going to be ok

With an eye focused on the Savior, they felt joy and knew this truth: because of Christ, it all works out. Everything you and you and you are worried about—it’s all going to be OK! And those who look with an eye of faith can feel that it’s going to be OK now.

Seeing God’s Family through the Overview Lens By Sister Tamara W. Runia

Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8

spiritual gifts

Exercising spiritual gifts requires spiritual exercise.

2 Nephi 32:2–5

Alma 17:3

Helaman 5:17–19

Doctrine and Covenants 84:85

As we listen and act on spiritual promptings, the Holy Ghost magnifies our abilities and capacities to far exceed what we can do on our own. These precious spiritual gifts will help us in every aspect of our lives.

Promptings of the Spirit  

By Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Light through the cracks

Today, I'm just sharing a story from the april 2003 conference: 

A doctor named Rachel Remen tells a true story about a handsome, young football player who loses the feeling of love that light brings. His life had been good, with friends and an athletic body. Then he got cancer in his leg. His leg had to be cut off above the knee. Playing football and receiving fame were now things of the past. He grew angry, making his life dark and confusing. It was hard for him to know who he was. Doctor Remen asked this young man to draw what his body looked like. He drew a simple sketch of a vase. Then he took a thick, black crayon and drew a deep crack down the vase. It was clear that he believed his body was like a broken vase that could never be useful again. This was not really true. They made him an artificial leg so he could walk. But his heart felt so dark that his body wouldn’t heal. Then he talked to some people who had problems like his own. He understood their feelings. He started to help other people feel better. A light came into his own heart, and he started to heal. He met a young lady with similar problems. Her heart was filled with shadows. When he entered her hospital room for the first time, she refused to look at him and lay in bed with her eyes closed. He tried everything he knew to reach her. He played the radio, he told jokes, and finally he took off his artificial leg and let it drop to the floor. Startled, she opened her eyes and saw him for the first time as he began to hop around the room, snapping his fingers in time to the music. She burst out laughing and said, “If you can dance, maybe I can sing.” They became friends. They shared their fears and helped each other feel hopeful. In the young man’s last visit with the doctor, he looked at his old drawing of the vase with the crack in it and said, “That picture of me is not finished.” Taking a yellow crayon, he drew lines going from the crack to the edges of the paper. He put his finger on the ugly black crack and said, “This is where the light comes through.”

The Light of His Love  

By Gayle M. Clegg

converted

The reason charity never fails and the reason charity is greater than even the most significant acts of goodness he (Paul 1 Cor. 13) cited is that charity, “the pure love of Christ” (Moro. 7:47), is not an act but a condition or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes.

The Challenge to Become  

By Elder Dallin H. Oaks

I love the wording of being converted to charity. What if instead of goals, we sought conversion to the things we want to be. Not just checking boxes and repeating tasks but converting ourselves. Goals have never worked for me. Setting my vision of who I want to be and following that path has. Find what works for you.

another chance to grow

The first step on this path to becoming like Jesus Christ is to have the desire to do so. Understanding the admonition to be like Him is good, but that understanding needs to be coupled with a yearning to transform ourselves, one step at a time, beyond the natural man.

Becoming like Him  

By Elder Scott D. Whiting

2 nephi 28:30

Progress is striving. Every hurdle, every day or moment that you've improved is a win. It's so easy to see big expectations and feel you aren't measuring up. Any progress is important. Any failure is an opportunity to learn. We all fail. It's a chance to humble yourself before the Lord and immerse yourself in the atonement. The Lord doesn't want us to be discouraged. Everything can be used to grow if we turn to the Lord.

why every member a missionary

We need missionaries—many more than are serving.

How Great Will Be Your Joy  

By Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Every member a missionary" is a call near and dear to my heart.  

Doctrine & Covenants 123:12

Find those "who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it" This isn't saying go preach in the streets. It's saying to live and speak openly so that the truth is easy to find. Setting the candle on a hill top instead of under a bushel. It's not pushy or preachy, just lived openly.

Doctrine & Covenants 88:81

 "every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." I think of how much joy, strength, and comfort I've been blessed with in the gospel. Why wouldn’t I talk about it? I tell people about good books, movies, foods, etc. Knowledge and belief are just as easy to share.

See also "Why Every Member a Missionary?" By Elder Richard G. Scott

babe of Bethlehem

We revere the Babe of Bethlehem precisely because He later offered the incomprehensible, infinite sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross of Calvary. This offering redeems each of us as we choose to repent and follow Him. Then, as His crowning act on earth, He rose from the tomb on the third day, granting each one of us the unprecedented blessing of resurrection and life after death.

“Come, Let Us Adore Him”

Russell M Nelson 

Alma 7:11-12

becoming

1 Ne. 15:33

Morm. 9:14

Rev. 22:11–12

2 Ne. 9:16 

D&C 88:35

Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. 

The Challenge to Become  

By Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Continuing my work on rhe topic of setting high goals for a talk on the 31st, I realized that I don't do goals. It just doesn't work for me. The measuring and hitting certain matks by certains times just overwhelms me. Instead, I've realized that I simply decide who i want to be or decide to do a certain thing and not stop, (or not do and don't start). As I talked to my mom about it, conference talks kept coming to mind where they said to simply strive to become. That makes sense to me. It doesn’t overwhelm me like goals do. I think that's the direction this talk is going. I wondered why i was being asked to speak on goals since I don't use them. I guess this has helped me understand myself more and maybe someone else needs a different perspective on progress too.

Christmas and Easter

Alma 21:19

Matt 27:58-60

Mosiah 3:10

Matt 28:6

John 20:14-16

"This is the wondrous and true story of Christmas. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea is preface. The three-year ministry of the Master is prologue. The magnificent substance of the story is His sacrifice, the totally selfless act of dying in pain on the cross of Calvary to atone for the sins of all of us.

There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection."

-The Wondrous and True Story of Christmas  

By President Gordon B. Hinckley

Christmas is beautiful and sweet, as is the promise of Easter. Alpha and Omega, the Great I Am, all wrapped up and lain in manger. I rejoice because this babe grew, and chose to live for me, suffer for me, die for me, and take up His body again so that I might also live again in eternal glory. And all the time, He walks beside me.  

lift up your heads

Mosiah 24:13-15

"...Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me...I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions....and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

We never know 

what each day will bring.   

Sometimes we cry 

and sometimes we sing. 

A moment may hold 

emotions full range.

One light up ahead 

never will change.

Though tears of joy 

and of mourning may fall,

One keeps watch near you

He's carried it all.

Have faith, my dear one. 

Rely on His Hand.

Take a deep breath 

and be ready to stand.

Listen for Peace 

in the midst of the roar.

I Am leads the charge 

into battle once more.

- KaRee Ogden

look up

At the end of a particularly tiring day toward the end of my first week as a General Authority, my briefcase was overloaded and my mind was preoccupied with the question “How can I possibly do this?” I left the office of the Seventy and entered the elevator of the Church Administration Building. As the elevator descended, my head was down and I stared blankly at the floor. The door opened and someone entered, but I didn’t look up. As the door closed, I heard someone ask, “What are you looking at down there?” I recognized that voice—it was President Thomas S. Monson. I quickly looked up and responded, “Oh, nothing.” (I’m sure that clever response inspired confidence in my abilities!) But he had seen my subdued countenance and my heavy briefcase. He smiled and lovingly suggested, while pointing heavenward, “It is better to look up!” As we traveled down one more level, he cheerfully explained that he was on his way to the temple. When he bid me farewell, his parting glance spoke again to my heart, “Now, remember, it is better to look up.”

It Is Better to Look Up  

By Elder Carl B. Cook

Doctrine & Covenants 6:36

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

scripture applied

Psalm 27:1-7

2 nephi 4:34

Proverbs 3:5-6

I'm really late because I just spent 10 hours in the hospital playing the diagnostic game. It's nothing serious although the first several hours of it felt pretty serious. Doing better now, (4am)

Before I went to the hospital, I had a priesthood blessing. In the blessing, I was promised I would be healthy quickly.  

In the hospital, they were afraid something had wrapped around my intestines. That requires surgery immediately as it can be deadly. Waves of fear would wash over me. Then, I'd think back to the blessing. I knew I'd be ok.

Trust in the Lord and lean not to thine own understanding. 

Fear not.

2 nephi 17:4

be still

I'm really not feeling well so I'm just going to steal a thought from Pres Hinckley.

"Recently while wrestling in my mind with a problem I thought to be of serious consequence I went to my knees in prayer. There came into my mind a feeling of peace and the words of the Lord, “Be still and know that I am God.” I turned to the scripture and read this reassuring statement spoken to the Prophet Joseph Smith 150 years ago: “Let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.” (D&C 101:16.) 

God is weaving his tapestry according to his own grand design. All flesh is in his hands. It is not our prerogative to counsel him. It is our responsibility and our opportunity to be at peace in our minds and in our hearts, and to know that he is God, that this is his work, and that he will not permit it to fail."

He Slumbers Not, nor Sleeps  

By President Gordon B. Hinckley

I know God is in control. Do your best and trust the rest.

Obedience brings blessings

Who of us has not accepted some assignment with fear and trepidation, feeling totally inadequate to take on such a responsibility? But with concern and obedience we move forward—working hard and praying often. As the task is completed, to our surprise, we have been successful. We humbly realize that our own abilities have been added upon.

- “The Word Is Commitment”  

By Elder Marvin J. Ashton

Oct 1983

"Obedience is a hallmark of prophets; it has provided strength and knowledge to them throughout the ages. It is essential for us to realize that we, as well, are entitled to this source of strength and knowledge. It is readily available to each of us today as we obey God’s commandments."

Obedience Brings Blessings  

By President Thomas S. Monson

Abraham 3:25

Doctrine & Covenants 132:5

Hebrews 5:8-9

Dotrine & Covenants 93:28

a single symbolic drop of red paint

Rev 7:14

These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

3 nephi 27:19

Rev 1:5

Alma 5:21

Alma 13:11

Ether 13:10

All of these references to being washed in the blood of the lamb keep reminding me of an Easter object lesson. The sacrament prayers were directly related to the suffering, crucifixion, death, tomb, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  

Moroni 5:2, doctrine & Covenants 20:79

There were symbols for things and one was a piece of paper with a drop of red paint. I keep seeing that paper with that red drop. I've seen a lot of mortal blood as a klutz and a mother. That single, symbolic drop is seared into my brain though.  

He shed a thousand drops for you, A thousand drops of precious blood. 

- He Died! The Great Redeemer Died, hymn 192

scared or prepared

I know I'm behind the come follow me lessons by a week but here we are.

Rev 4 summary - God is all powerful, all knowing. If you're going to trust in someone or pick a side, pick God. Human rulers are insignificant compared to God. John is showing the saints in his day and us where to turn. 

(Moses 1:10-11 - ... Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed. But now mine own eyes have beheld God...)

John will be explaining the trials that will come later. He wants to make sure that you know where to look and where to find hope before telling you what's on the way. He's warning us but also giving us hope and the information we need. It's not to scare us, it's to prepare us. That change in perspective makes it all sound different.

commitment

I've been fumbling with the talk I'm supposed to give on the 31st. Tonight, i think i found the conference talk that will be my main inspiration. I'm not at all surprised it's from marvin j ashton. He's one of my favorites. “The Word Is Commitment” Oct 1983. You’ll probably be hearing a lot from my preparation over the next few weeks.

1 Ne. 3:7

D&C 58:27–29

 "A truly committed person does not falter in the face of adversity. Until one is committed, there is a chance to hesitate, to go off in another direction, or to be ineffective."

I think hesitation and distraction are the biggest barriers I face. How do you overcome that? That's the magic question, isn’t it. The creation of the world was chunked up into sections. A plan was made with individual items to be done. Progress was tracked in what elder Uchtdorf calls the "return & report" principle. That's not a lot. Make a plan with smaller items to be done. Check things off the list. Tell someone about your progress. It sounds so easy. It's finding the long lasting commitment that's difficult. God was inspired by His love for us and eternal goals. Jesus was inspired by the same. I guess the lesson is to find something you are passionate about to inspire you.  

And now, we start again.

revelation 2:22-23

Revelation 2:22-23

22

"Behold, I will cast her into a bed" - generally a sick bed, sick with sin. Also, separating, sheep and goats type thing. 

"and them that commit adultery with her" - fellow idolators will be separated out too. adultery and fornication often mean idolatry in apocalyptic or revelatory language. (Apocalypse means revelation)

"into great tribulation" - sin brings sorrow, especially eternal sorrow. 

"except they repent of their deeds" - repentance is always an option. You're never out of reach to the Lord. I love this part!

23 

"And I will kill her children with death" - harsh. But sin separates us from God a.k.a spiritual death. Your actions have lasting consequences for not only you but also your children. If you raise your children without God, they are less likely to follow Him. This leads to their spiritual death as well.  

"and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts" - God knows our hearts or "desires and thoughts" see scripture footnote 

"and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." - you get what you deserve. Some days that's comforting and others, not so much. Time to repent and change course on those days.

Revelation is intense at first. I'm finding that as I understand it more, it's beautiful. It's not doom and destruction. It's a clarification and an invitation. These are the choices in black and white. There's sin or.... Come follow Jesus Christ and be saved. That's love. Just clearly showing the way, stretching out a hand and inviting everyone to partake in joy. That's the work of someone who loves you. That's the work of those who know Christ's love. It's really beautiful. 

you are the one

Despite our every effort, you and I won’t heal everyone, but each of us can be the one who can make a difference for good in the life of someone. We may ask of our offering, as Andrew the disciple did of the loaves and fishes, “What are they among so many?” (John 6:9). I assure you: it is sufficient to give or to do what you are able and then to allow Christ to magnify your effort.

John 6:9

There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

Love Thy Neighbour By Elder Ian S. Ardern

3 Ne. 11:15

And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth

3 Ne. 17:9

And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him 

3 Ne. 17:21

And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

Often, when I've witnessed or experienced a "happy coincidence" aka a blessing, I like to look backward at all of the things that had to happen to make it possible. There's always a web of circumstance that has been carefully woven behind a simple blessing. Often, I begin to see where many people were blessed along the way. It becomes a beautiful and complex design that is more than any random happenstance could bring. This extended view always reminds me of how much God loves me and what lengths He's willing to go to show me that personal and individual love.   

I encourage you to take the opportunity to do the same. It's an opportunity to see the sweeping grandeur of God's love and care for you, His child.

under the tree

1 nephi 8:10-12

10 And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy. 

11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen. 

12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

You're invited to sut under the tree with me.

Sometimes, things are hectic, frustrating, depressing, and, and, and...

Im thos times, I seek refuge in the scriptural equivalent of comfort food, comfort scriptures or places. I might take a mental trip to the temple, read about peter being lifted from the sea, listen to apostles and prophets from my childhood, or some other peaceful place in the gospel library.  

Today, I find myself under Lehi’s tree. It gives light and warmth. The fruit is good. I kneel in gratitude and rest in safety. The mists of darkness don't reach in here. The shouting voices are silenced. Of course, there's work to be done, fruit to be shared, and friend's to call out to. Sometimes, when the dark overwhelms and sorrow becomes too great, there's just light and warmth at the foot of the tree.  

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

river of God’s love

A few years ago, I got a calling I didn’t feel up to. I awoke early, nervous—but with a phrase in mind I had not heard before: that to serve in this Church is to stand in the river of God’s love for His children. This Church is a work party of people with picks and shovels trying to help clear the channel for the river of God’s love to reach His children at the end of the row.

-Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus  

By Elder Robert M. Daines

Oct 2023

Mosiah 5:13

John 17:3

I like this image of wading into the river to clear a path for the water to flow. It means that you first have to wade into God’s love yourself.  

I think of playing in the dirt and later working in the garden. In both there needs to be a canal dug and kept clear for the water to flow. No matter how much I would clear the canal and make sure there weren't any sticks or leaves, bits of something always ended up falling in and plugging things up. In the world it could be social, cultural, political, substance, or habits that keeps someone from receiving God's love. Things that are hard to give up or are louder than the Spirit.

Maybe the thing blocking God's love is me. I need to clear my own canals so that I can feel God’s love for others. I experienced that this last week. Some people or groups are like cacti, prickly and hard to love. It doesn’t matter. I'm responsible for my own canals, my own choices no matter what. I just have to clear the spiritual and emotional flotsam that falls in and clogs up the river of God’s love.

He laid His hand upon me

Rev 1:17-18

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

How often have I feared to come before the Lord because of my shortcomings. This is so beautiful. Jesus Christ does the same for each of us. He lays His hand on us and reassures us that together we can get through anything. It's a reminder that He holds all power and wants to use it to help us. It's such a peaceful scene. It's one each of us can partake in. 

4 S's

We are all God’s children. If we love Him, we will feed His sheep wherever they may be found, without regard as to our own personal plight or situation. Often we can best feed others when we are hungry ourselves or not completely comfortable in the fold that we presently occupy.

Roadblocks to Progress  

By Elder Marvin J. Ashton

April 79

John 21:15-17

The 4 S's of feeling better

Snack

Sleep

Shower

Service

truth trickles down

2 Nephi 9:16 And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end.

I love learning about other cultures and their beliefs. Lately, I've been watching documentaries on Egyptian excavations. Many of their beliefs are similar to ours. It's always interesting to see how truth has trickled down through the ages.  

One belief is that your heart is weighed in the afterlife. Judgements. If your heart is heavy or guilty, you are condemned. Pretty standard after life belief across most religions. Egyptians put amulets and instructions in with the dead to help them pass the tests. Sound familiar? The amulet gor the heart lifted it while it was on the scale to help you pass your test.  

I think of these people reaching the other side and finding that instead of amulets and inscriptions, they must rely on a man to lift them from sin. Instead of being fearful and hoping you were able to measure up, they would find that their eternity relied on a fair judge and their own intentions. This may have been bad news for some. I think most would have been joyful and eager to accept a fair and just system.  

I'm so grateful to have this knowledge during my mortal life. It's a joy I hope to share with others so that they can be blessed by it in this life too.

a simple and repeated testimony

"Interestingly, repeating extensive examples of a language teaches a computer a language more effectively than does teaching a computer the rules of grammar. Similarly, our own direct, repeated experiences may be our best spiritual way to learn the gospel languages of warmth and reverence, service and sacrifice, and covenant belonging."

- Love Is Spoken Here  

By Elder Gerrit W. Gong

I think about how repeated readings of the same scriptures over and over again might get boring. The gospel seems to constantly advise the same things over and over: prayer, scriptures, and going to church.  

"Just as repetition and consistent effort are required to gain physical or mental capacity, the same is true in spiritual matters. Remember that the Prophet Joseph received the same visitor, Moroni, with exactly the same message four times in preparation for receiving the plates. I believe that weekly participation in sacred sacrament meetings has spiritual implications we do not fully understand. Pondering the scriptures regularly—rather than reading them occasionally—can substitute a superficial understanding for a sublime, life-changing enhancement of our faith."

-Foundations of Faith  

By Elder Quentin L. Cook

In honor of fast Sunday, I'll give my testimony. It's simple truths often repeated.  

I know God is our Father.

I know Jesus is His Son and our Brother. He lived, suffered, died, and took His body back up in the resurrection so that He could perfectly guide and care for us.

I know Joseph Smith was a prophet and translated the Book of Mormon with divine help.

I know the Book of Mormon is a true record and testimony of Jesus Christ. 

I know we are lead by a prophet today, Russell M Nelson. 

I know the priesthood is God's power on earth.

I know I still have so much to do but God has sent the Holy Ghost to guide me.  

I know I can do all things through Jesus Christ. 

I bear witness of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

an all inclusive guide in one scripture

Rev 1:3 jst

Blessed are they who read, and they who hear and understand the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein, for the time of the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

In prov 3:5 it says not to lean to your own understanding. 

Matt 13:12-17 - Jesus spoke in parables so that people had to put in some effort in order to understand.   

Luke 24:45, doc & cov 76:114-116 it's only through the Spirit that we can fully understand and apply the scriptures 

I love the scripture in revelation. It's simple and beautiful. I love the blessing. It's also so clear. It's step by step. Read, hear, understand, keep or act on the teachings. Apply the teachings because we'll all stand before the Lord.  

I hear a gentle, loving parent guiding me home.

God did it first

1 john 3:1-3

1 john 4:17

Moroni 7:48

The lesson this week talked a lot about the perfect love of God, becoming like Himn and loving our fellow man. Something clicked today in class. It's not a new concept but a different way to state it, i guess. You know how hearing something stated in a different way just makes the concept more clear. Like unlocking a new color for an avatar skin. It's another little bit of understanding.  

God's love is perfect because He did the work. He wasn't born with perfect love. He worked for it the way He asks us to work for it now.  

God did the work that He asks us to do. He knows what it takes because He's already accomplished it.  

That was just a cool way to think of it. God is perfect because He's done the work. 

  

first love

1 john 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.

What if we loved people first no matter what they were like?  

I wonder if that's why service is so potent. It's a physical manifestation of love.

no fear with love

I'm working on the lesson for this week. I'm giving out papers with scriptures on them at the beginning of class and asking everyone to read them. Then, they're supposed to find places that their scriptures apply to the lesson and share. I'm handing out the answers. It's just practice applying what they read. I've done it before and it sort of works. It gets more people involved. They'll get it.

Honestly, I was really nervous and a little scared to teach again. I got a lot of disruption and arguments last time. It really hurt. I think the rest of the class was able to keep bringing the spirit back between the negativity. It still left me pretty hurt and not too willing to stand up there and try to teach a class again.

This scripture is in this lesson just for me.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

If I look for the love I have for God, I can love His children. If I love his children, I want to give them an opportunity to learn. I want to open the door for the Spirit to teach even if some of them try to keep slamming that door shut. I'm going to keep trying. I'm truly not afraid to stand in front of them anymore. I know it could be rough but I'm going to keep going with God's love, no matter what.