On Giving and Getting

Here's the devotional for this week:  http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=4e1d023382b9b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
This is an incredible article, summizing life really.  I am using this tonight for the YW, trying to teach them to focus, to not look beyond the mark.  But htis applies to me too!  And too my kids. 
****It is difficult to sit in the sun on a street corner when all the world is bent on seeking shade. But as with many other things, it is where you sit that counts—or where you stand—or what you stand for. And with some things there is nothing more important to do than to pay the price; even though it entails inconvenience or sacrifice.
Everything worthwhile comes at a price.  I've always wanted to udnerstand the words of Isaiah and thought it would just "come to me" as my testimony grew stronger.  I was wrong.  We were commanded by Christ to search the words of Isiah for our profit and understanding, to lift our hearts because he wrote of these last days.  It has taken me immense study to begin to understand Isaiah.  Therefore, I appreciate the knowledge that I am gaining more, the wisdom and my testimony has grown.  I tried to explain a concept to another sister the other day.  Because she had not studied, she did not understand no matter the tactics, analogy, definitions I used.  We have to pay the price to grow. 
Just like King David who refused a free offering, "Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing."
Why was David concerned about personally paying for the offering the prophet commanded him to make? Was it because he knew there is always a cost when real sacrifice is made?  Only after that real sacrifice can we grow in understanding, wisdom and knowledge.

I loved this part:  After Adam’s transgression, the Lord told him that the ground would be cursed for his sake (Moses 4:23). It is interesting to me that one definition of the word sake is benefit. Thus, cursed was to be the ground for Adam’s benefit. And by the sweat of his brow was he to earn his bread (Moses 4:25). Work, then, was not to be a curse, and earning things was to be a benefit.
We are here on earth to work, to excercise that agency.  Are we going to squander it in front of the tv each night?  or am I going to get a few minutes extra sleep?  or should I prepare and wake up early to give my kids their daily devotional, to help them put on their armor of God?  The choice is obvious when I look at it like this!  Now, I just need to remember it.  And when I teach my kids, remember what Elder Ballard said, "Let me know when you find the answer."  Let them figure it out.  They need to work for the answers too, so they will understand and grow.  I so want to give them the answers, just like I'm sure our Father in Heaven wants to give us.  But he didn't and I can't.  Children wouldn't have to work that way.  Work and sacrifice is required to grow. 
I need to remember that myself, especially now when I am feeling overwhelmed, more overwhelmed than I've been in my entire life.  I'm not sure how I will accomplish all that I need too.  Sometimes, I just want to curl up into a ball, or spend all day in bed reading (with chocolate of course, something I have never done but I'll keep dreaming)...  Remember, work is for our benefit. 
Have a great week working ladies!  And may God bless your efforts!

Tender Mercies

Hi lovelies!

Okay, so I know I am posting out of turn, but I just wanted to share my complete joy and gratitude. I LOVE the autumn. The colors, the crisp air, the bright sky...This past general conference President Monson gave a beautiful talk all about gratitude. Indeed, we have much to be grateful for. At the very minimum, we are alive and have friends who care for us, and a Heavenly Father who loves us.  What could be better?

I know this isn't Church approved, (so forgive me), but I thought I'd share this song by Macy Gray that I've absolutely been adoring since June. It gets me moving, and gets me smiling. It embodies my life philosophy, and captures a sense of gratitude that I hope to project every day. Check it out!
Article: The Divine Gift of Gratitude, http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1298-27,00.html

My favorite line? "When you don't know what to do, don't know if you'll make it through/ Remember God, He's given you beauty in the world."

Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Here's the link-of-the-week, Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises by Elder Spencer J. Condie of the Seventy:

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=d7841b3e50cf5110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

This one really spoke to my heart, and I knew that Elder Condie's words were exactly what my thoughts and feelings were encircling ever since it was announced that Connecticut would still be receiving a temple this past General Conference weekend.

I love what Elder Condie has said about seeing the promises afar off. "Important components of faith are patience, long-suffering, and enduring to the end." The examples he gave of Sarah and Abraham, Isaac and Rebekah, etc... are wonderful examples to emulate, and an assurance that everything works on the Lord's time.

Note that I say the word "still" in reference to the CT temple. To me, it is an example of seeing the promise afar off. As soon as it was announced, the first thing to cross my mind was, "The Lord has kept his promise." I remember being 12 years old when it was announced the first time around, and all the excitement and joy that was felt in the Stake. For various reasons, the months dragged and dragged, with lots of opposition, until, in the wisdom of the Lord, the shift was focused to Boston. I remember a touch of disappointment, but in the end, overall happiness because at least the temple would be only two hours away, instead of the 8 it normally took to get to D.C.

We, as Saints in CT, were grateful for that blessing, and I think we felt that this was how it was all meant to be, and that was that. We had peace and joy, knowing a temple would be in New England.

But the Lord never makes a mistake. And He remembers what He promises. And this is where my real testimony has grown. It has been 16 years since it was announced the first time, but it is coming to pass. And this brings me hope. Without getting too personal, it reminds me of the very intimate and individual promises the Lord has made me via my Patriarchal Blessing, and subsequent blessings. I have yet to see some of things happen, but it doesn't mean that what He has promised won't come to pass.

Here's where Elder Condie's talk really gets me: "But with the passage of time, we encounter four of the most beautiful words in holy writ: 'And God remembered Rachel' (Genesis 30:22)."

And God remembered CT. And He remembers me.