Trust and Do

Hi Lovelies!

Knowing that Thursday is Thanksgiving, all last week I was set on the idea that I would post President Monson's most recent conference talk on gratitude, entitled The Divine Gift of Gratitude. It is an amazing, humble, beautiful talk which reminds us of all the blessings the Lord has provided us, and we truly ought to be a thankful people.

However, this morning I woke up feeling that another talk is needed. Being the ridiculous Type A that I am, I panicked because my plan was thrown off. I opened up my November Ensign and began searching for the right article, with a prayer in my heart that I could recognize it.
 
And I did! It's President Henry B. Eyring's "Trust in God, Then Go and Do."

How did I miss this amazing message when he declared it from the pulpit?! It is so full of strength, and hope, and ability.

I love that he quoted from 1Nephi 3:7. It's the scripture we all know, and yet this time it spoke to me with new insight. I am sure I'm the only one, but we've been struggling to have consistent family scripture study in our home lately. There are certain blessings that I want to have happen, and I know they will be a direct result from studying the scriptures, but how to make it happen? We are both soooo busy, and we are soooo tired at the end of the day!

Well, I am sure Nephi was busy and tired from fleeing Jerusalem and the constant temper of his brothers, and yet he managed to do what the Lord commanded. It's comforting, no? The Lord "shall [always] prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

It's all about trust. Trust that my efforts, even if they are teeny tiny, will be boosted by the Lord. Trust that as I exercise my faith, the blessings my family needs will be delivered. Trust that as I go and do what he commands, even if it seems impossible, he'll help me find ways and opportunities to make things happen.

Sometimes it might take creativity, or patience, or even sacrifice, but the rewards of going, doing, and keeping his commandments will be worth it. That's a promise I just have to trust in :)

Much love, and enjoy your Thanksgiving!

FYI - I don't think the November 2010 Ensign articles are up on the LDS site yet, as I have been searching for President Eyring's talk. However, click here for the search page which has a plethora of delightful articles discussing trust and faith in the Lord. Perhaps one will catch your attention, and will speak to you as Elder Eyring's words spoke to me.

A Hymn of Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving this Thursday, I have been drawn to hymns which express my gratitude for the multitude of blessings the Lord abundantly pours upon me. May you feel His love through this hymn. I'll be posting something Tuesday, but couldn't help but share this today.

Please click here to enjoy Come Thou Font of Every Blessing, a hymn of humility and gratitude all wrapped into one.

Repent...That I May Heal You

Greetings friends,
I found this talk in the November 2009 Ensign by Elder Neil L. Anderson while preparing to teach about repentance for Relief Society.

Link: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=true&locale=0&sourceId=fa8d56627ab94210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#1

It came as a mini miracle (God's way of being anonymous...). I admit it, the topic of repentance is hard for me. I suffer from the "good girl syndrome". I always want to do choose the right, be perfect. I viewed many aspects of repentance as a spotlight that highlighted my flaws, my giant mistakes, my unworthiness. How mistaken was I?

The text beneath the title of this talk is "the invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to "re-turn" toward God". What a relief! I sin and and turn away from the Lord, ashamed but I have been missing the point! The Lord uses our weakness to call us to repentance; to make us stronger. He uses it to heal us. How I need to be healed again and again.

Elder Andersen quotes the scriptures-"Behold [my arms] of mercy [are] extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me." Elder Andersen reminds us that "for most, repentance is more a journey than a one-time event." That's exactly how I have viewed my life especially the last few years. He also reminds us that "repentance not only changes us, but it also blesses our families and those we love". What a beautiful thought.

I loved this talk. I humbly acknowledge the Lord reaching out to me; reminding me that He knows me, that He wants me to come back to Him and there is nothing that has been so wrong in my life that I can't return to Him. I have been so inspired by this talk, by the Spirit, by the healing that has already come to me by "re-turning" to my Heavenly Father.

Hugs, my sweet sisters. I hope you find "healing in His wings" (2Nephi something...).

EFY More

"Often the deep valleys of our present will be understood only by looking back on them from the mountains of our future experiences. Often we cannot see the Lord's hand in our lives until long after trials have passed. Often the most difficult times in our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity, understanding and happinness."

-Elder Uchtdorff

keep moving, keep serving, and keep reaching out

Hello ladies!  Firstly let me apologize for the late post, but I couldn't decide which article to use and never made the time.  This is the article I needed to read, and I need to re-read it about once a week, this spoke directly to me, The title of the talk is There Is Purpose in Life by President Spencer W. Kimball

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=995146581c79b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

This talk is a little long but he says so many things I needed to hear.  I love what he says about service, I mean we've all heard it about a million times, that if we lose ourselves in service, that is how we find ourselves.  He says though, that when we don't care about God or man, then no amount of training or technique will help us very much.  I think this is an important point, I love self help books and "programs", from organization to weight loss, there are all sorts of experts to offer methods and programs, but if we don't care about God or our fellow man, they won't help us....that was an aha for me.

I also loved this part...well the whole thing...but especially the part at the end, when he says straight up that if you aren't getting what you want, change something. Do more, do better, follow the commandments, go to work. OH....that would be my problem, he doesn't say anywhere to whine, wallow in self pity, or become bitter and resentful...hmmmm, I will have to think about this part some more.