Wise Words: Walk Across the Street

This quote was shared in the Relief Society Presidency Message for my ward:

“The Lord isn’t asking us to load up a handcart; He’s asking us to fortify our faith. He isn’t asking us to walk across a continent; He’s asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor. He isn’t asking us to give all of our worldly possessions to build a temple; He’s asking us to … attend regularly the temples already built. He isn’t asking us to die a martyr’s death; He’s asking us to live a disciple’s life.” 
(Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the October 2008 general conference).
I think I can walk across the street . . .

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: "Thoughtful Planning"

"My message, then, is this. We must carefully and conscientiously provide solid spiritual training for the eternal growth of our children. Thoughtful planning will be required because providing spiritual development for them is not quite as simple as meeting their physical needs." 
(See "Spiritual Development" by M. Russell Ballard, General Conference October 1978)


Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: Develop A Strong Pioneer Spirit

"I have noticed that the spirit of man is not like the body as it grows older, but rather is just the opposite. If the spirit of man is properly cared for, rather than becoming slower to move and less capable, as the body does, the spirit becomes more confident and waxes strong in the presence of God. (See D&C 121:45.) Through the eyes of the strong in spirit we can feel their power and strength. Those of us who are blessed to know the First Presidency and the members of the Council of the Twelve can witness that the age of their physical bodies has no relationship to the capacity of their spirits. I testify that when you clasp the hand of one of these brethren you feel the power and the strength of the spirit that is within them, and you realize that through years of obedient living of the gospel they have developed their spirits to such a degree that they now can strengthen the entire Church. I know that thousands of our Saints have learned that spiritual growth is the most important part of life. How blessed are children who are raised by parents that understand and teach this to them." ("Spiritual Development" by M. Russell Ballard, General Conference October 1978)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: "Revelations Not Received"

I learned so much from listening to this BYU Devotional entitled "Revelation" by Dallin H Oaks. ( It was originally given on September 29, 1981).  He described several ways that the Holy Ghost guides us in our lives.  Then he concluded with a section "Revelations not received" which I find particularly comforting and insightful:

"What about those times when we seek revelation and do not receive it? We do not always receive inspiration or revelation when we request it. Sometimes we are delayed in the receipt of revelation, and sometimes we are left to our own judgment. We cannot force spiritual things. It must be so. Our life’s purpose to obtain experience and to develop faith would be frustrated if our Heavenly Father directed us in every act, even in every important act. We must make decisions and experience the consequences in order to develop self-reliance and faith.

"Even in decisions we think very important, we sometimes receive no answers to our prayers. This does not mean that our prayers have not been heard. It only means that we have prayed about a decision which, for one reason or another, we should make without guidance by revelation. Perhaps we have asked for guidance in choosing between alternatives that are equally acceptable or equally unacceptable.

 "I suggest that there is not a right and wrong to every question. To many questions, there are only two wrong answers or two right answers. Thus, a person who seeks guidance on which of two different ways he should pursue to get even with a person who has wronged him is not likely to receive a revelation. Neither is a person who seeks guidance on a choice he will never have to make because some future event will intervene, such as a third alternative that is clearly preferable. On one occasion, my wife and I prayed earnestly for guidance on a decision that seemed very important. No answer came. We were left to proceed on our own best judgment. We could not imagine why the Lord had not aided us with a confirming or restraining impression. But it was not long before we learned that we did not have to make a decision on that question because something else happened that made a decision unnecessary. The Lord would not guide us in a selection that made no difference." ( See "Revelation" by Dallin H Oaks)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: Stay in Condition

"Each of us must stay in condition to respond to inspiration and the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, and to warn us. Each son or daughter of God can know the things they need to know instantly. Learn to receive and act on inspiration and revelation."  (Elder Boyd K. Packer, April 2013 General Conference)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: A Massive Connecting Link to Peace

This quote resonated so powerfully in my heart as I first heard it, and again as I listened to this talk again today:

"When you feel that there is only a thin thread of hope, it is really not a thread but a massive connecting link, like a life preserver to strengthen and lift you. It will provide comfort so you can cease to fear. Strive to live worthily and place your trust in the Lord." (For Peace at Home, by Elder Richard G. Scott,  General Conference April 2013, emphasis added)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: Wait Patiently

" Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted." (D & C 98:2)

I loved this quote I read in the Doctrine and Covenants Teachers Manual lesson 6:

Elder Boyd K. Packer counseled: “Sometimes you may struggle with a problem and not get an answer. What could be wrong? It may be that you are not doing anything wrong. It may be that you have not done the right things long enough. Remember, you cannot force spiritual things. Sometimes we are confused simply because we won’t take no for an answer. …

“Put difficult questions in the back of your minds and go about your lives. Ponder and pray quietly and persistently about them.

“The answer may not come as a lightning bolt. It may come as a little inspiration here and a little there, ‘line upon line, precept upon precept’ (D&C 98:12).

“Some answers will come from reading the scriptures, some from hearing speakers. And, occasionally, when it is important, some will come by very direct and powerful inspiration. The promptings will be clear and unmistakable” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 29–30; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 21).


Be Inspired
Janelle Joy

Wise Words: My Personal Orbit

While reading an article from this month's Ensign (Meaningful Teaching at Home, by Darren E. Schmidt), I was touched as he quoted these words by Elder Neal A. Maxwell:

“The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well.” (That My Family Should Partake 1974, 86.)

Do I have confidence that I really am placed in a precise orbit?  Is my influence really important?

Each moment of my day I want look to God and find out what He wants me to do in my personal orbit-- especially the orbit of my own little family.  He knows exactly why He placed me where He did and what I should do in every situation.  I must trust in His knowledge and gain confidence and courage in each challenge--tiny or seemingly insurmountable.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Wise Words: The Greatest Power

"Love is the great power to influence this world.<sup>7"
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert smith, Chapter 14)


Be Inspired,</sup>

Wise Words: Find a Friend in Duty

". . .there was a smile on her lips and peace in her heart.  She had looked her duty courageously in the face and found it a friend as duty ever is when we meet it frankly."
 (Lucy Maud Montgomery, "Anne of Green Gables," chapter 38)


Be Inspired,

Wise Words: Helaman 5: 12

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the ^arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your ^bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty ^cstorm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." Helaman 5: 12 (The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ)

Morning Glory has been working on composing a song for a shortened version of this insightful scripture verse.  She chose which parts of the verse she thought were the most important, composed a rhythm and then a simple tune that we have been teaching to Lady Slipper during morning with Mom Scripture time and also during our nightly family scripture study. 
Click here for the song composition

Be Inspired,

exchange rags for robes and robes for rags

President Kimball taught: “There are many sisters who are living in rags—spiritual rags. They are entitled to gorgeous robes, spiritual robes. … It is your privilege to go into homes and exchange robes for rags. (Daughters in my kingdom chapter 7)

I believe that includes being willing to give up earthly robes, in other words, sacrifice for others and seek robes in heaven instead of on earth. Those around us, especially. Our families need us to be there for them with energy to listen and preparation to counsel in wisdom because we are worthy to have and recognize the promptings of The holy spirit. Of course we must work for our temporal welfare, but only work outside the home if it is Gods will for us to do. Not because we are seeking to earn worldly things.

Thankful Thinking: President Dieter F Uchtdorf's "Always in the Middle"

I love these quotes form the July 2012 First Presidency Message:

"By many world calendars, July marks the middle of the year. While the beginnings and endings of things are celebrated and remembered, the middle of things often goes unnoticed.

"Beginnings are times for making resolutions, for creating plans, for bursts of energy. Endings are times for winding down and may involve feelings of completion or loss. But with the proper outlook, considering ourselves as in the middle of things can help us not only to understand life a little better but also to live it a little more meaningfully. . .

"Yes, there will be moments of beginnings and moments of endings throughout our lives, but these are only markers along the way of the great middle of our eternal lives. Whether we are at the beginning or the end, whether we are young or old, the Lord can use us for His purposes if we simply set aside whatever thoughts limit our ability to serve and allow His will to shape our lives.

"The Psalmist says, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we [should] rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Amulek reminds us that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors” (Alma 34:32; emphasis added). And a poet muses, “Forever—is composed of Nows.”¹

"Being always in the middle means that the game is never over, hope is never lost, defeat is never final. For no matter where we are or what our circumstances, an eternity of beginnings and an eternity of endings stretch out before us.

"We are always in the middle." (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Thoughts on my 4th Miscarriage and Excruciating Patience

I had a seed of faith planted in my heart: a seed that my Father in Heaven wanted me to be willing to carry and deliver a new baby for Him now and not wait until I feel that all the factors line up right.  I planted that seed once before in November and it happened but I miscarried soon after.  Then I had faith in my feelings, and in my husband's words, that I would be expecting again in February.  It happened. I know that is not a coincidence, especially considering the fact that although I have never prevented pregnancy, I have only experienced 6 pregnancies in 12 years--the last 5 of which are all within the last three years--only two brought me a beautiful little baby to hold.

Even though two pregnancy tests told me I was not pregnant and I had some spotting, the feelings I had were visions of a small seed planted in the ground, growing under the soil but not yet ready for me to see positive results. . .I still needed "excruciating patience" (Elder Tad Callister, My regional Stake Conference Broadcast last year).  Then, a week later, there was a positive pregnancy test--only to be followed by heavier bleeding, abdominal pain and back labor pains. . . It appeared that another miscarriage was on the way, but I knew I had done what my Father had asked me to do and I determined to joyfully accept His will--still hopeful that somehow the answer could still be that this baby might survive, but really knowing in my heart that was not to be the case.  Yet I asked for a healing blessing of whatever my Father in Heaven wanted for me and resolved to do all within my power to do.  Then wait with excruciating patience again.

This 4th miscarriage has been my hardest emotionally, and has brought some new challenges physically than the other three.  I even ended up in the emergency room with this one but luckily was fine after an IV of fluid and some lab tests to rule out ectopic pregnancy. I don't understand why this is happening to me, but I am determined to accept it with gratitude.

President Uchtdorf counseled me to "understand the difference between a wise and a foolish sacrifice."  I know some may feel I made a foolish sacrifice to allow my body to conceive when I knew the chances of miscarriage were particularly high (I have Graves Disease and early miscarriage is very likely because of it).  However, I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father asked me to  make that sacrifice, and that alone tells me that this pain is worthwhile somehow.

As I am tempted to give in to the sorrow and pain that I feel now, I am listening to the voice of peace within me.  That voice reminds me that right now I live in time, but even those short pregnancies are part of  my Heavenly Father's "one eternal round."  Those children I have lost through miscarriage are now a part of me in some way.  I just need excruciating patience with them in a different way than is required with the children I have the privilege to provide bodies for and to raise in this life now.  Those precious other 4 pregnancies are somehow worth experiencing.  I have faith in that whisper in my mind and heart--even though I do not understand.

I also found comfort from reading my previous entries about my experiences with other miscarriages:
Willingly Waiting: My Lessons from Three Miscarraiges
Lessons From Infertility and Miscarriage
Simply a Supermom: Anyone Who Continues in Patience

I would appreciate any comments of understanding or encouragement from any of you who have also had the experience of miscarriage or who have words of wisdom or comfort to offer.  It would be a comfort to me to share this experience with others and learn from you.

Be Inspired,

Wise Words: What is Wisdom #1

"When we look at the foundational principles of the plan of happiness, the plan of salvation, we can recognize and appreciate in its plainness and simplicity the elegance and beauty of our Heavenly Father’s wisdom. Then, turning our ways to His ways is the beginning of our wisdom."

"Doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior"
from "Of Things That Matter Most" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Be Inspired,

Spiritually Saving: God sends babies, not batallions

“God doesn’t need battalions to accomplish his wonderful work.

He sends beautiful babies"

(Faith precedes a Miracle Spencer W Kimball chapter 12)

I know it is such a privelege to be able to "mother" the children around us, in whatever capacity we are capable of mothering.  Every child can be blessed by each woman around them who chooses to nurture,  love and care for them.

Be Inspired,

Wise Words: Problems vs People

   “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved” 

 ( quoted by Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on several occasions.  Attributed to Barbara Thompson see “Quotable Quotes,” Reader’s Digest, Jan. 1997, 161). )