🍂 September

D&C 84:88

Alma 57: Just because they were men of faith whose minds were firm and who did put their trust in God continually, does not mean they weren't injured and even found from amongst the dead. Though protected from destruction, even unwavering faith (of them and their parents), did not protect them from the wounds of battle, nor does it protect us and our families from all the battle wounds of our day. We all receive wounds, injuries, and even some severe blows that will require advanced care, but through the "astonishing and... miraculous power of God" we as well as our loved ones, can be preserved by His marvelous power."

Derek has such a tender and caring heart. While playing wooden trains with his friend, William, he looked at William 's train with five cars and his own with five. Instead of taking a car, he reached down to his own train, pulled off a car and added it to his friend's train. Just because. Because, for Derek , happiness and kindness matter more than things. 

Blessing from Bishop:

Bless you that you will feel Mike's love for you and you will know that he genuinely loves you and admires so many wonderful things about you. 

That you will feel your boys love for you as their mother. You are enough to them. Bless you that as they get older that they will love and appreciate you even when they are aware of your weaknesses. 

That they will know that you love the Lord and that you He is who you turn to and rely on. 

Bless you to know that you are enough. Heavenly Father understands that we're all just little boys and girls. 

Bless you that you will be more comfortable in your own skin. That you will allow yourself to be vulnerable. That you will allow yourself to laugh and to cry. And to let others get to know you. That you will trust that when people do get to know the real Robin Ball, that they will love you even more. And that you can feel that love. 

I give a special blessing of healing. That your mind and your body can be healed. That your heart and your soul can be healed. And that you can move forth with Heavenly Father's love flowing into your mind, your thoughts, your intellect, and your heart; into you and on out to others. That you can go forth with joy in your heart and with laughter. 

Council:

If He did not want you the way you are, then he wouldn't have created you that way. 

In a business, the ones that flop are the ones that have the "replacement" mentality. That my replacing someone, they will be better off. But then with a new person, they just get a new set of problems. We need to learn to work with what we've been given. Learn to create a culture within our family in our home that is open, loving, and accepting of all people. We need to create open and inviting homes, even to those that are really hard. Somehow we can see how we can help lift them in their circumstances. 

We wouldn't consider getting rid of a child who's not living up to our expectations. So why would that be any different with a neighbor? What is the family culture we're creating and what are the lessons we're teaching when we tell our children to love everyone and then we are selective in who we'll let in?

Relationships are based on the principles of the Gospel. Faith, love, compassion, repentance, forgiveness. We may not know how & it can be hard, but when we do those things, we grow closer to our Savior and build relationships with the people around us as compared to when we don't do those things. 

Personal thoughts.

Severing relationships isn't the Lords way. It might be the Lamm family way. But never in the saviors life did he avoid someone because they were different than Him. If he had, he would've lived alone my life, because none of us are worthy to be in his presence. 

While driving up the canyon for beauty and relief, I came to gut-wrenching realization that I AM Mutual Dell. This beautiful, convenient, close, refreshing, amazing Church-owned property just 20 minutes from my house. Beautiful trails, running water, cool temperatures, a kid-friendly playground, with acres of breathtaking pine trees. And yet, totally and completely closed and gated to any visitors who dare get in the way of their perfect and precious guests with girls camp, scout camp, etc. leaving any "outsider" feeling totally unwanted and even shameful for daring to go near something beautiful that I don't have a chance of accessing. 

And then, in stark contrast, there is Aspen Grove. This multi-million dollar and rather elite camp that is oozing with warm the and welcoming arms. How many times my boys and I have loitered and pretended to be paying guests, and most likely how many times was it obvious, and yet, no one ever said a word to us. No stink eye, no unkind words; just love. 

Which property am I? The breathtaking AG who influenced hundreds of thousands of lives for good each year, houses general authorities, shares the gospel and exudes a feeling of warmth and inclusion. 

Or am I the inclusive and holier than thou poor though beautiful maple dell "adorned" with signs "reminding" the those abhorrent trespassers to beware & even the to "welcomed " guests to not have dogs, not be here on Sunday, stay on the trails, etc. Is my podunk camp seriously always adorned with a "Camp Full" sign-- even though on said Sundays no visitors are welcome?

It's all about love. What do I expect when I've been praying for an increased capacity of love? Is it when I stop caring about what others think that my heart is open to love?

you're mind can be cleared and that your thoughts 

Noticing how tired I was, these sweet angels came in and volunteered to finish making our bed with the clean sheets I'd washed.