"Prepare every needful thing"

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to speak in church.  I am not a natural speaker and often overwhelmed by the experience of it.  I was so nervous that just 10 minutes before speaking I had to run to the restroom, totally flustered I found myself right in the men's restroom!

I'm sharing my words here both for a record of the experience and also for insights gained...........

I am grateful for the opportunity I have had  over the past several weeks to ponder the assigned topic, “prepare every needful thing”.  Though this counsel naturally greets us upon the beginning of each new year, I was given the assignment way back in November. I carried it with me and pondered it from the beginning of the holiday season, it was a unique and eye opening experience- it was a gift to enjoy the Christmas season with the phrase “needful thing” guiding me.

For me, the expectations and preparations required during the Christmas season are both joyful and overwhelming.  The weeks of planning, purchasing, decorating, wrappings, makings, baking and social events can be both fun and distracting.  Each time I felt my heart race with the intensity of it all I practiced settling into my heart and questioning - “is this needful?”, “is this bringing me closer to the Savior?” is this “cultivating peace in my soul?”

In answer to these questions, there may have been a few less gifts exchanged, the Christmas dresses I had planned to sew never got cut out, the traditional pies were not baked and we did not read through the entire basket of collected Christmas books from over the years.  

I don’t think any of the children even noticed, at least not one complained or questioned it.  Daily I consciously tuned into what was “needed” - and for me that was, setting aside more time for quiet reflection and personal scripture study, deliberately looking into the eyes of my husband and children, listening to them with my heart and  being gentle and forgiving with myself and others.  

My experience this past month taught me that it was not needful to prepare a picture perfect Christmas but instead it was needful for me to prepare my heart to come closer to Christ and act on his teachings.    

The council to “prepare every needful thing” is found in the Doctorine and Covenants.  First in section 88 and later in section 119. It was given as a message of peace to the early saints after a previous revelation prophesied of the wars that would occur in the latter days.

The early leaders vocally and collectively prayed for direction for the saints in building zion.  This was a portion of the answer given to them:

119 aOrganize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a bhouse, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;

This verse specifically refers to the building of a temple.

In addition to establishing temples, this counsel also sets a pattern for our homes - which are to be holy places, this counsel applies to building righteous lives and righteous families.  This council applies to our individual bodies as houses to our souls.

This council is both spiritual and temporal.

"We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being." (Julie B. Beck, The Welfare Responsibilities of the Relief Society President,” Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance (2009), 4–5)

I am grateful for the church organization in providing clear and accessible information on how to be temporally prepared.

There is an entire site providentliving.org devoted to useful information specifically on

-employment

-finances

-food storage

-Emergency preparedness

-gardening

-physical health

-and Education

I admit the lists of recommended action in the manuals and site are overwhelming - I’m not sure there is anyone in the church who has every recommended box checked.

These resources and recommendations are to be used with wisdom and not expected to happen over night.  It is through direction of the spirit that one may know what action is most needed for their individual circumstance.

A few years ago while we were living in Utah there was a relief society meeting about the importance of food storage and we enjoyed a wheat buffet.  There was a group order for bulk wheat and a hint that wheat prices were about to sky rocket, wanting to “check the box” and avoid the possibility of a higher price, I ordered a few hundred dollars worth of wheat, I did this before tuning into the spirit for personal direction and confirmation.  A few weeks after the arrival of our wheat and cooking every recipe in the Relief Society packet, myself and a few of our children began to become very ill.  It was soon discovered that we were intolerant to wheat. This was a good learning experience for me, I acted before turning inward and asking “ is this needed”? Since then I have often sought the direction of the spirit on how to feed my family. I have been able to find other substitutes for wheat and been given direction on how to both store and prepare those alternatives for my family.

Again, it is through the direction of the spirit that one may know what action is most needed for their individual circumstance. And in cases where there is further question of what temporal action should be taken local church leaders are available for inspired counsel.  

I am reminded of the scripture in Alma 37

36 Yea, and acry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thybdoings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy cthoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

37 aCounsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for bgood;

I recently read a Deseret News article featuring the survival story of 10 young sister missionaries serving in Talcabon Phillipines in the wake of a deadly typhoon.  They had reported there were previous Typhoon warnings that only produced blue skies. They followed the mission president’s counsel to assemble a 72 - hour kit including the purchase of a rope, one they never thought they’d have to use.  The storm hit early in the morning and this group of sisters soon found themselves knee deep in water.  For security reasons the windows were all barred and they found themselves trapped on the second floor with water quickly rising to the ceiling.  They prayed for direction and were able to knock a hole through the wall, swim through and attach the rope to a neighboring roof where they prayed for a miracle, that the water would stop rising.  Their prayer was miraculously answered.  In a later interview one of the young sisters said, having grown up in Utah, she had never been prepared for a flood but she had been prepared both emotionally and spiritually to face whatever challenge may come her way.  They were sustained through blessing of being both spiritually and temporally prepared.

In pondering the topic of this talk I struggled with what needed most - to be spiritually or temporally prepared? I personally believe they are intertwined.  

President Monson stated:

“Self-reliance is a product of our work and undergirds all other welfare practices. It is an essential element in our spiritual as well as our temporal well-being.”

When our family decided to move to a farm it was initially to provide for our temporal needs, we hoped to be more self sufficient in feeding  our large family. Now, two years into it we have experienced both successes and failures and it has been more physically challenging that I could have ever imagined.Yet I am overwhelmed by the way these experiences have transformed us spiritually.

In the pursuit of these temporal endeavors I have never said more prayers in my life.  I will never forget my first experience with the bees, with my son William by my side and both of us dressed head to toe in bee suits, we prayed for direction when with no experience we opened a box of over 10,000 honey bees.  It was terrifying, and bees can smell and attack fear.  I prayed vocally and softly sung “oh how lovely was the morning” while I literally felt the spirit work through my arms and into my fingers guiding me on how to release the queen and set up the boxes.  

On another occasion we dropped to our knees right in the soiled straw over a weak lamb.  I heard the faith filled prayers of my children and our family exercised faith and witnessed what the vet declared “a miracle”.

I was touched when one fast Sunday one of the boys was especially focused.  When I inquired of the focus of the fast he said it was for the chickens - that they would assimilate more calcium because he noticed the eggs where not as hard as they should be.

We sang and bore testimony of the eternal life of all souls and creatures at the burial of our favorite barn cat.

In the garden, my youngest children asked questions of the earth and the creation and we sang many songs.  They rolled in the soil and proclaimed their love of the earth and all the worms and bugs that Heavenly Father created for them.

I am not suggesting that it is needful for every family to move to a farm - 

I only wish to share that the worthy pursuit of temporal goals will always manifest spiritual blessings when the intention is set in conjunction with the principles and practices of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Matt. 6:33 Jesus spoke “ ‘Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you’

In Luke chapter 10 - we read the story of Mary and Martha, where the Lord himself answers Martha, Martha, thou art acareful and troubled about many things:

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath achosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Often times I find myself on the side of Martha, careful and troubled about with many things,  even with eight arms I could never accomplish all that I wished in one day.

As I move forward into this new year however, I hope to find peace in sitting at the feet of the Savior in “choosing the good part”, that through the quiet whisperings of the spirit I may rise above distraction and “prepare every needful thing”.  That I may rest into my heart and practice asking - “what is needed in this moment” and have the courage to act on those promptings.

Elder Scott has offered the following recommendation:

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Some places are sacred and holy where it seems easier to discern the direction of the Holy Spirit. The temple is such a place. Find a retreat of peace and quiet where periodically you can ponder and let the Lord establish the direction of your life. Each of us needs to periodically check our bearings and confirm that we are on course. Sometime soon you may benefit from taking this personal inventory:

“What are my highest priorities to be accomplished while on earth?

“How do I use my discretionary time? Is some of it consistently applied to my highest priorities?

“Is there anything I know I should not be doing? If so, I will repent and stop it now.

“In a quiet moment write down your responses. Analyze them. Make any necessary adjustments.

“Put first things first” (“First Things First,” Ensign, May 2001, 9).

And again reminds us -

3 Nephi 13:33 [3 Ne. 13:33]: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

I am grateful for the direction of the Savior Jesus Christ in my life, I am grateful for the reminder at the beginning of this new year to recommit myself  to the studying, pondering, and practicing of his teachings. That through daily practice I may continually prepare myself for both the experiences of life on earth and eternal life to come.

Homemade gifts - Christmas 2013

The holiday makings happened all of December even late into Christmas eve.  The candles above were made by Paul out of a neighbor's tree that came down.  He made sets for several individuals and made even more when he found a black walnut limb down.  I'm not sure what he enjoyed more, the process of making them or the excuse to buy new tools for the project.  I love how they all turned out and was very pleased to find a set just for me under the tree.

For Oma, the kids decided to work together to create a book of Jesus paintings.  They each drew their favorite scripture story, traced it in ink and filled in with watercolors.  When using the right paints and ink this process always turns out beautiful.  Oma was moved to tears.

Now in order from oldest to youngest here's what they made for each other.  James made stilts for William.  

William picked Peter's name and took inspiration from a story he wrote a few years ago about Kisko market in the land of Dork.  He built the market and painted a few peg people into the original characters.  It was the generosity of a good neighbor opening his workshop and teaching the kids new skills that made most of these ideas come to life.

This statue of James riding a horse was sculpted by Peter then fired at Uncle Dave's store.  James rides every week and it looks just like him with his "bopper hat" on.  Peter also had the idea to make James his own stash of peppermint bark but unfortunately it was already consumed before we could capture it on camera.

Maryanna picked Charlie this year and instantly decided what she was going to make him and it was going to be all by herself!  With the exception of James helping her download the pattern online she did pretty much do it herself.  

This is "Coco" created out of a thrifted shirt and some scrap fabric.  Maryanna is now working on sewing him some clothes.  I love watching her sew!

Clara had George to make for and decided to create a bean bag toss game.  Originally it was going to be a train scene but the size of the holes were too big.  In an instant she caught a vision of a fruit bowl, sketched it right onto the wood then painted it.  Paul did the finishing wood work with her by his side.

Clara also cut and sewed 12 bean bags all by herself.  I need to help her a little though because we now how beans all over the house.  

Henry originally wanted to sew a dress for Maryanna but I knew it would be me doing it so I redirected him towards something he could do more independently.  He made her sparkly rainbow FIMO bead necklace with a heart charm framing a picture of her and her favorite horse Bill.

I have to admit sometimes it is hard to think of things the younger kids can make for their siblings.  A photo book is always good option.  George sat on my lap as we selected photos, edited them and dragged them into place.  He also enjoyed composing captions for the photos.

Charlie picked Clara to give to.  At this age though he is only good at making messes so the homemade gift was handed right over to Daddy for the making.  I picked a simple Ana White plan for a doll high chair and Paul got it done and painted without too many children spying on it.

It fits right in the corner of the kitchen right by the play stove and has been the site of many doll tea parties.

Two days before Christmas the boys totally surprised me with a huge sculpture covered in cardboard and duck tape and I admit I was nervous.  It was the first gift that was opened Christmas morning and I was so thrilled and impressed with their wood working skills.  It is an obelisk for the garden and so excited to plant something to climb it.

Hiding away at the neighbor's wood working shop James also created a wooden van for Paul.  It has plexiglass windows and the top comes off to seat 12 peg people.  It is now sitting proudly on Paul's desk. 

In addition to the white van James spent hours creating a complicated game called "Bust the Wizard".  It comes with a 5 page instruction manual, painted peg pieces, cards and dice.  It so much fun that it has been played repeatedly by Paul and the boys late into the snowy evenings.

William really mastered the band saw at the neighbors and decided to make dragon figures for George and Henry.  He painted them a few knight people as well.

Even a few more gifts because the boys simply had too much fun in the neighboring workshop.  Peter made this "Flinstone" car for Charlie. 

He also made these two cherry wavy bladed swords for Henry and George.

And lastly, so the girls wouldn't feel left out William made them each a bird house.

This was a busy season for them - and I have to say the first year that their projects did not fall in my lap.  I love this Christmas tradition, there is so much joy in the making, giving and receiving and learning new skills.

Christmas 2013

(reported by William)

It is hard to believe how fast this season has passed.  Everyone was really excited to decorate the tree that Henry, Clara and Daddy cut down.  We all found our favorite ornaments and tried to hang them as high as we could so they wouldn't get busted by Charlie or the cats.  Three nutcrackers and Henry's elf ornament got busted and fixed a few times.  We were nervous when we could not find the favorite puff ball milk shake ornament Daddy got in the 80's, it was wrapped in newspaper and almost thrown out in the trash.  Everyone seems to like that one, I don't know why.

We went to the Waterloo Farm museum for their Country Christmas event.  Everyone was very eager to participate in the scavenger hunt in order to earn a swirly straw.  It was interesting to learn how they lived and celebrated Christmas back in the 1800's.  It also was interesting to compare it to how people celebrate Christmas now with big blow up snowmen, street Santas and huge lines at stores like Walmart and Best Buy.  They did not have Christmas lights but real candles on their tree. 

It must have been really cold and they had to make use of everything they had.  I thought it was interesting how they did not have refrigerators so they harvested ice from the lake and stored it until the the summer in an ice house.
  

With our homeschool group we did some fun Christmas activities like planting paper whites, making kite paper window stars and hosting a gift exchange party.  It was fun to share these activities with our friends.  Clara loved caring for the four sets of paper whites around our house.  Their smell reminds me of Christmas and it is really amazing how fast they grow and bloom.

We also had an adventure as we made our way through a snow storm to Nanny and Poppy's house.  Normally it takes us 1 hour and 20 minutes to get there but the roads were so slippery it took us over 3 hours.  We were concerned when we saw lots of accidents along the way so we said lots of prayers and were so relieved to finally get there. We all had lot of fun decorating cookies and watching movies with Nanny and Poppy.

We also met our cousins at a sledding hill and ended up staying two nights until the roads were clear enough to return.  Good thing Daddy was at home taking care of the animals.

For Family Night we watched the LDS bible videos about the birth of Jesus.  I noticed how before everyone was really hyper but after the videos everyone settled down and were quiet.  Watching the videos made the story really real.

We also celebrated with our annual sleep over under the Christmas tree the weekend before Christmas.  We opened some early presents from Oma and Opa and watched It's a Wonderful Life while enjoying Christmas cookies and hot chocolate.

Everyone slept well and no one threw up this year.

We had some extra goat milk so Peter experimented with cajeta, a Mexican treat kind of like caramel.  It tasted really good on our ice cream but took a long time to make.  We gave some to neighbors and friends.

Our babysitter Peggy came over for dinner then we put on a Nativity in the milking room.  Henry wanted to be Joseph so he could have a beard and mustache.  He drew it on so hard that it was there for 3 days.  Clara was happy to have a turn being Mary and put a soccer ball in her shirt to make herself look pregnant.

Daddy read the story from the Bible and most participants were cooperative except for George who was a wise man and was crying and the goats who were fighting over grain.  

We turned the lights off and sang Christmas carols by candle light.   It felt very reverent.  

I was a shepherd with Charlie and was going to bring in a lamb but he started crying so I put him back.  I hope we do this again next year and have more animals participate.

Christmas eve we always go to Nanny and Poppy's house.  We always have Swedish meatballs, potatoes, rolls and shrimp.  Maryanna ate so much shrimp she later had a nightmare her stomach was exploding.  We also had cookies and pie and cake for my Uncles' birthdays. Then as always everyone rushes for their Christmas bag full of presents from Nanny and Poppy.  I don't know what everyone else got because it happened so quick and I was so focused on the Hobbit Lego sets my brothers and I got. We loaded everyone in the car before it was too late and got home just in time for milking.

As usual everyone woke up really early.  Mommy kept telling us to go back to sleep.  At 6 am the thunder of kids racing to their stockings and shaking out the contents finally got Mommy out of bed.

While we were eating breakfast someone noticed the neighbor's horse got loose and was in our driveway.  Maryanna wondered if Santa had brought Bill the pony for Christmas as she has been wishing.  

The biggest surprise was a puppy named Oscar!  Daddy said he got a text from Santa saying there was a box at the elf's  secret depot waiting for our family.  He came back with a giant box with a loose lid and we all gathered around wondering what was inside.  No one was expecting a puppy so when we opened it everyone crowded around each trying to pet it for the first time.  Maryanna was so happy she was crying, I was in shock and so excited.

He is a Bernese Mountain dog and will grow over 100 lbs.  We are learning a lot about puppies and the responsibility it takes to train them.  We had so much fun with him that we did not open any other presents until 10 am.

We played all day with our presents.  The most popular gifts were the dress ups.  Henry got a pack of mustaches in his stocking and a cross bow, breastplate, helmet and sword.  He had fun defending himself from his older brothers all day.  
  

George was happy to play along too with his new armor.  The other favorite gifts were the homemade ones which Mommy will report on later.

We played all day with our legos and new marble run components and the younger kids liked playing the headbands game with Daddy.  All the while the puppy ran around the house getting attention and peed on the rug a few times.

He was worn out and so was everyone else.  

Not everyone wanted the day to end but they were tired.

Clara and I got to camp out next to the puppy for his first night in our home.  I wasn't very prepared for getting up 3 or 4 times in the night and playing with him at 5 am.  Now we are getting on a better schedule.  

Overall it was a very memorable Christmas, Henry cried when we took down the tree as he did not want it to be over.