For a week I had dreams that our oldest son, Elder Jason Otis, had been forgotten at the airport! I would toss and turn at night feeling like I'd forgotten something important. Then some nights Elder Otis would mysteriously appear in my dreams--arriving on my font porch with a big grin. I've heard sometimes this happens with moms who's sons have been on missions. Two years is a long time to be apart after all. This was a first for me to have these dreams. I was glad when it was finally over!
Elder Jason Otis arrived in Minneapolis on March 4th 2009 without incident....Well there was that one thing... We were all standing there with a large banner which read Welcome home Elder Banov & Elder Otis! I had a sinking suspicion that they might just sneak up on us all from behind. We waited and we waited....no Elders. Then suddenly we heard a big whoop from behind! They had snuck up on us all! They had arrived! We were all so happy to see them. Both so tan and our son so tall and happy. It was memorable. We were finally reunited and it was a great evening for us all.
The next day we went to see the Stake President so Elder Otis could give his mission report. It was amazing to hear such a maturity in his voice as he accounted for his two years of missionary service. Elder Otis was released as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that evening. I am so proud to be his mother--so pleased about how hard he worked and how much he loved the people he served.
He has been home over a week now and is fitting in nicely and will be looking for a job soon. He's still tan and he's still tall, but sounding more and more like a Minnesotan all the time. This weekend he's acting like one too! He's off at Keigo snow camping on a lake--driving snowmobiles and ice fishing like he loves to do!
Jason Edward Otis is home at last! Gosh how we've missed him and how we all love him! Welcome home Jason!
Showing posts with label testimony of Jesus Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label testimony of Jesus Christ. Show all posts
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Cherished Dimples in Time...
I can't believe it's been nearly a full month since I last posted an article here. Our lives have been full this past month with the arrival of our son Matthew-- fresh from the mission field.
It was an amazing experience welcoming an adult child home from the mission field in Russia.
One of the things I puzzled over before he arrived, was a sadness I felt when I realized that I was reading his very last e-mail before he left for home. It might sound strange to you as a reader that I would feel that way, so allow me to explain...
For two full years we have only had one e-mail a week from our son in Russia. They have a P-day where they take care of personal things such as laundry, grocery shopping, a group activity and letter writing and e-mailing home. We anticipated that letter each and every week with thanksgiving and excitement as we turned on the computer. Often we read about adventures and near accidents and joy. Other days about uplifting spiritual experiences only found while helping and teaching other children of God and giving compassionate service to the sick, the old and the lost souls they found. There were times of personal sorrow and illness where we were able to pray fervently for our sons and encourage and uplift them as well.
Following my husbands accident, I was able to keep our sons updated on Terry's progress and I know both our missionary sons were grateful for those letters and anticipated more news each week about his recovery. I tried my very best to do so in a way that wouldn't overly worry them and found that I became more positive and hopeful myself for the experience.
Over time I prayed more, studied more and gained a deeper perspective of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I learned about myself as a mother and how deeply indeed I loved my sweet sons.
I became mindful of how our Heavenly Father listens to and answers our prayers. Miracles came our way as a family before, during and after Terry's accident and I recognized those miracles for what they were...
I cannot help but think that our sons willingness to serve allowed me to grow to a depth I knew I wouldn't have found, had they chosen not to serve. Their service was far reaching into lives of so many and I'm forever grateful for their personal sacrifice of two full years of their lives.
It's amazing how simple obedience to a promise to write home to mom and dad each week, caused so much growth in us all. We pray more, we write more, we study with more dilegence than we did two years ago. We ponder deeper meaning in our lives and in our faith. It has brought extended family closer as we pray for our sons well being and success in finding souls to bring to Christ. Some of those might have been so lost, had it not been for the prayers said on their behalf.
Missing a weekly e-mail now for me has been replaced with something even better this month. I'm blessed to sit face to face with a young man, my son, who is now a grown man. We've spent hours catching up on all the things we didn't write about in our letters to each other. I've cherished every moment, gotten to know the man who's face has changed in subtle ways. Gone are soft plains of youth I knew so well. Although the cherished dimples I so love, remain the same. Thank goodness!
The quiet wisdom he gained in two years of full time service as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, set well on my sons shoulders. I'm excited to see what is in store for this quiet man of faith in the years to come. Soon I'll be doing this all over again when his elder brother, Jason, comes home in three weeks. Oh how how I revel in the love I have for all my children. What a blessing it has been to cherish each of them for so long. My life is so full and so rich. I'm so grateful to a Heavenly Father who gave me so many cherished memories of their youth and future so full of hope and love. It's an amazing feeling!
Next post I'll write about his homecoming and post the photo's after I've gathered them from relatives. Have a great day everyone. Take time to hug those kids tight! They grow up far too fast and it's important to take advantage of each moment. I know this mom is so glad she did. Dimples aren't the only things I've cherished. I thank Heavenly Father daily that their lives have been my blessings.
It was an amazing experience welcoming an adult child home from the mission field in Russia.
One of the things I puzzled over before he arrived, was a sadness I felt when I realized that I was reading his very last e-mail before he left for home. It might sound strange to you as a reader that I would feel that way, so allow me to explain...
For two full years we have only had one e-mail a week from our son in Russia. They have a P-day where they take care of personal things such as laundry, grocery shopping, a group activity and letter writing and e-mailing home. We anticipated that letter each and every week with thanksgiving and excitement as we turned on the computer. Often we read about adventures and near accidents and joy. Other days about uplifting spiritual experiences only found while helping and teaching other children of God and giving compassionate service to the sick, the old and the lost souls they found. There were times of personal sorrow and illness where we were able to pray fervently for our sons and encourage and uplift them as well.
Following my husbands accident, I was able to keep our sons updated on Terry's progress and I know both our missionary sons were grateful for those letters and anticipated more news each week about his recovery. I tried my very best to do so in a way that wouldn't overly worry them and found that I became more positive and hopeful myself for the experience.
Over time I prayed more, studied more and gained a deeper perspective of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I learned about myself as a mother and how deeply indeed I loved my sweet sons.
I became mindful of how our Heavenly Father listens to and answers our prayers. Miracles came our way as a family before, during and after Terry's accident and I recognized those miracles for what they were...
I cannot help but think that our sons willingness to serve allowed me to grow to a depth I knew I wouldn't have found, had they chosen not to serve. Their service was far reaching into lives of so many and I'm forever grateful for their personal sacrifice of two full years of their lives.
It's amazing how simple obedience to a promise to write home to mom and dad each week, caused so much growth in us all. We pray more, we write more, we study with more dilegence than we did two years ago. We ponder deeper meaning in our lives and in our faith. It has brought extended family closer as we pray for our sons well being and success in finding souls to bring to Christ. Some of those might have been so lost, had it not been for the prayers said on their behalf.
Missing a weekly e-mail now for me has been replaced with something even better this month. I'm blessed to sit face to face with a young man, my son, who is now a grown man. We've spent hours catching up on all the things we didn't write about in our letters to each other. I've cherished every moment, gotten to know the man who's face has changed in subtle ways. Gone are soft plains of youth I knew so well. Although the cherished dimples I so love, remain the same. Thank goodness!
The quiet wisdom he gained in two years of full time service as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, set well on my sons shoulders. I'm excited to see what is in store for this quiet man of faith in the years to come. Soon I'll be doing this all over again when his elder brother, Jason, comes home in three weeks. Oh how how I revel in the love I have for all my children. What a blessing it has been to cherish each of them for so long. My life is so full and so rich. I'm so grateful to a Heavenly Father who gave me so many cherished memories of their youth and future so full of hope and love. It's an amazing feeling!
Next post I'll write about his homecoming and post the photo's after I've gathered them from relatives. Have a great day everyone. Take time to hug those kids tight! They grow up far too fast and it's important to take advantage of each moment. I know this mom is so glad she did. Dimples aren't the only things I've cherished. I thank Heavenly Father daily that their lives have been my blessings.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Key to Happiness
"When Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment to 'love one another; as I have loved you' (John 13:34), He gave to them the grand key to happiness in this life and glory in the next."Love is the greatest of all the commandments--all others hang upon it. It is our focus as followers of the living Christ. It is the one trait that, if developed, will most improve our lives."
I learned a while back, that I am in charge of my own happiness. What a concept! My husband can add to my happiness as can my children--but ultimately I am in charge. Since realizing this amazing concept I have searched for the keys to happiness and found them in what Jesus has taught us. He lives and loves us so much and does want each of us to find joy and to be happy.
Recently I read an article in which they stated that those who have hope and are not clinically depressed, can find their way out of depression without medication. I was one of those people. Hope seems to be the key. Jesus Christ gives us that hope over and over in his teachings, both in ancient and modern times.
When we love one another, we give the other person hope through our love. Hope that whatever ails us can be lessened. Hope that we can help bear each others burdens and we are not alone in our affliction. We mirror what Christ feels for us through our actions. Hope does proceed the miracle. The miracle is that life will improve during hard times and that we can hang on if our life is difficult.
When all else fails and we are truly alone, our Savior holds us and comforts us as he is willing to do even when our lives are full of loved ones! Never forget that we are never alone.
Allow the Savior to give you comfort and solace during difficult times. Remember to share your lives with your loving Heavenly Father during good times as well as bad. You will feel His love if you allow yourself to do so prayerfully. The more you exercise your spiritual muscles the more you will feel His love for you during your days and your nights. You will be amazed at how you are in charge of ensuring that you feel the spirit as you strive to bask in it's light. What a blessing it is to know this to be true!
Many people have been calling the members of our church "haters". If you know members of the LDS or Mormon church, you know this to be so untrue. We have been taught to love our brothers and sisters no matter what color our skin is, what religion we are-- or even if you are heterosexual, gay or lesbian.
We are all brothers and sisters and children of a loving God. We are not taught to hate. Hate is a choice individuals make on their own when they stray from the path Christ has taught us.
Our Savior taught us to obey the commandments and to love our neighbors as ourselves. My neighbor is so different from myself. When I first met him he had tobacco stuffed in his lip and he used the Lords name in vein. His wife works in a liquor store and wears revealing clothes. I may have been a little shocked at first, but I didn't allow this to cloud my vision of who they are. I saw past all of that to see what good people they were and have been so blessed!
When my husband got into his car accident, Mike was the first person to help me. He drove me to the accident. He has since fixed our car and brought us food. He has called to check on my husband and how he's doing. I'm grateful we've developed a respect and friendship for each other despite our differences. I would have missed out if I had stood in judgment of this good man.
To stand up for righteousness and goodness and truth is something I teach my own children through Christs example. He taught us to have hope and to pray for those who might offend us. Hate was never in his teachings. So we must also not be haters of men. If we can develop love for our neighbors, we will improve the lives of others, as well as our own. Hope is a natural by- product that I have felt through our most recent experience with Terry's accident. All because so many reached out to us with so much love from places all over the world.
Thank you dear friends. Your love has been amazing!
I learned a while back, that I am in charge of my own happiness. What a concept! My husband can add to my happiness as can my children--but ultimately I am in charge. Since realizing this amazing concept I have searched for the keys to happiness and found them in what Jesus has taught us. He lives and loves us so much and does want each of us to find joy and to be happy.
Recently I read an article in which they stated that those who have hope and are not clinically depressed, can find their way out of depression without medication. I was one of those people. Hope seems to be the key. Jesus Christ gives us that hope over and over in his teachings, both in ancient and modern times.
When we love one another, we give the other person hope through our love. Hope that whatever ails us can be lessened. Hope that we can help bear each others burdens and we are not alone in our affliction. We mirror what Christ feels for us through our actions. Hope does proceed the miracle. The miracle is that life will improve during hard times and that we can hang on if our life is difficult.
When all else fails and we are truly alone, our Savior holds us and comforts us as he is willing to do even when our lives are full of loved ones! Never forget that we are never alone.
Allow the Savior to give you comfort and solace during difficult times. Remember to share your lives with your loving Heavenly Father during good times as well as bad. You will feel His love if you allow yourself to do so prayerfully. The more you exercise your spiritual muscles the more you will feel His love for you during your days and your nights. You will be amazed at how you are in charge of ensuring that you feel the spirit as you strive to bask in it's light. What a blessing it is to know this to be true!
Many people have been calling the members of our church "haters". If you know members of the LDS or Mormon church, you know this to be so untrue. We have been taught to love our brothers and sisters no matter what color our skin is, what religion we are-- or even if you are heterosexual, gay or lesbian.
We are all brothers and sisters and children of a loving God. We are not taught to hate. Hate is a choice individuals make on their own when they stray from the path Christ has taught us.
Our Savior taught us to obey the commandments and to love our neighbors as ourselves. My neighbor is so different from myself. When I first met him he had tobacco stuffed in his lip and he used the Lords name in vein. His wife works in a liquor store and wears revealing clothes. I may have been a little shocked at first, but I didn't allow this to cloud my vision of who they are. I saw past all of that to see what good people they were and have been so blessed!
When my husband got into his car accident, Mike was the first person to help me. He drove me to the accident. He has since fixed our car and brought us food. He has called to check on my husband and how he's doing. I'm grateful we've developed a respect and friendship for each other despite our differences. I would have missed out if I had stood in judgment of this good man.
To stand up for righteousness and goodness and truth is something I teach my own children through Christs example. He taught us to have hope and to pray for those who might offend us. Hate was never in his teachings. So we must also not be haters of men. If we can develop love for our neighbors, we will improve the lives of others, as well as our own. Hope is a natural by- product that I have felt through our most recent experience with Terry's accident. All because so many reached out to us with so much love from places all over the world.
Thank you dear friends. Your love has been amazing!
Joseph B Wirthlin, "The Great Commandment," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 30 31
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Healing Message...
Today we went to a wonderful graduation party. It was our sons sweethearts party. The party was the best one I'd attended in years. So many friends were there. I can't recall having such a good time in years! Maybe because I can actually enjoy a lively conversation again? In the past I couldn't follow a conversation for long, the fog would roll in on my brain and I'd feel anxious. It was very disconcerting.
Now, I feel like I've joined the land of the living once again. I can't describe how it feels to be able to notice the trees and the leaves and the even the ripples in the water on the lake again.
When I wasn't sleeping I was just trying to survive. I was gradually circling the drain of life--and I felt myself slowly dieing away. It was so hard to feel that way and not have doctors that would listen to me. I'm grateful that they finally did and now my life is getting better and better as the days go on! I'm so filled with joy at the prospect of living a full and meaningful life once again.
I love my Heavenly Father so much and I pray that I can show my gratitude towards Him by living my life as Jesus would want me to. The second half of my life is going to be beautiful! No matter what trials come my way, I'm determined to live it prayerfully and with hope and thanksgiving for what it does bring.
A quote I read this week really touched my heart about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ touched one mans life. I had to share it with all of you because without the Gospel, I'm not so sure I could have held on for so long. I know that President Uchtdorf feels much the same way...It is also the source of my strength and my hope and faith as well.
"In the middle of [the] despair [of postwar Germany], my family learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and the healing message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. This message made all the difference; it lifted us above our daily misery. Life was still thorny and the circumstances still horrible, but the gospel brought light, hope, and joy into our lives. The plain and simple truths of the gospel warmed our hearts and enlightened our minds. They helped us look at
ourselves and the world around us with different eyes and from an elevated
viewpoint."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?" Ensign, Nov. 2007, 19)
Now, I feel like I've joined the land of the living once again. I can't describe how it feels to be able to notice the trees and the leaves and the even the ripples in the water on the lake again.
When I wasn't sleeping I was just trying to survive. I was gradually circling the drain of life--and I felt myself slowly dieing away. It was so hard to feel that way and not have doctors that would listen to me. I'm grateful that they finally did and now my life is getting better and better as the days go on! I'm so filled with joy at the prospect of living a full and meaningful life once again.
I love my Heavenly Father so much and I pray that I can show my gratitude towards Him by living my life as Jesus would want me to. The second half of my life is going to be beautiful! No matter what trials come my way, I'm determined to live it prayerfully and with hope and thanksgiving for what it does bring.
A quote I read this week really touched my heart about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ touched one mans life. I had to share it with all of you because without the Gospel, I'm not so sure I could have held on for so long. I know that President Uchtdorf feels much the same way...It is also the source of my strength and my hope and faith as well.
"In the middle of [the] despair [of postwar Germany], my family learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and the healing message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. This message made all the difference; it lifted us above our daily misery. Life was still thorny and the circumstances still horrible, but the gospel brought light, hope, and joy into our lives. The plain and simple truths of the gospel warmed our hearts and enlightened our minds. They helped us look at
ourselves and the world around us with different eyes and from an elevated
viewpoint."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?" Ensign, Nov. 2007, 19)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Lord's Promise
*" --As we invite the Savior into our lives, the Holy Ghost will bear witness to us of
the love which the Father and His Son, our Savior, have for each of us. But
feeling Their love is dependent not only on our desire but upon our actions
as well. And the actions we need to take are known to us: genuine prayer
that is specific and humble, followed by quiet listening for the Lord's
answers; regular scripture study and time to ponder what we read; and,
finally, a willingness to be introspective about ourselves and to trust in
the Lord's promise that He will 'make weak things become strong
unto [us]' (Ether 12:27)."
I feel that each family is uniquely prepared to support their missionary or child as an individual. In our family, trails and tribulations and service are happenstance. Our kids were prepared for the very worst and the best on their missions. through those tough character building situations and opportunities to give of themselves..
Through many priesthood blessings I've received for healing, each priesthood holder in turn told me that our trials were meant to make us stronger as a family and to teach our sons the gift of compassion. Compassion ebbed and flowed freely for our family because of this knowledge. It gave us strength when bigger trials came. Conflicts were resolved and hearts were mended.
We are all so grateful now for the hard work, the tears and the stumbling blocks we've overcome together. We can remind each other about these things during situations that are tough for our missionaries. We have already lived through so much that might help the one who is serving. We can lift each other in prayer and in thought and through our daily deeds of service--and relay those situations to them. We can tell them what we have learned and in turn they can share how our words have lifted them.
I guess what I'm saying is to continue to strive to learn and teach and grow in the gospel while our kids are on missions or away from home. Give service to our brothers and sisters inside and out of the gospel while they are away--just as they are doing. As we continue to share with our kids and lift them as we are lifted, we are still weathering the storms of life together as eternal families. I feel so blessed and humbled to have sons who are so willing to serve.
My heart is full and I now know that I can do anything the Lord asks of me especially after giving my children to Him for safe keeping. At the beginning of this missionary moms journey, I was weak and had so many fears. After much prayer and pondering what I have learned from the scriptures and living the gospel, I have found my way.
I have never been happier or felt stronger in my testimony of Jesus Christ and in His church. Life continues to be a blessing and I know with all I am that the Lord does keep His promises.
***
*(Kathleen H. Hughes, "Remembering the Lord's Love," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 112)
the love which the Father and His Son, our Savior, have for each of us. But
feeling Their love is dependent not only on our desire but upon our actions
as well. And the actions we need to take are known to us: genuine prayer
that is specific and humble, followed by quiet listening for the Lord's
answers; regular scripture study and time to ponder what we read; and,
finally, a willingness to be introspective about ourselves and to trust in
the Lord's promise that He will 'make weak things become strong
unto [us]' (Ether 12:27)."
I feel that each family is uniquely prepared to support their missionary or child as an individual. In our family, trails and tribulations and service are happenstance. Our kids were prepared for the very worst and the best on their missions. through those tough character building situations and opportunities to give of themselves..
Through many priesthood blessings I've received for healing, each priesthood holder in turn told me that our trials were meant to make us stronger as a family and to teach our sons the gift of compassion. Compassion ebbed and flowed freely for our family because of this knowledge. It gave us strength when bigger trials came. Conflicts were resolved and hearts were mended.
We are all so grateful now for the hard work, the tears and the stumbling blocks we've overcome together. We can remind each other about these things during situations that are tough for our missionaries. We have already lived through so much that might help the one who is serving. We can lift each other in prayer and in thought and through our daily deeds of service--and relay those situations to them. We can tell them what we have learned and in turn they can share how our words have lifted them.
I guess what I'm saying is to continue to strive to learn and teach and grow in the gospel while our kids are on missions or away from home. Give service to our brothers and sisters inside and out of the gospel while they are away--just as they are doing. As we continue to share with our kids and lift them as we are lifted, we are still weathering the storms of life together as eternal families. I feel so blessed and humbled to have sons who are so willing to serve.
My heart is full and I now know that I can do anything the Lord asks of me especially after giving my children to Him for safe keeping. At the beginning of this missionary moms journey, I was weak and had so many fears. After much prayer and pondering what I have learned from the scriptures and living the gospel, I have found my way.
I have never been happier or felt stronger in my testimony of Jesus Christ and in His church. Life continues to be a blessing and I know with all I am that the Lord does keep His promises.
***
*(Kathleen H. Hughes, "Remembering the Lord's Love," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 112)
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