Small Tender Mercies

Monday's are hard!
I mean HARD-
and lately they I have been REALLY hard for me!

Like curl up in a fetal position and
lie in my closet with a box of Oreo's hard!

I'm going to blame it on hormones,
and age- because I can promise you
it is NOT pregnancy-
though that is EXACTLY what it feels like!
And I'd rather blame it on hormones
than say I'm just an emotional basket case!

So hormones it is...
that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Any who...
So today is Monday!
I woke up and knew I was in for a doozie 
of an emotional day-
so I decided to skip the gym and go back to bed
once everyone left for school.

Luckily for me, I had a lot of inner dialog going
on that convinced me to haul my pity partying hiney
to the GYM and get me a good Tabata beating!

I am so glad I did! The girls at the gym 
are seriously my life savers right now as I try to
juggle my life and stay somewhere in between
crazy and insane!

When I got home, I found myself sinking again.
I pulled out my phone and tried to hide my
feelings in digital media-
To my great joy and happiness,
I had emails from both of my wonderful
missionary children.

My son's letters are always short,
but he never fails to tell me how much
he loves me and how grateful he is
that I am his mom.

Be still my emotional heart-
if that wasn't just the thing I needed, I don't know
what was!

As I poured out my heart in a prayer of gratitude,
I was reminded of an experience I had
a few years ago on a pioneer trek for my church.
You can read about it here-
and I would say, if you are feeling at all
frustrated, discouraged or downtrodden;
you should TOTALLY read it!

I think I am in one of those times when my
Father in Heaven knows I need to be left alone
to labor and toil and struggle-
I know my family will be stronger and better for
the effort we put in, even though it is a source
of great concern for me now.

But I was reminded today, that even though
I may be left alone right now-
He, who loves us more than we can ever know,
is watching from above and preparing angels
with just the right information and at just the right moment-
to step in and push me up the mountain!

Today, I imagined that He knew that I would
get to this point in my battles
and He knew Monday's would be hard for me-
Today, I believe it is no coincidence that
BOTH of my missionary kiddos get to write me
on MONDAY's! Nor do I believe it is any small
matter that my hardest- and most fulfilling workout
class occurs on Monday morning AND that
the very smiling faces I have come to glean
strength and energy from have decided to
attend this class too!

He can't change the Monday hard right now,
this is part of my challenge and I have things to learn-
But He can prepare a source of strength to appear on
Monday's- to carry me through to Tuesday-
and that small mercy is worthy of notice and praise.

Life & Yoga: Part 1

I have practiced yoga for many years. 

I love what it does for my body, 
but more than anything, 
I love what it does for my spirit.

In my opinion, the yoga instructor can
make or break a practice. 
The encouragement and the thoughts they
provide throughout class can increase the level
of calm in my very chatty brain

OR 
increase the chaos and distraction
in my body and mind!
I choose CALM,
thank you very much!

This is Ashley.
 
I took her yoga classes faithfully for several years. 
She is absolutely beautiful in mind and in spirit. 

Life is the same as a yoga class in many ways-
If you have a good leader,
whether it is a peer, mentor or spouse-
who can lead you and guide you through
the many twists and turns of life,
your growth and development can reach
new heights all the while enjoying peace and calm.

I have been influenced by many people for good,
some only for a what seems like a minute,
others have been with me for years.

But it is their gently touch on my soul that  
will last a lifetime.

Eternal Progression

Goals With Heavenly Help

How did four months just whiz by before I knew it?

I had the opportunity to present at a local Women's Conference
this past weekend. It was an amazing conference
and my topic couldn't have been better suited for what I love
to practice and preach!!

So I wanted to share a little bit...
My last post was about New Year's Resolutions-
and I promised to write about my 2012 New Year's Goals
and......
than I didn't!

Well, here I am, about to repent and right that wrong-

So my topic was on 'Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God'
the conference was themed after Matthew 6-
 


I talked a lot about the incredible life we can have when we
put our spiritual growth first,
and I used my 2012 goals as an example of what can
become of a life when we let our Heavenly Father lead the way!


This is what my goals looked like with ME in charge,
I thought they looked pretty good and I felt like it would be a good year
if I could accomplish the goals.

New Year’s Resolutions 2012

* Attend the Temple Monthly

* Learn how to log in and enter personal information to family history program

* Look into options for a Master’s degree program

* Read Chapter 4 of the Preach My Gospel Manual

* Find an exercise routine that builds strength and endurance

* Greet hubby with a smile & offer one compliment/gratitude each day

Well this is how my goals looked after a teamed up
with my Heavenly Father who knows me far better than
I know myself AND sees a whole lot more in my potential

New Year’s Resolutions
Treisha’s Plan	Heavenly Father’s Outcome
* Attend the Temple Monthly	* Attended the Temple weekly * Baptisms for the Dead with my children 2 times * Sealed 100 families for all eternity
* Learn how to log in and enter personal information into a family history program	* Found the names of 188 deceased family members * Did the temple work for ALL family names
* Look into options for a Master’s degree program	* Looked into, applied and got accepted into program that works perfectly with my family dynamics
* Read Chapter 4 of the  Preach My Gospel Manual	* Studied the entire Preach My Gospel Manual. The devotion to this book has literally changed my life. I cannot even begin to describe all the facets of my life that were impacted by this study!
* Find an exercise routine that builds strength and endurance	* Found a great trainer and a group of girls to work out with that provides incentive to push beyond my doubts * This group has been my social life force, especially when loneliness has crept into my day
* Greet hubby with a smile & offer at least one compliment or gratitude per day	* Seems so small, but it has changed our marriage. We are happier, more united and less stressed overall than we ever have been before

I know it is not New Year's Resolution time,
but maybe this is about the time when you realize
that you haven't made the progress you wanted to by now.

I have been so grateful for the way my 2012 ended up.
It is the first time in my life (at least that I can remember)
that I accomplished so much yet felt so little stress and
anxiety while doing it.

I would say, if you have never done it before,
look at what your goals are and say a little prayer-
Can you push a little harder?
A little further?
Can you see a little more?

I don't mean ADD more to your life,
I mean BECOME more with what you are already doing!!

You're in for an amazing experience if you do,
I guarantee it!!

Day Six: Thursday, Good Friday & The day of the Crucifixion

Day Six: Thursday, Good Friday & The day of the Crucifixion

The events of this day occur rapidly, in part due to the fact that the time for the passover feast was quickly approaching. Jesus was taken first to Pilate by the Jewish leaders. With Pilate, a formal trial began where the accusations were discussed. Throughout most of this interchange, Jesus remains quiet. When asked if Jesus is  "the King of the Jews", Jesus responds with, "Thou sayest it." According to John's account of this  day, Pilate retreats to a private discussion with Jesus. At this time, Jesus confirms in brief His earthly mission to proclaim the truth.
Herod gets involved only for a moment and returns Jesus to Pilate. Finding no fault with Jesus and with his wife expressing her own worries, Pilate proclaims that he will wash his hands of the death of Jesus.  At this, those who are present agree to take responsibility. At the crowds insistence, Barabbas is released and Jesus is set to be crucified. During this time, which is believed to be about 3 hours, Jesus is scourged, mocked, ridiculed and beaten.
Jesus was to carry His own cross to the place of execution, Golgotha. In all ways, the events of last night and today truly represent that Jesus had descended below us all. All sources of dignity and respect were stripped from Him at this time. Yet in the midst of this torture, He offered a plea of forgiveness for those that were taking part in these events. For three hours a darkness covered the land. 
Surrounding Him at this time are several of His most faithful followers among which are His mother, John and Mary Magdalene. One interesting point of view that I discovered was than when Jesus confers the care of His mother to John, this symbolizes that John was brought more closely into the family of Christ. Because of what happened on the cross, we all can be brought into this deeper relationship with the Lord.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has an insightful message about the Father forsaking the Son at this time. He suggests that the Father was closer to Jesus at this time than ever before during Christ's mortal ministry. However, to answer all the requirements of Christ's supreme sacrifice, it was necessary for the Father to withdraw briefly. That Jesus would truly know and understand the magnitude of how each of us would feel, when saddled with our own sin, when we suffered from a spiritual retreat.
I cannot help but to combine Elder Holland's message about this time of withdraw from our Heavenly Father with the earlier accounts of scourging and ridicule that the Lord faced at the hands of the Roman guards and Jewish leaders. Though our sins are often known only to ourselves; the shame, ridicule and guile we place upon ourselves can be torturous. Coupled with the loss of the companionship of the spirit, we can easily feel hopelessly alone. Our perfect Savior felt ALL of this for us, not to prove He is better than us, but to allow us to be carried to where He is. Truly, Jesus Christ, knows and understands us at our very lows.
Jesus utters His final words, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit". This act of allowing himself to die, completes the witness that He would have the power to rise from the grave.
Immediately following Jesus' death, the earth shook and the veil of the temple was rent. Shortly thereafter, Joseph of Arimathea took the body of Jesus to his private tomb. He was joined by Nicodemus who brought a kingly portion of spices for the burial. The Sabbath was quickly approaching so preparations were done hastily. Both of these men were socially well esteemed and it is believed they were private believers of Jesus. Interesting that they both came out very openly at this time to be part of such a personal and respectful symbol of support. 

Watch Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's testimony
Christ's Atonement is Central to the Plan of Happiness

Read the words of today's hymn before you listen to it. In 1985, Karen Davidson was asked to write the English lyrics to this tune written by Bach. She says of her goal in writing this song, she wanted three things. First, to accurately depict the details of the Crucifixion; Second, To show that the agony and death of Christ were paradoxical to the healing and release He would offer to His children and Third, a song that could be used both as a sacrament hymn and an Easter song. The lyrics are beautiful.
For full hymn, "O Savior, Thou Who Wearest a Crown" Hymn #197.


Scripture Experience:
     * Jesus in the hands of the Romans (Mark 15:1-19; Matthew 27:2-30; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-19:15)
     * Crucifixion of Jesus (Mark 15:20-28; Matthew 27:31-38; Luke 23:26-34, 38; John 19:16-24)
     * Jesus' final hours (Mark 15:29-37; Matthew 27:39-50; Luke 23:35-46; John 19:16-24)
     * Signs and reactions to Jesus' death (Mark 15:38-41; Matthew 27:51-56; Luke 23:47-49; John 19:31-37)      * The burial of Jesus (Mark 15:42-47; Matthew 27:57-66; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)

Day Five: Thursday- The Last Supper and Gethsemane

Day Five: Thursday- The Last Supper and Gethsemane

The events of the Thursday before Easter are powerful in every aspect. Details of this day begin in the early evening as Jesus instructs His disciples who to look for in the city, and from him they will find a room for the group to share their passover meal. After having pondered the both fig tree stories from earlier this week, I was struck by Mark 14:15 where Jesus says the disciples will be shown a room that is "furnished and prepared". It seems like that is a very common theme and perhaps a suggestion for our own lives.
The Last Supper was offered to the Disciples as the Passover feast with the Lord. As Latter-Day Saints this is significant, because it is through our partaking of the sacrament each week that allows us to remember Jesus and renew our baptismal covenants with Him. In this upper room, Jesus not only introduced and offered the sacrament. At this time He also washed the feet of His disciples and taught to them the important lesson that none is above serving, which I think is a preparation for the great commandment, to love one another.
Jesus takes these last moments with His disciples to leave with them more council and teachings. Among these teachings:
      * The commandment to love one another as He loves us
      * "I am the way, the truth and the life", which leads us to back to our Father in Heaven
      * "If ye know me, ye know the Father"
      * Offer our prayers in Jesus' name
      * "If ye love me, keep my commandments"
      * teachings about the Holy Ghost
      * "My peace I leave with you..."
      * the teaching that we should abide in Him
      * He also teaches more about the resurrection

 

After their time together in the upper room, Jesus and His disciples cross the Kidron Valley and come to the Gethsemane. As they enter the area, Jesus instructs all but Peter, James and John to stay back while the four proceed further into the garden. As they proceeded to walk further, Jesus' countenance began to show signs of sorrow. Jesus asks the three men to stay and pray for Him as he continues on, where He offers a prayer that the Father will allow this cup to pass. Three times, He goes back to find Peter, James and John asleep. Jesus suffered intensely for the sins of each and every one of us. Today, I found myself so grateful for Luke's account which includes the ministering of an angel to Jesus in His suffering. Ironically, I found one resource that also points to Luke being the only one to mention the healing of the cut off ear. Pointing out that Luke was also watchful to look for examples of the loving and kind acts of the Savior. This reminded me of council from Latter-Day leaders to look for the hand of God in our lives daily.
As they prepare to leave Gethsemane, Jesus knows that His enemies are near at hand. And just as He described earlier that very night, Judas is at the lead of a group of armed men ready to take Jesus as their prisoner. In front of the Jewish authorities, Jesus is questioned and abused. It was when Jesus acknowledges who He is, the Messiah and the Son of God, that the decision is made to sentence Jesus to death.

The Hymn that I ended up selecting for today is Hymn # 193, "I Stand All Amazed". I know that there are so many hymns that would have summed up this day, and maybe you have a favorite. I'd love to know which one it is. For my heart as I have been working on this project, I go to bed every night with the words of this song on my mind. More than ever before, I truly do Stand all amazed at the sacrifice rendered on our behalf. Remember to select words and music to hear both music and lyrics.
"I Stand All Amazed" Hymn

Other Hymns that you may want to read the words to or listen to are: Hymn # 185, "Reverently and Meekly Now"- which is unique because it is written in the first person, from the Savior's point of view and Hymn #173 "While of These Emblems We Partake"

Scripture Experience:
     * The Last Supper (Mark 14:12-31; Matthew 26:17-35; Luke 22:7-38; John 13:1-30)
     * The farewell discourses (Luke 22:24-30; John 13:31-17:26)
     * Jesus goes to Gethsemane (John 18:1)
     * Jesus at Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1)
     * The betrayal and arrest of Jesus (Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-11)
     * Jesus before the Jewish authorities (Mark 14:53-65; Matthew 26:57-68; Luke 22:54, 63-71; John 18:12-28)

Easter Week: Wednesday, The Betrayal of Judas

Some traditions call this day, "Spy Wednesday" most likely referencing the betrayals and plotting that filled much of this day in the Savior's life. This is the day that the leaders are plotting to kill Jesus. They are very mindful of two things in their plan: first, they don't want the multitudes to be aware of the plan or the actual event and second, they don't want it to occur on the day of Passover- ironic that though they have a plan to kill Jesus, they are worried about the religious traditions. This is the day that Judas goes to the leaders in Jerusalem and offers to betray Jesus to them away from the multitudes.
One thing I didn't point out yesterday was that during the week of Passover, the Priests in Jerusalem would have traditionally been analyzing and inspecting very carefully the lamb that would be used as the Passover sacrifice. Instead, their time this week is spent analyzing and inspecting the Savior for blemish and flaw. When their attempts to cause Him to stumble fail, they prepare to be rid of Him. Little do they understand that by doing so, they are participating in the ultimate sacrifice of all time.
John records that in the council of Pharisees and Priests, Caiaphas (the High Priest) made a prophesy that one man must die so that the entire nation would not perish. This is interesting because Caiaphas was justifying the death of Jesus as a way to save the Jews from destruction at the Roman's hands. Yet his statement is true in the eternal perspective as the plan of Salvation required One who was flawless to sacrifice so that we all could return to our Father in Heaven.
Not a lot is said about Judas' decision to betray the Savior. The two possible reasons in the scriptures are money or greed and that Satan influenced Judas' decision. Regardless of why it happened, I have tried to understand what would put a person in the mind set to not only betray to death a friend, but the man you believe to be the Son of God? I keep coming back to a teaching of Joseph Smith about true faith. The prophet taught that to have true faith you had to have 1) you have to believe God exists, 2) you must have a correct idea of His character and 3) a knowledge that your life in according to His will. My assumption is that Judas didn't have a deep rooted testimony in one of these areas, so he was able to betray the Lord. 





The Hymn that I liked for today is.....I Believe in Christ

In light of the fact that Judas betrayed Him and the leaders of Jerusalem were plotting to destroy Him, I can imagine His followers singing their devotions and belief in Him.


Scripture Experience:
      * The plot to kill Jesus (Mark 14:1-2; Matthew 26:1-5; Luke 22:1-2)
      * The anointing (Mark 14:3-9; Matthew 26:6-13)
      * Judas agrees to betray Jesus (Mark 14:10-11; Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6)

Easter Week: Tuesday, The Olivet Discourse

On this, the third day of Easter week, the time of Jesus is spent primarily teaching in the temple and later on the Mount of Olives with His disciples nearby. Mark's accounts of this day include the lessons of the fig tree, but it is believed that he does this more for the impact of the lesson than the actual timing of the event.
When Jesus arrives in the temple this day, the Jewish leaders are again waiting to trap Jesus in His words and teachings. The Pharisees, Herodians and the Sadducees are prepared for confrontation.
The questions posed to Jesus are about the tributes paid to Ceasar, the first commandment and the widows mite.
Upon leaving the temple, Jesus issues a prophecy about the destruction of the temple. Considering the temple and grounds are still under construction at the time, I wonder if the disciples could grasp on to what He was saying in it's entirety.
Jesus and His followers head to the Mount of Olives where more prophesies and parables are given. These prophesies are about the Second Coming of the Lord. Because they focus so much on the destruction that will come to the Earth prior to His coming, this time on Mount Olives, known as the Olivet Discourse, is often referred to as "the little apocalypse".  Among the parables at this time are those of the Ten Virgin and the parable of the servants and their given talents.  It left me reflecting on what types of actions in my day I place most value on and are they the same things that will prepare me to meet my Savior. Read in Matthew 25:35-45, for a wonderful example of exactly what type of behaviors are expected to serve the Lord.
Another lesson that I found interesting is found in all three gospels.  It is present in the stories of Noah and Lot, but applied to the knowledge of the Second Coming.  The principle taught is that nobody can predict the Second Coming.  It will come without any knowledge of man, angel, or Spirit.  In both Noah and Lot's time, life was normal up until the day of destruction.  There will not be obvious signs or warnings.  He teaches that the best thing to do is to be prepared at all times, since there is no way to tell when the Second Coming will arrive.  It is our best option to be in good standings with the Lord, and to be prepared for His Coming regardless of anything else.

Hymn: For today, I chose "On a Golden Springtime" from the Primary Children's Songbook. I did this because as I pictured the Savior with His disciples, sitting at the Mount of Olives. From their vantage point, they would have had a full view of Jerusalem and the temple. This song seemed fitting for how my mind imagines this moment. Click on image to begin the song.

Scripture Experience:
     * Lesson from the withered fig tree (Mark 11:20-26)
     * Teachings in the temple (Mark 11:27-12:44; Matthew 22:15-23:36; Luke 20:20-21:4)
     * Jesus' lament over Jerusalem according to Matthew (Matthew 23:37-39)
     * The Olivet Discourse; Jesus' prophecies regarding the last days before His second coming
             (Mark 13:1-37; Matthew 24:1-25; Luke 21:5-36)
     * Summary of Jesus' teaching (Luke 21:37-38; John 12:37-50)