In the Hands of the Baker

 

While visiting a dear friend recently, I was wrapped in the comforting aroma of homemade bread. As we talked and caught up on life, timers went off—each marking a step in the bread-making process. First, it was time to prepare the dough. Then, time to place it in the oven. And finally, time to bring it out, golden and fragrant.

The smell filled the home. It was warm, inviting, and full of promise.

As we visited, my friend shared how she had learned to make the perfect loaf—not overnight, but through trial and error. She had tested ingredients, adjusted temperatures, and practiced again and again until she found what worked. The result was a fluffy, delicious bread—born of patience, persistence, and love.

This simple moment reminded me of how the Lord works with us.

We are His dough—mixed with care, shaped with intention, and placed into seasons of waiting, rising, and refining. Just like bread, we go through stages. Some are quiet. Some are hot. Some are long. But each one is necessary.

“And let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”   —James 1:4

God doesn’t rush the process. He knows the recipe. He knows the timing. And He knows what we’re becoming.

What season of preparation are we in? What “ingredients” has the Lord added to our life that was unexpected? Can you trust the aroma filling your home, even if the bread isn’t finished yet?

My friend’s bread didn’t happen by accident. It was the result of care, trial, and trust in the process. And so it is with us. The Lord is crafting something beautiful in each of us. The aroma may come before the finished loaf—but it’s a promise of what’s to come.

Let’s be patient in the process. Let’s trust the Baker. And let’s remember: the bread of life is always worth the wait.

The Hill That Taught Me Grace

It was one of those days when everything felt heavy. My spirit was tired, and I wasn’t sure how I’d make it through. That’s when a memory came to me, simple, but full of meaning.

Not long ago, I went for a bike ride. The sun was warm, the breeze gentle, and it felt good to be outside, moving my body and soaking in the beauty of the world. I rode freely, not thinking much about where I was headed, just enjoying the moment.

But as I turned to head home, I realized I’d wandered into a part of town that required climbing a steep hill to get back. I looked up at the incline and thought, I can do this. I gathered my strength, gripped the handlebars, and pedaled with determination.

It didn’t take long before my confidence gave way to exhaustion. My legs burned, my breath grew shallow, and I knew I couldn’t keep going like that. So I got off the bike, thinking I’d walk it for a while. But the moment my feet hit the ground, I nearly collapsed. My legs were weaker than I realized. I had no choice but to sit down and wait.

As I sat there, catching my breath and letting my body recover, I thought about how little strength I truly had, how I had assumed I could power through, but hadn’t accounted for the toll it would take. Eventually, I stood up, walked my bike a bit, and finally climbed back on to pedal the rest of the way home.

That ride became a quiet parable for me.

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves facing steep hills, moments that demand more than we think we have. We start strong, believing we can push through with just a little effort. But then the weariness sets in, and we realize we need to stop. To rest. To let grace do what grit cannot.

There is no shame in getting off the bike. No failure in sitting down for a while. The Lord doesn’t measure our worth by our stamina, He meets us in our weakness and waits with us while we recover. And when we’re ready, He helps us stand again, walk again, and eventually pedal forward with renewed strength.

Scripture Reflection

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Rest is not retreat, it’s preparation. Grace is found not just in the climb, but in the sitting still. And strength, when renewed by the Lord, carries us farther than we ever could on our own.

Which Voice Will You Follow?

 

Kelly and I spend a lot of time on the road. Our work takes us all across Texas, and the car has become our second home. Over time, we’ve learned how to load all our stops into the GPS so it can guide us from one place to the next without needing to enter each address manually. It’s a smooth system—mostly.

But lately, I’ve been doing more of the driving. And while we’re visiting places we’ve been to many times before, I don’t have the same memory recall Kelly does. He seems to know instinctively when the GPS is leading us astray. So there I am, hands on the wheel, listening to the GPS say, “Turn left in 500 feet,” while Kelly calmly says, “Don’t listen to her—go this way.”

Suddenly, I’m caught between two voices. The GPS is clear and confident, but Kelly’s voice carries experience and trust. Sometimes I hesitate, unsure which to follow. And sometimes, I choose wrong—we end up making a U-turn or recalculating the route.

One day, as I was navigating this tug-of-war between instructions, it struck me: this is exactly how life feels sometimes.

We’re surrounded by voices—experts, influencers, well-meaning friends—all offering directions. Some sound convincing. Some even seem to know the way. But not every voice understands our true destination. Not every guide sees the full picture.

The GPS has data, but Kelly has discernment. And in life, the world may offer us routes that look efficient, popular, or even logical—but only our Heavenly Father truly knows where we’re meant to go. His voice may be quieter. It may ask us to trust when we can’t see the full map. But it’s the voice that leads us not just to the right address, but to the right door.

As Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

I’m learning to listen for Kelly’s voice over the GPS. And spiritually, I’m learning to listen for the Savior’s voice over the noise of the world. Sometimes I miss it. Sometimes I have to turn around. But through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, there’s always a way back. Always a better route. Always grace enough to recalculate.

Blueberry Muffin

One day, my grandson was handed a muffin by his mother. He was thrilled—until he took a bite and discovered something unexpected inside: blueberries.

He hadn’t anticipated them. He wasn’t sure he liked them. His mother gently reassured him that the muffin was still delicious and safe, but my grandson hesitated. His excitement turned into uncertainty.

I may not remember every detail perfectly, but the moment stayed with me.

We often prefer what’s familiar. We like our muffins plain—predictable, comfortable, just the way we expect them. But sometimes, a wise and loving Heavenly Father places blueberries in our lives. A change. A challenge. A surprise we didn’t ask for.

We may resist. We may murmur or complain. But when we quiet our hearts, we begin to hear a still small voice. And sometimes, we realize the blueberries were placed there on purpose.

My grandson had a choice: trust his mother’s love and taste the unexpected, or reject the muffin and miss out on something sweet. It wasn’t the end of the world if he didn’t eat it. But maybe—just maybe—he would have discovered that blueberries add a beautiful flavor to his muffin… and to our lives.

We, too, have agency. We can accept what our Heavenly Father places before us, or we can resist because we don’t understand.

As the scripture reminds us:  “After the fire a still small voice.” (1 Kings 19)

The Lord doesn’t always speak through thunder or dramatic signs. Sometimes, He speaks through quiet nudges, unexpected ingredients, and gentle invitations to trust.

So the next time life hands us a muffin with blueberries—let’s pause. Let’s listen. And let’s embrace the unexpected blessings tucked inside.

Follow the Star

When I was twelve, I went to a birthday party at a skating rink. I didn’t know anyone except the birthday girl, so when a kind boy noticed and said, “You can stay with me,” I did—quite literally. I followed him everywhere just to avoid feeling alone.

But I wasn’t paying attention. I followed him right into the boys’ bathroom.

That moment has stayed with me. It taught me that we must be aware of our surroundings and pay attention to whom we’re following.

Whom or What do you follow?  

The wise men stepped far out of their ordinary, everyday lives to follow an unusual star in the sky. They knew the prophecies about the Messiah and they trusted they would find Him by following that star. The star was real, but it wasn’t really the star that was important—but the star’s purpose was.  It was symbolic of the light that came into the world with the Savior’s birth.  They were following a star because they knew where it would lead them.  It would lead them to Jesus Christ.

Anyone can look up in the sky. But maybe these wise men could see something that others could not see. They had been studying the sky and knew this star was different. It would change their lives and ultimately change the whole world.

That star led them to the Savior of the world.

1 – To view “the star” we will have to position ourselves to see it clearly.

When on one of our return trips from Utah with our 6 children, we found ourselves stranded on the side of the road.  It was in the middle of nowhere.  A very dark road, in the middle of the night, with 6 little children and a car that was not going anywhere.  The children began to wake from the nighttime slumber as we were climbing out of the car to look under the hood for any clues to the problem. As they began to get out and stretch, we gazed into the sky.  The stars were brilliant, and we could even see what appeared to be the Milky Way Galaxy as it was not hidden from our view because there was no light pollution of the world.

In today’s world, we are filled with pollution that filters out the star that we want to follow. There is counterfeit light all around us.

Light that tries to brighten the darkness in the world. There are all kinds of darkness in this world: darkness that comes from sin; darkness that comes from discouragement, disappointment, and despair; darkness that comes from loneliness and feelings of inadequacy.

But the light of Jesus Christ is stronger than any darkness we face in this life, if we have faith in Him, seek after Him.  John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness…” 

The Savior’s light increases in our lives as we keep the commandments and strive continually to be like Him. 

For “that which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter” (D&C 50:24).

As the light of Jesus Christ and His gospel grows brighter within our countenances and our hearts, it becomes easier for us to discern what is truly valuable from the counterfeits the world offers.

The light of the Savior can glow within us if He is in our hearts. We need to position ourselves to clearly see the star, which is the light of Christ. 

Perhaps we would not have been able to enjoy the beauty of the night sky if our car had not broken down.  The Lord will and does provide means by which he helps us follow His light and become a reflection of His light.

2 – Sometimes we may need special instruments to see and identify and appreciate “the star”. 

We gave our son a telescope one year for Christmas. It was nothing grand, but we all enjoyed gazing at the stars. It wasn’t easy to navigate at first.  It took practice to know where and how to look through the lens of the scope.  Once we learned how to see, our experience in looking at the star became so much clearer than looking with just the natural eye. We could see so many more of them in general and their individual details; their colors and shapes.

We likewise have been given special instruments to increase our vision to see beyond what the natural eye can see.

The scriptures and all the holy prophets have testified of him. When we read and listen to them, we can learn more about Him, His individual details. His qualities and characteristics. We learn about His life and how we should live ours. Our greatest instrument is the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift will help us identify Him as the Savoir of the World, our Redeemer, as he testifies of all truth, especially the reality and divinity of the Father and the Son.

We follow the star by choosing to do the things and use the instruments to help draw us closer to the true Light each day. Small things matter. It’s following and fighting for the small habits that qualify us for the companionship and friendship of the Holy Ghost.  The light of the Star, our Savior Jesus Christ is magnified with little things.

·         It’s slipping out of bed on our knees and saying our morning prayer (heartfelt and grateful and submissive) It’s returning and reporting on how our day went at the end of the day. 

·         It’s reading and studying the scriptures and particularly the Book of Mormon. 

·         It is worshipping weekly.  While it is important to remember Jesus Christ at all times, we can come closer to the Light as we take time each week to keep the Sabbath day holy and participate in meaningful worship.

·          It’s Looking to the living prophets. Just as God provided prophets in ancient times to lead the people out of darkness toward the light, He has given us prophets and apostles today to declare the glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach us the best way to follow Him and…

·         It’s reaching out in Love.  We can come closer to the Light when we lift another’s burden through Christlike service.   ONE act of service I can do for someone else including our husband, our children, our parents and in laws and those I minister to ...

3 – We have to be willing to do what it takes to see “the star”.

   Seeing the stars and the wonders of the cosmos require some sacrifice. They can only be found on their terms, at night. You may say, “But, I’m not a night person. I like going to bed early.” Or, “I’m afraid of the dark. If they would come out during the day, I would love to see them.”

   Though the Savoir invites all to come unto him, he has set the terms of a relationship with him. He asks that we have faith, repent, and keep his commandments. If we do we can see him always by having the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. We can qualify to “always have His spirit to be with us” by striving to become like he is, little by little.

So, the star we follow today is much like the star of Bethlehem.  It says, “Come Unto Me” or “Come Follow Me” , “COME FIND ME” The light of the star then and His light today is symbol to the world that  HE IS HERE! 

This light, as it did for the Nephites, can save our lives.

Let’s not only FOLLOW THE STAR, but

• Let’s position ourselves in places where we can see the STAR,
• Let’s use the instruments we have been given to help magnify the beauty of the STAR and
• Let us be willing to do all it takes to bask in the warm and illuminating light provided by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
•  Let the Savior’s kindly light lead us one step at a time. Let covenants and commandments keep us safe as we follow the gospel pathway to our heavenly home.
• Let’s make room to Let Him In by choosing to Follow the STAR!

Toil in Rowing

I love how the Lord teaches me.  He knows me and understands that we all hear and feel the spirit in ways that are unique to us.  One way He teaches me is through life experiences.   

Last year we joined our son Sam, Lacey and family for some fun time in Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas of interest. One place included some rapids in Montana.  I had so much fun on this whole trip!  It was so nice to have a break from the stress of every day life and being with loved ones.  

When it was time to return home and get back to the grind, I was reading in Mark 6 and came across verse 48 which says:

  "And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them:"  

It seemed to me that we were really having to "toil in rowing" in our every day life.  I pondered upon that verse reflecting  on our experience in the raft. Here are a few lessons I learned from our rafting experience relating to these verses.  

As we prepared to go down the river and face the rapids, we were first given some protective gear to wear that would help protect us if we were to fall out of the raft.  Then as we prepared to to take off on our raft, we were given safety instructions.  Sit in a certain place, keep your feet tucked in here, hold your paddle this way, do this and do that, but here is the key warning for safety, Whatever you do follow the directions of your guide and you will return back here safely.  

Oh how I love that message.  They taught us some basic rules we needed to follow, but reassured us that following our guide would be the key to returning safely.  

Part of what our guide did was remind us to do what we had received instructions on, the other part was this: when she said paddle once, you paddled once.  When she said lean this way, we leaned that way.  When she said stand we stood.  If she said this side only paddle, then that side paddled.  Whatever direction she gave, we followed.  She knew exactly where the rapids were and where we were in regards to the rapids coming so she knew from her experience what direction to give us.  Those in other rafts may approach the rapids from a different location so their instruction may have been a little different from ours, but all were directed according to the needs at the time.   It was a wonderful opportunity to work together and to listen for what we needed do to.  At one point however, though we followed her directions, we did get stuck on a large rock.  Now I saw it coming, and because I had canoed through rapids before my instinct was to put my paddle out and push away from the rock as we approached it.  However, I figured our guide knew best so I resisted the urge.  Once we were stuck,  the direction given was to sit still and follow her instructions as she moved from her spot and went over to get us off the rock and we did just that all safe and sound. 

There were times when the water was calm and we could just sit and enjoy, but our guide was quietly in the back of the boat using her paddle to turn us, or slow us or just keep us on track,  but when the rapids came we put our paddles in and toiled in rowing ...so to speak!  

Life is so much like this.  The Lord has given us armor to help keep us safe and gives us direction all through the water whether calm or rapid.  He knows when the rapids are coming and will prepare us and help us to row when we need to row and lean when we need to lean.  If we get stuck on a rock, he will come to us and help remove the rock from preventing our forward movement. Rapids do and will continue to come.   They come in all sorts of ways that cause us to have to put our paddles in and row like crazy so that we can come out victorious. 

Now here is a great part.  After navigating our way through each rapid, our guide would say "High five with your paddles every one."   We did it!  We made it through and we did it as a team!  

Isn't life like that?  We make it through and we need to High Five our success as we go along. 

Oh how I love how the Lord teaches me and helps me see life experiences as an opportunity to apply it to my life and His teachings. 

Following the commandments will help keep us navigating our way in safety. 

So keep your life jackets and helmets on, listen to your guide(s) and HIGH FIVE whomever you need to as you travel down life's flowing waters.  Our Father in Heaven is our guide.  He has been there, done that and can help us safely navigate our way back home!

Following the commandments will help keep us navigating our way in safety. 

Toil in rowing especially when the wind is contrary, but be of good cheer, the wind will cease!

Mark 6:48-51

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

I Didn't See That Sign!!!

A few years ago I was headed to visit my daughter.  When I got to the exit I needed to take it was closed.  I was so frustrated.  It was high traffic time and it was right past this exit that congestion really started.  I would have to wait through traffic to get to the next exit and then head back to the street I needed to be on to get to my destination.  

Realizing there would be delay, I called Bec and told her what had happened that I was so mad that there was not a sign telling me ahead of time that the exit was closed.  She said there was one that she knew of but it was back a way.  I eventually made it to her home.

Curious about the sign she had mentioned, I carefully looked for it on my next trip to her home.  To my surprise, there was not only 1 sign but there were 4 messages letting the drivers know that they would have to take an earlier exit  due to the closed exit that I usually take. In my haste to get to my destination I had totally missed all 4 signs and then I was frustrated blaming my inconvenience on others.  

After I laughed at myself this made me think about my life.  I wondered how many times I had missed signs in my life warning me of something coming up in my life. How many times have I been so busy with where I was going that I didn't carefully pay attention to the messages of the Spirit that would help direct me to take a path that would and will lead me to my destination so that I do not find myself missing my intended target and ultimately being delayed in my journey. 

In a talk given by President Thomas S. Monson titled The Race of Life, he said,

Our Heavenly Father did not launch us on our eternal voyage without providing the means whereby we could receive from Him guidance to ensure our safe return. I speak of prayer. I speak too of the whisperings from that still, small voice; and I do not overlook the holy scriptures, which contain the word of the Lord and the words of the prophets—provided to us to help us successfully cross the finish line.

We are blessed by spiritual early warning signals as a source of protection and direction in our lives. The scriptures are full of stories where people were warned to do something for their protection but we have to be watching and listening for the messages.

I know I have missed signs in my life, but just as I was able to find and take another road to my destination, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, I can still reach my destination when I miss the sign, but, I must be prepared that the journey may be a little more difficult than if I had headed the warning signs in the beginning. 

Watch and Be Ready!!