One of my favorite parts of the Book of Mormon is when Jesus comes to the America's after his resurrection and he calls the children to Him. While with Him, he blesses each child and prays to Heavenly Father in their behalf. As a mother I would always imagine what it would be like to have my children present in that moment. I wonder what he would say to each one of my four babies. I wonder how they would feel experiencing this incredible opportunity. However, this time reading this account I had a different thought. It is this: If you want to have incredible spiritual experiences you have to show up. If I want my teenager to have spiritual testimony building experiences, then I have to make sure he is in the places where these things are most likely to happen. Can they happen wherever your child is? Yes, but it is much more likely to happen in a planned activity. So, if I want them to have these experiences, then I better get them to youth conference. It is much more likely that they will have a life changing experience at youth conference than sitting at home in front of the x box.
When I hear people tell me they hate Stake conference, I think they have no idea what they are talking about. I have had life changing experiences at stake conference. I don't miss them! I know that if I want my testimony strengthened than I need to be in the places where this could happen. I need to be at Stake temple night, church on Sunday, Firesides and special broadcasts. These are the places that change lives. This is where I need to be. The Lord can prepare the message but he won't take my agency away. He won't force me to come. He can try and lead me there but he won't force me. I have to be where I am supposed to be to have these experiences.
Last week in seminary I taught David and Bathsheba. I had never noticed before when reading this story that David's first problem was he was supposed to be in battle with his men and he chose not to go. If he would have been where he was supposed to be he would not have looked at Bathsheba which was his first step towards his demise. So, there are many reasons to be where you are supposed to be. There is safety in being there. Not only could you be missing out on a spiritual experiences, you could be putting yourself in a position to cause yourself harm.
I think of the mom who is praying for her struggling teenager, but then doesn't persuade them to go to church or seminary where they could possible have an experience that aids them in their struggles. We have to show up and be present for the events that could change us. We have to show up be counted as one of the Saviors children. If we want Him to encircle us and bless us and pray for us, we have to be where He is.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Prayer changes things
Prayer changes things! I have been working hard on improving my prayers. For the last couple of years I have been doing a pretty good job of saying my prayers on a regular basis. However, I have felt a great desire to improve on my consistency and quality of my prayers. I find myself praying in the car, in the shower, at work, and pretty much anywhere I go. I always have a prayer in my heart and on my lips. I need constant prayer to help me better myself. My desire is to get on my knees and spend some time pondering and taking my time to really commune with Him. This last week I had an experience that strengthened me and I know it was an answer to prayer. It has been said that if you want to talk to God then pray, If you want God to talk to you then read your scriptures. This is one of the ways I receive revelation.
The last couple of weeks have been difficult for me. I joined a cross fit gym which is a huge step for me. I love it and I know I have done something when I leave the gym. I teach seminary, work full time, and am going to school as well as being a single mom. I have been feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin. The exhaustion is beginning to overtake me. I feel like I am running around trying to keep a million balls in the air and failing at juggling all of them My day begins at 4:30 am and many nights does not end until 10:00 pm. My prayers have surrounded this theme so heavily the last couple of weeks. I have prayed to know what to take off my plate if anything as well as the strength to continue this incredibly crazy schedule. This last week was particularly difficult. While reading the Book of Mormon this week I read in Helaman 10 when Nephi the son of Helaman returned to his home feeling discouraged, and downtrodden. The Lord speaks to him and tells him "Blessed art thou Nephi, for those things which though has done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee unto this people." The word unwearingness jumped out at me. The definiton of weary is:
1.feeling or showing tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion or lack of sleep.
This word jumped out at me because this is how I feel. In fact this definition is exactly my emotional and physical state at this time. When I read this my ears perked up.
The scripture continues " And thou hast not feared them and hast not sought thine own life but has sought my will and to keep the commandments. And, now because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness behold, I will bless thee forever and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will." Helaman 10:4
Now, I am in no way comparing myself to Nephi but I really needed this scripture. The spirit spoke to my heart and reminded me to continue on the course I currently am traveling. To continue "with unweariness" declaring the word. Which to me means teaching seminary where I declare the word everyday. The next line as well gave me clarification when the Lord said not to seek my own life but to seek His will. This line reminded me that my own desires are not the top priority. I need to make the Lord's desires my desires.
I am so grateful for prayer and for scriptures! The Lord knows each and everyone of us and WILL answer our prayers. He loves us and wants to give us all He has. We just have to do our part. I am grateful for a loving Father who helped me this week keep my priorities straight and has given me the strength to keep going even when it feels like the odds are against me. He will and does strengthen me.
The last couple of weeks have been difficult for me. I joined a cross fit gym which is a huge step for me. I love it and I know I have done something when I leave the gym. I teach seminary, work full time, and am going to school as well as being a single mom. I have been feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin. The exhaustion is beginning to overtake me. I feel like I am running around trying to keep a million balls in the air and failing at juggling all of them My day begins at 4:30 am and many nights does not end until 10:00 pm. My prayers have surrounded this theme so heavily the last couple of weeks. I have prayed to know what to take off my plate if anything as well as the strength to continue this incredibly crazy schedule. This last week was particularly difficult. While reading the Book of Mormon this week I read in Helaman 10 when Nephi the son of Helaman returned to his home feeling discouraged, and downtrodden. The Lord speaks to him and tells him "Blessed art thou Nephi, for those things which though has done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee unto this people." The word unwearingness jumped out at me. The definiton of weary is:
1.feeling or showing tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion or lack of sleep.
| synonyms: | tired, worn out, exhausted, fatigued, sapped, burnt-out, dog-tired,spent, drained, |
The scripture continues " And thou hast not feared them and hast not sought thine own life but has sought my will and to keep the commandments. And, now because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness behold, I will bless thee forever and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will." Helaman 10:4
Now, I am in no way comparing myself to Nephi but I really needed this scripture. The spirit spoke to my heart and reminded me to continue on the course I currently am traveling. To continue "with unweariness" declaring the word. Which to me means teaching seminary where I declare the word everyday. The next line as well gave me clarification when the Lord said not to seek my own life but to seek His will. This line reminded me that my own desires are not the top priority. I need to make the Lord's desires my desires.
I am so grateful for prayer and for scriptures! The Lord knows each and everyone of us and WILL answer our prayers. He loves us and wants to give us all He has. We just have to do our part. I am grateful for a loving Father who helped me this week keep my priorities straight and has given me the strength to keep going even when it feels like the odds are against me. He will and does strengthen me.
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