Wanted, Needed, and Loved by Gerald Wood

“Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty,” Mother Teresa.

Twenty years ago I, a young-ish man from St. David, Arizona, fell in love with a beautiful young lady from St. Johns.  A little over six months later, Tawnya and I were married. Transitioning into married life was a challenging adventure! We struggled to find our niche in our new wards and neighborhoods. After a year of managing apartments for an evil overlord, er…rather for the owner of the complex, we bought our first home. We were excited to be settling into a new ward and neighborhood with lots of great families. Much effort was exerted to make friends and forge our place, including actively fulfilling our callings, attending all activities, and inviting families over to dinner. We struggled to get by financially, but even more frustrating was our struggle to get by socially. Our efforts to reach out were simply not reciprocated. Granted, we had each other and Jaynie, and were very grateful for that, and we had some family in the valley that somewhat eased our loneliness. Still, we couldn’t seem to break into the ward’s established cliques and groups. We felt accepted, but we never felt wanted or needed. 

During this time we occasionally visited St. Johns to see Grandma and Grandpa. EVERY time we visited we were overwhelmed by the welcome we received. People would constantly ask us when we were moving up. They expressed that they would love to have us, and they took a genuine interest in me and in my family. Deep down we both knew that Mesa was not where we wanted to raise our children, so I started trying to convince Tawnya that we should move back to one of our hometowns.  St. David was out, as far as Tawnya was concerned (too small!), and she wasn’t too keen on moving back to St. Johns, either. But St. Johns was where I wanted to go.  I put a door-sized poster up on our pantry door and wrote two columns, one that listed pros and one that listed the cons of moving to St. Johns.  Over the next few months the pros side far outgrew the cons. One of the more abstract pros that influenced us most was that we felt like St. Johns WANTED us. We even felt like it needed us. The feeling of welcome that we felt from everybody we met and talked to in St. Johns was warm and inviting.  Of course we took into account things like family, the schools, and the complete lack of rush hour traffic!  Tawnya was still reluctant but agreed that if we fasted and prayed and felt good about moving then she’d be on board. 

About 16 years later we are still grateful for the answers we received to our prayers and for the leap of faith we took moving to St. Johns. We have found blessings around every corner and have loved raising our 4 children in a community full of people that we love and that love us in return. St. Johns is far from perfect, but as we travel to places across the country that are far more beautiful and wonder why we stay in St. Johns, we are always reminded that it is the people that make St. Johns home. We need them, and they need us. We feel rich because we feel wanted. I’m grateful for the opportunity to reflect on these experiences. It’s good to remember that I need to make others feel needed and wanted. We can do so much to build our community simply by loving those around us and making sure they know they’re needed. 

From Theodore M. Burton, “O people both within and without the Church, please realize that we are living in the last days. It is a day when love is waxing cold….Jesus Christ will soon come in power and glory. When he comes only those will be spared who have learned to love God and one another with all their heart, might, mind, and strength.” Let us not allow the love in our community to wax cold. Let us love God and one another with all our hearts, and make St. Johns a little piece of Heaven on earth.

A Mothers' Day Wish by Terry Haws

Dear Mothers in St. Johns,

I would like to wish all the mothers in our Stake a wonderful Mothers’ Day. What a special day it is! I think of all the callings I have had thus far, and being a mother is the most wonderful and most rewarding of them all.

Motherhood is the unconditional form of service. I feel very honored that my Heavenly Father entrusted me with a few of his precious children to raise. Like Forest Gump says, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.” I feel with each child I have raised, they are each a little different in his/her own way, and that is what makes them unique.

Life is so precious, so please never take it for granted. You have your children for such a short while, and then they are gone. Our children are our most precious gift our Father in Heaven has entrusted us with, so for this Mothers’ Day, let's us as mothers give our children that special gift of unconditional love.

I am so grateful we have a wonderful day just of our own. May this day bring you much joy and happiness with family and friends. I am grateful for being with some of our children on this Mothers’ Day.

Your Eternal friend, 

Terry Haws

I Am a Child of God by Sydney Nielsen

As a young primary girl, I had a very simple understanding of this truth. I imagined this heavenly being, that looked a bit like my own earthly father, yet was clearly not as tangible as you or me.  As I have grown, my understanding of this eternal fact has deepened.  My perception of my Heavenly Father has evolved from an abstract concept to a concrete truth.  Much of my testimony of my Heavenly Parent’s character and nature I have come to know through my earthly parents' examples.  

I am a firm believer that the trials and adversity we face in this life are meant to teach us eternal principles and mold us into the children our Heavenly Father sees us as.  Nearly two years ago, I faced a trial that shook my testimony and questioned my worth as a daughter of God.  I was in a situation in which I needed to make a decision.  On one hand, I could stay in a relationship in which I was completely alone, had little-to-no self-esteem, and had more of a roommate than an eternal companion.  On the other hand, I could move on and try and regain a life that I had completely alienated myself from while trying to fix my relationship.  At this time in my life I felt completely lost and alone.  It was then when I turned to my two greatest sources,  my Heavenly Father and my earthly family.

As I struggled with my decision, my loving Father in Heaven patiently and persistently answered each and every question I brought to Him.  The first time I received an answer to leave, I was not ready to act on it.  That didn’t stop the answer from coming when I prayed for a second time.  Yet, again I could not act.  Finally, when I asked for the third time, I was sweetly answered with the comfort and reassurance of my decision.

Throughout my struggle, my earthly parents stood by me. They mourned the loss of a daughter who had lost herself. They spent countless nights crying with me as they held me in their arms.  They had many sleepless nights and late night prayers in my behalf.  I relied upon their love and support. I relied upon their strength to carry me through.  This brings to my mind a quote by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in his April 2017 conference address entitled Songs Sung and Unsung. “In those moments when the melody of joy falters below our power of expression, we may have to stand silent for a time and simply listen to others, drawing strength from the splendor of the music around us.”  At that time, I felt the unconditional love my parents had for me, and I am grateful that I was born to such “goodly parents.”

As I have felt the great love of my earthly parents, I can imagine the perfect love that Heavenly Father has for me.  I remember a night when my heart felt so broken and heavy all I could do was lay in bed and pray to my Heavenly Father.  In the quiet darkness of the night, as I struggled with feelings of sadness and inadequacy, I imagined myself sitting at my Heavenly Father’s feet looking up at him.  In my mind I whispered to Him, “I miss you.” In that moment, I felt a great warmth rush through my body and the words, “I miss you too” entered my mind. I cannot deny the perfect love Heavenly Father has for us.

It is through these experiences that I know without a doubt that I am a daughter of God.  I know He knows us all by name and that He loves us more than we can even comprehend.  I know that we can turn to Him at any time, and He will be there.  I know that we were born to our earthly parents for a purpose, and it wasn’t just by chance.  I am so grateful for my parents and their example to me.  I am even more grateful to my Heavenly Father for His love and patience that He freely gives to His children.   

Just Do One Day by Leslie Welker Wenhardt

My sweetest answer to prayer happened about 11 years ago. It had been a year since Gary, my husband, died in an auto accident. There aren't words to express the heartbreak that goes along with that, but I'm sure anyone losing someone they love can relate. At this point, 11 years ago, my son, Mike, had gone to Guatemala to serve his mission there, and my youngest daughter was soon to graduate and go off to college. I was crumbling inside. I felt broken and could not find relief. My prayers came from a desperation I had never known.

In my need, answers came, slowly at first and with two questions: "Did you know that people that suffer from depression live in the past? And people that suffer from anxiety live in the future?" WHAT? That was what I was suffering from, the back and forth of those two emotions! Then the sweet answers began to flow. Just do one day! I could do one day! Then the beauty of the heavens helped inspire me what to do I.

That one day, first be aware of what I love about myself; second look for something to look forward to today that inspires hope; third what does my Heavenly Father want me to learn? (It's always  something uplifting); fourth, whom can I serve? (which has turned into what I look forward to); then, fifth, what am I grateful for?

These answers have changed my life in ways that would be difficult to write here and would take too long. I will say that the love I feel from my Father and Savior has transformed me! So much so that I have shared these five things with anyone I feel prompted to, and I've seen how they have blessed others’ lives. I start every day with LOVE and end every day with GRATITUDE!  Everything in between is HOPEFUL and UPLIFTING.

I love how kind and personal this answer has been. The only way I can begin to thank my Heavenly Father is to take his advice one day at a time. I can do one day!

What the Touch of His Hand Means to Me by Suzanne Hancock

The Touch of the Master's Hand

'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer

      Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

      But held it up with a smile.

"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,

    "Who'll start the bidding for me?"

"A dollar, a dollar. Then two! Only two?

      Two dollars, and who'll make it three?”

I know all too well

the scratches and scrapes on my soul,

the broken strings of my heart,

and the cheap price tag

that displays my worth to the world.

"Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;

      Going for three…" But no,

From the room, far back, a grey-haired man

      Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then wiping the dust from the old violin,

      And tightening the loosened strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet,

      As a caroling angel sings.

Yet, I have also experienced the love

that comes from those who care enough

to see beyond my imperfections.

I have had Bishops, family members,

friends, and an angel mother

who picked me up and dusted me off

through their promptings, their prayers,

and their faith in me.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,

      With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?"

      And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?

      Two thousand! And who'll make it three?

Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice,

    And going and gone," said he.

My music has changed from

the simple tune of “Chopsticks”

to a magnificent symphony

when I have been able to see and to feel

that I have divinity within me.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

    "We do not quite understand.

What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:

    "The touch of the Master's hand.”

Just a touch. A mother’s prayer. A friend’s hug.

A simple smile. A note. A listening ear.

All it takes sometimes is for one person

to listen to a prompting

and then to act ~

to become the hands of the Savior. 

And many a man with life out of tune,

      And battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd

      Much like the old violin.

Do we ever think that someone

is beyond saving?

That they have done too much,

gone too far,

to be rescued?

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,

    A game — and he travels on.

He is "going" once, and "going" twice,

    He's "going" and almost “gone."

What if those who sparked music

back into my spirit

had given up on me

when I was “almost gone”?

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd

    Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought

    By the touch of the Master's hand.

Feeling a burden literally lifted from my shoulders,

feeling redeemed,

feeling like I do matter.

Knowing that many of those drops

in Gethsemane were shed

to help me rediscover the daughter of God I am.

The cross and the empty tomb

are a testament to me

that I have the potential to become

a Stradivarius

because of the Master’s love for me.

Every fiber of my being exclaims Hallelujah!  

Become as a Little Child by Deanne Wahl

I have been thinking a lot lately about the Savior’s invitation to “become as a little child.”  I have six children of my own and am constantly thinking of how they are learning and understanding the gospel.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to be their mom, and need to teach them the principles of the gospel.  It is a task that I am often worried that I am falling short on.  I know this church is true and I know that the principles taught in it bring happiness and peace, but how do I show this to my children?

As I have been wondering this lately, I had a thought that has become a great source of peace to me.  Maybe I need to stop worrying so much about teaching them, and I need to listen and learn from them.  Christ asked us to become like a little child, and I need to follow his teachings.

  

Through my callings as a mother and in the Primary, I am daily amazed at the strength of our children.  They have the ability to believe completely and to feel and recognize the spirit.  I watch as the spirit touches their lives, and they recognize it and believe its promptings.  They do not doubt it once they have felt it.  They love entirely without conditions.  They look for those whom they can serve.  They are excited about baptism and love to tell people about the church.  They do not have a fear of offending when they speak the truth. They have faith that their prayers will be answered.  Their first thought during hard times is to pray and turn to our Father in Heaven.

I want to have the faith, love, and belief that the children do.  I need to try harder to look for the good in others.  I need to not doubt when the spirit speaks to me.  I need to act when I am asked to serve.  I have a strong testimony that the Lord has given me my children so we can help EACH OTHER, and that I need to learn from them as much, if not more, than they need to learn from me.  I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who is patient with me in my shortcomings and who places people in my lives that will help bring me closer to Him.

Mind and Heart by Jay Platt

Great music touches me, so too do places of momentous events—Nauvoo, Gettysburg, Westminster, James Madison’s gravesite and home at Montpelier.  I’m not, however, what one would describe as “touchy, feely.”

We often talk of “feeling” when discussing gospel verities and forget the mind.  Study for missionaries was not emphasized when I served as it is today.  I read Jesus the Christ and the Book of Mormon.  Better said, I read words on pages of the Book of Mormon but did not read it seriously.

At BYU I took a class from Keith Perkins, later Dean of Religious Education.  Upon transferring to ASU, it was a pleasure to see that Brother Perkins had been moved to ASU’s Institute.  Taking an Old Testament class from him, my dormant interest in scriptures was awakened.

Moving on to law school was the beginning of serious reading:  Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon—this time carefully and prayerfully—and the Pearl of Great Price.  Over the next three and a half decades , all were carefully read again and again, adding to them the Doctrine and Covenants together with a corresponding reading of Church History including B.H. Roberts’ Comprehensive History, primary and secondary First Vision accounts, materials on the Apostolic mission to England; the Kirtland and Nauvoo periods; the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and corresponding materials on the three and eight witnesses.

Through it all, I never experienced what one might characterize as a “feeling” moment.  My experience might best be characterized by D&C 8:2, “…I will tell you in your mind and in your heart…[noting the word order];”  D&C 6:14,15, “…thou has inquired of me…and I did enlighten thy mind…thou has been enlightened by the Spirit of truth…;” Alma 32:28, “the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me” and verse 34, “the word hath swelled your souls…that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened and your mind doth begin to expand.”

My reading also took me to the world of apologetics where I read a host of critics’ claims, criticisms and theories, together with rebuttals thereof by very fine LDS apologists including Nibley, Dan Peterson, Terryl Givens, John Hall, Steve Harper, John Welch, FARMS, the Maxwell Institute, The Interpreter, and BYU’s Religious Studies Center.

Blessed with a believing heart, the claims of critics—and I’ve been exposed to virtually all of them—have never fazed me.  While apologetics is an interesting exercise, it too often diverts attention from and obscures the real issues:  did Joseph Smith see the Father and the Son; is the Book of Mormon true and was it translated by the gift and power of God; were priesthood keys, power and authority restored to the earth by means of Joseph Smith; and has Christ’s Church been returned to the earth with living Apostles and Prophets?

For me, the answers to the foregoing are a resounding yes!  My mind has been enlightened and expanded as to the verities of the restoration, a consequence of careful readings and re-readings of all the standard works and the historical events associated with the restoration.