Grandpa and Grandma's Secret Lake~ A Wonderful P-Day Moment!

When Grandpa and Grandma were dating we hiked up to a secluded lake that we called our Secret Lake. We went there a few times and only on one occasion did we see any other people. We tried some fishing there and really enjoyed the beauty of the area and the wildlife. It has always been a favorite memory of ours. 
We finally arranged to have a whole P-Day activity together last week. Generally, Grandpa takes the Elders shopping for groceries and gives them rides to activities on that day. We had the day free so we decided to travel up to Snowbird and Alta Ski Resorts which are in our mission boundaries. 
It was a beautiful drive. When we arrive at Alta we stopped to have a picnic lunch. We then went over to talk with a Ranger at the Park Booth. A few weeks ago there had been a TV spot about Cecret Lake which we believed is the same lake we used to visit. The Park Ranger informed us that it was a perfect time to hike up to the lake. Through the summer it has been very busy on that trail but he reassured us that this was a light day and we could find parking at the Trail Head. We drove down to the parking lot and indeed there was space to park. We jumped out and began our hike up to the Lake. 

 

We were told that the hike was about a mile in length and that it was mid to moderate in difficulty. It was still a pretty hot day but we took plenty of water and off we went. It wasn't an easy hike for me at all. The path was rocky and there were a number of switch backs. It was all up hill. We had to stop quite a few times because I wasn't doing all that well. I actually wanted to turn around and go back a couple of times but my desire to see the lake won out. Also, Grandpa reminded me that if I passed out he was not capable of carrying me back down the mountain. Enough said on that one; so we took it slow. 

When we arrived at the top it was just as beautiful as I had imagined. It was a little dryer but that is due to the season we are in. The lake itself is lovely. 

It is a small but very spectacular lake. I hope to visit it when the flowers are in full bloom. 

We a really enjoyed spending time at the lake and taking a number of photos. 

Grandpa of course, decided to explore some rocks. I think he is so handsome in this photo. 

We met a couple probably a little ;younger than us. They were from California. Of course, we had our mission tags on so we decided to OYM them; which means Open Your Mouth. We found out that they were staying at Park City. We talked about our children and grandchildren. We found out that 20 years ago they had visited Temple Square and she was overcome by the Christus Statue there. We encouraged them to visit there again and they said they would do that. We alss talked with them about our mission and some of what we do. We gave them a pass a long card. We felt sad we hadn't brought a Book of Mormon with us. It was a really miraculous experience and we enjoyed our visit with them. 

Here's a few photos of one of the Squirrels that we were trying to take photos of. This one liked to pose. 

On the way back down we saw to rock climbers so Grandpa decided he should try to climb a rock too. He was so happy to have accomplished this one. 

Finally, it was time to leave this paradise; so down we went. I can say that going down was easier than coming back up. Grandpa was very protective of me because I don't do well going down hill in rocks. 

This above photo speaks for it's self.I should have noted it was a Political Campaign Trail I do hope you can see the Badger in the lower left hand corner. ~

This is my all time favorite photos of our hike!

Although I did a cut down version of this post for my Living Water's site; I thought you might enjoy a few more thoughts and pictures. 
We just want you to know that Missionaries do get to have fun and enjoy great times like these. We are enjoying all of our missionary moments and have the privileged of working with some wonderful families and individuals. We see miracles everyday in our work. We know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and we want to share our testimony with others that they too might have the joys that the gospel brings. 
We pray for each of you and want you to know how much we love you all in a very individual way. Keep pressing forward making good choices in your lives and feel the joy that comes when you choose to follow the Savior. 
 Heavenly Father loves you all and wants you to return to live with Him some day. Listen to that still small voice that will lead you along the true path to happiness. 
Love and hugs!
Grandpa and Grandma

Grandpa and Grandma's Thoughts For Today~

I know that you probably think "oh no" there is Grandma sending us something about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Guess what; with my dying breath I will be sending you thoughts about our Savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ. We love you all with all our heart and soul. We want you to know the happiness that can be found in the gospel. I know that you see and how much we love each other, all of you and our Savior. 
We know that the world is hard and that you will all experience difficulties. Because we know this; we also know the peace and assistance you can receive from your loving Heavenly Father through prayer and following Jesus Christ. He is the way, the only way back to your Heavenly Parents. 
I found this on Uncle Travis's Facebook page and I just knew I had to pass it on to all of you. 
It is powerful! Strive~

Everyday that Grandpa and I serve on our mission we are feeling the spirit of the Lord working mightily among men to bring them unto Christ. We have miracles that astound us at times. 
Just in the last few weeks we have had some great experiences sharing the gospel with strangers. We know that they really aren't strangers at all; they are our brothers and sisters. 
I invite you all to Come Unto Christ for that is our purpose as missionaries and grandparents. 
I just completed a post for my missionary blog; here is the link.
http://lgwilliams.blogspot.com/2016/08/oym-spreading-good-news-of-gospel-of.html
I hope you all have a wonderful week and that you are happy and involved in making good choices and doing great things. 
Sending my endless love and hugs! 
Grandma

Honoring Our Pioneer Heritage & Celebrating The 24th of July~

Back Row - Left; Elizabeth Ann Williams Grant, James Thomas Williams, Emma Jane Williams, Peter Joan Williams Sr., Martha Esther Williams 

Middle Row - Left; George Enoch Williams, Emma Jane Stevenson, George Williams, Joseph Charles Williams

Front Row - Lucy Chrisena Williams, Agnes Haze Williams, Hebert Stanley Williams

Happy Pioneer Day~ July 24th, 2016

To All Our Marvelous Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren: 

We have such a rich heritage of Pioneers in our family tree. Since it is the day to honor and celebrate the pioneers that are our ancestors; I thought I would share a short history and spiritual moment in the life of your Great Great Great Grandparents George and Emma Jane Williams.

George Williams was born June 25, 1937, in Birmingham, Warws, England to Enoch and Elizabeth Pride Williams. His parents accepted the Gospel and were baptized in 1843 when George was six years of age. Two years later, when he was eight years old, George was baptized in 1845.
When George was 18 years old, he booked passage on the ship the "Enoch Train" to come to America. On March 22, 1856, under the command of Cpt. Henry P. Rich, the shipload of Saints cleared from Liverpool and sailed on the 23rd, bound for Boston with 534 Saints on board under the Presidency of Elders James Fergeson, Edmund Ellsworth and Daniel D. McArthur. On Thursday, May 1st, at eight a.m. the ship arrived at Constitution Wharf in Boston. At four o'clock p.m. the following day George and the other passengers disembarked and went by nine omnibuses to the railway station. They started by train at 5 p.m. for New York City where they arrived on the 3rd of May. After a short stay in New York, the company continued the journey by rail to Iowa City, where they arrived on the 10th of June, 1856. George crossed the plains in the first handcart company that took the Saints to Zion. He went in the Edmund Ellsworth Company which left Iowa City June 9th, 1856. They suffered the hardships and privations which all handcart companies suffered, with storms, death and hunger, and tired and weary feet. But this company arrived ahead of the winter storms, arriving in the Valley on Friday, Sept. 26th. About eight miles from the City, the Company was met by Governor Brigham Young and his counselors, the Nauvoo Brass Band, the Lancers and many others. Provisions of all kinds came rolling in to them which caused them much joy. George eventually settled in Springville, Utah County, Utah, where he met Emma Jane Stevenson who had crossed the plains with her father and mother, James and Martha Stevenson, when she was eight years of age. Emma Jane and George were married in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City on December 28, 1862.
George did a great deal of work on the Salt Lake Temple. His hand was crushed by a rock and through administration of the Elders his hand was healed. The story is told that as the blessing was given you could hear the bones come back into place. This hand was always bigger than than the other and George felt it was a reminder that this miracle took place.
In Springville they built their first home, dug in the side of the hill. In it was one window and a heavy door with a heavier log to fasten it as a protection against the Indians. During those times the Indians were very troublesome. More so in Southern Utah where more of the Black Hawk Indians roamed. They had grown desperate and treacherous, preying on the LDS people's thrift, often plundering their property, driving off their livestock and at times killing entire families or maybe carrying off the women and girls, which led to the Black Hawk War which started in 1865 and continued for several years. This was principally with the Indians under Chief Black Hawk. Some of the scattered colonists were compelled to give up their land claims and move where they were closer together and could better defend themselves from the roving marauders. The Williams family were among those courageous homesteaders. In 1866 George was called to help fight those Indians. The men left behind their wives and children who were always afraid that Indians would com to their homes. Many nights Emma Jane sat in the dark, fearing to make a light as it might attract some roaming savages. During this trying time two sons were born: George Enoch, Jr. and Joseph Charles. Later came Elizabeth Ann and Esther. Indian agents came into power about this time and they, in a measure, restored some peace and understanding with the Indians. Because of this it was felt that the crisis was over and Cpt. Conover's company along with others was allowed to return home. George had served as teamster of this same company until it was returned and honorably discharged. Because of his meritorious work, George received a medal of honor for this work. Because the trouble with the Indians was over and because there was good homesteading further south, the President of the Church called a few dependable families in the summer of 1869 to go and colonize that part of the country. Tiny baby Esther was less than a year and just learning to walk. George and Emma Jane were among the number called to leave their homes and help make another section of the country a pleasant place to live. The family settled in an area that became known as Goshen, Utah. The Saints had to be resourceful if they were to live and thrive. Though there were only logs to build a house, they could make it a nice home. Their cows provided milk and butter which was churned in a wooden churn with a wooden dasher. Pigs grew fat and from the pork rinds they could make soap. To make soap they didn't have lye, so they made their lye from aspen ashes. They made their own candles and baking soda. Of potatoes they made their starch. They refined salt from the Great Salt Lake and of onion skins and rabbit brush they made their dye. They were very careful that not a thing was wasted. They even followed the shepherds and gathered bits of wool from the brush and fences that caught the sheep's wool as they passed by. Of the wool the entire family was clothed and it also provided their bedding, yard for stockings, mittens, coats and woven into cloth made into suits for men and boys and dresses for the women and underthings for all. They could raise wheat for their flour and potatoes and other vegetables for food. They dried beans, corn and peas, also pumpkins and apples for winter. Goshen was hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Crops were not always successful and water was sometimes scarce. Reports came of good prospects for homesteads up north. Arriving in Provo they got work and there they decided to remain for a time. Emma Jane was in poor health for awhile and later in the summer, July 20, 1884, baby number ten arrived. They named her Lucy Christina. In the spring of 1886, on April 20, the family started for Idaho. The family of John James was on the same road so they traveled together. In all there was 18 in the party. They had four wagons. It was a pleasant trip of two weeks. When they reached '18 miles mark in Idaho there were dear friends waiting with a warm welcome to greet them. The Higginson family had taken up a homestead so there they lived with their friends. The area was called Mink Creek and also called Chesterfield. Always George and Emma Jane were faithful supporters of the LDS Church. George was Superintendent of Sunday School there for 19 years and at different times Emma Jane served in the Presidency of the Relief Society and as a Visiting Teacher. They were the parents of ten children: 5 sons and 5 daughters. George passed away Dec. 29, 1902 and was buried in Chesterfield, but his body was later moved to the Blackfoot Cemetery when Emma Jane and her family moved to Blackfoot. In 1910 Emma Jane remarried. W.W. Priestley and Emma Jane were married about one year before her death on Nov. 19, 1911. At the time of her death she was teacher of the Advanced Senior Class in the Blackfoot Sunday School. She was laid to rest at the side of her beloved George and her son Hubert (Bertie) who had died at age 14 in the Blackfoot Cemetery. She lived to see all adult children married in the Logan Temple, which is the best tribute any mother could have. Note: This story was from Family History Records of Dell R (grandson of George Williams) and Aloy Jensen. Typed and submitted by Sheryl Jensen Outcelt, great-granddaughter of George and Emma Jane Williams.

Everyday, we see how important it is to know more about the history of our ancestors. They sacrificed so much for us to have the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all modern day pioneer living our lives in a difficult world. When we read and treasure these stories we can have the strength to make it through our own life experiences. We can forge a head with "Faith In Every Foot Step" as we prepare for the Coming of Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Through the spirit of the Holy Ghost, we bare testimony that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. That our pioneer forefathers paved the way for us to have the opportunity to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the earth. Heavenly Father loves families and He wants all of His children to hear and know the truth; thus missionary work goes forth.
Please pray for us that we can have success in our labors. Thus far we are having so many miracles in this work that we know beyond doubt that the Lord is in control and is hastening his work.
Sending lots of love and hugs your way! We feel so blessed to have each and everyone of you and will continue to pray for you all
Grandpa and Grandma~

There Are Miracles ~ Our Missionary Update!

Dearest Grandchildren and Great grandchildren: 
Gosh, I thought that I would be posting more often to you all. I really want to share with you some of our experiences. It is just amazing how busy we are. I try to keep up with journal entries and I am behind on them most of the time. 
We are enjoying our mission. Sometimes we have such spiritual experiences that we can hardly contain our joy. We also have those sad moments when we have a broken heart because the rejection is so strong. 
We really enjoy our opportunities to team teach with the two Elders that we work with. Elder Dutton and Elder Walker are doing a magnificent job of teaching and helping us. 

I thought I would share a couple of miracles that Grandpa and I have had concerning his recent health struggle. Grandpa started out with his one leg aching a bit and seemed a little swollen. We were a bit concerned since he had the lung embolism last year. That story will always be such a profound priesthood miracle. He was also feeling slightly short of breath. Finally after two days, he determined he should go in and see his physician. I got an appointment for the next day. We met with his heart specialist and he immediately felt that it was leg clots. He sent him up for a ultrasound of the leg and there was a 20 inch clot in his leg. He was started on the medication that he had been on previously for his lungs. We were sent home to take it easy for a few days. When we got home we called up the two MLS couples that we serve with and asked them to come over so the Elders could give him a priesthood blessing. They came and Elder Goodrich anointed and Elder Foutz gave Grandpa a beautiful blessing and we immediately knew through the spirit that he would be OK. We were promised to be able to continue in the work and that he would be healed. 
About 10 days later he discovered blood and sediment in his urine. This was a big concern since bleeding is dangerous when on the blood thinner. He got an appointment with his doctor and we went in. He was concerned and ordered a kidney and bladder ultrasound and blood work. He also scheduled an appointment with Grandpa's Urologist. This was a new issue different from the clots. 
The next day he was taking the Elder's to one of our families to give a blessing to their little boy who was scheduled for surgery. Grandpa said maybe I will have the young Elder's give me a blessing. 
Now to explain a little bit about the two Elders. Elder Dutton has only been out for about 4 1/2 months. He has a speech problem. He mutters his words a lot and you often can't understand him. He was home schooled and has been shy about doing the work. We have noticed him slowly getting more secure  and doing better. He is a very sweet young man with a great testimony. Elder Walker has about two months left on his mission. 
When they arrived back home Grandpa had Elder Walker anoint and then Elder Dutton gave one of the most powerful priesthood blessings. We knew that Grandpa was being healed. It was amazing. You could hear clearly every word. We both cried through this one. We both have such a testimony of the power of Priesthood blessings. We also recognize the power that these young missionaries have when they exercise that priesthood. There was no more bleeding at all. All tests are clear. These two blessings were wonderful miracles. 
On Sunday both of these two Elders gave talks in one of the wards we work in. Both of the talks were outstanding. Elder Dutton gave his entire talk without slurring one work or muttering. His speech was entirely clear. I know that the Lord strengthens those who serve him and I know that the work we are engaged in is Heavenly Father and our Savior's work. Our Savior is hastening his work. Miracles are happening everyday. We ourselves can share daily miracles that occur. The Lord is in charge of His work. He loves each and everyone one of you and knows you by name. Our beloved Savior loves all of His brothers and Sisters. Our Heavenly Parents love and knows us all; I know this all to be true. 
The graphic that I made above tells you exactly what can bring you joy in life. Reach for that joy; it comes through serving others. 
Just know that my heart is full of love for each and everyone of you and you are prayed for by name. Yes, my prayers are long. Many times I am inspired by the spirit to know exactly what to pray for each of you. You are such valiant grandchildren and great grandchildren. You were reserved for such a time as this. 
 We love you all with all of our hearts and we are proud of what wonderful individuals you are becoming. 

Grandpa and Grandma's Missionary Moments~

Dearest Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren:

 You truly are one of Grandpa and I's greatest gifts. We love each and everyone of you with all our hearts. You are prayed for by name every day. Since serving our mission we are learning so much about loving others with an unconditional love. We want everyone we meet to have the blessed Gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. Everyday our testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ grows stronger. Our love for our Savior and His Atonement continues to grow and become more precious to us. We know that He went through the Garden of Gethsemane for each one of us. He died for us and was resurrected so that we might all be resurrected. If we utilize the gift of the Atonement in our lives we can return to live with our Heavenly Parents and our Savior Jesus Christ. I know this is true. 

I have a great and deep love for the Book of Mormon. I know that if you read from  it's pages everyday it will give you the strength to stay on the path that Heavenly Father wants you on. Heavenly Father has a plan for each one of you and He loves you more than you can ever imagine. You can always communicate with Him through prayer. Prayers work and miracle happen. Our family has been blessed through the years with many miracles. Maybe your parents can share some of those. They were there and experienced them too. 

Grandpa and I are receiving miracles in our Missionary work everyday. It is amazing how the spirit works and how the Savior directs this work. I have felt the spirit throughout my life but it has increased so much more since serving this mission. 

I do pray for you all everyday. I know that you have a lot of temptations and difficulties living in the world of today. You are all elite children of our Heavenly Father that were reserved to come to this earth at this time for a great purpose. I pray you will find that purpose. I still encourage you to get your patriarchal blessings. They can be such a gift in your life. 

No matter where you are in your life; you can always, always depend on the Savior to aide you and to be there for you. All you have to do is let Him in; and I pray you will. 

The gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me great joy throughout my life and it is a great blessing. 

If you find that you have no hope at any time; there is always hope. This is a time that you should call your Grandparents; they will help you find hope in your life again. 

We continue to be amazed at how we are blessed to know exactly what to say in the teaching moments and also in who to see and what to do for them. It is just so amazing. 

I am going to share with you a very sweet moment of following the promptings of the Spirit on Saturday, February 13, 2016.

We put together some Valentine packages for a few of the families we're working with: cookies and a wood-carved Valentine memento for the adults and small stuffed animals for the children. 

As we completed the deliveries we observed that we had an additional wood-carving. We were on our way to visit two elderly sisters in a Care Center - they are literally sisters who had taken serious falls abut one week apart and ended up in the same rehab center together. We picked up extra cookies for them and when we were through with those visits, had two extra cookies and the wood carving left over. 

We had been thinking earlier about another sister and felt impressed that we should "go and see", and if nothing else, leave items and a card at her door. We had met and visited with her at the door a few times around Thanksgiving and Christmas- She invited us in once, but then labeled herself a "ward project" and decided not to let us in again. We continued to call and stopped by several times to no avail. 

Her car was there and the outer entry door (which is generally locked)was open. We went down the stairs and knocked on the entry door a few times. She finally answered and began with familiar excuses- when she saw something in our hands. She asked us to wait a moment and left to take care of something, and then returned and invited us in. We were surprised and excited. 

She mentioned that her daughter said she was glad that we were being so persistent. As we sat down she unfolded a very sad chapter in her life-one that left her divorced and despised by family members including some of her children. She blames herself for the destruction of her marriage and the collapse of her family. She feels that she is unworthy to ever be forgiven and that she deserves to remain in guilt and remorse - never to be happy again. 

We poured out our hearts concerning the Atonement. She knows that the Savior is the answer, but she doesn't know how or where to begin with the first step. All she can see before her is a steep insurmountable mountain and doesn't think she can make it. She gets exhausted just thinking about it, and gives up. We talked and wept with her for over an hour. 

She can't imagine ever being forgiven by her loved ones. She longs to come back, and to return to the Temple, and to be the woman she was years ago, but she can't see that ever happening. We plead with her to approach the Bishop for direction, and to allow him to bless her life- promising her that he is close to the Lord and very kind. We're hopeful she'll begin the process - We're grateful for the prompting: to "go and see". 

Since that visit we have been able to see her again. She has opened up her heart even more and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we pray she will find the door to let him in and heal her. She did tell us that "we were an answer to her prayers for help"; we pray we can continue to be that answer. 

This work is true and the Lord is hastening his work because we are in the latter days and His coming is near; I know that to be true through the spirit of the Holy Ghost. Learn to head and understand and follow the spirit in your individual lives. 

May you always know that we love you all very much and that we miss you all and want you to know that we are here for you. 

Love and hugs!

Grandma

Grandpa and Grandma's Missionary Moment~

Hi to all my Precious Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren: 

At this point of time I have decided to share each week when I am able a missionary experience. Yes, I would love it if you would all to choose to serve a mission but that is up to you. If this isn't part of your life plan; you can always be an example and  show to others the joy that the gospel brings into you life. 
We had some sweet miracle moments today. One family and one of the individuals that we have been working with came to church today. We didn't even expect them to come. 
One was a Brother whose wife started a new job where she works Monday through Friday. She has to work 12 hour shifts on the  weekends in her old job in order to keep their family insurance for three months. This means she is working 7 days a week. She is doing this for about two months. They have two adorable children. One is a little girl that is 17 months old and the other one is a boy that is 3 years old. They are a huge handful. They are pretty rambunctious when we are teaching them. The Dad brought them and he isn't one to do this. It was even the 9 am church time. What the real miracle was that the children were really good and neither of them had to be taken out. This brother is a distant relative of mine through marriage. This is one reason that he has decided he likes us. We are really excited about him coming; that was a major miracle. 
The other was a Brother that is a Return Missionary that fell away from the church for about 10 years. He is married with a 3 year old. He told us the other night when we were teaching him that he has been wanting to come back for about 3 months. His wife is a member but has never been active since baptism. We are presently teaching them the discussions broken up into messages because he doesn't want us to pressure her too much. However, he did say that he thinks he can get her to come to church next week. This is a great miracle too.  
One of the things that had helped with both of the brothers is that we a have encouraged them to read their Patriarchal blessings. Hint! Get those personal scriptures to help guide you. I know if you pray about it you will feel good about getting one. There are about 4 of you that have your blessings and I know you could testify of how this is helping you stay focused on going forward with your life goals and etc. 
Remember the Brother that the Elders are teaching his 3 children and a non member girlfriend. We found out this week that her sister was being baptized in another area. We attended this baptism and the spirit was so strong and there were a lot of tears of joy on this one. 
I can't even begin to describe to you what the spirit of missionary work is like. The feelings are just so sweet and the joy that you feel as you see someone being baptized and or coming back is just so wonderful. My testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has multiplied ten fold. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ is true. The spirit of the Holy Ghost will teach, testify, answer your questions, comfort and guide you. You can gain your own testimony by reading the Book of Mormon and sincerely praying about it. Read the last two paragraphs of the introduction to the Book of Mormon and the famous scripture in Moroni 10:3-5. You can receive that confirmation through the Holy Ghost. 
I pray for each of you every day and I love you all so much! Have a wonderful week~ 
Hugs, Grandma
P.S. please share this with your younger siblings that don't have face book or email accounts. 
Remember I am here for you all; if you need some Grandma talk time~

The Pathway To Freedom~

Ok, I know that you have heard Grandma say; "obedience brings blessings and freedom". I know that teenage years and young adult years are sometimes difficult. There are so many decisions to be made. There are many influences that are present when making decisions. Sometimes it will be a peer's ploddings, media, technology and just you can be part of the struggle with choices. 
Everyone has the Light of Christ when they come into this world. This light will help guide the individual into making good choices. Then when you receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost this gives you even more guidance if you are worthy and open to the promptings. 
One truth that I do know beyond any doubt is that obedience to what your Heavenly Father, your Savior, Jesus Christ and your parents would want you to do will bring you great blessings in your life. There is one real true benefit to obedience and that is you will have more freedom. I know this to be true from personal experience. When you obey your parents they  trust you and you are given more freedom and choices. 
Perhaps I will share again the experiences that I had in High School. Over a period of time my parents learned to trust me and therefore I had access to the family car more than any of my friends. My parents knew that I would always let them know if I was going to be late coming home and they would always know where I was going and who I was going with. One time when we didn't come home when we were suppose to; my parents were worried along with my friend's parents. My parents knew who I was with and where we planned to be. When my parents and my friends parents started to phone each other to find out if they knew where we were; none of my friend's parents knew where their child was going or who they were with. My parents were the only ones.Through various circumstances we ended up in jail for being out after curfew when coming home from a sledding activity. I did not have control over the events that brought us to that point because I wasn't the driver and we didn't have cell phones in that day. However, my parents trusted me and therefore I didn't get any punishment because they knew who I was with and where I was going. Several of my friends had lied to their parents; so that made it even worse. My friends were grounded for a very long time.
Now I can't say I was perfect but I was for my age pretty responsible. Meanwhile, I can't say the same for Grandpa. When we were dating; he would seldom call his parents to tell them where he was and what he was doing. Therefore, he was grounded a few times until I convinced him he just needed to dial the phone. He then experienced obedience brings freedom.
Life is so much easier when you obey and are truthful. There is less contention in the home. There is better communications with your parents. It is a win win situation. I would challenge each of you to try being more obedient to your parents. 
Just this week we received our weekly update letter from President and Sister Chambers who are over our mission. Sister Chambers wrote the following thoughts that I thought I would share with you today. " We want every single one of our missionaries to find the peace, joy and the power that come from obedience to the Lord, to gospel principles, to the commandments, to the standards of missionary conduct, to mission rules, and to the direction of priesthood leaders.......
"You may sometimes be required to do things you do not completely understand. As you obey, you increase in faith, knowledge, wisdom, testimony, protection, and freedom."
Isn't it interesting that one of the blessings of obedience is freedom. I testify that as you do this work the Lord's way, you really will be blessed with freedom. In order to obtain these promised blessings, it is best to be consistent and persistent in your obedience, not just with small bursts of effort here and there. Trust the Lord. He will help you."

I know this to be a true principle; just try it. You will be amazed at how much more you will be allowed to do. 
Favorite Quotes -