We Talk of Christ

"It is the order of this council that you do not speak the name of Jesus, or teach in the name of Jesus, violation of this order will bring punishment upon you, according to the law."

My uncle shared this video, and it is one in the series of new bible videos put out by the Church about the life and ministry of Christ.  I had not seen this one yet, and those first moments hit me.  

There are men today who would criminalize my testimony and faith.  

Not just some people out there, but friends--people I love and grew up with, 

have asked me in less or more words, not to "speak the name of Jesus, or teach in the name of Jesus"

Their requests break my heart, because like Peter and John, 

I cannot be silent.

As the Prophet Nephi states, 

"We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ,

 we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, 

and we write according to our prophesies 

that our children may know

 to what source they may look

 for a remission of their sins"

I know Christ lives. 

He came, born of divine heritage

He showed us how to live that we might live eternally.

And he atoned for me,

He atoned for you.

Believe it or not, he loves you and he cares about you

You are worthwhile to god

So you are worthwhile to me

I wish for everyone to know to what source they may look 

For peace

For Comfort

For Forgiveness

For fulfillment of Joy

For Eternal Life.

We Killed the Rabbit!

Travis and I went to the first ultrasound today.  It was really neat to hear the heart beat and see the little arm and leg buds wiggle around.  Baby stayed in pretty much one spot the whole time, but we could hear the heart beat jump when our little grape sized person started moving.  :)  Heart beat during the abdominal ultrasound was 175, and after I used the restroom and they did the other kind of ultrasound it slowed slighty down to 168.  There is only one little Melvis Jr. (Melanie+Travis =Melvis) in there-which is nice to know.  Don't worry, we won't be naming the child Melvis, it'll just be a good nickname till we have identified the gender.

Its our Gummy Bear!  

The ring is the yolk sac, the tech did identify a placenta in there but for a few more weeks the baby gets its nourishment through the yolk sack instead.

Here the arms look a little crossed under the chin

(Don't worry, I don't see much in this photo either, but Travis said to keep in in the album because its the only one from that angle.)

Heres a little recording of the heart beat!  When the beat changes to a big gushy sound near the end, thats baby moving.

Be not troubled/For this Child have I prayed

I write with a tender heart today.  I ache for you who are still waiting for the Lord to answer your prayers.  I know how challening it is to have the ultimate desire or your heart seem forgotten.  

  Keep praying!  

He loves you and he has a purpose for you.  We do not know the meaning of all things, but we know that God loves his children and you are his child.  I pray that he will continue to send you the comfortor, for I know that it is only by that miraculous gift and his tender mercies that you hold onto your hope. 

 I pray for you and your families, and I encourage you with all the sincerity of my heart to keep seeing your doctor (as your heart allows) because only after all that we can do, must we rely on his grace.

  (likened scripture, 2Nephi 25:23)

With joy in my heart, I am happy to declare that God has answered my prayers, and the prayers of others on our behalf.

We're having a baby!

It is from reading the stories of women in the scriptures that I was comforted.  Somehow, knowing that God answered their prayers I was able to bear the burden of my unanswered prayers-borrowing their testimony to help me endure the wait.  

I know you do not lack faith

Your faith is sufficient

Heavenly Father is not punishing you for any erroneous choices.

He allows us to face trials so that we might have empathy

So that we might gain experience

And sometimes because he has another purpose for us.

He is in control.

It hurts when his will is not yeilding to our righteous desires,

but it does not mean he loves you any less.

I pray for you

And I love you.