Sunday Blessings-Job

In studying about Job this week, I realize that sometimes bad things happen to those who are righteous.  It may be a natural consequence of living in an imperfect world, it may be from someone else's choices or it might just be a trial designed to help us grow in faith and be able to be a strength to others as they see us stay faithful and cheerful through them.
I liked that one of the quotes was from President Kimball who was asked why those who build the kingdom of God the least seem to prosper the most?  He answered, "...the books are not balanced daily, but at harvest time."  All will come out fair and just in the end.
Plus, there is a line in "How Firm a Foundation" that says "...and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress."  To me, this means that in the end we will realize that our trials made us stronger spiritually, brought us closer to the Savior because we relied on the atonement, and are part of who we have become.  Almost like battle scars that the warrior proudly bears.
Anyway, I appreciate Job because of his great patience and how he never seemed to lose faith in God, but held out faithful until the end.

Sunday Blessings-Story of Esther

Today my lesson is on Esther.  It's like a fairytale.  She was an orphan raised by her uncle and when the king needed a new queen, all the maidens were gathered and prepared to be presented to the king and she was chosen above all others to be the queen.  Then she exposed the wicked advisor named Haman and saved her people by approaching the king without being summoned at the risk of her own life.  Like many heroines, she had great courage and put others first.  She also held strong to her beliefs and loved her family.  I know my little 9 year old class will love this story.

Sunday Blessings-Ahhh...November

November is such a happy month.  Perhaps the focus on being grateful helps us enjoy the days of November.  Perhaps it is the cooler weather perfect for sweaters and scarves but not yet the frigid chill of winter.  Perhaps it is the joy of anticipating Thanksgiving, a time for family and food but without the stress or distraction of gifts.  I love that November reminds me to live more simply and find joy in the things I already have (especially the blessings that aren't "things.")  I am grateful for November.

Sunday Blessings-serving in the church

I am so grateful to be able to serve others at church.  Today I officially start a new assignment where I am teaching more instead of leading.  I will teach a class of 9 year olds and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to help these kids love the scriptures, love coming to church and most of all love our Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ more.  I have had the chance to work in almost every capacity I can in the church and try to do each calling the best I can.  I know that no matter what we do, it is an important part of the whole.  Each person is important and precious.  I hope to help my new kids feel that.  Plus, I love a change.  After 3 and half years, I know this change will be good for me.

Sunday Blessings-words of a prophet

I am grateful for the words of our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

So when we had General Conference, I always wonder if the prophet will have some grand revelation or some specific thing we should all do.  And on Sunday morning before the prophet's time to speak, there were several who spoke on the importance of having a prophet and listening to him and following his counsel.  Also, my parents live in St. George and say people are buzzing there about food storage.  So that Sunday morning I thought 'ok, here it comes.  They're all building up to what the prophet is about to tell the whole church.  I think it's something big or important or specific.'

So I was surprised that President Monson spoke about becoming more like the Savior and walking in his paths.  At first, I thought it strange that it was something so simple and general and really nothing new.  As I pondered further, I thought of Naaman in the Old Testament who had leprosy and went to be cured of Elijah.   When he was told to wash 7 times in the Jordan, Naaman doubted.  Luckily, a servant told him that if the prophet had told him to do some great thing, he surely would have done it, instead of questioning.

So I thought that there is a reason the prophet told us to follow the paths of the Savior and strive to become more like him.  If he had told me to get my 3 months of Food Storage in order (specific) or write my Congressman (over some important issue) or pack up our homes and move to Jackson, Missouri (this was the biggest thing we thought might happen when I was a kid); I would have done any of those things without question.  So when the prophet tells me to follow Jesus Christ more fervently, I should really work on that.

I am grateful that I was taught this lesson and I will follow the prophet in this thing.

Sunday Blessings-snuggling

Who doesn't love snuggling up?  I wonder if it makes us feel protected as well as warm.  I am grateful to be able to be in a warm house when it gets cold.  I have decided that I don't like to be cold.  I enjoy cooler temperatures so I can bundle up in my favorite sweatshirts and sweaters and I like to snuggle up with a nice blanket and read, but I do not like to be cold.  It makes me so thankful that I don't have to fight the elements like the homeless or the pioneers or even the poor, who have little heat and limited options.  I like 68-72 degrees the best.  I don't mind extreme heat as much as I mind extreme cold.  Extremes are not preferable though.  But I know that hotter temperatures and colder temperatures bring a sense of appreciation and humility.

Sunday Blessings-Summer hanging in there

Sometimes by now, we are getting cool fronts and snow flurries.  I am grateful this year is extending summer temperatures.  We have still had 80 degree weather and although it is hot for some people, I know that cold temps are coming and I am trying to soak up the last bits of summer.  This week is supposed to turn cooler, so I will finally break out the fall decor and make some chicken chili on the coolest day this week.  Fall is not entirely unwelcome because there is a lot to love about fall. I would guess that most people say it's their favorite season.  Anyway, today I am grateful to bask in the last warmth of summer.

Sunday Blessings-Leaves changing

 
Within just a few days this tree on my regular walk is turning to a brilliant red.  Today I am reflecting on the beauty of the changing leaves.  I am grateful to know that this is all part of the cycle of the seasons.   Once they turn, they begin to fall until nothing is left on the branches.  But even that is part of the cycle because I know that Spring always comes again and brings new life and crisp, fresh beautiful green leaves.  Also in my life, there are seasons.  Sometimes change is part of the beauty and joy and sometimes change paves the way for something new and better.

Sunday Blessings-Food

I was looking through my past posts and I can't believe I have never had "food" as one of the blessings I am grateful for.  It is an interesting thing that food gives us life and we need to constantly feed our bodies, but overindulgence, especially of the unhealthy foods, can lead to so many health problems.  But it is fascinating to me that food can bring me so much pleasure.  I have my favorites that just make me salivate.
More than anything, I am grateful that I have enough to sustain me.  I am grateful that I was not born in a place or circumstance where I was hungry a lot as a child.  This basic human need can make people desperate or so they cannot think of anything else.  I think of Christ feeding the 5,000 and how merciful it was to fill their stomachs before they were filled spiritually.
Another interesting thing related to this is fasting.  When we fast for a purpose, it draws us away from the physical need to things on a more spiritual level.  Fasting is difficult for me-probably because I love food so much.  But I can testify that I have received profound revelation from fasting and prayer.  I am grateful for this blessing of having food to nourish my body and the analogy of nourishing my spirit on a regular basis.  I'm still working on continuous "feasting on the scriptures."  I think I want to try to work on that more.  

Sunday Blessings-In the face of trials

So today I am grateful for the companionship of my savior Jesus Christ.  For a few weeks now I have known about a coming trial and have pleaded and cried and sulked a bit about it.  But as I have really prayed for answers and comfort and peace, I have gotten answers that were not thoughts in my own head.  And just knowing that my Father in Heaven is with me is all I need to face this upcoming trial.  I know that we will get through this and things will be better on the other side of it.  It's just the getting through it part that sometimes brings me anxiety.  I am so grateful for my husband and close friends and family to talk things out with and gain strength from.  But it is my savior and Heavenly Father that I rely on most.

Sunday Blessings-missionaries

Today I am thinking about missionaries.  Last Sunday I spoke at a baptism of a couple who has only been meeting with the missionaries for a few weeks.  I was privileged to go on one of the first lessons with them.  Also, my second son is preparing for his own mission and I am so proud of him.  Thirdly, I am grateful for the missionaries who converted my ancestors and those who persisted with my husband's family.  Theirs is a great story.
My mother-in-law was a devout baptist and when a big mormon family moved in next door she went to convert them.  The missionaries came to talk to her about the LDS church, but it was the day before my father-in-law was being deployed with the Navy and he did not take kindly to them taking up his time that day and told them to leave.  They were persistent and were forcibly removed from the porch by my father-in-law.  After a few weeks they got up the courage to come back and my mother-in-law let them in because she felt bad about the previous incident.  She felt the spirit so strongly and committed to get baptized if her husband agreed to it.  She wrote to him on board the aircraft carrier and he started meeting with the LDS group on board.  He gave her his blessing and also felt the spirit and was baptized when the ship went in to port in Japan.  They went to the temple later and were sealed together and are one of the most committed couples to each other you could ever meet.  They have sent 4 boys on missions and so far 6 grandsons.  Missionaries bring people happiness by bringing them closer to God.

Sunday Blessings-the things I can see

I remember as a child, thinking about which of my senses was the one I couldn't do without.  I think my eyes would probably be the one I would choose as most important.  As I have recently been driving through Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho and traveled to Florida, I have a great appreciation for all the beautiful things I can see.  The rock formations, the flowers, the rolling hills and blue skies.  I also appreciate being able to read.  I especially love to read the words of God in scripture.  There is great comfort and peace in knowing Him and His Son better.  And I know I will feel great joy when I see them again.  As it says in Moses 6:63, all things bear record of the Son.  The wonders of the earth and nature are organized and could not have come about through coincidence or chance.  I know that they are really all creations for man to enjoy and for us to be assured that there is indeed a God in heaven who loves us.  The only thing more valuable than seeing is in seeing the truth of eternal things.

Sunday Blessings-Mercy

I am so grateful today for a merciful Savior and Heavenly Father.  Maybe it's just me, but I really learn best from my own experiences.  As I read my journals and other things I have written,  I see that at times I have made poor decisions and acted immaturely.  I cherish the hard things, the joyous things, the blessings and the tender moments documented by my own hand.  Admittedly, I am a little embarrassed at some of the things I wrote in my younger days, but it is still part of who I was and I know the situations, feelings and events leading up to those now "embarrassing" entries.  I have learned to be merciful to myself.
I think that is how mercy works in our lives.  I think our Heavenly Father knows what's in our hearts and what contributing factors worked toward our poor decisions and actions.  Not that they are just excused.  We may have to suffer consequences or repent, but the process is gentle and done with great love.  I know that sometimes repentance and natural consequences seem harsh, especially if the sin was greater.  But I can testify that our Heavenly Father loves us and loves when turn our hearts toward righteousness and rejoices in our lessons learned, our spiritual growth and our humility.  He knows these things will make us happy.  I believe he extends mercy because of His great love for us.

Sunday Blessings-family additions

Well, today I am grateful for the new addition to our family as my son has gotten married.  I have a new daughter and she is so sweet and loving.  I know she will make a good wife and mother.  And the prospect of having more grandchildren is exciting.  (No rush though guys!)
As my immediate family and posterity grows, I am reminded that we are really all one big family to our Heavenly Father.  It is such a joy to see my children growing up and choosing wisely and being successful.  Watching my granddaughter grow is also joyous.  It has been such a blessing to have them live with us while they did an internship and now are looking for a job.  I know they need to move on and have their own home.   It hasn't always been easy, but I have tried to focus on the good things about them living with us.  Luckily, we get along pretty well and they have been helpful and grateful.  And I know when they are gone, I will miss them.  Especially my granddaughter.  She is so spunky and entertaining and sweet (most of the time).
So additions are a welcome blessing and we are so happy that our son has found someone to love and who will love him (and put up with him).

Sunday Blessings-What are you grateful for?

I am so grateful for all that I have been given.  Not so much the things, although I'm grateful for those too.  But I am grateful for Faith and Hope.  For Knowledge and the ability to learn.  For Love in my life and the ability to forgive.  For friends and family and the beauty of nature.  I sincerely hope that I will be happy wherever this life takes me.

Sunday Blessings-blue skies and sunshine

We are getting some pretty warm days lately and it kind of makes me look forward to cooler days.  But no matter what time of the year it is, I love blue skies and sunshine the most.  I love that where I live, there are over 300 days of sunshine.  Something about the sun shining brightens my spirits.  In a favorite book of mine called "City of Ember," they live underground and I know that not seeing the sunshine and blue skies would be the hardest thing for me.  Even living in Alaska would be tough.  I wouldn't mind the long days, but it wouldn't be worth it to also have the days when you hardly see the sun.  The sun also represents the love of God giving us His perfect Son.  So on this Sunday, I am also reminded that the Son brings us light and truth, life and happiness.

Sunday Blessings-marriage

Being married and having someone to share all life's ups and downs with has been a huge blessing to me.  After spending 26 years with him, I must say that I feel like we've been together forever and yet it seems like only yesterday.  I am so glad that I kept a journal right before, during and since we met because it reminds me of how strongly I felt back then about him and helps me realize that I promised to stick with him forever.  He's not perfect, but he's mine and I love him.  We've built a life together that is connected by children, religion, shared experiences, hardships and miracles.  We disagree sometimes, but we are willing to come together rather than be drawn apart.  I can't find who said it, but many marital counselors ask:  Would you rather be right or happy?

We all like to be right and think we are right.  I have learned through many experiences that I would much rather be happy.  I have on occasion felt the need to be understood so much that I would not give in, but agreed to disagree on the subject-usually these involve raising our children.  

I am grateful to have a husband who loves me and who treats me well and appreciates what I do.  I am grateful to have such a good marriage.  I am grateful to have an eternal marriage, where we have been sealed together forever in a temple of God.     

Sunday Blessings-I am thankful for...

Some things I am still working on (i.e. the early alarm) but it sure helps to try to view things from a different perspective to cultivate gratitude.

Sunday Blessings-faith of our fathers

The Elders were over for our July 4th celebration and challenged us to ponder and study about faith to increase our faith.  My thoughts immediately went to the faith of our founding fathers and those who were good men and women seeking to find truth and looking to God for answers.  They prayed to God and asked for His help in their quest for independence.  I am humbled and grateful for their faith and diligence.  It's interesting that the Bible Dictionary says that "faith is a principle of action and power..."  and "true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action."  The founding fathers are truly a great example of this.  I hope to teach my grandchildren that the reasons we celebrate with all the fireworks, parades and fanfare is to honor the courage and faith of our nation's first leaders and to celebrate the victory that would not have been possible without divine help.

In a great talk called God's Hand in the Founding of America, given in 1976 by L. Tom Perry, he says,

The success of the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War came about through men who were raised up by God for this special purpose. You must read the Declaration of Independence to feel its inspiration. You merely need to study history to recognize that a group of fledgling colonies defeating the world’s most powerful nation stemmed from a force greater than man. Where else in the world do we find a group of men together in one place at one time who possessed greater capacity and wisdom than the founding fathers—Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and others? But it was not to their own abilities that they gave the credit. They acknowledged Almighty God and were certain of the impossibility of their success without his help. Benjamin Franklin made an appeal for daily prayers in the Constitutional Convention. In that appeal he said, “If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? I believe without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the building of Babel.” (Mark E. Petersen, The Great Prologue, Deseret Book Co., 1975, p. 88.)

Sunday Blessings-the Word of God

Some people may not appreciate that the words found in scripture are really, truly the words of God.  Some scriptures tell a story or the geneology of people or are the words of men.  But many scriptures lead us to God, are about God or (most importantly) His very words.  Sometimes when I need to hear God talking to me, I read until I can hear His voice.  Then I can hear Him speaking to me.  Not in words so much, but in feelings and thoughts that come into my mind.  The older I get, the easier it is to distinguish between my own thoughts and His.  I am so grateful for His love for me and to be able to feel it and hear it in my mind.  And no matter how many times I have read certain verses, they speak to me in different ways.  Feeling His love for me is the greatest feeling I have ever felt.  I love His words.