Trek Prep Devotional - Heather Chandler

As I am typing this devotional, the sun is beginning to set, and the cooler air is now moving throughout the house, and fireworks can be heard from some of my neighbors. Simply put, summer has arrived.

Girls Camp for the Bellingham Stake was last week, and for those of us who were at Cascade Park, we can attest that the spirit was in great abundance, along with laughter, singing, and camp cheers. Last week, amid the humidity and rain, my thoughts wandered to Trek…. How will we handle the heat? Have the youth broken in their Trek boots? Do we have our clothes ready? And so on….I’m a planner. I like to know what is expected of me and then organize my list of to-do’s so that I set myself up for personal success. We are now at that stage of our planning (for ma’s and pa’s) where hopefully we have done our physical preparation, and now we are ramping up our spiritual preparation. Our Girls Camp scripture this year (happens to be my all-time favorite, no coincidence in my book) and is found in 2 Nephi 31 verse 20 “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. “

At camp, the young women discussed what it meant to be steadfast in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how they could be a light to others on their journey. Sis. Elaine Dalton, former General YW President of the church, shared in her conference address in April 2003,   “On a pier in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a bronze statue of a young woman named Kristina. Kristina stands looking out to sea toward her goal to join the Saints in Zion. The wind is blowing against her fiercely, but she does not look back. She is steadfast as she presses forward doing a very hard thing, but one she knows to be right. I love that statue, for to me Kristina represents my own Danish great-great-grandmother who chose to join the Church amid great resistance. I am grateful for her courage and testimony. On her choice that day rested not only my eternal destiny but also the destiny of generations.

In the Book of Mormon, Nephi tells us that we can “press forward” (2 Ne. 31:20). He says we not only can but must. Perhaps Nephi, like Kristina, could see that the steadfast choices of one individual affect generations.”

As we prepare in these finally days leading up to Trek and contemplate how we can best execute the message “with Joy wend your way”. Let us not forget, the Master planner of all, our Heavenly Father. With His help, and guidance of the Holy spirit, those of us who press forward, “pushing and pulling”, will find the joy along the way, and have a better understanding of the great plan of happiness, and where we fit in it. How fortunate we are to be a part of this unique experience. 8 days and counting…… Whew-hew!!

I found this link on Facebook today. I thought you might like to share with friends, family, and co-workers. You know…when they ask, “you’re doing what?”

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/06/30/mormon-teens-commemorate-pioneer-trek/YCg9Sle7ymBktwbzerkNZK/story.html

Sister Heather Chandler

Bellingham 2^nd Ward

Trek Prep Devtional - Eric Hull

I have thoroughly enjoyed the devotional messages that have been sent as a part of this Trek preparation period. I hope to carve out some time to re-read those that I have had time to read and go over those that I have missed! Thank you all for your great influence.

My thoughts at this time are focused on the tremendous sacrifices that were made by early members of the church whether they crossed the plains or followed the message of the gospel in far distant lands.

I also reflect specifically on the life of our beloved Prophet Joseph Smith and his ever faithful brother Hyrum who lost their lives but never denied the faith at the place known as Carthage. I marvel at how my life has forever been blessed by these faithful men and women.

My great-great grandfather Stephen Fairchild Wilson was a young boy as he and his family made the Exodus from Nauvoo. I have selected a few of his journal entries for your reading enjoyment.

1.) When I was about 6 years old, I distinctly remember crossing the Illinois River on a ferryboat moved by a large white horse on a large tread wheel. We were on our way from my birthplace to Nauvoo Illinois and stopped in a grove of timber on Rock Creek about 20 miles rather East of Nauvoo in the spring of 1844 as I remember. Before we left there the sad news of the martyrdom of the prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum the patriarch of the church, came to us when I was just 6 years and 9 months of age June 27 1844. I remember they all had cried but me. I heard them say they were murdered in Carthage Jail Illinois. I think I could have remembered seeing the prophet if I had had the chance before his death.

2.) Early next spring 1864, my father said we must make a start for Salt Lake City on account of the persecution of our neighbors which grew more and more unbearable day by day. With all the haste we could command under the circumstances we got ready the best we could and father fitted up his span of ponies and light wagon and one morning about 3 or 4 oclock a.m. early in April 1864, he took us by surprise by driving the team into the door post, closed the door and quietly said in a low voice, make haste and load up, no time to lose, and in less time than it takes to write it, Aunt Rebecca and her 6 children, my sister Sarah Alice, and myself with our scanty bedding clothing, a few dishes and small provisions we were packed into the little wagon all ready to start! Father said now- "Stephen is the teamster" and he held the lines while the "teamster" got firmly seated for the ponies were restless and seemed to catch the spirit of it and were impatient to start for Utah!! It was about 4 a.m. and about the 5th of April 1864 when father handed the lines up to me saying "peace and good luck be with you"

I am so excited for our great Trek experience. Thanks to all of the great hands that have helped to lift this event into place!

Eric Hull

Trek Prep Devotional - Ben & Kristina Sutherland

Helaman12:1 

1 And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him. 

We have seen multiple evidences of this throughout our life. We know it to be true.

Kind Regards,

The Sutherland's 

Trek Prep Devotional - Jacob & Maren Price

As we have been making the focus of our studies Trek, we have been talking a lot about obedience to the Gospel and how it brings us blessings. A good talk that has influenced us is "Obedience to the Law is Liberty" by Elder Perry in the Sunday Morning Session of Conference. We have reflected on our lives when we were the Trekkers' age (not too long ago...) and how it's necessary to really come to know the Gospel and have a testimony of Christ and His Atonement because we faced so many different possible pathways in High School. Something we hope to impress upon the minds of the youth is that the Commandments provide us peace, love, joy and safety, just as the primary song teaches. Having this attitude changes our perspective towards God and His laws. We come to appreciate Him and them as we learn this.

Another thought that we had is taught in Malachi of the Old Testament, chapter 3:13 - 18, when God corrects His people and tells them how even though it seems like wickedness does bring happiness, only those who follow His commandments will inherit eternal life. We must not lose sight of the long-term and get lost in the short-term. High Schoolers are surrounded by and tempted to sell out to the short-term pleasures of the world. The Gospel, with an eternal perspective gives us clarity and good discernment in knowing what brings us true and lasting joy. As the majority, if not all of these Trekkers are immersed in worldly short-term-based ideology, we feel (at least for our group) we should reteach the Lord's words that are found in Malachi and Elder Perry's talk.

The Prices

Trek Prep Devotional - Troy & Jema McOmber

"The Latter-day Saints need to remember that those who live now are being called upon to work out our salvation in a special time of intense and immense challenges. The last portion of the dispensation of the fullness of times is during which great tribulation and temptation will occur. The elect will almost be deceived and unrighteous people will be living much as they were in the days of Noah. Therefore, though we have rightly applauded our ancestors for their spiritual achievement and we don't and must not discount them now, those of us who prevail today will have done no small thing. The special spirits who have been reserved to live in this the dispensation of the fullness of times will one day be praised for their stamina by those who pulled handcarts." - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Troy & Jema McOmber

Trek Prep Devotional - Steve & Teri Booth

I was a newly minted 12-year-old Boy Scout and was on my first canoe trip on the American River.  I loved playing in the water, but was not a strong swimmer.  I was paired up with one of the oldest scouts in the troop for my first canoe trip.  As we moved down the river I started to notice the rocks and shoals just under the surface rushing along below me I started to become more and more concerned that the canoe would strike one, develop a leak and that I would be thrown into the water and need to swim to save myself.  As a 12-year-old this was one of my first looks at mortality.  Near the middle of the day, we came to a large rapid that had claimed the life of a canoer earlier in the month.  I was petrified to go near it.  We were instructed to take the canoes out and portage around the rapid.  As we approached, my fear grew and I began to panic.  I told the older scout that I thought we should get out of the water, but he reassured me that we were ok.  As we got closer, the water came up shallow and I saw my opportunity and actually stepped out of the canoe.  The older scout wisely shouted at me, "What are you doing? I can't navigate this alone.  I need you in the front to help us get through!"  He could have managed by himself, and he could have really teased me about my fear in front of the other boys in the troop, but did neither.  

I got back in the canoe and we safely navigated the portage and the rest of the trip.  My confidence grew and my fears left me by the end of the trip.  I even jumped in once to swim next to the canoe in a calm stretch of the river.  I will never forget the patient mentoring of that older scout, and how he helped me conquer my fear of deep swift moving water.  We have that opportunity to patiently mentor by the spirit the youth that come to trek, and to help them conquer fears and doubts about their lives.  If we can see past the logistical challenges of trek and observe our youth, the spirit will whisper things we can say and do to help them.

Thanks,

Steve

I grew up with phrases that my dad would say over and over.  One of them was, "Can't never did Jack Diddly".  We have turned our family home evenings into three word phrases.  "Don't do drugs", "Credit is evil", "Read the Scriptures".  Last week and for the next few weeks it will be "Keep on Going. . ."

Teri

Trek Prep Devotional - James & Chris King

Francis Webster, a survivor from the Martin Handcart Company shared this:

"We suffered beyond anything you can imagine, and many died of exposure and starvation....[But we] came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives, for we became acquainted with Him in our extremities.

"I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other.  I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it.  I have gone to that sand, and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me.  I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one.  I knew then that the angels of God were there.

"Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart?  No, Neither then nor any minute of my life since.  The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin handcart company."

Many of us at times may feel weak and weary fulfilling our responsibilities, extending service where needed, and just simply dealing with the daily tasks of life.  When exhaustion hits and we feel we can do no more, we are reminded of this story and also what President Richards frequently taught as the saints were called to emigrate.  

"The Lord Helps Those Who Help Themselves."

We are expected to do all we can, and it is hard at times, but when there is no more to give the Lord will send angels to help push our carts. We are so grateful for this knowledge and for the example of our pioneer saints.

We are looking forward to Trek!

James and Chris King 

Reference: "The Price We Paid" The Extraordinary Story of the Willie & Martin Handcart Pioneers: Andrew D. Olsen