth has turned her back on the source of light. The moon and the temple are a contant reminder that the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, is always there. We can be the "Moon" to others who are in the dark because it's night time in their life, through the actions of others, or because they have turned from the source of light. There are times when my friends and family are "Moons" to me. Shining bright as they come to serve and love me.

This was a stressful week for me because I was entangled in several levels of conflicting leadership as I was doing my new job (in addition to the one I'm already doing) Activities Director for the Mission. I'm excited about it. I LOVE doing it, and immediately I had responsibilities for activities in the mission, in our Carthage Community, and in the state of Iowa, representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Historic Sites Mission. I'd be told to start on one thing only to be chastised by someone else for going too fast or to check in with someone else first.

It was pretty painful to be praised and "slapped down" every couple of days... After the third time I sent a message to all four leaders from all four different rungs on the "in charge" ladder and expressed my frustration with the confusing leadership style and asked for grace as I tried to figure it out. I explained that I don't like to procrastinate and I like to be prepared early because there are ALWAYS surprises when you put on community events and if you have your ducks in a row and a back up plan in your pocket you can problem solve faster and still deliver a GREAT product. I gave examples of the contradicting experiences pushed "send" and went outside and hoed the heck out the weeds around the trees on the lawn with tears leaking out of my eyes.

As I took out my frustration on the poor weeds, Elder Cullen was calm and loving and supportive. He was gentler on the weeds and making jokes until I softened and started praying for my enemies real and imagined. I prayed that our hearts would be softened and we would be friends. I prayed and prayed the whole time we worked. Later a young sister missionary said she saw me weeding out the window of the visitor center and praised me for how hard and fast I was working.. HAHAHAH I didn't tell her why, but it made me giggle inside. Elder Cullen says we're all still in middle school and at times I have to agree.

When I went in to change for another activity I had four texts or emails waiting for me full of apology, love, and gratitude and good ideas for moving forward. I was SO grateful to Heavenly Father for this. The miracle of a change of heart is greater than the parting of the seas! All is well. THIS week I had the pleasure of teaching a house full of homeschoolers about crystal structions and chemicals moving across permeable membranes.

I had 12 students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. It was very fun. They all learned alot and had a great time.

We also made lunch for some friends and spent time getting to know them better.

Last of all, every day...several times a day I look out my kitchen or living room window and see this.

And I remember daily that the prophet, Joseph Smith, and his brother, Hyrum, were murdered because of their beliefs. The constitution did not protect them. While their families and friends wept others partied and congratulated each other. I met a man this week who came to use the Visitor Center rest room who told us his family helped drive the "Mormons" out of Nauvoo so he didn't feel he deserved to have a tour. As he scuttled away my missionary friend shouted out, "We still love you. You are not the actions of your ancestors!" He didn't turn around.

There's nothing that has been done to us, or by us that Jesus has not already paid for. The slate is clear for all those who accept Jesus Christ and the atonement He suffered. As he was napping on the little fishing boat during the storm at sea his friends woke him in a PANIC. WHAT in the WORLD!? HOW can you SLEEP when we're all about to die? He chastised them for not having faith and stood up and said, "Peace, Be Still" and wind the the waves died down. THIS can happen in your life. Keep Jesus in your boat AND enjoy this beautiful song. I have sung this before with my Vinyl Revival friends. I LOVE IT!!