Enjoy.

Enjoy is a verb.

For some people, this verb comes naturally. They wake up, and they enjoy life. For some people, this verb is a choice. A lot of people experience both of these paths of "enjoying."

But doesn't it feel good? Once ya choose it of course... To just---ENJOY. 

To wake up laughing at your two year old screaming for chocolate milk first thing in the morning. (Instead of groaning...which is what I tend to do)...

To taste food. The way it's meant to be tasted. Like you haven't eaten in 3 weeks, or if all you've been eating is potatoes. I once heard of a diet in which you pick one food and you ONLY eat that food for a week. When the week is over you start to eat healthier foods and you can taste them differently because you "reset" your taste buds. Do we need to really be resetting our taste buds? Because we have so many food options that we forgot to just taste or enjoy our food?

To stare at our children. Remembering them just as they are now, with our own eyes. Not with a camera lens. Enjoying the ability to have them, and see them grow, and be in their presence. It's one thing to feel gratitude...but is there something requiring more of us---to not just be grateful, but to enjoy?

We move around in our busy lives so quickly. And every spare second we get we are looking at our phones. Believe me this is not a chastisement for anyone more than it is for myself. But I know I am not alone in this. I often think of the way people lived hundreds of years ago, and I wonder if they enjoyed life more than we do today. Food required a lot more work. Having babies was WAY more risky and often resulted in death for either the mother or the child. Time was spent completely differently---as was money. Treasures were often small and simple.

So, whether your life is spent working to travel, or traveling to work, enjoy it. Whether you have a family you're raising, or still being raised, enjoy it. If you are living to work, or working to live, enjoy it. If you are living a dream, or wishing you could dream more, enjoy it. If you are like me, and folding another load of laundry, cleaning the same rooms over and over, and making more food just so you get to do the dishes...enjoy it. Whether your life will end in triumph or tragedy, enjoy it---because it's yours, no one else's. Each of our lives have blessings and burdens...but just...enjoy em'.

The Great Divide

Another poem by me. I actually wrote this while living in the lovely trailer last summer. I haven't written in a long time, I've been quite busy and "pondering" time doesn't happen as often when you're a mom of 3 kiddos under 4. But I specifically remember sitting in our little trailer, sick as a dog, and finding it impossible to ignore the prompting to sit and write this one down. It, like the others, is quite imperfect.

There is a day coming 

That is what we've heard

No...the day is here now

Where you must heed the words

For this is the day 

Of the Great Divide

{Where some will}

 be afraid and hide:

Unsure and rocky is the trail 

They take with no clear path in view

They search to bring others with them 

Because they're lost, and lonely too.

Happiness and Confidence

is the promise of this side

But because it isn't real, 

it only lasts a little while.

But they still laugh and poke fun

At those holding to the rod

They say, "Look at those silly folks,

Who say that there's a God"

But when they close their eyes at night 

It's fear that's in their souls

And though they say they're fine

They are yearning to be whole

So they seek the things of this world 

Hoping to fill the void

And they scoff at those who know they're loved

And relationships are destroyed

Some walk over to The Fence of Indecision

And they stay there for a time

Not knowing their decision is made

Unless they move fully to the side of Christ

They fear what those wanderers will say 

if they take a leap of faith

That fear is overwhelming--

If only they would pray.

Because little do they know

it is not really a leap at all

If they would choose the Savior 

They would be on a foundation that will never fall.

{Where some will} follow the prophet in stride

They will have watered their seeds of faith and will know of the Tree of Life

They will have their hands tight on the rod-Even whilst they experience trials and strife

They will have left that Fence, a long time ago---That fence called Indecision

With Christ they are yolked forever as they work to conquer the battle within.

They know His side is safest, His foundation is sure

With His help, their hearts and hands will have become clean and pure

Distraction- no, they stay their course as they seek for those in need

they want (because they know), for all to eat the fruit of the tree

For the fruit is God's love and the utmost form of divine

and even when the battle rages---for this fruit they will still climb

For His love for us all is endless, infinite, and true

And the atonement is the reason for doing all that they do

These are they that today choose to not let their minds float away

But instead they focus on the Lord and on His pathway

They worry not what others think and continue to press on

For they know whose side their fighting for and they'll fight 'till the battles won.

Those whose hands are securely locked in place

Following the Savior---they will continue to keep their pace

And they'll call to their friends and loved ones on the Fence or far away

And even if they're laughed at--you will still hear them say,

"Please come, our Savior Jesus Christ loves you so

We want you to be with us, we do not want you to let go,

The power lies within you to choose the path that you will choose

But the truth is truth and if you're not with Christ, then this battle you will lose."

These one's hearts will break, as they watch loved ones walk away

But Jesus Christ will heal them in the most amazing ways.

So with His strength they'll carry on, knowing they're not alone

And knowing, as all children want to know, that they are safely headed home.

"I Got You!"

Today Camry was playing on the couch with her favorite Teddy Bear. As I was walking in and out of the room trying to take care of Hartly and make dinner, I heard her yell to her bear, "I Got You!" And then of course she pulled him to safety from the other side of the couch and repeated the phrase "I Got You," softer and softer, until she held him close.

There's been so many times over the last few years where she's fallen, or gotten hurt, or been scared and I've picked her up and said those words, "I Got You." And some of those times I'm positive I said it without thinking. But some of those times I remember saying them with meaning- you know those times as a parent when you hope your words are reaching somewhere down inside your child...adding to their foundation that's in the building process. So I think when I heard her say those words, in an effort to soothe her fearful teddy bear...I realized that to some degree she knows I Got Her. I've got her back. I'll pick her up when she falls (even if she has to sit and cry for a second to learn a lesson).

If she can understand that I love her no matter what...then she will better be able to understand our Savior's love for each of us. He's Got Us. We fall. We get broken. We repeat mistakes. We don't deserve to be picked back up oftentimes. And I think sometimes Heavenly Father lets us cry on the ground for a minute. But They are always willing to pick us back up.

There's a million other things as a woman, as a human, as an individual that I could be doing/pursuing. Trust me I'm well aware what the world says I could, or should be doing.

But I got a couple girls. I got em. And if I continue to be there to lift them up, encourage, and teach and do all the other motherly things I'm supposed to do---then maybe I can raise a few kids who know how to handle themselves in the crappy crapperson world we live in.

Elder M. Russel Ballard said in conference just barely, "...there was a time when the walls of our homes provided all the defense we needed against outside intrusions and influences. We locked the doors, closed the windows; we shut the gates; and we felt safe, secure and protected in our own little refuge from the outside world. Those days are now gone. The physical walls, doors, fences, and gates of our homes cannot prevent unseen invasion from the Internet, the Wi-Fi, the mobile phones, the networks. They can penetrate our homes with just a few clicks and keystrokes."

If my kids grow up knowing that my husband and I are always there for them, then hopefully they will trust in our protection, our guidance, and see the gospel as a safety net. Maybe they will be able to better understand our loving Savior Jesus Christ. Giving my children a safe place to come home to with my heart is just as important as a physical place to live. Making sure the Spirit is felt in our home is crucial. Teaching them the safety that comes from the guidance of the Holy Ghost is a must.

It's good to be a mom. It's so hard...but it's so good. My heart and prayers to all parents in all your parenting. It's a tough world-but we can do it. We Got This.

Publish Peace

I've written a few times about my personal hiatus from Facebook for a couple years shortly after Colten and I were married. And how I felt somewhat chastised by the Lord when He spoke to me through Elder L. Tom Perry---(read it HERE) who asked us to use social media to spread the gospel. Social media was, and still is to a point, something I despise. Like many things in this world, Satan has put his stamp on it, in it, and all around it. However, the Lord still guides many to use it for appropriate purposes.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is receiving SO much criticism for SO many things right now. But is this really a new thing? NO. But maybe it feels newer because were exposed daily to so much information--constantly through our social media networks we are shown countless articles on both sides of every issue. Black, white, and gray areas of everything you can ever argue about-somebody is sharing their opinion about it.

SO, let's publish peace.

Let us all flood Facebook, Instagram, and whatever outlet you choose, with the good news of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. With the exception of a few silly things my kids have done, and some photos here and there, most of what we share is what I would consider "publishing peace." Anything, positive quotes, memes, scriptures, and most importantly, your testimony. Did you know you can choose who and what you follow? Virtually and in real life you can choose to make it known who you "follow", and what you would like to "share." Many have chosen to avoid social media at all costs, as I did for a long time. I long for a world where we're not all looking down at our phones all the time. I have the addiction as bad as the rest of the world and it is a constant struggle to 'Look Up.' But if we're going to be communicating with friends and loved ones online--lets make it worth it. Let's publish peace. Let people see exactly what you believe. Don't be a fence sitter. Have faith that those whom you fear may be offended by what you believe, will hopefully choose to have respect for your clarity in what you know to be true.

It's scary. I totally get it. Testimonies are sacred, and oftentimes I cry when writing here on "Sammy Grace's Place." I take a little bit of comfort in the fact that hardly anyone reads it! haha! But some of my posts have actually been seen by hundreds! So I know that I'm supposed to publish a little peace here and there. But you, whomever you may be, can take comfort in these words:

1 Nephi 13:37

"37 And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be."

D & C 19:29-30

"29 And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see. 30 And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me."

Seek the Lord as your companion in sharing the gospel at every opportunity. So my invitation to all is to publish peace, share all that is good and true. If our focus is truly the "good news," God gives us strength to share it confidently with those we love. You just never know whose heart the Lord needs you to touch, or inspire. We get plenty of bad news everywhere---so let's start, or continue, to publish peace.

My Response.

I have stood at the pulpit in a few different wards, in front of hundreds of people on quite a few different occasions and shared my testimony. Over the last 5 or so years I have written my testimony and published it here in multiple posts, and all written on different subjects and addressed in different ways. I don't profess to be extremely knowledgeable, but I like to write down the lessons I learn in life, and how and what the Spirit teaches me through life experience. I don't ever try to sound "preachy" but for goodness gracious all I want to do is  "talk of Christ, [and] rejoice in Christ" 2 Nephi 25:26. Yesterday's announcement has not changed my testimony.

I STILL know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints is the true church and at it's head is Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know He has called a Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and with Him a First Presidency, and 12 Apostles. I know that He leads and guides them and they are His mouthpiece.

Here's my testimony in a poem I wrote years ago. Publishing it for the world. Do Not Copy. Because it is published here I have certain copyright rights that you cannot infringe upon!

This sums up how I still feel, and will always feel. 

Truth

By Samantha Iverson

The truth sometimes rings out bright and clear

It's special, unique, different and dear

The truth often hits somewhere inside

Some people try to make the truth hide

Sometimes it isn't always what we wanna hear

But for some reason when we do, our hearts cheer

Sometimes the truth makes us cry 

That's why someone came up with a lie

But lies never last--though they seem like they do

And though sometimes it’s hidden- at some point it pops out--

             the good ole' truth

The truth is steady, it's patient, and real

It’s something that each one of us will feel

Sometimes we notice the truth by our tears

Most times the truth doesn't speak to our ears

No, our hearts hear it best if they are fine tuned

Hearts always listen even when the head doesn't want to

And someone's heart is feeling that yearn

That desire, that with Faith we may learn,

That Want for the truth about our lives before

The truth about after, when we leave this life's door

I know the truth, for it has spoken to my heart

It's something with which I never will part

I've felt it in goose bumps from the gift of a song

I've felt it when a tear fell down my cheek sad and long

I've felt a burning inside my chest

One so strong my heart couldn't rest

I wanted to share it with everyone I knew

And through this poem that's what I hope to do

The truth is, the truth has been restored,

When it spoke to me, it didn't rain, it poured

The truth I felt was that I have a Savior

One who will redeem me if I change my behavior

If I repent when I falter, and try to do my best

I know now He will be there to help me pass my test

The truth that I know is that there is a book

It's the keystone of my religion and if you'll just take a look...

You'll find some things in there, like stories and lessons

You'll find the truth and you won’t be forgettin'

It's called "The Book of Mormon"--it's special to me

For it's everything and only the beginning of what I believe

The truth is, a boy only 14 years old 

Saw Heavenly Father and His Son-and it's not just a story he told

Joseph Smith was a Prophet, a Revelator and a Seer

And it's the truth he found and gave that I hold so dear

The truth of the gospel of Jesus the Christ 

Has been restored in its fullness and for the last time

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 

It's the only true church-with quite a long name

I know it, I believe it, that this gospel is true,

And though I make mistakes, I'll try his works to do

To have faith, hope and charity

To show by example and teach with clarity

All the things I've been taught and the things I will learn

So that I can help fill the void of a heart that yearns

If I can help give them the gift of the truth

Then His work can continue

And one day what I've said, we will all feel

The truth in its brightness, and we'll know that its real

God loves His children-each and everyone the same

You might be surprised how much more he knows than your name

He wants us to come back with Him to live in His presence

Not one, Not a billion, but ALL back in heaven

That is His work and His glory

To bring eternal life to all men--

                It’s not just a story

This is the truth and if you already know,

Then don't forget how important it is that its told!

And remember what a gift that it is in your life

Don't leave it on a shelf and walk right on by,

Share it, Love it, Live it, and always learn

Because it is a great feeling when your bosom starts to burn

And you know that it's true, with every part of your soul

For peace, happiness and eternal life is the reward

           And I believe--that that, is everyone's goal.

No Strings Attached. Poem.

This poem has been sitting on my desk for a couple of weeks now. I wrote a large portion of it and then thought it was done...but I kindof... asked the Lord if there was more. And there was. Please don't steal. If you use this give me credit. I'm not posting it because I want credit, but I have a book of  my poetry that I have lost, and I have learned that it is beneficial to publish poetry somewhere like this setting so that I can always have it. If you take the time to read this, maybe you will feel what I felt...maybe you will get impression that come not from the words but the meaning underneath them. Or maybe you will just see a story. And that's fine too. The latter part of the poem is obviously more spiritual, but the entire writing is meant to pull at your heart "strings"...as mine were being pulled this particular day. Anything I write comes from a place that's very personal. I always hope that whatever I say people will take with open hearts, not assume anything, and just know that they are from and for me. Really, they're not even from me. This one really wasn't- it was more from my Heavenly Father. I know for the people closest to me- they appreciate what I share with them. But not everyone does. So I hope you'll find some appreciation in this. And again, don't steal :)
p.s. all my poetry is imperfect. deal with it ;)

No Strings Attached

by Samantha Iverson

There once was a Young Man, who gave away a lot of things

The funny thing was, was that each item he gave, had a string!

His heart...so generous. Or at least He thought it was so,

But when people saw him come around they let their eyes a'roll

For pretty soon they realized that the gifts were never theirs

Because the gives could not be given away--they could never be re-shared.

For if you tried to sell them, or even to give them to the poor,

That Young Man would come a knockin', right up to your door!

He'd say, "Remember, I gave this to you! That's why it has a string!

Because if you didn't want it, you must give it back to me!

I know each, and every thing I have--the strings lead to my home

I spent money on these treasures here! 

That's something you should have known!"

So people gave the gifts back, or left them on the shelf

And that Young Man walked around puffed up, quite proud of himself.

Then one day an Old Fellow crossed the path of the Young Man

He saw the Young man walking, with lots of strings in hand

Inquiring, the Old Fellow asked, "What are all those strings?"

The Young Man replied, "These are attached to all my things!

Isn't it a great idea?" he said, to keep track of what's given away?"

The Old Fellow had a puzzled look, and wasn't sure what to say.
He began with, "It might not be good business, and your stockpile might run low,

But I know how you don't have to keep all of your strings in tow."

He said, "What if you gave away your gifts, and didn't want them back?

What if you gave them, if it's possible, with No Strings Attached?"

The Young Man replied softly, "But I love the treasures I own"

He said, "If I just give them, then what will I have to show?"

The Old Fellow smiled, and said, "What matters most is not the strings back to your home, 

But when this life is over God wants to see how much your heart has grown."

Something inside the Young Man made his fingers finally let go

And the strings he held so dearly, disappeared before they hit the road.

The Young Man, surprised, said, "What happened to all the strings!?"

The Old Fellow smiled and said, "You must be forgetting about your things,

Some call it integrity, to do things for others when nobody knows

Some call it charity, pure love deep inside...and kindness is how it grows

These are just of few of the 'things' God wants us to carry around

And inside our homes he hopes only these good 'things' will be found."

The Young Man said, "I understand now, what I am to give, 

It's not about the things I buy, but it's about how I live!"

The Old Fellow said, "Yes, when we get to the other side,

Heavenly Father wants to see if we have let go of our pride."

The Young Man started to leave, feeling much different than before

Then he turned around and asked, "Do you have time for something more?

What if I get caught up again...in selfishness and pride?

What if I am weaker than you think I am inside?"

The Old Fellow answered, as a tear fell down his face,

"My heart's been there too, it's a terrible, awful place.

I thought I was doing well when I looked down and saw more strings

These ones were more like ropes...and they were tying ME to things.

Addictions...on the ropes I saw each of their names

Things I thought were harmless---at least that's what they claimed.

Selfishness, Anger, Gossip, Lying, and even the one named Unkind

I hadn't even realized that all of these were mine!

That's when I discovered, I needed Someone to help cut the ropes

to help me see what I couldn't---help me gain some control.

I had to fill my life with good things, like Charity and Integrity

Like Love, Patience, Kindness, and the one named Trustworthy.

So I began to look for who could help me get rid of what I'd found

For I could not just drop these ropes---they now held me bound.

That's when I found Him. His name is Jesus Christ.

He is really the One who could help me in my life.

He took upon Himself all the strings, and ropes, yes he knows all their names.

He took upon Himself every bad thing, even the one called Pain.

Because He was Perfect, He conquered all that is not Good.

That is how He knows how to help us have the 'things' we could and should.

Not only will he cut the ropes, if we let Him help us so.

But He gives us power so that if the strings start tying we'll know.

He is the One who will change the size of your heart.

And as you do His work He will not fall short on His part.

Then, eventually, who you will have become, is an Old Fellow like me,

Trying to teach a Young Man about Repentance, the Atonement, and letting go of strings.

"Without Murmurings"

1 Nephi 17:1-3

1.....And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness.
2 And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.
3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

This hit me this morning. In verse two, it suggests that the women maybe had a hard time with murmuring. I know I would have---traveling through the wilderness, struggling to find food, pregnant, tired, hungry, etc. But even among all their frustration, they must have seen the hand of the Lord as Nephi did. As they saw that they were able to give birth to healthy children, and that their bodies were able to "provide suck" as it says. I know that that would have been a humbling experience for these women. How scared they must have been having children in the wilderness and not knowing if they were going to find food. They must have found faith. They must have seen the hand of the Lord. They must have started trusting in Him for ALL of their needs...because it says, "they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings." The Lord kept blessing them. They were still following their husbands even though they had murmured--they were still trying to do what the Lord asked. So He blessed them, and He clearly helped their eyes see and their hearts were softened because they began to figure out how to journey without murmuring. How long were they traveling? I know they were married in the wilderness, and bore children---these things take a long time! So this miracle of change that went about in these women didn't happen overnight. Heavenly Father blessed them with strength and they saw His miracles take place in their lives so much so that they were able to stop complaining.

Sometimes I get so mad at myself for getting upset when things don't go the way I want them to. I get frustrated that I get frustrated! It's ridiculous! Emotions are real, and they happen in response to life's experiences. But it doesn't mean they will last forever, and we certainly don't have to let them. When we let the Lord work in us,---when we use the Atonement---we can start to bear our life's burdens without murmuring. I think some of my burdens I still struggle to fight the desire to murmur. But, one of the reasons why this hit me so hard is because I feel like I'm learning how to live without murmuring. Maybe it's because I'm growing up. Maybe it's because I'm a slow learner. Maybe it's because murmuring can just be tiresome. Maybe, it's because the Lord is working in me. I think that's probably it. I see that now. And I'm thankful. And I hope he keeps working on me so that I can completely rid my life of all complaint and all murmuring. My husband would probably appreciate that ;) But most importantly, I know the Lord would appreciate it, and so would I. Because it would mean I would be a little more of who He wants me to be.