My Dad: Being On the Team

When I was a child, my dad played on the church baseball team. Back then, they wore uniforms and traveled across Texas to compete. I loved going to the games, watching the players and feeling the excitement of the sport.

One day, I noticed that game after game, Dad didn’t play. He sat on the bench, cheering his team on with quiet enthusiasm. I finally asked him, “Dad, are you sad you’re not out there playing?” His answer has stayed with me.

He said, “I know I don’t play as well as the others. But I’m part of the team in case they need me. I’m here to support them, and I’ll do my best in whatever way I’m needed.”

What I came to understand, but couldn’t grasp as a child, is that he was teaching me something far bigger than baseball. He was showing me that he wasn’t on the team for himself. He wasn’t there for glory or attention. He was there for them. He wanted to support his teammates, to cheer them on, to be steady and ready whenever they needed him. His presence was an act of love, not performance.

At the time, I didn’t fully understand. I was young, and the bench seemed like a place of exclusion. But now, years later, I see it differently. Dad wasn’t sidelined, he was showing up. He was making a statement: I’m on your team. I don’t need the spotlight. I’m here if you need me, and I’ll serve in whatever way I can.

That quiet kind of love has shaped me more than I realized. It taught me that being present matters. That support doesn’t always look like center stage. That humility is a strength, not a weakness.

And now, I’ve come to understand something even deeper: I want to show up in all I do. I want it known, by the way I dress, the way I speak, the way I serve, that I am on Jesus Christ’s team. I want to serve as He does.

Not looking for fanfare, but with constancy. With quiet presence. With readiness. With love that says, I’m here. I’ll do whatever is needed.

Dad’s place on the bench wasn’t passive, it was powerful. It was a lesson in loyalty, humility, and love that doesn’t need applause. And now, when I find myself in roles that feel small or unseen, I remember him. I remember that showing up, cheering others on, and being ready to serve is sometimes the most Christlike thing we can do.

I love you dad!

Grandma Arms That Have Loved & Served

 

Several years ago, I was putting my hair up and caught a glimpse of something moving in the mirror. I let out a sigh and thought, “Oh no…” There they were, my grandma arms. Now, they’re not exactly new, but I’ve done a pretty good job of ignoring them or covering them up. I remember promising myself in my youth that I would never let my arms become action figures on their own. And yet, there they were, swinging freely and unapologetically.

As I headed outside to work in the yard, I couldn’t stop thinking about them. I felt a little sad, a little disappointed, wondering how I let that happen. But then, a gentle thought came to me, one that shifted everything.

There’s so much more to these grandma arms.

These arms have held precious grandbabies close. They’ve comforted my children in moments of need. They’ve folded laundry, pulled weeds, and served others quietly and faithfully. They’ve been folded in prayer to my loving Heavenly Father.

They’ve lifted burdens, cared for the sick, and given me the freedom to do so many things I’d miss if I didn’t have them. But most of all, they’ve wrapped around those I love in a hug.
And that is no small thing.

I used to think beauty was about appearance. But now I see, it’s about purpose. These arms may not look the way I once hoped they would, but they’ve become instruments of love, strength, and devotion. They tell a story. Not of decline, but of legacy.

So yes, I have grandma arms. And while they may swing a little more than I’d like, they carry the weight of love and service. They are a gift. And I’m grateful for arms!

Mosiah 2:17 “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

My arms have served faithfully and lovingly. 

Tiny Hand and Little Sandals

 One of my joys came when my granddaughter Hannah, who was one year old at the time, came to visit during the Christmas Season. While she was visiting, I had planned to deliver some Christmas packages to the neighbors and thought it would be fun to take her on this little walk with me. She had recently mastered the art of walking...at least barefooted, but since this walk would be outdoors, shoes would be needed.  Her mom adorned her little feet with cute tiny sandals and then we set out for our walk delivering Christmas gifts. (Yes, in Texas you can wear sandals even in December).

As she stretched her petite arm upward to grasp my finger with her small hand, we caught glances and shared a smile of delight, then proceeded on our little mission. She walked with so much gusto only to be slowed by the occasional stumble caused by the unfamiliar sole of the shoe.

Not being disturbed at all by her slight faltering, she continued to put one foot in front of the other with as much joy and excitement as she did before she had stumbled.  She seemed to realize that she never had to worry about falling because she knew that grandma had her hand firmly in hers ready to keep her from tumbling down as long as she was holding on to my hand.  She may stumble but would not fall.

Hannah didn’t know where we were going, how long we would be gone or even why we were really crossing the street, but she trusted her grandma and was happy to be on the walk.

As I thought about these sweet moments spent with Hannah, I realized that we all have times that we are not as comfortable walking in a pair of shoes as we may be in others. Throughout our lives we have different pairs of shoes that we will wear on our feet.  Like a new pair of shoes, we will have new experiences that may take some time to get use to before we can feel as comfortable walking in them as we did with our previous walking gear. While breaking in our new shoes, there is also a good chance that we too will stumble, but if we grip firmly to our Heavenly Father's hand (and those that represent His hands) we will not fall. We may stump our toes, get blisters or falter some during our learning, but we won't fall unless we let go and try to walk alone.

Just as Hannah was happy to follow my footsteps, we should also be full of joy to follow in our Father’s footsteps.  I know that as we walk in his steps each days, that our eyes can be opened and we can learn to enjoy the simple pleasures and wonders of our world and become even as little children having joy in our eternal journey. We take one step at a time. In doing so we reach toward the unknown, but faith lights the way. If we will cultivate that faith, we shall never walk in darkness.  

“Come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord” (Isa. 2:5). 

 As we walk in the light my prayer is that we can all find the joy and fulfillment that can be ours as we journey through this world.

Listen to the words of Mormon: “Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power?” Mormon 5:23.

 I'm thankful for sweet experiences such as holding on to Hannah’s hand that day that will continue to remind me what I have been taught.  

 “If we will … walk hand in hand with Him in His paths, we will go forward with faith and never feel alone.” (October 2003 Conference,  The Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand, W. Craid Zwick)

Toil in Rowing

 

I love how the Lord teaches me.  He knows me and understands that we all hear and feel the spirit in ways that are unique to us.  One way He teaches me is through life experiences.   

Last year we joined our son Sam, Lacey and family for some fun time in Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas of interest. One place included some rapids in Montana.  I had so much fun on this whole trip!  It was so nice to have a break from the stress of every day life and being with loved ones.  

When it was time to return home and get back to the grind, I was reading in Mark 6 and came across verse 48 which says:

 "And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them:"  

It seemed to me that we were really having to "toil in rowing" in our every day life.  I pondered upon that verse reflecting  on our experience in the raft. Here are a few lessons I learned from our rafting experience relating to these verses.  

As we prepared to go down the river and face the rapids, we were first given some protective gear to wear that would help protect us if we were to fall out of the raft.  Then as we prepared to to take off on our raft, we were given safety instructions.  Sit in a certain place, keep your feet tucked in here, hold your paddle this way, do this and do that, but here is the key warning for safety, Whatever you do follow the directions of your guide and you will return back here safely.  

Oh how I love that message.  They taught us some basic rules we needed to follow, but reassured us that following our guide would be the key to returning safely.  

Part of what our guide did was remind us to do what we had received instructions on, the other part was this: when she said paddle once, you paddled once.  When she said lean this way, we leaned that way.  When she said stand we stood.  If she said this side only paddle, then that side paddled.  Whatever direction she gave, we followed.  She knew exactly where the rapids were and where we were in regards to the rapids coming so she knew from her experience what direction to give us.  Those in other rafts may approach the rapids from a different location so their instruction may have been a little different from ours, but all were directed according to the needs at the time.   It was a wonderful opportunity to work together and to listen for what we needed do to.  At one point however, though we followed her directions, we did get stuck on a large rock.  Now I saw it coming, and because I had canoed through rapids before my instinct was to put my paddle out and push away from the rock as we approached it.  However, I figured our guide knew best so I resisted the urge.  Once we were stuck,  the direction given was to sit still and follow her instructions as she moved from her spot and went over to get us off the rock and we did just that all safe and sound. 

There were times when the water was calm and we could just sit and enjoy, but our guide was quietly in the back of the boat using her paddle to turn us, or slow us or just keep us on track,  but when the rapids came we put our paddles in and toiled in rowing ...so to speak!  

Life is so much like this.  The Lord has given us armor to help keep us safe and gives us direction all through the water whether calm or rapid.  He knows when the rapids are coming and will prepare us and help us to row when we need to row and lean when we need to lean.  If we get stuck on a rock, he will come to us and help remove the rock from preventing our forward movement. Rapids do and will continue to come.   They come in all sorts of ways that cause us to have to put our paddles in and row like crazy so that we can come out victorious. 

Now here is a great part.  After navigating our way through each rapid, our guide would say "High five with your paddles every one."   We did it!  We made it through and we did it as a team!  

Isn't life like that?  We make it through and we need to High Five our success as we go along. 

Oh how I love how the Lord teaches me and helps me see life experiences as an opportunity to apply it to my life and His teachings. 

Following the commandments will help keep us navigating our way in safety. 

So keep your life jackets and helmets on, listen to your guide(s) and HIGH FIVE whomever you need to as you travel down life's flowing waters.  Our Father in Heaven is our guide.  He has been there, done that and can help us safely navigate our way back home!

Following the commandments will help keep us navigating our way in safety. 

Toil in rowing especially when the wind is contrary, but be of good cheer, the wind will cease!

Mark 6:48-51

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Follow the Star

 

When I was twelve, I went to a birthday party at a skating rink. I didn’t know anyone except the birthday girl, so when a kind boy noticed and said, “You can stay with me,” I did—quite literally. I followed him everywhere just to avoid feeling alone.

But I wasn’t paying attention. I followed him right into the boys’ bathroom.

That moment has stayed with me. It taught me that we must be aware of our surroundings and pay attention to whom we’re following.

Whom or What do you follow?  

The wise men stepped far out of their ordinary, everyday lives to follow an unusual star in the sky. They knew the prophecies about the Messiah and they trusted they would find Him by following that star. The star was real, but it wasn’t really the star that was important—but the star’s purpose was.  It was symbolic of the light that came into the world with the Savior’s birth.  They were following a star because they knew where it would lead them.  It would lead them to Jesus Christ.

Anyone can look up in the sky. But maybe these wise men could see something that others could not see. They had been studying the sky and knew this star was different. It would change their lives and ultimately change the whole world.

That star led them to the Savior of the world.

1 – To view “the star” we will have to position ourselves to see it clearly.

When on one of our return trips from Utah with our 6 children, we found ourselves stranded on the side of the road.  It was in the middle of nowhere.  A very dark road, in the middle of the night, with 6 little children and a car that was not going anywhere.  The children began to wake from the nighttime slumber as we were climbing out of the car to look under the hood for any clues to the problem. As they began to get out and stretch, we gazed into the sky.  The stars were brilliant, and we could even see what appeared to be the Milky Way Galaxy as it was not hidden from our view because there was no light pollution of the world.

In today’s world, we are filled with pollution that filters out the star that we want to follow. There is counterfeit light all around us.

Light that tries to brighten the darkness in the world. There are all kinds of darkness in this world: darkness that comes from sin; darkness that comes from discouragement, disappointment, and despair; darkness that comes from loneliness and feelings of inadequacy.

But the light of Jesus Christ is stronger than any darkness we face in this life, if we have faith in Him, seek after Him.  John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness…” 

The Savior’s light increases in our lives as we keep the commandments and strive continually to be like Him. 

For “that which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter” (D&C 50:24).

As the light of Jesus Christ and His gospel grows brighter within our countenances and our hearts, it becomes easier for us to discern what is truly valuable from the counterfeits the world offers.

The light of the Savior can glow within us if He is in our hearts. We need to position ourselves to clearly see the star, which is the light of Christ. 

Perhaps we would not have been able to enjoy the beauty of the night sky if our car had not broken down.  The Lord will and does provide means by which he helps us follow His light and become a reflection of His light.

2 – Sometimes we may need special instruments to see and identify and appreciate “the star”. 

We gave our son a telescope one year for Christmas. It was nothing grand, but we all enjoyed gazing at the stars. It wasn’t easy to navigate at first.  It took practice to know where and how to look through the lens of the scope.  Once we learned how to see, our experience in looking at the star became so much clearer than looking with just the natural eye. We could see so many more of them in general and their individual details; their colors and shapes.

We likewise have been given special instruments to increase our vision to see beyond what the natural eye can see.

The scriptures and all the holy prophets have testified of him. When we read and listen to them, we can learn more about Him, His individual details. His qualities and characteristics. We learn about His life and how we should live ours. Our greatest instrument is the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift will help us identify Him as the Savoir of the World, our Redeemer, as he testifies of all truth, especially the reality and divinity of the Father and the Son.

We follow the star by choosing to do the things and use the instruments to help draw us closer to the true Light each day. Small things matter. It’s following and fighting for the small habits that qualify us for the companionship and friendship of the Holy Ghost.  The light of the Star, our Savior Jesus Christ is magnified with little things.

·         It’s slipping out of bed on our knees and saying our morning prayer (heartfelt and grateful and submissive) It’s returning and reporting on how our day went at the end of the day. 

·         It’s reading and studying the scriptures and particularly the Book of Mormon. 

·         It is worshipping weekly.  While it is important to remember Jesus Christ at all times, we can come closer to the Light as we take time each week to keep the Sabbath day holy and participate in meaningful worship.

·          It’s Looking to the living prophets. Just as God provided prophets in ancient times to lead the people out of darkness toward the light, He has given us prophets and apostles today to declare the glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach us the best way to follow Him and…

·         It’s reaching out in Love.  We can come closer to the Light when we lift another’s burden through Christlike service.   ONE act of service I can do for someone else including our husband, our children, our parents and in laws and those I minister to ...

3 – We have to be willing to do what it takes to see “the star”.

   Seeing the stars and the wonders of the cosmos require some sacrifice. They can only be found on their terms, at night. You may say, “But, I’m not a night person. I like going to bed early.” Or, “I’m afraid of the dark. If they would come out during the day, I would love to see them.”

   Though the Savoir invites all to come unto him, he has set the terms of a relationship with him. He asks that we have faith, repent, and keep his commandments. If we do we can see him always by having the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. We can qualify to “always have His spirit to be with us” by striving to become like he is, little by little.

So, the star we follow today is much like the star of Bethlehem.  It says, “Come Unto Me” or “Come Follow Me” , “COME FIND ME” The light of the star then and His light today is symbol to the world that  HE IS HERE! 

This light, as it did for the Nephites, can save our lives.

Let’s not only FOLLOW THE STAR, but

• Let’s position ourselves in places where we can see the STAR,
• Let’s use the instruments we have been given to help magnify the beauty of the STAR and
• Let us be willing to do all it takes to bask in the warm and illuminating light provided by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
•  Let the Savior’s kindly light lead us one step at a time. Let covenants and commandments keep us safe as we follow the gospel pathway to our heavenly home.
• Let’s make room to Let Him In by choosing to Follow the STAR!

I Didn't See That Sign

 A few years ago I was headed to visit my daughter.  When I got to the exit I needed to take it was closed.  I was so frustrated.  It was high traffic time and it was right past this exit that congestion really started.  I would have to wait through traffic to get to the next exit and then head back to the street I needed to be on to get to my destination.  

Realizing there would be delay, I called Bec and told her what had happened that I was so mad that there was not a sign telling me ahead of time that the exit was closed.  She said there was one that she knew of but it was back a way.  I eventually made it to her home.

Curious about the sign she had mentioned, I carefully looked for it on my next trip to her home.  To my surprise, there was not only 1 sign but there were 4 messages letting the drivers know that they would have to take an earlier exit  due to the closed exit that I usually take. In my haste to get to my destination I had totally missed all 4 signs and then I was frustrated blaming my inconvenience on others.  

After I laughed at myself this made me think about my life.  I wondered how many times I had missed signs in my life warning me of something coming up in my life. How many times have I been so busy with where I was going that I didn't carefully pay attention to the messages of the Spirit that would help direct me to take a path that would and will lead me to my destination so that I do not find myself missing my intended target and ultimately being delayed in my journey. 

In a talk given by President Thomas S. Monson titled The Race of Life, he said,

Our Heavenly Father did not launch us on our eternal voyage without providing the means whereby we could receive from Him guidance to ensure our safe return. I speak of prayer. I speak too of the whisperings from that still, small voice; and I do not overlook the holy scriptures, which contain the word of the Lord and the words of the prophets—provided to us to help us successfully cross the finish line.

We are blessed by spiritual early warning signals as a source of protection and direction in our lives. The scriptures are full of stories where people were warned to do something for their protection but we have to be watching and listening for the messages.

I know I have missed signs in my life, but just as I was able to find and take another road to my destination, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, I can still reach my destination when I miss the sign, but, I must be prepared that the journey may be a little more difficult than if I had headed the warning signs in the beginning. 

Watch and Be Ready!!

Bloom Where PLANTED!

 I’ve had my share of whirlwinds and treacherous waters, and those experiences have given me insights and perspectives I never would have gained otherwise. Trials have a way of revealing things about ourselves, things we might not want to see. I’ve learned much about who I am, and I can’t say I’ve liked all of it. Hard experiences expose weaknesses, and I certainly have mine. But without those trials, I wouldn’t have recognized them, and without recognizing them, I wouldn’t have been humbled enough to see how much I still need to grow in my journey to become like Him, even Jesus Christ.

I’ve written about “Blooming where you are planted” before, but that phrase takes on a very different meaning when you find yourself planted in a place you never wanted to be. Blooming isn’t as easy, or as cheerful, as I once imagined. In fact, I’ve fought against it. I didn’t want to bloom where I was planted. I wanted to be transplanted somewhere more comfortable, somewhere familiar, somewhere I thought I was doing just fine.

The first picture of blooming makes it look simple, sunlight, soft soil, everything just right. But the second picture is closer to reality. More often than not, we find ourselves wedged between a rock and a hard place, trying to grow in conditions that feel impossible.

And yet, that’s where the deepest growth happens.

Trials reveal truth. They uncover weaknesses we didn’t know we had and strength we didn’t know we needed. They humble us, soften us, and turn our hearts toward the Savior. Blooming in hard places isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about trusting that God can bring beauty out of the cracks. It’s about surrendering to the Master Gardener, who knows exactly where growth will take root.

Blooming where you’re planted isn’t about liking the soil.

It’s about letting Christ transform you in it.

Bloom Where YOU are PLANTED! 2

As I was driving home from church a couple of weeks ago, I began thinking about my roots in the city we were living in and how hard it would be to leave.  The thought of roots lingered in my mind and my attention was drawn to my years of yard work.  I began thinking about the roots of plants that I have cared for including those plants that I transplanted.  I recalled the care that had to be taken when you dig them up and move the plant to a new location.  You have to know the plant and what it can handle.  You can't just move it any time of the day and you need to make sure that the new location is prepared and will help the plant grow. One thing is to make sure it is well watered and then move it when the climate is most suitable.  At first there is a shock value to the plant but with water and tender loving care it can prosper in its new location.

As I thought about the plant, I thought about how my Father in Heaven knows and loves me.  He has watered and cared for me as my roots grew stronger and stronger and watched lovingly at those times when my roots were not as strong.  He would not move us if our roots were not strong enough to handle the change.  He would not place us in a place that we couldn't continue to grow.  He is indeed the gardener and He KNOWS exactly where we need to be planted so that we will continue to grow.

That was a sweet thought that reminded me of how much our Heavenly Father loves me and all of us! This also made me think of the saying, "Bloom where your planted". This has come to mean a lot more to me lately.  I have to say that I have mostly thought of it as more as a tangible place of being, but now understanding that sometimes we are planted smack in the middle of trials and it is important to remember to continue to bloom or strive to bloom wherever we find ourselves.  I would add that if you can't bloom, then you need to turn to the gardener to find out what changes need to be made so that you can blossom to your full potential for that time and season.  Sometimes it may just be our attitude or our thoughts and other times it may be our literal location.  If you can't bloom where you are seek to understand why and make those changes.

Even in harsh, broken environments, beauty can emerge. The daisies didn’t choose the concrete, but they bloomed anyway. They found light, nourishment, and space to grow in a place not meant for softness.  We can thrive in imperfect conditions. Life may not be ideal, but growth is still possible. 

I wish that I could be my best 100% of the time, but the fact is I can’t, but I hope to never quit trying. It is easy to become discouraged and tired of the hardship but just as the flowers push through the fractures, our faith and strength can rise through trials.

May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” [2 Timothy 4:7]. [“Now Is the Time,”Ensign, November 2001, 61]

There’s Always a Way Back

When I served as the Young Women’s Stake Camp Director, I took a day a few months before camp to explore the hiking trails the girls would use to meet their certification requirement. My companion and I arrived with good intentions, but not much preparation. We simply started walking.

The area was beautiful, but the trails split again and again. Each fork offered different scenery, some shaded, some overgrown, and we found ourselves choosing based on instinct rather than direction. Though the walk was pleasant, I quickly realized I hadn’t mapped anything useful for the girls who would follow. My notes looked more like a maze than a guide.

Determined to do better, feeling like I had not accomplished what I had set out to do, I returned a few days later with my husband. This time, we started with a trail map provided by the camp. As we walked, we made careful notes about which paths were easier, which were longer, and which offered more shade. To our surprise, we discovered that even if we accidentally took a wrong turn, we didn’t have to go back. If we kept moving forward, the trail would eventually reconnect with the main path.

That insight became the heart of my message to the camp leaders: If you get off the intended trail, don’t panic. You don’t have to retrace every step. Just keep moving forward, and you’ll find your way back.

During camp, some groups followed the map exactly. Others wandered a bit, choosing what looked best from their point of view. Some walked farther than they needed to. But in the end, every single girl arrived at the same destination, tired, but safe.

That hike taught me something deeper.

Life is like that trail. We’re all moving but without direction, it’s like setting out with a compass but no destination. A compass may point north, but unless we know where we’re trying to go, it can’t guide us in any meaningful way.

Once we understand our destination, it’s as if we’re finally holding a map in our hands. Our steps gain purpose, and each choice along the path can move us closer to where we’re meant to be.

But even a clear destination and a map aren’t always enough. We still need guidance. The surest way to find it is to learn from those who have already walked the path. In life, that means seeking wisdom from people who are faithful, experienced, and grounded in truth.

How grateful I am that our Heavenly Father has provided maps and guides, His Church, His scriptures, His prophets. He knew we’d need help. That’s why He sent His Son. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can repent and return to the straight and narrow path.

Even when we wander, there is always a way back.

We are never so far off course that the Lord cannot guide us home. He places leaders, friends, and quiet promptings along the way. And if we keep moving forward with faith, we will arrive at the destination He has prepared for us.

So let’s walk with purpose. Let’s trust the map. And when we find ourselves on an unfamiliar trail, let’s remember:

There is always a way back to the path that leads us home.

Psalm 119:105

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

The Chirping Cricket

 

As young girl I often had trouble falling asleep.  I would lay in bed sometimes for hours just thinking and making stories up in my mind until I would finally drift off to sleep. One night however, things were a little different.  As I lay there trying to go to sleep, I was very distracted by a noise.  There was a cricket somewhere close whose chirping would not stop.  I tossed and turned as I tried to put the sound of the cricket out of my mind. I wasn’t sure where the cricket was but I thought surely he will quit chirping any minute now. 

It was winter time and we didn’t have carpet on our tile floors so the floor was cold and I didn’t want to get out of my warm bed so I tried plugging my ears, pulling the covers over my head and even using my pillow to muffle the sound, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t think the noise away.  In fact, it seemed that the cricket was singing louder and louder as time passed. 

 I finally pulled the covers away, jumped out of bed and followed the sound of the cricket.  It was by my window, but I couldn’t find it so I pounded on the window and the noise stopped.  Finally I would get some sleep.  I crawled back in bed and just as I got comfortable and ready to doze off, the cricket started up again.

Back out of bed and over to the window, I still failed to find the cricket but he was there, I could hear him.  I finally concluded that it must be on the outside of my window.  I had no choice.  If I was going to get any sleep I would have to extract that cricket from the window to cease his exasperating chirping.  So with a stick and flashlight I took off outside. I headed to the side of the house where my bedroom window was located.  I approached the window and directed the light to the approximate location of the intruder and began my poking.  I was determined to find and remove that cricket before returning indoors. 

While I was busy trying to eradicate this little noise machine other things were happening inside my home.  Little did I know that my noise had awoken my father.  While I was proceeding to stand in my pajamas in the cold dark of the night, with flashlight and stick in hand poking at a cricket, I hear a noise from behind me. I turn around instantly to see my father standing behind me ready to attack!  He didn’t know I was the one outside my window.  He thought it was an intruder and he had come to remove the flashlight, stick poking individual from outside of his teenage daughter’s window.  

The girl was startled by her father and the dad was relieved to find that he knew the intruder. Together they were able to relocate the cricket and both returned to bed.

Today we all encounter some kind of cricket in our lives.  We should work to recognize and remove those crickets that are chirping so loud that we are distracted from what is important.  Crickets aren’t bad, but when you are trying to sleep and they are making noise, they can take away from a quality rest. 

Just like a cricket, some good things in life can become a distraction that prevents us from doing better things and preventing us from hearing the spirit and receiving those greater blessings in life. 

James E. Faust said, “But we hear other voices. Paul said, "There are . . . so many kinds of voices in the world" (1 Corinthians 14:10) that compete with the voice of the Spirit.  The Spirit's voice is ever present, but it is calm. The adversary tries to smother this voice with a multitude of loud, persistent, persuasive, and appealing voices. Learn to ponder the things of the Spirit and to respond to its promptings; filter out the static generated by Satan. As you become attuned to the Spirit, "thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:21). 

Hearkening to the "voice of the living God" will give you "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" (see D&C 50:1; 59:23). These are the greatest of all the gifts of God (see D&C 14:7).”   (Speeches, The Voice of the Spirit, James E. Faust)

  I couldn’t sleep with the noise of the cricket and we can’t do our Father’s work if we allow the noise of the world to obstruct our actions.  We need to keep the crickets away from the windows of our lives.