Dear Daughters of God - Episode 8 - "Answer the Call"

Is Greg's threat a serious one or is this a phase?
Why does that assignment keep coming to Dianne's mind? 
 How is she going to make this all work? 
These are all questions Dianne asks herself in this saga of marriage and motherhood. 
Listen in to see how Dianne finds the answers. 
 

Thanks for listening! I'm on Instagram as deardaughtersofgod. Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1iyjqx0cq4kbk&utm_content=qr66nqv

Transcript

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I am Stephanie This is dear daughters of God. Episode eight, answer the call. We are inspired by the true life experiences of those around us. My name is Stephanie Eccles. I'm an educator counselor school administrator and natural storyteller. From my perspective as a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. I share a variety of life experiences. That bring us hope and joy in our savior. Jesus Christ. Welcome to your daughters of God. I address you that way. Because that's what you are to him. To our heavenly father. You are dear. Today. I would like to share a story from one of our listeners. I will call her Diane. Diane and Greg. Have been married for four years. They had just built. Their first house, just one year earlier. It was so exciting. It was built in Syracuse, Utah. In one of those new housing developments where a farmer sold a big plot of land and all these new homes come popping up. Well, Diane and Greg had one of those new homes. And here they were in the early part of their marriage and they've lived there for one year. And are thrilled to be there. Diane and Greg have one son. He's 18 months old and he's an adorable little toddler. Diane is expecting the second and he'll be born in the next couple of weeks. Diane's a respiratory therapist. She works. Part-time at the local hospital. And Greg he's finishing his degree in technology. But about six months ago, he received his first professional job and it was with a great salary. So they're quite thrilled. That they're living on both of their incomes now, instead of just Diane's. Both of them are faithful and active members of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. They're in a ward. That's. Filling up with new members all the time because of this new. Development. Now award is where people go to church together. At the same time in the same ward building. Diane taught release society. And Greg. He taught gospel essentials. And he was also the ward mission leader. It was a weeknight. And Diana was working like crazy during the day to get her house looking spotless, clean, and beautiful, and preparing a special. Dessert because she was having a pampered chef party that night. Do you remember those parties? Yes. I remember them. This was in the late 1990s when these parties were the happening event. The benefit was well, if you have one of these pampered chef parties, you can earn some of their products. Well, Diane was having one of these parties for our friend, Rebecca who lived up the street. So. She's got the house almost ready. And Greg comes home from work. he's looking very upset. he comes right to Diane. And he says. Listen. I'm done. Living. Within this faith. And I'm done living with you. And our whole family and I'm moving out. Tonight. She's looking at him completely perplexed. Are you kidding me? then he's looking around, why are you, how, where do you have all these things out? Like these special plates. Diane says, well, these are for the party. Everyone's about to arrive. The pampered chef party. You remember? I told you it's for Rebecca, our friend up the street. He says. This is ridiculous. Anyway, I'm going upstairs to pack. And she's like, what? And at that point, the doorbell rang. Diane seeking. Okay. He's going to snap out of it. Just go to the door. Not. And now it's like, everything's. Fine act natural. So she, she goes, so Joran. Trying to catch a breath. Just acting natural, just act natural. So she opens the Jorn. Hello. And she greets her first guest and right afterwards the next and the next and soon, her home is full of women from the neighborhood. And the pampered chef party is underway. She can hear Greg of stairs. Packing. She's thinking. Just just, just, um, uh, attend to your guest. And, and just act natural. Well, the party goes on. she's trying to be light and fun with the ladies and pleasant. Before, too long. Greg comes down the stairs with a couple of suitcases and walks right out the front door. she just goes on with the party. Intelligence. Well, There she is. Left alone. With her 18 months old. And about to have a baby Nej. That was one hard weekend. She calls her mother. She tells her what's happening. she decides. You know, he's going to come back. He's going to snap out of it and come back. I mean, this is ridiculous. Where did this come from? So she starts looking back at. at their lives, in the last years. Okay, well, life was, was going along really well for the last three years, three and a half years of our marriage. We were happy things were going so well. But the last oh, maybe six months. He was just angry. And. His demeanor changed and I. I would try to talk to him about this, but. He didn't like my insinuations. so I would drop the subject. But he was responding to me in such an. Angry way. And. The sound like we were fighting. But there was just this dissatisfaction occurring between us. that's. That's all that I can put my finger on. Well, Sunday comes and Diane goes to church alone. And she decides I'm, I'm not going to defame him. I'm not going to defame our marriage. He's coming back. He's coming back. I'm just going to go to church. And I'll substitute for him. I'll teach his gospel essentials class. I'm not teaching release society today, so I'll substitute for him. So she teaches his gospel essentials class and people ask where he is. Oh, he couldn't be here today. So I'm just going to substitute for him. And while she's at church, she gets this paper, it's a new ministry. Assignment. Ministry and sister assignment. Well ministry, what is ministry ministry and is a church Coleen and it's of course fallen, Terri. And it's for all the adults in the ward. Those people that go to church together. That would like to help one another. Uh, ministry and sister is like an agent. For the savior, Jesus Christ. And she works with another sister in the ward. They work as partners and they're assigned a couple of sisters. And they get to know their sisters and their needs, their spiritual needs, their physical needs, their emotional needs. And they try to meet those needs and love and serve these two sisters that they're assigned to. So Diane receives this piece of paper. With a new ministry and assignment, a new partner. And a couple of new sisters in what she's assigned to minister to. she's thinking, boy, this is not the time for me. To receive. Any new ministry assignment. And she's, you know, Pretty well justified in that thought. Well, Life goes on and Diane. How's her second baby. Greg does show up at the hospital. But he's on the phone. Most of the time. They're separate as far as he's concerned and. Almost no communication between the two of them occurs. Even so. She is still hopeful. That he will come back. And. Settled back in. With his family. That she's sure. He will just come back. She's home now with her two sons, a newborn. And her toddler. she's out on her back. Porch. oddly what's on her mind. Is this ministry assignment. she's thinking, why would I be thinking of that? Of all things. I have so much trouble in my life. she begins to have a dialogue with the Lord. She's good at having these dialogues with the Lord. And she says, Lord. Isn't my life. Hard enough. Don't I deserve a break. And she asked the Lord. Would it be all right, Lord. If I just put this assignment away. And the spirit says to her, Go and visit this woman and make it today. And she looks at the name of this woman and she says, There's no phone number with this woman. I don't even know. How to reach her. I mean, I, I have heard a dress, but to show up at our house. But she was sure. That she was to visit this particular woman. Today. So she calls the relief society, president. She's the woman who's in charge of the women's organization. And the one who gave her the assignment. she says, do you have a phone number for this woman? And she said, I'm sorry, we don't. She's very new, but you could just show up. And Diane's thinking, oh my. That's rather bold. But she knows. The spirit told me. To make it today. So Diane's. It says, well, okay. I have a box of brownies. I'm going to make some brownies. I'll take them to her house. She makes some brownies. She packs her two boys are toddler and her baby. And with the brownie, she walks towards the woman's house. As it turns out the woman's house is just about five doors down from Diane's.

Stephanie test: 12:28

She goes up to the door. She rings the doorbell. The woman answers the door. And the woman. Has tears streaming down her face. She's sobbing. Uncontrollably. That gut wrenching, heart rendering Type of painful type sobbing. Dianne. Has only said, hello. My name is Diane. then she says, Are you okay? May I help you? You're in terrible distress. What can I do? To help you. the woman. said. the police. The police just called. And they've told me. But my husband was killed in an accident. I have three kids. My youngest is a newborn. I've just moved into this neighborhood. I don't know anyone. And I'm alone. And my husband. It's got. Dianne. Reached for her. And held her. And hugged her. I'm here for you. So frightening. This is so frightening. This is so awful. I've had somewhat of a similar situation. Because my husband. Just left me. I drive also alone. And this was the beginning. Have a beautiful friendship. Between Diane and Merriam. They counseled with each other. They figure her. There are new lives out. Without. Husbands. Together. They've ministered to each other. Dianne. Was able to reach out. To the pupil in that ward that could help Merriam. Mariam didn't know anyone. The Bishop. The release site precedent. Had those people could bring. Help to marry him. this also. Gave courage. To Diane. To face the reality. Of her situation. One that she wasn't ready to face. Diane likes to think. The heavenly father knew. That she would go and do and fulfill that ministry assignment, even though. She felt. That she really deserved a free pass. At that moment. She looks back and thinks. What if I hadn't listened. What if I hadn't been there for Merriam. What if I hadn't had that friendship with her? That friendship that carried us both. During the most vulnerable time. In our lives. Diane had a testimony of Providence living. As a child, her parents taught her. That whenever we. Purchase food. We should buy more than we need. Um, put it away. As food storage. For a rainy day. This was the beginning. Uh, food storage. In addition, they taught her the law of tithing. Whenever you were in money. I pay 10% to the Lord. And then pay. 10% to yourself. For your own savings because you'll need it. Then spend. From the 80% left. this was a habit. That Diane started. As a very young child from the dollar Sheeran in babysitting. It was a good thing that she had this habit. Because Greg gave her no financial support at the time he left. so in the first year of living in her brand new home, She had beacon to collect. Food that her family could eat, not a professional type of food storage, but every day eating type of food storage, like. Spaghetti and SpaghettiOs and Kraft, macaroni and cheese and instant potatoes and cold cereal. And other products like those. it was that food storage. That helped her to survive on a meager$25 a month. Grocery budget. As she's. Tried to manage caring for her two young sons and working one day a week at the hospital as a respiratory therapist. Diane learned.

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That's the principle of food storage. Didn't tell her because the world was going to end. But rather because her personal world, as she knew it, Came to an end.

Stephanie test: 18:47

She said she would pay her tidying on her little meager salary. And. Blessings would come. Greater then the money that she paid in tidy. For instance, a$100 bill. In an unmarked envelope would show up at her doorstep. That would help her pay her next bill. As a result of pain, her tithing. It was just enough. To help her make it. For another month. Diane's divorce did not become final until one year after he left her the night of the pampered chef party. Diane had a very limited. Amount of interactions with Greg that year. He saw his children by his choice, less than a handful of times. They're 18 month old would cry every evening for weeks because daddy didn't come home from work. for many. Week. She didn't know where he was. Eventually. One of Greg's siblings. Contacted. Dianne. And told her. That Greg had. Move straight from her house. To live with. Another woman. And whom he'd had an affair with from work. That was the first she understood where he was. Diane will always look back at her friendship with Merriam. And her call as a ministry and sister. As an answer to her prayer. Because those two women. Helped each other. In their time of greatest need. Although there were years of hardship for Diane and her baby boys. Diane did find. An eternal partner. Again, And they married in the temple. And they're blended families. Have been together for years. His children and her children. Have been raised together as a happy Turnell family. She has looked back at that time and thought.

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When I was considering marrying Greg. Did I misunderstand the Lord? When I asked him. Is this the right man. For me to marry. Because I was sure that I've received a confirmation. That this was the right choice for me.

Stephanie test: 21:28

her answer to that. Was yes, she received the right confirmation. But everyone has their free agency. And although God knew. What Greg's choice would be.

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He also knew. That she would be compensated. In this life. And in the life hereafter. One way that she would be compensated. Is with compensatory blessings. these compensatory blessings. Would help to make up from the unfairness that was dealt. Diane. In this life. And heavenly father knew that in the end. Diane would be all right. And she was. Diane is thrilled to say. She's happy to be married.

Stephanie test: 22:30

To her eternal companion today They have raised. Her children. And his children. As a one eternal family. A blended family. Happy eternal family.

22:51

She made it. Through those difficult years.

Stephanie test: 22:57

There is a beautiful sermonette. It's given by sister Kristin M ye. The second counselor and the release society, general presidency. It's called beauty for ashes. The healing path of forgiveness. She shares this story that is found in first Samuel. About David, the future king of Israel. It's not a story. That's very familiar with many of us. I'm going to share the story. In my own words. And in using the new English translation. Of the Bible. As I share this story. Keep in mind. The answer that Diane was given. That there is free agency. And that she would be given compensatory blessings. Keep that in mind as we hear this story. Told in first, Samuel. This is after. Samuel has died. And. David. Is in the desert with his army. There's a very wealthy man named Nepal. he is known to be a harsh and evil man. he has a wife named Abigail and she is known to be wise and beautiful. Nepal is shearing his many sheep and he has. 3000 sheep. his servants. Are sharing the sheep. David's men. Have helped protect these servants of nibbles through this sharing process. David sends. 10 of his servants. To Nepal. To get supplies. For the army. And this is what he tells them to say. To Nepal. this is again from the new English translation of the Bible. This is in first Samuel. Chapter 25. Verses six through eight. Quote. Then you will say to my brother, Peace to you and your house. Peace to all that is yours. Now I hear that they are sharing sheep for you. When your shippers were with us, we neither insulted them nor harmed them the whole time they were in Carmel. Ask your own servants. They can tell you. May my servants find favor in your sight. For, we have come at the time of a holiday. Please provide us your servants and your son, David, with whatever you can spare. So David servants went and spoke all these words to them ball in David's name. Then they paused. Unquote. But Nepal, he did not respond well. He was flippant and rude and arrogant. And said, why would I give of my meat and water and wine to this man, David, who I do not even know. And who are you to ask? So the servants went back to David and told him. The reply of Nepal's and he was furious. And he said to his men, Gather your weapons. We are going to take him down. Meaning Nepal's entire household. Every man in the household, he intended to kill. So he gathers all his soldiers and they're headed towards Nepal's. Well, one of Nepal servants goes to Abigail and tells her. Without an a ball knowing. What happened, and this is what he says to Abigail in verses 15 through 17. Quote. These men, meaning David's men. These men were very good to us. They did not insult us nor did he sustain any loss during the entire time we were together in the field. Both night and day, they were our protective wall for us the entire time we were with them while we were tending to our flocks. Now be aware of this and see what you can do. For disaster has been planned for our Lord and his entire household. He is such a wicked person that no one tells him anything. Unquote. That is what the servant of Abigail tells her. To for warn her, what is coming her way? Which is disaster. So Apoquel. Quickly gather supplies much more than what was asked of. The ball, not sure more than water, wine, and bread. She gathers. Sheep. And containers of grain and bread and figs and, and puts it on donkeys. And. Loads the mop. And she sends her servants ahead of her. And then she gets on a donkey herself. And rides. two. Hope to have an encounter with David and indeed she does have an encounter. At the time she has an encounter. This is what David had been thinking. In verse 21. It describes what he had been thinking. Quote. Now David had been thinking. In vain. I guard it. Everything. That belong to this man in the desert. I didn't take anything from him. But he has repaid my good with evil. Unquote. David thought, surely God would do me in if I don't kill every male in his household. When Abigail comes upon David. she comes off of her donkey. Bows herself down. And pleads with him. To accept this gift. And to forgive. This sin that has been committed. This is what she says. In verses 26 through 28. Quote. Now my Lord. As surely as the Lord lives. And as surely as you live. It is the Lord who has kept you from shedding blood. And taking matters into your own hands. Now, let this present that your servant has brought to my Lord. Be given to the servants who follow my Lord. Please forgive the sin of your servant. For the Lord will certainly establish the house of my Lord.'cause my Lord fights the battles of the Lord. May no evil be found in you all your days. Unquote. David replies to her. In verses 32 through 33. quote. Then David said to Abigail. Praise to be the Lord, the God of Israel who has sent you this day to meet me. Praise be your good judgment. May you yourself be rewarded for having prevented me this day from shedding blood and taking matters into my own hands. Otherwise, as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel lives. He who has prevented me from harming you. If you had not come so quickly to meet me by morning's light, not even one male belonging to Nepal would have remained alive. Unquote. Sister years. Sermonette. sums up this story. Of David and Nepal. She says, quote. In this account. Abigail can be seen as a powerful type or symbol of Jesus Christ. Through his atoning sacrifice. He can release us from the sin and white. I have a warring heart. And provide us with a sustenance. We need. Just as Abigail was willing to take Nepal sin upon herself. So did the savior. In an in comprehensive way, take upon him, our sins and the sins of those who have hurt. Or offended us. INGAA 70 and on the cross. He claimed these sense. He made a way for us to let go of a vengeful heart. That way. Is through forgiving. Which can be one of the most difficult things we ever do. And one of the most divine things. We ever experience. On the path of forgiveness. Jesus Christ a Tony power. Can flow into our lives and begin to heal the deep crevices of the heart and soul. Unquote. Isn't that beautiful. Now, keep in mind. The compensatory blessings. How did Abigail the wife of Nepal. Give compensatory blessings. She gave compensatory blessings because she gave far more. Then wine, bread, meat, and water. That was asked for. From the servants of David. She gave animals. Barrels of grain fix. Loaves of bread. So much more. And took on his sin and begged for forgiveness as if it was her sin. This is what. Sister ye says in the later part of her talk. After she's talked about. Personal Hertz in her own life. This is what she says about compensatory blessings. quote. The Lord has sent me. Compensatory blessings. Just as Abigail brought what David needed. He has sent mentors into my life. Unquote. Diane said. That she and Merriam. Ministered to each other. It wasn't just her. Ministering to Merriam. They were there for each other. At the hardest points in their lives. Tie-in felt at times. That there were ministering angels. Around her. Uh, she was. Carrying the burden. Emotionally. And physically, financially. She said that as she followed and kept the law of tithing. That in every instance. She was paid pack more than she paid. Like in that time. Well now a hundred dollars. Was it an unmarked envelope at her doorstep? Compensatory blessings. The gifts. Of ministering. I will end with the council. From president Russell M. Nelson. The president of the church. And our profit. As he beckons us. To answer the call. Of our potential as women. As daughters have got. He says in sister's participation in the gathering of Israel. quote. My dear sisters. You have special spiritual gifts and propensities. Tonight. I urge you with all the hope of my heart. To pray to understand your spiritual gifts to cultivate use and expand them even more than you ever have. You will change the world as you do. So. Unquote.

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Let's follow his counsel. And then listen for the spirit to guide us. I want to thank Diane. For sharing her story with us. Thank you, Diane. You might have a story where you've seen the hand of God in your life. Or in a family member's life. I would like to help you share your story. We could do it in the form of an interview. Or I could tell the story for you. Like Diane's. Reach out to me. Uh, dear daughters, I've got@gmail.com. That's dear daughters of God. At gmail.com. Thank you for being with me today, it's been a pleasure to be with you. For now I will say. Farewell. Until we meet again.