Yesterday in Relief Society, the lesson was on teaching and sharing the gospel.  At first I thought, ‘I don’t openly share the gospel, and since I’ve changed wards, I no longer have a calling, so I don’t teach, how will this apply to me now?’  The teacher had opened with,

“Who feels inadequate when they are asked to teach a lesson here at church? You worry about how the class will perceive it.  You wonder how well they understand what you’re trying to teach them in this lesson.  Well, Don’t!  If you come prepared, if you’ve prayed for the spirit to help you, you are not teaching.  The Holy Ghost is teaching.”

That touched me, because even though I have sometimes felt inadequate teaching the 9 year olds in my previous ward, I was still always able to get through the lesson and get the point across.  And at the end, they seemed to understand.  I did notice that lessons that I didn’t spend as much time preparing, the class didn’t seem to run as smoothly that day.  I always knew that it was because I hadn’t prepped for it the way I should have, but never connected the two.  

In my previous ward, on top of teaching the 9 year olds, I was involved with Activity Days.  Activity Days is an activity group for girls that are 8 through 11.  They meet twice a month, and work on Gospel based goals.  Just to name a few, one is memorizing the Articles of Faith.  Another could be that they focus on a talent, focus on serving others, learning how to cook so they can cook for their family, etc.  There are also a list of standards, called, “My Gospel Standards,” that list standards that the girls are asked to follow. They are all good and honest things.  

While I was participating in Activity Days as a leader, I would bring my 6 year old daughter along, so she could somewhat be a part of it.  There were also my teaching partner’s little girls that she would play with too.  Well, early on, I had bought a poster of the gospel standards for my daughter.  Last night at bedtime, she proceeded to read the whole list, with minimal help.  She didn’t quite understand the meaning of all of it at that point, but she understood the basics.  It made me so happy to see her reading that.  Because I’m thinking that may reinforce some of the things I try to teach her every day.  

Prayers were said, and then it was Articles of Faith practice time.  She’s memorized the first two, which is great, and then we were reading the third.  I had them all up on my phone, and she proceeded to read through to the 8th Article of Faith.  

I was on cloud nine!  Not only was she being an excellent reader, she was interested in learning the Articles of Faith!  To be perfectly honest, we do not have a set schedule on Family Home Evening, because I can’t get her to sit long enough to listen to anything.  

So, often times, she’ll listen to ONE quick story in the Book of Mormon stories book, or I’m trying to tell her about something in the car on the way home from Grandma’s after school.  I have to sneak in little things about the gospel every chance I get!  Usually it’s at bedtime, but we do our Articles of Faith, she says her prayer, and then I usually try to quickly tell her about something.  Last night, I knew that my little sneaky ways were paying off!  

Shower time is my reflection time.  This morning as I took my shower at 3:30 am, I thought back to the lesson in Relief Society.  I am a teacher, and I do share the gospel with others.  Friends, this is our calling on this earth too.  Teach your little ones the gospel.  I know we all get caught up in life, and we focus on what we can, when we can.  Trust me, I am the queen of, “Let’s just focus on today.”  But then in the same breath, “Oh my gosh!  What are we going to do about (insert necessary trial here) next year?!”  

If you would like to read more of Maya’s articles, please click here.

Slow it down friends.  Take time with your Littles, take time with your spouses.  Take time with a friend that may need you at that moment.  Be patient, and loving.  I know I am not perfect.  We all make our mistakes.  Just remember to be the best kind of teacher you can be for your little ones, and share the gospel with them.  

They will follow in your footsteps, and as little children like to share what they know, often times you will find that they will share the gospel with their friends.  Seed planted.  SCORE!  If it doesn’t happen that way, their example can be another way that we all can plant that seed.  

Don’t forget to #LIGHTtheWORLD!  I love you all!

Maya Oak

I’m a Supermom and wife who works full time. I love cooking for my family and friends. But most of all, I love the Gospel and my journey back to it!

Primary Sharing TIme

Today during sharing time in Primary, the teachers were reading the words to the ninth verse of “Follow the Prophet.”

Now we have a world where, people are confused.

If you don’t believe it, go and watch the news.

It made me choke up a little bit, because that statement is truer today, then when that song was written in 1989.   It makes me so sad that people are so lost, and so confused.  The violent crimes that are committed against children, animals, and every day normal people, make me sick to my stomach.  I avoid listening to the news most days because it is just too sad to hear. Not to mention the political side of things that are going on.  

During conference, our living prophet and his apostles speak to us.  Their talks, which could be compared to a sermon, are inspired by our Father in Heaven.  For me, there have always been one or two talks that hit home for me.  But, all of the talks are wonderful!  They give us insight on how to raise our children, how to strengthen our testimonies, how to serve others, or endure our trials.  

Whatever the topic may end up being, there will always be something that stands out to someone, and teaches us what our Father in Heaven wants us to know.  I love that we have this opportunity to hear what our Heavenly Father wants us to hear, and learn.  

Thomas S. Monson speaking in LDS General Conference.

I have also recently listened to a talk from a licensed clinical social worker about the reason we were all chosen to live on the earth during this time.  One reason we are here is to bring the gospel to others in a time that people are unsure of the path they need to choose.  As a member of the LDS church, I have a hard time sharing the gospel with my words, but instead, I usually try to portray Christ like love as an example of my faith.  

I help others by offering any assistance I can give; I enjoy smiling at the strangers in the store, or making sure I am not in the way, or even offering to help reach for something, or load their groceries onto the belt. I do this regardless of their origin or religion, and not for anything other than; I’m trying to be like Jesus.  I love the example that he led while he was alive here on earth.  I enjoy showing kindness to all I meet.  It brings me joy to know that I may have made that person feel special or important in that moment.

Everyone has a purpose.  Someone may be having a bad day, and they might just need to be shown a little kindness to help their day.  Or even to help bring awareness to the little things in life.  Mother Teresa once said,

“Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house.  Give love to your children, to your wife of husband, to a next door neighbor…Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.  Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.”

Mother Teresa

While Mother Teresa was not a member of the LDS Church, her acts of loving kindness emulated Christ like love.  I love to read about her, and compare what she believed by her actions, and how she even learned to pray, to our beliefs in the LDS church.  They are quite similar, and I know that she gave her life to serve the Lord, and be as an instrument.   

Our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson has also been chosen as an instrument of the Lord.  He has asked all of us to live a Christ like life.  One way to do that is show Christ like love.  This is an unconditional love.  Those are words that our Father in Heaven has asked President Monson to share with us, and to continually impress upon us.  

I invite everyone to sit and listen to General Conference on Saturday April 1st, and Sunday April 2nd, when our prophet and his apostles will address us for the first time in 2017, to share what Heavenly Father would like us to hear.  Take notes, jot down questions to ask someone in the church, whether you are not a baptized member, or you have become an inactive member of the church.  The last two lines in the 9th verse of “Follow the Prophet,” are:

We can get direction all along our way.

If we heed the prophets—follow what they say.

If you would like to read more of Maya’s articles, please click here.

Friends, I bear my testimony to you that I know Jesus lived on this earth, and gave his life for all of us.  He knows every pain, every ounce of anguish we endure.  He knows our joys, he knows our sadness.  I know that our Father in Heaven has appointed a living prophet for today which is a mouthpiece for Him.

We just need to listen to our Prophet, and pray to our Father in Heaven, and we will be guided to the right path.  I leave this with you in the name of our beloved brother and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.  I love you all!

Maya Oak

I’m a Supermom and wife who works full time. I love cooking for my family and friends. But most of all, I love the Gospel and my journey back to it!

It was painful, exhausting and frustrating not knowing why my body was causing me to run to the restroom four or more times at work in an eight hour day.  Not to mention at home or on the weekends.  However it was a little better at home.  I soon found out why when I decided to try out a gluten free diet right before being diagnosed.  

I used to be a coffee drinker.  Well, I replaced that with a coffee alternative that had barley, rye and chicory.  Yeah, all gluten baby!  That equals massive inflammation and several painful trips to the bathroom.  So not fun.  I wasn’t drinking it at home, however, so that explains why it wasn’t as bad.  

Apparently Celiac Disease can cause infertility or recurrent miscarriage or pregnancy loss.  To date I have lost a total of nine pregnancies.  They all varried in how far along I was, but none were any less painful than the others.  When I had asked my stake president about why Heavenly Father allowed me to become pregnant, only to take them away from me, his answer left me slightly confused.  Being the thinker that I am, especially during my morning showers, (necessary to wake me up in the morning,) I thought about his answer over and over again.  

“They just needed a body.”

I belong to a closed LDS group on Facebook that offers support to women who struggle with infertility and pregnancy loss. This one particular woman was grieving over her second miscarriage.  I offered my sympathies and explained that no matter how many you have, they will always be emotionally painful.  I also mentioned how many I had had and that I have come to the point where I literally placed whether I have any more babies in the Lord’s hands.  I want one, and we all pray for a baby, if it be His will.  

I haven’t really been trying for a baby since my last miscarriage earlier this year, because I just couldn’t put my body through that again.  I struggle to keep my iron up, and after my d&c with this last one, less than a week later I ended up with strep throat.  I have no idea where strep throat came from, but it was miserable.  Not to mention I didn’t have any sick days left, so I went two days without pay from work.  I was so discouraged and distraught.  And having a miscarriage is in my opinion, almost as traumatic as actually delivering a baby.  It certainly takes its toll on a body.  

It wasn’t until I was carrying on a conversation with this woman who had asked me how I kept going after losing so many. I asked myself ‘How have I dealt with nine miscarriages?’  I basically told her that I just roll with it.  I have a husband and a daughter to look after.  I work full time, and I have two children that live with my first husband that I care very much for.  I was preparing for them to come spend six weeks with me in the summer.  I get to see them only once or twice in a year, so I really try to make it special.  

Well, while I was writing this to this grieving mother, I kind of realized something.  I was strong and I was an instrument!  My babies whom I will get the privilege of raising in Heaven, only needed a body.  They chose me to be their mother, but I was also trusted by the Lord to provide that body, because the Lord knew I was strong enough to handle it. And at this moment, I was showing the strength to continue to follow the Lord’s will to this young mother.  I had not crumbled and fallen to pieces.

Though sometimes I did sit and stare off into space, doing nothing.  This did not always last long, due to the fact that I had things to get done.  I had a little girl that was here, and she needed me.  I had a husband that needed laundry done, or dinner made.  Yes, he can do those things for himself, and he has when it has come down to it, but that is one way that I show my family how much I love them.  

The short of it is this; we are the Lord’s instruments here on earth.  I am an instrument in writing this, hoping that it sparks something in someone.  We are all here to support each other, and to do the Lord’s will.  We are not here to see who can have the biggest, and best toys.  We are here to fulfill our mission on making it back to our Heavenly Father.  We are here to lift one another and bear each other’s burdens so that their burdens become lighter and they can see the light through the fog, so that they can find their way back home to our Father as well.  

Whether you are thoroughly educated in the gospel or not, be an instrument and share the gospel with others.  Let others see your progress, let them see your light!  If they are not ready now, maybe one day they will be.  Just leave that door open so that they can come to you when they are ready.  If you were not able to serve a full time mission, this could be your chance to share the gospel.  

If you would like to read more of Maya’s articles, please click here.

Remember you’re worth, and that you are loved!

Mosiah 27:36:  And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer.  

Maya Oak

I’m a Supermom and wife who works full time. I love cooking for my family and friends. But most of all, I love the Gospel and my journey back to it!

The beginning of the year started out hopeful.  But by the end of January, I was extremely discouraged.  We had lost our seventh baby together.  It was the furthest we had ever made it in a pregnancy.  I didn’t want to go through another d&c, but the doctor insisted that we do it, because of how far along I was.  Our baby was tested again for any abnormalities and we even found out the gender, again.  It was the second of our babies that we found out whether we would have had pink or blue booties.  

Our baby boy was completely normal.  He was very active while in my womb.  I’m going to take accountability and admit that I think all my children have acquired my ADHD.  They have all been so very active!  But it’s been wonderful to know that they played so much in utero, after not being able to see them play in my arms, or in my lap, or with their siblings.  Needless to say, I’ve had a difficult time emotionally handling so many losses.  

I began late last year, meeting with my Bishop and Stake President to go through the process of taking out my endowments. Though my husband is still not a member, I still feel like it is the right thing for me to do.  It has brought me full circle from where I was at the most difficult time of my life.  I am also hoping that I will be an example to my daughter.  I am trying to teach her to not follow in my footsteps in some things, but then in other things I’m hoping that she will.  

I’ve taken the temple preparation classes.  I’ve read the manual, and I’ve asked the questions that I’ve needed to.  I have taken the time to read with my daughter, and also used the Gospel Library App to use the Family Home Evening books in there.  And to be perfectly honest, I’ve even used those books to help me prepare my lessons for Sundays!  If you haven’t downloaded that App to your smart phones or tablets, you really need to!  Especially, if you have children.  It is so helpful!

The second to the last appointment with my Stake President, I asked him about my multiple miscarriages.  I asked him if it was indeed true that I will be able to raise those “angel babies” that never took a breath on earth.  He said yes!  I then began to cry and I asked him, “Why did Heavenly Father let me get pregnant, only to lose them?”  

He said in almost a nonchalant way, “They just needed a body.”  (And didn’t need to experience the trials and growth that happens here on earth like the rest of us. Their souls were that righteous.)

I nodded and said, “Oh… Okay?”

I wasn’t quite sure how to take that in yet.  At this time I was still having a very difficult time comprehending all of my losses. I was trying to decipher whether it was because I had done something wrong, and my Father in Heaven was punishing me by not allowing me to have another baby.  Maybe it was because of that time when I shouted at my daughter?  Maybe it was because of that one Sunday I popped the bread in my mouth before I had prayed for forgiveness for my shortcomings earlier in the week?  I had asked my Stake President if I was being punished, and he assured me that Heavenly Father does not work that way.  

I heard it again from a friend of mine last night.  She has lost one baby that was delivered breathing, but due to an abnormality, he did not survive more than a few minutes.  She went on to have two more beautiful babies and she would love to have more, but has not been able to.  She has been told by some that she has to prove herself to Heavenly Father, that Faith without works is dead.  While faith and works are both important, Heavenly Father does not base our worthiness for having a baby on our temple attendance, having daily prayer, and personal scripture study.  He knows the righteous desires of our hearts, no doubt about it.  Without praying and asking Him for them, He knows what is in our hearts.  

Finding My Way Back- If you’d like to read more of Maya’s articles, click here.

I believe that our job is to accept what is to be.  We are not supposed to show obedience (by paying our tithing, attending the temple regularly and attending church meetings,) only when we want something.  We are supposed to be doing these things on a regular basis anyway, and trust that if the Lord sees fit, He will give us blessings based on His timing.  

We can pray and let our Father know what we want, or what we would prefer.  But we should always be willing to accept what He decides.  I want to remind all of you who are reading this that we are ALL loved by our Father in Heaven. He loves us so much, and knows each of us individually!  Do not be discouraged in your struggles.  Press forward diligently, and be of good cheer.  

Maya Oak

I’m a Supermom and wife who works full time. I love cooking for my family and friends. But most of all, I love the Gospel and my journey back to it!

For instance, I feel like my mom, my daughter, and I have been wronged by a family we know from my daughter’s school.  My daughter was being mistreated, repeatedly, by her so called friend.  My mother, because I am at work while she facilitates play dates and such, chose to speak to the parents about it. They seemed understanding until I saw them at a birthday party, and they didn’t speak to me or my husband.  My daughter sometimes fights to go to school, because she is afraid of how her “friend” will treat her.  We are constantly talking to her about not worrying what this friend will say and to play with someone else.  She also has nightmares about this friend.  Well, another occurrence, and my mom spoke to the little girl in front of the teacher.  

I then received a text message from the mother, asking to set aside a time the next night to discuss the situation about my mother.  I thought for a minute, “Why my mother and why not tonight?”  The next morning, the father of the child approached my mother in a very aggressive and threatening manner.  Insisting my mother explain the situation.  My mother attempted to explain, and he attacked my daughter stating she needed to speak up for herself.  He continued to sound gruff and prod my mother for more details.  

My mother had to then quickly end the ”conversation” by walking away.  In that time, however, the father accused my mother of pointing at his child and speaking to her in a gruff tone.  Meanwhile, the entire conversation between he and my mother, his tone was gruff, and he was pointing his finger. The parents met with the principal and teacher that afternoon.  I met with the principal the following morning.  I expressed to the principal that I just want to make sure that my daughter does not begin to accept that it is normal to be mistreated by her supposed friends.  Having been in abusive relationships before, I can see that it would be easy for her to just go along with it.  

Long story short, though my daughter has been instructed to not play with this little girl, my poor mother feels friction when she takes my little one to school.  It seems nobody really talks to her.  The once introverted mother now walks up to my mother’s friend and occupies her time, so my mother does not even approach anyone.  I never want to see that family again, and I would love to move my daughter away so she won’t have to see them ever again either.  But, it is not my place to not forgive them.  

We are trying to keep our distance, and it is hard, because I don’t want to keep my daughter from playing with her friends, but at the same time, I don’t believe it is acceptable for her to be bullied and mistreated by someone that supposedly cared so much about her.  I’ve already been through two failed relationships because I continued to allow my first two husbands to mistreat me.  

Our job here on earth is to forgive and to forget.  In Third Nephi 13:14-15 it reads:

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses your Heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

When you carry around all of your hurt and resentment, seeking revenge, etc, it weighs you down.  It prevents you from blessings that you are entitled to.  It keeps the Spirit away.  It keeps you from enjoying life!  I for one can tell I am struggling a bit since this situation.  Work has been stressful. Though I have paid my tithing, money has been extremely tight.  I’m going to have to pray for help in forgiving this family.  Even if I think what is happening here, is actually happening (a potential controlling and abusive situation), it is a shortcoming that they need to work on.  Yes it is not healthy, but I do not see anything physically that would call for reporting it to the authorities.  

I know they love their child, it shows.  But, the fact they allow this type of behavior, and then actually deny something is wrong, does their child no good.  Just as we are to humble ourselves before the Lord to be reproved, parents should be able to humble themselves and accept that their child is not perfect.  Do not correct their behavior in front of people, do it at home, but do not deny the fact that your child may have made a mistake, or made a wrong choice.  We are to forgive that as well.  And just as when a stranger decides to stick their nose in your business and offer advice about your child that they know nothing about, you can take from their statement what you want, and discard the rest.

If you do not agree with any of their advice, well then, discard it, but be sure to forgive them.  Do not hold a grudge and think to yourself, “They know nothing about my child!  How dare they offer me advice!”  Some people are merely trying to be helpful.  Parenting is hard!  And I think that is why so many different people offer their own advice.  

Finding My Way Back- If you’d like to read more of Maya’s articles, click here.

Forgiveness is just as hard.  Imagine being beyond sorry for a mistake you made, and you have repented, and even seen your Bishop about it, but the person that was involved in your mistake, refuses to forgive you.  When you discuss it, they say they forgive you, but their actions show otherwise.  It’s very difficult to swallow.  Pray for that person to forgive, and to have a softened heart.  Discuss your struggle with our Heavenly Father, and he will surely help you.  

Remember He loves us and wants us to be happy!

Maya Oak

I’m a Supermom and wife who works full time. I love cooking for my family and friends. But most of all, I love the Gospel and my journey back to it!

I have a calling in the primary now.  I haven’t been in the primary for years.  I taught them the first lesson this last week, and though 9 year-olds can sometimes be challenging, I think it went very well! These kids knew a lot about Joseph Smith and when he was visited by the Angel Moroni.  I found it very impressive. It really made me think about what I wasn’t doing with my daughter.  She’s five, sure, but I still feel I should be doing more.  

This has led me to one of my goals for 2016.  Notice how I said “goal” and not “resolution?”  I used to religiously set resolutions for the New Year.  Of course every year one was to lose weight.  Well, I’m okay in that area right now, I’ve done very well this last year.  These are goals that I feel can improve my life even more than my life has already been improved.  

I read in the Ensign this last week an article about navigating your life.  It made so many good points about evaluating your life, and setting real goals.  And that our lives should not become stagnant or plateau, but that we should keep moving onward and upward. Continuously making room for improvements.  

And like I have said so many times before, when you evaluate your life, you find what can be cut out, and replace it with good things!  I was so excited after reading this article that I sat and made a list of what I really wanted to accomplish this year.  I also made a brief explanation of how I was going to accomplish these.

I’ll share with you a couple of my goals for this year, just to give you an idea.  One, not only do I want to read the Book of Mormon, for a better understanding, I want to read it to my five year old and help her to learn more of the stories.  I also want to be better about having family home evening.  I’ve made the excuse that I have to come home and cook for my family and I’ve just worked all day.  

Also, I make the excuse that my husband is not going to take part in it and it’s like I want all or nothing.  I was advised by my stake president to keep going to church and do the things we are asked to do, and one day, my husband will follow.  I have to do what is right for my family.  Though my husband has not become a baptized member of the church, yet, through my example and our daughter’s, one day, there is a great chance he will.    

The most important thing to remember is that you will accomplish more when you make realistic, obtainable goals.  Consider what could improve your life, or better it.  Do not allow life to plateau, and become routine.  My sister in law even mentioned to me, just last night how she wanted to start helping within the community once a month.  Even if it meant going to a local park that she knew homeless people hung around, and passing out bologna sandwiches.  Always be on your toes to improve and to aid in making someone else have a better day.  Maybe your goal could be that you want to participate in more service.  There are several ways you can do this.  

If you would like to read more of Maya’s articles, please click here.

I recommend that article in the Ensign, the link is above.  Then, if you have to, sit down and make a list of what would be most realistic to accomplish this year.  List how you can succeed, and get started!  It’s always such an awesome feeling to know you have accomplished a goal.  So if you haven’t already, make your list and get started on bettering yourself, and the world around you!

Maya Oak

I’m a Supermom and wife who works full time. I love cooking for my family and friends. But most of all, I love the Gospel and my journey back to it!

But I thought maybe this year we could have everyone state what they were thankful for.  However, just thinking about it, my emotions literally break free and I have to stop.  I am so overwhelmed with blessings in my life, that I know I wouldn’t have been able to say them without an ocean’s worth of water works.  

I’ve mentioned a few times my loved one that has been so lost in his way.  I’ve also mentioned how fervently my family, myself and five year old daughter included, have prayed for his safe return home to our family.  I had a few people from my ward growing up message me on Facebook, asking if he was doing okay, prompted by some unusual posts from him.  I just politely asked them to keep him in their prayers, and if they could remember to put his name in the temple, we would appreciate it.  In our temples, we have a prayer roll.  If you’re at the temple, you can write names on this prayer roll, and people that work in the temple will pray for those names.  You are also able to call names in over the phone.  It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that people who work in the temples are praying for you. They are so close to the Lord, you can feel that light emanate from them.  

Well, a heartfelt “Thank you” to all those that prayed for his safe return.  He is home!  He is doing very well, and is starting to piece his life back together.  There are still a few things to be taken care of, but it will come in time.  There’s more to his story that came home with him, and we are very fortunate to be able to share in this time with him.  I have a very close knit family, and we do our best to support each other the best we can.  

I am telling you from the depths of my soul how incredibly grateful I am for him returning home.  I know that everyone’s fast and prayers, are what brought him home.  My little family has been sick the last few weeks.  We’ve been taking turns, isn’t that nice?  Well, because of it, I was unable to go for two weeks.  I was able to go yesterday, and I felt wonderful returning to church!  During the time we were unable to go to church, I spent some time with my loved one.  We didn’t necessarily have long drawn out conversations about what he went through out there.  Rather it was as if he had never left. We laughed about old times, and funny things we saw on television.  I helped him a little to set up his old room, and though not completely done, it’s nice to know that he intends on staying this time. Well, staying long enough to build that foundation and stability that he once had.  

I know that my re-activation in the church has helped this situation. I am an example to him.  I was lower than I had ever been in 2010, and I have picked up the big pieces that fit back together, and have made a new life.  And now, I feel that my loved one can see that and follow suit.  Our situations are not the same, but are similar. My ability to be an example is not to boast, or make anyone feel bad. My ability to be an example is simply that I can serve my loved one with the pure love of Christ.  When you are serving your fellow men, you are in the service of the Lord.  

I bear witness to all who read this, that the power of prayer is real. The power of fasting is real.  I bear witness that remaining faithful to the Lord will protect you and guide you.  We are made strong by our trials and tribulations.  Our Father in Heaven knows what mistakes we will make.  Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ knows our trials and shortcomings because he experienced them.  We have the Atonement to allow us back onto the path of righteousness.   I know that our Father in heaven and Jesus love each and every one of us, they know us by name.  

If you would like to read more of Maya’s articles, please click here.

Remember to be a friend to those in need.  Find a way to serve someone this week.  Make someone smile.  Leave someone in a better mood than they may have been.  Emanate the pure love of Christ.  Don’t wait for a miracle to happen, or to have blessings fall at your feet.  Just do it, and feel the warmth overwhelm you.  

“When we offer succor to anyone, the Savior feels it as if we reached out to succor Him.”  Henry B. Eyring.

Maya Oak

I’m a Supermom and wife who works full time. I love cooking for my family and friends. But most of all, I love the Gospel and my journey back to it!

I wasn’t struggling with a Word of Wisdom problem or anything like that.  I just didn’t feel quite adjusted yet.  Even though I felt a little awkward, I still continued to go to church.  I still chose to please our Father in Heaven and attend church and partake of the sacrament.  I still felt His love when I was in church. I still enjoyed my Sunday school class and attending Relief Society.  I still attended to my calling as a Visiting Teacher.  I loved it all!  I chose to continue going because not only do I love the Gospel, and knew that is what Heavenly Father wanted me to do, I chose to go because I knew that regardless of whether I had idle chit chat with a neighbor or classmate, I wanted to be there.

I wasn’t going so I could create relationships with people.  I was going to find myself again.  I was re-learning everything I had learned growing up, so that I could strengthen myself, and learn who I was all over again.  Dealing with the abuse and traumas as an adult from my first two husbands has taken a toll on me.  I am not the same person I was when I was a fresh out of high school.  I have become hard.  I am not a very touchy feel-y person.  Though I hug and mug on my daughter as much as I possibly can, I don’t voluntarily hug even my parents.  I don’t always cuddle with my husband at night. I need my space.  Occasionally when my playful husband grabs me from behind, I feel trapped and suffocated.  Then I become angry.  We’ve been married for almost three years now, and I still have not overcome that part of my past.  My journey back is not only finding my way back to the Gospel, it is finding me.  

I’ve mentioned in past articles how a person can feel lost after being absent from the church for some time.  I know that is how I felt.  But, having had to deal with situations such as abuse, a husband with a drug addiction, traumatic events, loss of loved ones, etc., can change you.  It makes you change your ways of thinking, it makes you change the way you handle things, or choose to not handle things.  I still feel that way.  My mother was telling me the other day that I am not the same person that I used to be, and she doesn’t know why.  

I told her to stop and think about everything I have had to overcome, to think about everything I have had to deal with.  It began to put it into perspective for her.  She realized that I have had to change in order for me to deal with what I have had to deal with.  I don’t want to seem like a too tough cookie that has no heart, or compassion.  But sometimes, when it comes to someone who is not making the right choices, I have to think about what I have seen.  I have seen things that will never ever be any use to me in the eternities.  It is no use to me now, except for watching someone I love make poor choices.  

The way I see it now, is, yes, I have become different.  I am strong.  I have some street knowledge (I don’t particularly like to brag about that though).  I am not gullible.  But I will not always openly disagree.  I pick my battles.  I speak up when I feel I need to.  My eyes do still leak, especially when I am standing at the front of the room offering the opening or closing prayer.  

There are other times too; when I am passionate about something, when I talk about my past as well as other times.  What is most significant about the new me is that this combination of me can be a new and improved me.  I can better withstand temptations and reinforce what I have already learned and expound on them.  I am in love with the Gospel Library on my smartphone.  It seems I have every book put out by the church for learning/teaching purposes at my fingertips!  I love it!  

Referring back to my still struggling loved one, it will take some time to find one’s self after experiencing an addiction.  I want him home now, I want him done now.  I want his old loving self to come back.  Having just talked about how life can change you, I know that it cannot just happen because someone else wants it to happen.  It will take time.  It will take more than just time.  He has to try; he has to remove himself from the people that influence his thoughts and actions.  He has to want it.  

When you know someone is trying to get their life back together, or you know they are trying to find a way to come back to church, be there for them.  Extend an invitation often, and offer your friendship. They may not take it right away, but do not forget them.  Do not judge their way of thinking, or their habits or past choices.  Pray for them.  Regardless of whether you let them know you are praying for them, pray for them.  They need our prayers.  

If you are the one that is trying to find your way back to the church because of one thing or another, do what you feel most comfortable doing.  Make your way back slowly, but steadily.  Don’t come just for the people; come for the love of our Father, and our Savior.  Listen to the lessons, read your scriptures, if even a chapter a day, and say your prayers, you will feel their love.  You will eventually want to make more changes, and take on more.  I read my scriptures in the shower early in the morning and sometimes, I spend too long and don’t have much time to get ready in the morning.  But, I love being able to read or study with no interruptions.  I want to read.  When you get to that point, making bigger changes, and moving in a positive direction in life, will be easier.  You won’t feel so distant from others in your ward family, if you had.  

If you would like to read more of Maya’s articles, please click here.

As the saying goes, “Be the change you want.”  You can find your way back to the fold.  We are always welcomed back, even if we may not have found our niche yet.  Our beloved Latter Day prophet said, “Great courage will be required as we remain faithful and true amid the ever-increasing pressures and insidious influences.”   Friends, we are truly loved by many.  Here on earth and in the heavens above. Do not give up on yourself.  Be brave!

Maya Oak

I’m a Supermom and wife who works full time. I love cooking for my family and friends. But most of all, I love the Gospel and my journey back to it!

Some may not agree to its simplicity.  But I do believe that because of our basic principles found in the Articles of Faith, it can be quite simple.  The Fourth Article of Faith describes the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel.  They are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by confirmation.  If you have already been baptized, you have two out of four of those basic principles.  The other two are entirely up to you.  

A simple definition of faith is; believing in something you cannot see.  I have never seen Jesus, or our Father in Heaven.  They have never visited me.  But I do have faith that they are looking out for me.  I have faith that they are listening to me when I pray for guidance, and to thank them when I am full of gratitude for something they have helped me with.  

When you pray to our Father in Heaven, we need to ask Him in faith for whatever it is you are requesting.  When you ask a priesthood holder to give you a blessing for healing or comfort, you must be faithful in believing that the blessing will help you.  It won’t take it away right away, but it will help you.  That’s how it has been with me at least.  I fought through pneumonia every year from fourth grade to my freshman year in college.  I was out of school for no less than a week, every time. But I was never  hospitalized, and always pulled through with no repercussions.  

The second principle is repentance.  Repenting is a way to come unto Christ by showing you believe in the atonement.  Repenting is acknowledging your mistakes and humbling yourself before our Father and asking Him for His forgiveness.  Don’t feel bad that you have something to repent for every week while preparing to partake of the sacrament, or even every night during your nighttime prayers. We are human, we are not perfect.  

There has been only one being that was perfect during the entire existence of our world.  He is our eldest brother, Jesus Christ.  Because He was perfect, and took on the sins of the world, we are striving to be perfect like Him.  As long as we are striving to do better every day, the Lord is pleased.  Let us remember to want to be like Him though.  Don’t think that if you have a habit of judging or bullying, that you can do it, and always get away with it, just because you are repenting of it.  

True repentance is expressing sorrow, asking for forgiveness, and striving to never do it again.  I know personally that this is hard.  It took a while for a few of my past choices to finally and completely stop making those choices.  But after lots of trying, praying and focusing, I have completely stopped.  

Like the primary song, “I am trying to be like Jesus,” we should try, try to be like Him.  Come unto Him, have faith in him and you shall be perfected in Him.  Do not deny Him, or yourself His love.  

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Yeah, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

Moroni 10:32

Maya Oak

I’m a Supermom and wife who works full time. I love cooking for my family and friends. But most of all, I love the Gospel and my journey back to it!

While I’m working, I usually have at least one earphone in.  This day, I had both.  I was trying to block the idle conversation between my two co-workers.  I was just trying to get as much work done as I could.  All of a sudden I heard my one co-worker say, “Oh no!  That’s just awful!”

I began trying to tune out my music and listen more to what was being said.  When I heard what this person was telling my co-worker (who just happens to be against ALL LDS people), I ripped out both earphones and asked for complete details.  Long story short, I immediately doubted the story, and openly voiced my opinion.

The co-worker that was telling the story had been supposedly baptized a member of the church at age 12.  Neither of her parents were that religion, but they were somewhat supportive of her choice.  This young woman is in her early 20s now, and tried to say that an elderly neighbor had not been paying his tithing and was told he was no longer able to attend regular church services on Sundays.  I am not a perfect member of this church, but I try my hardest to be like Him.  I do not feel any Bishop or church leader would tell this elderly gentleman that he is no longer allowed to attend church based on the fact that he was not currently paying his tithing.  That just isn’t feasible in my mind.

I know that this story cannot be true because of a few things.  One, church leaders have recently told us to accept those that come to church, even when they smell like smoke, etc.  They are just glad that those people are actually there to hear the words spoken.  Two, there is no rule in the church (that I have heard of) that states if a member is not paying tithing they are not allowed to come and feast upon the words of Christ on Sunday.  I shared my feelings with another friend and co-worker of mine, who is currently an in-active member of the church.  She even spoke up right away and said, “No!  That can’t be true.  They can stop him from attending the temple if he isn’t paying his tithing, but they cannot stop him from attending church.”

It pains me to hear that there is such rubbish talk being said about Bishops or Stake Presidents making their own rules.  I understand that Bishops have different opinions and different ways they choose to handle the church welfare program for instance.  But, I have never heard straight crazy stories like the one I had heard from my co-worker that have actually happened.  It brings us back to the old saying that I grew up with, “The church is right, but the people are not.”

I have great admiration of my current Bishop and Stake President.  They are such sweet, compassionate beings.  They are very knowledgeable and hold such love for the members of their ward and stake.  I would hate to hear that someone is saying untrue things about our Bishop or Stake Presidents, only to boost their own self, or merely because they possibly didn’t agree with something they were told.  Our church leaders are chosen from on High.  They are handpicked.  We need to respect them, and pray for them, just as they do for us.  

I agree with the term “pick your battles.”  And in this case even I could have chosen to not speak up.  But, I felt very passionately about this as I am preparing to go through the temple myself.  I know that one thing that could prevent me from going is not paying my tithing.  But I know that when I have not been paying my tithing, I am always allowed to attend Sunday church services.  Something like that is between you and the Lord.  

When you hear things that are not true, I encourage you to speak up about it.  I understand however that maybe you are just coming back to church, and you may not know for sure whether something happens that way.  Again, I encourage you to seek out answers.  Go to your Bishop, one of his counselors, even maybe the missionaries, and have them re-educate you.  I know a few people that have had a long absence from the church and they choose to have the missionaries come teach them a kind of refresher course.  This can be arranged very easily.  

I would also encourage you to pray for those that are speaking ill of either the church or their church leaders, regardless of whether or not you spoke up.  There are times that we become angry or become offended by what someone has done or said to us.  Please do not take those words or actions to heart.  If it is coming from your Bishop or Stake President, it is most likely because you have done something wrong, but you can be forgiven for it.  That is the beauty of the Atonement.  

Our church leaders are educated, and are even given a manual that they are required to research or reference at times they may not be familiar with a specific transgression.  If they don’t know, they’ll find the answer and get back to you, or direct you to the person (most likely the stake president) that can help you.  Please know that if this is something that is happening to you, and you become or have been ex-communicated, or dis-fellowshipped, you are able to take the lessons again and become re-baptized.  What a beautiful advantage!  We all make mistakes, and our Father in Heaven loves us all so very much, that He is forgiving.  He knows what is in your heart, and His love for you is unwavering.  

I pray that we are all able to stand up for our religion and support our church leaders in their callings. They are not chosen by chance.  Just as we sustain our living Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, we are to sustain and respect our Bishops and other leaders.  Maybe they say something you don’t agree with, or you feel they see themselves mightier than you.  Do not let this bother you.  Know where you are in the church, know your worth.  

If you would like to read more of Maya’s articles, please click here.

You are worthy of being there too, and though your light might seem small, you have the potential to become bright!  Do not let others outside or even those within the church turn you away, or stop you from going to church.  Stories are stories, gossip is gossip.  None of which will help us in the afterlife.  Our Father in Heaven loves us and wants to see us reap the eternal blessings He has promised us.  Do not let anyone stand in your way of those eternal blessings.  

Maya Oak

I’m a Supermom and wife who works full time. I love cooking for my family and friends. But most of all, I love the Gospel and my journey back to it!