Thanksgiving in Buenos Aires

We hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving. We went out to Kansas Grill to have dinner with the Haynies and the Petersons. Since the protocols in Buenos Aires are very strict, we ate outside (al aire libre), had turkey, sweet and smashed potatoes with gravy and lime pie. It was nice to reminisce the many experiences we had during our three years serving together in the Philippines. 

 

This morning we had our area office devotional to express gratitude to our outstanding employees, missionaries and volunteers. We celebrated the achievements of those who have earned degrees as well as those who have been employed for the past twenty, and twenty-five years. Daniel had the opportunity to close the meeting to express gratitude for the many efforts and sacrifices during these pandemic days. Daniel did a wonderful job highlighting the great team efforts and the many extra-miles worked around the clock to perform the immense assignments we receive from the Brethren. The pandemic didn’t stop the Lord’s work. I also felt impressed to take a few minutes to express gratitude. 

 

We have enjoyed reading all the gratitude posts that you shared for the past week in Instagram and Facebook, as well as our Zoom meetings, which we hope will continue each Sunday. 

 

We also enjoy our on-line Church meetings. I love to watch several of them, including the Belgrano and the Bountiful wards, as well as the Campestre ward in El Salvador. I am literally at Church all day. The first meeting starts at 9:00AM and the last ends at 5:00PM.

 

Now it's time to light up the world. We are so excited to see what things you will be doing as a tradition this year. I am a little homesick so we might find a way to get to see family. 

Con amor,

Vero

 

Sunday Sermon: In Times of Uncertainty

Who does not have need of assurance in times of uncertainty and testing? Who is so self-confident that there is never want for a stabilizing influence in life? 

 

A fundamental purpose of earth life is personal growth and attainment. Consequently, there must be times of trial and quandary to provide opportunity for that development. What child could ever grow to be self-supporting in maturity were all the critical decisions made by parents? So it is with our Heavenly Father. His plan of happiness is conceived so that we will have challenges, even difficulties, where decisions of great importance must be made so that we can grow, develop, and succeed in this mortal probation.¹ Gratefully, in His perfect love, He has provided a way for us to resolve those challenges while growing in strength and capacity. I speak of the sustaining power of faith in times of uncertainty and testing.

God has given us the capacity to exercise faith, that we may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. However, to employ its power, faith must be founded on something. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the capacity and willingness of Jesus Christ to fulfill all of His promises.

For some, faith is not understood and consequently not used to full advantage. Some feel that any discussion of religion and the guidance one can receive through robust faith have no rational basis. However, faith is not illusion nor magic but a power rooted in eternal principles. Are you one who has tried to exercise faith and has felt no benefit? If so, you likely have not understood and followed the principles upon which faith is founded. An example will illustrate what I mean.

Years ago I participated in the measurement of the nuclear characteristics of different materials. The process used an experimental nuclear reactor designed so that high energy particles streamed from a hole in the center of the reactor. These particles were directed into an experimental chamber where measurements were made. The high energy particles could not be seen, but they had to be carefully controlled to avoid harm to others. One day a janitor entered while we were experimenting. In a spirit of disgust he said, “You are all liars, pretending that you are doing something important, but you can’t fool me. I know that if you can’t see, hear, taste, smell, or touch it, it doesn’t exist.” That attitude ruled out the possibility of his learning that there is much of worth that can’t be identified by the five senses. Had that man been willing to open his mind to understand how the presence of nuclear particles is detected, he would have confirmed their existence. In like manner, never doubt the reality of faith. You will gather the fruits of faith as you follow the principles God has established for its use.

Some of those principles are:

·       Trust in God and in His willingness to provide help when needed, no matter how challenging the circumstance.

·       Obey His commandments and live to demonstrate that He can trust you.

·       Be sensitive to the quiet prompting of the Spirit.

·       Act courageously on that prompting.

·       Be patient and understanding when God lets you struggle to grow and answers come a piece at a time over an extended period.

Motivating faith is centered in trust in the Lord and in His willingness to answer your needs. For “the Lord … doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.”² The consistent, willing exercise of faith increases your confidence and ability to employ the power of faith.

 

You can learn to use faith more effectively by applying this principle taught by Moroni: “Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”³Thus, every time you try your faith, that is, act in worthiness on an impression, you will receive the confirming evidence of the Spirit. Those feelings will fortify your faith. As you repeat that pattern, your faith will become stronger. The Lord knows your needs. When you ask with honesty and real intent, He will prompt you to do that which will increase your ability to act in faith. With consistent practice, faith will become a vibrant, powerful, uplifting, inspiring force in your life. As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty, exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions you would not obtain otherwise. I testify that I know that is true.

 

Even if you exercise your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you. He loves you to a depth and completeness you cannot conceive of in your mortal state. Indeed, were you to know His entire plan, you would never ask for that which is contrary to it even though your feelings tempt you to do so. Sincere faith gives understanding and strength to accept the will of our Heavenly Father when it differs from our own. We can accept His will with peace and assurance, confident that His infinite wisdom surpasses our own ability to comprehend fully His plan as it unfolds a piece at a time.

Faith is not just push a button and you get the answer. The Lord declared, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”⁴ Brigham Young observed, “God never bestows upon his people, or upon an individual, superior blessings without a severe trial to prove them.”⁵Personally, for some vital decisions I have experienced the grueling, anguishing struggle that precedes a confirming answer. Yet those trying experiences have been edifying. It is comforting to know that God will never try you more than you can manage with His help.

 

God uses your faith to mold your character. Character is the manifestation of what you are becoming. Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Your faith can guide you to those correct choices. Clearly, it is what you do and what you think about that determine what you are and what you will become. Therefore, the choices you make need to be inspired by the Lord. Others can encourage you to make the right decisions, but those choices must not be prescribed by them. You need to ponder, pray, and exercise faith to willingly make choices consistent with the teachings of the Master. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and when acted upon will be confirmed. Only enough guidance is given to lead you aright and not to weaken your growing character. That guidance will solidify your trust in Heavenly Father and the Savior.

Faith will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is used. Character is woven patiently from threads of principle, doctrine, and obedience. In James we read: “The trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”⁶The bedrock of character is integrity. Worthy character will strengthen your capacity to obediently respond to the direction of the Spirit. Righteous character is what you are becoming. It is more important than what you own, what you have learned, or what goals you have accomplished. It allows you to be trusted. Righteous character provides the foundation of spiritual strength. It enables you in times of trial and testing to make difficult, extremely important decisions correctly even when they seem overpowering. I testify that neither Satan nor any other power can weaken or destroy your growing character. Only you could do that through disobedience.

 

Our Father’s plan is marvelous. Your exercise of faith builds character. Fortified character expands your capacity to exercise faith. Thus, your confidence in conquering the trials of life is enhanced. And the strengthening cycle continues. The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to exercise the power of faith.

The axiom “You get what you pay for” is true for spiritual rewards as well. You get what you pay for in obedience, in faith in Jesus Christ, in diligent application of the truths that you learn. What you get is the molding of your character, with growth in capacity, and the successful completion of your purpose here on earth—to grow through being proven.

No matter what occurs, no matter how topsy-turvy the world becomes, you can always have the sustaining power of faith. That will never change. The perfect love of your Father in Heaven will never change. His gospel plan gives life meaning and can assure your happiness. His plan is not only to prove yourself here on earth but also that you may receive the growth that comes from correct decisions prompted by faith, enabled by your obedience.

Why worry about future calamities or uncertainties over which you have no control? Your righteous character magnifies the probability that you will never have to suffer them. When challenges and testing do come, your faith will lead you to solutions. Your peace of mind, your assurance of answers to vexing problems, your ultimate joy depend upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Right will ultimately prevail. It will yield blessings now as you in faith obey the commandments of God. Remember an unfailing, continual, ever-present source of peace and comfort is available to you. It is the certainty that your Father in Heaven loves you no matter what your circumstance, no matter what winds of trial, turmoil, or tribulation whirl about you. That certainty will never change. Your ability to access that support depends on the strength of your faith in Him and in His certain willingness to bless you.

I testify that faith in God and in His guidance through the Holy Spirit will sustain you in an increasingly more challenging world. I testify that the application of the principles we have reviewed will help you avail yourself of the sustaining power of faith in times of uncertainty and testing.

There are many around you who are confused and are seeking solutions to life’s perplexing problems. Share your testimony of truth and the power of faith with them. Help them understand how faith in God and in His teachings, restored in their fullness in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, can bless their lives now, in these turbulent times. Testify of the power of the Lord to bless their lives. Do it now. The Lord will help you. Your faith will guide you and sustain you. I know it will. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Richard G. Scott 

I loved reading the passages written by Moroni on the subject of faith this past week and the talk by Elder Scott came to mind. 

Con amor,

Vero

Tis the Month Before Christmas

Tis the Month Before Christmas 

 

Tis the month before Christmas, we’re all going nuts;
With so much to do, there’s no ifs, ands or buts.
Buy presents, hang tree lights, pop cards in the mail,
Send gift packs, thread popcorn, find turkeys on sale.

 

Decorations need stringing up all through the house.
And you haven’t a clue what to buy for your spouse.
School concerts, receptions, open houses with friends,
Long lineups, short tempers, tying up the loose ends.

 

With all our mad dashing, we’re reeling from shock;
Let’s stop for a minute and really take stock.
It’s crassly commercial, the cynical say;
If that’s true, that our fault-it’s us and not they.

 

Take time for yourself-though hard as that seems—
Enjoy your kids’ laughter, excitement and dreams.
Take a moment out now, don’t get overly riled,
Instead make an angel in snow with your child.

 

The shortbread can wait, and so can the tree;
What’s important to feel is a child’s sense of glee.
The holidays aren’t about push, rush and shove;
They’re for friendship and sharing and family love.

 

Hear the bells, feel the warmth, light up with the glow
Of a message first sent to us so long ago:
Peace, love and goodwill, and hope burning bright.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!                                 – unknown

 

 

When I worked at Reid School I found a poem or some Christmas story on our mail box in the teacher's room each day. It was something nice for us to read to make our day and to bring in the Christmas spirit. I feel that the pandemic has helped with the last part of the poem that reads, "The shortbread can wait, and so can the tree; what's important to feel is a child's sense of glee. The Holidays aren't about push, rush and shove; They're for friendship and sharing and family love. Hear the bells, feel the warmth, light up with the glow of a message first sent to us so long ago: Peace, love and goodwill. and hope burning bright. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! 

Con amor,

Vero

 

Count down to Christmas

It is hard to believe.  In less than a month Christmas will be over! This time of year is my very favorite, yet it seems to fly by so quickly each year that I barely am able to appreciate and take in the Christmas spirit.  I am beginning to realize that the only way to take control of enjoying the holidays is to make a conscious decision to not allow oneself to get sucked into the hustle and bustle and chaos going on throughout the holiday month: 

 

I remember when I lived in Utah my life then was something like this: First there was the anxiety of trying to find everyone the perfect gift, then there was the stress of researching online to find those gifts for the lowest price, not to mention the frustration of finding a parking stall at the mall only to stand in endless lines amongst all of the other frustrated shoppers.   It sounds sad to say that it takes a conscious effort to slow yourself down at Christmas, but the fact is that it does.  And so this year I am determined to try and handle the holiday season differently.  And so I have come up with a plan:

 

 I plan to finish my shopping up quickly and without stressing over finding the perfect gift. Instead I am going to put less stress on what the gift is and more emphasis and making sure the person I give the gift to is able to feel how much I care. I have decided to get a meaningful book for everyone. 

 

 I plan to spend some time sitting down while sipping hot cocoa, and quietly contemplating the many blessings in my life so I don’t ever take any of those blessings for granted.  I think this time of year is a fantastic time to sit and write down each of the blessings we have in our lives as a keepsake to look back on in future years. 

 

I plan to start early thinking of service projects my family can do for others for Christmas so our hearts and minds are more focused on the true meaning of Christmas from the start of the month. 

 

And for icing on the holiday spirit cake I plan to listen to plenty of Christmas carols and watch countless Hallmark channel cheesy Christmas movies with my hubby– We have a tradition of watching Elf, that always helps to keep me in that Christmas spirit :).  (By the way my very favorite movie is “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas” starring Jimmy Stewart and if you haven’t seen it you absolutely need to!  It is the best movie ever to get you in the right Christmas spirit). 

 

Yes, this December with the pandemic and all, I intend to truly ENJOY and CHERISH the Christmas season – and I realize that it is my attitude and my focus that will make that happen.   

 

 It is especially important for me to remember that I control my attitude and focus – especially when this will be our very first Christmas we don’t get to be with either of our mothers. Usually we take turns visiting them.   It is amazing how powerful the desire is to be with family during the holidays and it makes my heart go out to all of those people who don’t get to be around their family or loved ones during the holidays. 

 

 And so to deal with the upcoming excitement. I will focus my attention on doing service for others, the same way I used to when the girls we little and did subs for Santa. If you have disappointments in your life, I found that doing service for others is about the very best cure there is for a sad heart.  And there is no better time than Christmas to go the extra mile in doing service for others.  I wish all of you an amazing holiday month.   I hope all of us are able to set aside the typical stresses and anxieties that so often plague us this time of year and focus on the things that really matter. 

 

Con amor,

Vero

To Mandy

When I became a mother for the first time I never knew I could love another human being so much. I still remember the way I felt when I gave birth to her. Three years later, I remember wondering how could I ever love another person as much as I loved my first born and again the same feeling of gratitude came to me as soon as my second daughter was born and once again, I fell in love instantly the minute I held her in my arms. 29 years ago, on November 26, my third and last daughter Mandy was born, once again, I instantly loved that little infant with my whole heart. 

 

What I learned is that no matter how many children or grandchildren you have, your heart expands. You love each child the same that is how Heavenly Father must feel about each of His children. He is no respecter of persons. It was in that moment that I realized that a parent’s heart doesn’t divide, it multiplies. And there are no people on the planet I love with my entire heart and soul the way I love my daughters.

 

It’s been said that parent is only as happy as their saddest child – and that is 100% true. When your children hurt, you hurt. When your children are sick, you wish you could take their sickness on yourself so they wouldn’t have to go through it. Your love for them has no bounds…and you realize that the love you feel for your children is the closest thing to God’s love that we will ever experience in this life.

 

On this thanksgiving -day as my youngest turns 29, I want to wish a Happy birthday to my amazing daughter Mandy – I am so proud of her and the incredible woman she has grown up to be. And I’m so blessed that even though she is an adult, she will always be my beautiful baby girl. I love you with all my heart Mandy. Happy Birthday! #givethanks

Con amor,

mom

 

Any Plan for Thankgiving?

Is interesting that for the past eleven years we have lived abroad where Thanksgiving is not celebrated however, we have managed to celebrate in meaningful ways each time Thanksgiving comes around. We are going to a restaurant with two other couples and order a turkey meal and plan to make the most of it. An article I saw on the paper said the following: 

 

“What are you planning to do for Thanksgiving? When first considering the question, you might begin to list the restrictions and all the things you won’t be able to do. It’s fair to lament, and maybe even mope, about the broken traditions and how annual family gatherings on this day will be relegated to FaceTime, Zoom or Teams experiences. Let’s not forget the absence of parades and door-busting shopping.

 

Reflecting on deficits can leave you hollow, resentful and despondent. It can send you on an aimless quest on how to replenish or replace that which you have lost. If you find a quiet space and still yourself, you might realize that the experience is not about the loss, but the lesson.

 

The lesson is taught by a teacher who has found us stuck, off track or all over the place. At some point, we may have strayed from the spiritual or moral values that anchored us. The teacher does not chastise or scold us for repeating mistakes, not listening or blaming her. Instead, she comes to remind us that we have veered off course.

 

As the teacher walks among the rows of desks, her cadence slows as she rests her eyes upon students who chose confrontation over consolation, obstinate over obedience and denial over discernment. As the student makes eye contact with the teacher, they sheepishly and apologetically look away, knowing they could have done more and been better. A self-inventory compels the student to face all that was ignored — the suffering, pain, pleas, unanswered messages, fragmented relationships, lack of forgiveness and prayers.

 

The upside to veering off course is that we can course correct. Before the student drops their head in exasperation and shame, the teacher kneels beside the desk and says to the student what she said to each student: “We’re all here to learn.”

Isn’t that what this season is all about — to learn? It can’t be coincidental that a pandemic, impeachment, economic collapse, racial injustice, empty churches, lockdowns, fires, indiscriminate death tolls and election challenges would converge on the households and consciousness of America within eight months. It’s interesting that these 2020 events are synonymous with expressions such as “unprecedented,” “worse in U.S. history,” “never in my lifetime,” “overwhelming” and “unthinkable.” T-shirts, emojis, hashtags, memes and GIFs have been created to curse, ridicule and erase 2020.

 

It’s been a tough year. Since we’re home and have time to reflect, let’s ask ourselves a few questions. What was the Lord saying to us? What was He trying to teach us? What did we learn about ourselves? What are we supposed to learn? What can we learn?

This Thanksgiving season invites us to “be still and know” that there is a power higher and greater than our own, who created us in His likeness. He encourages, coaxes and calls upon us to not be resentful, bitter or ungrateful where we list losses and what we don’t have, but rather count our blessings and what we do have. 

In that quiet place, we will find that we have a lot. We have a place to dwell, devices to receive information, access to streaming apps, platforms to communicate with others, masks, heat and water.

Above these utilities is the enormous capacity of the human spirit. We have the ability to forgive, serve, respond to the needs of others, rise above the negative, offer peace, provide hope, inspire kindness and heal. 

While I don’t want more calamity or disruption in my life, I realize that there is one month left in 2020. I don’t want to bemoan or dread December, but if it has a lesson, I want to learn it. This Thanksgiving, I will thank the Lord for the lessons, as well as His grace and mercy upon this student.”

That couldn’t have been said any better! 

Con amor,

Vero

14 Reminders on Gratitude

According to the National Institutes of Health the gratitude can also help individuals better cope with stress in their daily lives. Studies from the National Alliance on Mental Illness have also shown that practicing gratitude can lower your risks for mental health issues. And per the American Heart Association the practicing gratitude can improve your immune system.

So, as we approach Thanksgiving, let’s begin with gratitude and reflect on ways to be thankful despite a pandemic. Here are 14 lessons we have taken away from the global health crisis that remind us to be grateful:

1.    Time with loved ones should not be taken for granted. Take time to appreciate the extra moments with those you care about most, and remember fondly the time you had with those you’ve lost. 

2.    The great outdoors are beneficial for our mental, physical and social health. Spend some time enjoying them and appreciating the beauty they provide. 

3.    Technology can be a great tool for bringing people together over shared experiences. Use it wisely.

4.    Scientists and expert researchers are working tirelessly to find solutions to the challenges we face. Appreciate the work they do.

5.    Health care professionals have been working overtime to serve those affected by the pandemic and related health complications. We’re grateful for their desire to help everyone regardless of race, class, background or politics.

6.    Every person has the opportunity to become a blessing in another person’s life. Look for opportunities to serve and help others.

7.    New challenges come everyday, but each challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger. 

8.    A sense of purpose can make each day more worthwhile. Find something you care about and pursue it.

9.    Health is never a guarantee, even for those who are young. Treat your body and mind in the ways that will benefit them.

10. Not everyone has access to food and clean drinking water. If you have it, don’t take it for granted, and try not to waste.

11. Serving and helping others not only blesses lives but lift’s one’s own spirits, too. Take the time to notice and find ways to meet the needs of others. 

12. The people around you matter. Treat them with kindness and respect, whether they are your family, your friends or just your roommates. 

13. More time at home offers a chance to better build the foundation of society. Set aside time each day to improve your home and family relationships in ways that will pay dividends down the road. 

14. We are stronger when we are united in our country, communities and families. Don’t let differences of opinion or experience pull you apart. Seek for ways to unite and build cooperation and understanding with those who differ.

Con amor,

Vero

 

 

A note of thanks

Oh, brother, they don't make this stuff up. 

Can you imagine that CNN's website is discouraging people to be grateful? Where had this world come to?  

We all know that being grateful is something that the whole world could get behind. there are even studies that prove all the benefits of being grateful so I can't imagine that anybody or any group of people would have problems with people talking about how grateful they are for their family or friends or the gospel etc... and then I saw this on CNN’s website. The author actually encourages us to NOT BE GRATEFUL right now because it could have negative effects on us - a complete contrast to what is truth and what President Nelson said.

When I look at news websites, it’s honestly so that I can see the signs of the times, prophecies fulfilled, or evidence that we are getting that much closer to when the Savior comes again.

I am so grateful for a prophet who hears and acts upon inspiration! I love him so much. So far this is what I have written on Facebook " I am immensely grateful for my husband Daniel, I Love that we can be silly dancing the night away inside our apartment. I love every minute of our quarantine together. He is the first person I want to talk to in the morning, and the last person at night. He has demonstrated what love in action looks like. He is my hero and the best husband a wife could ever hope for!"

"Grateful for President Russell M. Nelson, a prophet for our day. When I shook his hand I felt as if his eyes were windows into heaven. He is such a sweet soul, most wholesome pure and kind. Whether you are spiritual or not. Give it a watch. This is a message to the world!"

"My heart is full of gratitude for our beautiful grandchildren we adore so much! Each one brings so much joy into our lives that I cry tears of joy when I think of them!"

"Forever grateful for this crew. Our children are the greatest treasure in my life, adding the gratitude I feel for the in-laws too. I am amazed how much my life has been richly blessed by each beautiful soul who has join our family. This picture pretty much sums up my world. I love my family more than words can say and the list goes on.. "

Con amor,

Vero

Sunday Sermon: Let God Prevail

We love all the talks during the October 2020 General Conference. Here is the message given by President Nelson.

"My dear brothers and sisters, how grateful I am for the marvelous messages of this conference and for my privilege to speak with you now.

For the more than 36 years I’ve been an Apostle, the doctrine of the gathering of Israel has captured my attention.¹ Everything about it has intrigued me, including the ministries and names² of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; their lives and their wives; the covenant God made with them and extended through their lineage;³ the dispersion of the twelve tribes; and the numerous prophecies about the gathering in our day.

I have studied the gathering, prayed about it, feasted upon every related scripture, and asked the Lord to increase my understanding.

So imagine my delight when I was led recently to a new insight. With the help of two Hebrew scholars, I learned that one of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.”⁴ Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul!

The word willing is crucial to this interpretation of Israel.⁵ We all have our agency. We can choose to be of Israel, or not. We can choose to let God prevail in our lives, or not. We can choose to let God be the most powerful influence in our lives, or not.

For a moment, let us recall a crucial turning point in the life of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. At the place Jacob named Peniel (which means “the face of God”),⁶ Jacob wrestled with a serious challenge. His agency was tested. Through this wrestle, Jacob proved what was most important to him. He demonstrated that he was willing to let God prevail in his life. In response, God changed Jacob’s name to Israel,⁷ meaning “let God prevail.” God then promised Israel that all the blessings that had been pronounced upon Abraham’s head would also be his.⁸

Sadly, Israel’s posterity broke their covenants with God. They stoned the prophets and were not willing to let God prevail in their lives. Subsequently, God scattered them to the four corners of the earth.⁹ Mercifully, He later promised to gather them, as reported by Isaiah: “For a small moment have I forsaken thee [Israel]; but with great mercies will I gather thee.”¹⁰

With the Hebraic definition of Israel in mind, we find that the gathering of Israel takes on added meaning. The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives. The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives.

For centuries, prophets have foretold this gathering,¹¹ and it is happening right now! As an essential prelude to the Second Coming of the Lord, it is the most important work in the world!

This premillennial gathering is an individual saga of expanding faith and spiritual courage for millions of people. And as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or “latter-day covenant Israel,”¹² we have been charged to assist the Lord with this pivotal work.¹³

When we speak of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil, we are referring, of course, to missionary, temple, and family history work. We are also referring to building faith and testimony in the hearts of those with whom we live, work, and serve. Anytime we do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.

Not long ago, the wife of one of our grandsons was struggling spiritually. I will call her “Jill.” Despite fasting, prayer, and priesthood blessings, Jill’s father was dying. She was gripped with fear that she would lose both her dad and her testimony.

Late one evening, my wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, told me of Jill’s situation. The next morning Wendy felt impressed to share with Jill that my response to her spiritual wrestle was one word! The word was myopic.

Jill later admitted to Wendy that initially she was devastated by my response. She said, “I was hoping for Grandfather to promise me a miracle for my dad. I kept wondering why the word myopic was the one he felt compelled to say.”

After Jill’s father passed on, the word myopic kept coming to her mind. She opened her heart to understand even more deeply that myopic meant “nearsighted.” And her thinking began to shift. Jill then said, “Myopic caused me to stop, think, and heal. That word now fills me with peace. It reminds me to expand my perspective and seek the eternal. It reminds me that there is a divine plan and that my dad still lives and loves and looks out for me. Myopic has led me to God.”

I am very proud of our precious granddaughter-in-law. During this heart-wrenching time in her life, dear Jill is learning to embrace God’s will for her dad, with an eternal perspective for her own life. By choosing to let God prevail, she is finding peace.

If we will allow it, there are many ways this Hebraic interpretation of Israel can help us. Imagine how our prayers for our missionaries—and for our own efforts to gather Israel—could change with this concept in mind. We often pray that we and the missionaries will be led to those who are prepared to receive the truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I wonder, to whom will we be led when we plead to find those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives?

We may be led to some who have never believed in God or Jesus Christ but who are now yearning to learn about Them and Their plan of happiness. Others may have been “born in the covenant”¹⁴ but have since wandered away from the covenant path. They may now be ready to repent, return, and let God prevail. We can assist them by welcoming them with open arms and hearts. And some to whom we may be led may have always felt there was something missing in their lives. They too are longing for the wholeness and joy that come to those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives.

The gospel net to gather scattered Israel is expansive. There is room for each person who will fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each convert becomes one of God’s covenant children,¹⁵ whether by birth or by adoption. Each becomes a full heir to all that God has promised the faithful children of Israel!¹⁶

Each of us has a divine potential because each is a child of God. Each is equal in His eyes. The implications of this truth are profound. Brothers and sisters, please listen carefully to what I am about to say. God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites all to come unto Him, “black and white, bond and free, male and female.”¹⁷

I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the color of your skin.

I grieve that our Black brothers and sisters the world over are enduring the pains of racism and prejudice. Today I call upon our members everywhere to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice. I plead with you to promote respect for all of God’s children.

The question for each of us, regardless of race, is the same. Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?¹⁸

Consider how such willingness could bless you. If you are unmarried and seeking an eternal companion, your desire to be “of Israel” will help you decide whom to date and how. If you are married to a companion who has broken his or her covenants, your willingness to let God prevail in your life will allow your covenants with God to remain intact. The Savior will heal your broken heart. The heavens will open as you seek to know how to move forward. You do not need to wander or wonder.

If you have sincere questions about the gospel or the Church, as you choose to let God prevail, you will be led to find and understand the absolute, eternal truths that will guide your life and help you stay firmly on the covenant path.

When you are faced with temptation—even if the temptation comes when you are exhausted or feeling alone or misunderstood—imagine the courage you can muster as you choose to let God prevail in your life and as you plead with Him to strengthen you.

When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be part of Israel, so many decisions become easier. So many issues become nonissues! You know how best to groom yourself. You know what to watch and read, where to spend your time, and with whom to associate. You know what you want to accomplish. You know the kind of person you really want to become.

Now, my dear brothers and sisters, it takes both faith and courage to let God prevail. It takes persistent, rigorous spiritual work to repent and to put off the natural man through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.¹⁹ It takes consistent, daily effort to develop personal habits to study the gospel, to learn more about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and to seek and respond to personal revelation.

During these perilous times of which the Apostle Paul prophesied,²⁰ Satan is no longer even trying to hide his attacks on God’s plan. Emboldened evil abounds. Therefore, the only way to survive spiritually is to be determined to let God prevail in our lives, to learn to hear His voice, and to use our energy to help gather Israel.

Now, how does the Lord feel about people who will let God prevail? Nephi summed it up well: “[The Lord] loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and he remember[s] the covenants which he [has] made.”²¹

And what is the Lord willing to do for Israel? The Lord has pledged that He will “fight [our] battles, and [our] children’s battles, and our children’s children’s [battles] … to the third and fourth generation”!²²

As you study your scriptures during the next six months, I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. I think you will be astounded! Ponder these promises. Talk about them with your family and friends. Then live and watch for these promises to be fulfilled in your own life.

My dear brothers and sisters, as you choose to let God prevail in your lives, you will experience for yourselves that our God is “a God of miracles.”²³ As a people, we are His covenant children, and we will be called by His name. Of this I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I have sometimes wondered how will I feel when he calls me by my name. 

Con amor,

Veronica