There have been many things that I have learned since I was a very small girl. Those things have been very important to me and have shaped how I see the world and my faith in God.
For as long as I can remember, I have always known that my Heavenly Father loves me and has blessed me with my righteous desires. I have had the strong faith that he will always answer my pleas and provide where I lack. I have no doubt that he loves me that much to give me whatever I ask for.
Knowing this, I have been very careful about asking for blessings.
I continue to pray every day to Heavenly Father asking him to protect my job and to bless Victor with continued employment. I worry about not being able to provide for my family; it is a deep concern and worry to me with the current ecomomic climate.
This morning, I plead again with Heavenly Father.
After my prayers I read my scriptures. Today I was reading in Moroni 7 and I had confirmation from Heavenly Father through the scriptures with the words from verse 26:
"Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you."
My faith in God is a blessing to my family. Just one more tender mercy from the Lord.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
"MOTHER DAUGHTER BONDING"
When I was the Young Women's president I had an idea to put a binder together for each one of my girls so that they could gain a testimony of their Savior as they worked on some of their Personal Progress goals.
I had information that I had picked up in Orem at Deseret Book and Jennifer and shared how her Ward had put together their program: 14 Day Walk With Christ.
I had spent several weeks putting the binders together and they ended up being a parting gift to each of the Young Women when I was released as the Young Women's President. I had also made one for me and one for Asilyn. I had made one for Aislyn and gave it to her as a gift at Christmas time. This was a special gift to both of us because it would give us an opportunity to work together on her Personal Progress when she turned twelve the coming summer.
Aislyn turned 12 last July and has only done maybe one or two value experiences in her Personal Progress Book. I have felt guilty for not having found time to spend with her to help her achieve that goal.
For the past several weeks I had been thinking about when it would be a good time to start working with her and then finally made a decision this past Sunday to spend time with her Sunday evening.
After we had dinner and the kitchen was cleaned I asked Aislyn to get her binder; personal progress book; journal and scriptures. While she was gathering her items, I gathered mine (including my Tender Mercies Journal).
We sat down at the dining room table and began reading aloud. I taught her some ways to mark her scriptures and how to make notes as we read and then we started working on the very first Value Experience together. I watched her as we read together and talked about the goals and her countenance reflected mine. I knew she was happy to spend time with me and appreciated the efforts to help her with her Personal Progress. Her willingness to participate and use the binder that I had spent so much time preparing was worth all the work.
I don't know if the Young Women in our ward ever used the binders I created and I have felt a little sorrow over that possibility. Yet, after Sunday evening, I know that if this work has touched even one Young Woman, then I have done my job. To know that this Young Woman is my very own daughter makes that blessing and joy greater.
Heavenly Father gave his daughters little girls so that they could experience the joy of their sweet spirits. My daughters are a gift from Heaven - another Tender Mercy.
I had information that I had picked up in Orem at Deseret Book and Jennifer and shared how her Ward had put together their program: 14 Day Walk With Christ.
I had spent several weeks putting the binders together and they ended up being a parting gift to each of the Young Women when I was released as the Young Women's President. I had also made one for me and one for Asilyn. I had made one for Aislyn and gave it to her as a gift at Christmas time. This was a special gift to both of us because it would give us an opportunity to work together on her Personal Progress when she turned twelve the coming summer.
Aislyn turned 12 last July and has only done maybe one or two value experiences in her Personal Progress Book. I have felt guilty for not having found time to spend with her to help her achieve that goal.
For the past several weeks I had been thinking about when it would be a good time to start working with her and then finally made a decision this past Sunday to spend time with her Sunday evening.
After we had dinner and the kitchen was cleaned I asked Aislyn to get her binder; personal progress book; journal and scriptures. While she was gathering her items, I gathered mine (including my Tender Mercies Journal).
We sat down at the dining room table and began reading aloud. I taught her some ways to mark her scriptures and how to make notes as we read and then we started working on the very first Value Experience together. I watched her as we read together and talked about the goals and her countenance reflected mine. I knew she was happy to spend time with me and appreciated the efforts to help her with her Personal Progress. Her willingness to participate and use the binder that I had spent so much time preparing was worth all the work.
I don't know if the Young Women in our ward ever used the binders I created and I have felt a little sorrow over that possibility. Yet, after Sunday evening, I know that if this work has touched even one Young Woman, then I have done my job. To know that this Young Woman is my very own daughter makes that blessing and joy greater.
Heavenly Father gave his daughters little girls so that they could experience the joy of their sweet spirits. My daughters are a gift from Heaven - another Tender Mercy.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
"HE HEARS ME"
As a mother, I often pray for my children and seek for guidance on what to say to each of them and how I should help them.
Since Vincent has moved in with us I have included him in my prayers. After two weeks of Vincent living with us I have felt more motherly toward's him. I know that sounds kind of funny, but I love him as much as my biological children.
Both Victor and I hope that his stay with us for the next year will help him in many ways. He is a bright, sweet young man with a lot of potential. In our heart of hearts we hope that he will have a desire to serve a mission.
This morning my prayers included the plea for guidance. I wanted to know what to say to Vincent; and have it touch his heart. I try to speak to him, recognizing that he is an adult and that I respect him and his choices. At the same time I try to let him know how much his father and I love him and that we want him to be happy and successful. I know that Vincent will be blessed by choosing to serve a mission and magnifying his priesthood.
During sacrament meeting Vincent's friend, Kevin, gave a talk on the priesthood and serving a mission. The words I so wanted to say to Vincent were expressed by a friend that Vincent respects. The spirit was also strong during our meeting and I know that Vincent heard the words that were spoken and felt the spirit.
Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them. Many times, not in the way we thought. I am grateful that we have a Heavenly Father who listens and understands our needs. He touches the lives of others and prompts them to say or do things that we need to hear or to have done in our lives.
Remember that when we feel the promptings of the spirit and we act on those promptings we may be the answer to someone's prayers. Tender Mercies are all around us. Are with the tender mercy for someone else?
Since Vincent has moved in with us I have included him in my prayers. After two weeks of Vincent living with us I have felt more motherly toward's him. I know that sounds kind of funny, but I love him as much as my biological children.
Both Victor and I hope that his stay with us for the next year will help him in many ways. He is a bright, sweet young man with a lot of potential. In our heart of hearts we hope that he will have a desire to serve a mission.
This morning my prayers included the plea for guidance. I wanted to know what to say to Vincent; and have it touch his heart. I try to speak to him, recognizing that he is an adult and that I respect him and his choices. At the same time I try to let him know how much his father and I love him and that we want him to be happy and successful. I know that Vincent will be blessed by choosing to serve a mission and magnifying his priesthood.
During sacrament meeting Vincent's friend, Kevin, gave a talk on the priesthood and serving a mission. The words I so wanted to say to Vincent were expressed by a friend that Vincent respects. The spirit was also strong during our meeting and I know that Vincent heard the words that were spoken and felt the spirit.
Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them. Many times, not in the way we thought. I am grateful that we have a Heavenly Father who listens and understands our needs. He touches the lives of others and prompts them to say or do things that we need to hear or to have done in our lives.
Remember that when we feel the promptings of the spirit and we act on those promptings we may be the answer to someone's prayers. Tender Mercies are all around us. Are with the tender mercy for someone else?
Friday, January 22, 2010
"AFTER ALL WE DO"
Many years ago in seminary during one of the lessons I was struck by the message that we taught on that particular day. I believe we were studying in the Doctrine and Covenants and we were talking about how the Lord blesses us and helps us after we have done everything we can for ourselves. That thought has remained with me since that time.
While I was attending the Young Adult Ward in Simi Valley, I was asked by Bishop Reynolds to prepare a musical piece for our Ward Conference. I had picked up a new piece of sheet music a couple days before from the Book Brigade and had attempted to learn it and was a little frustrated with the complexity of the piece.
When Bishop Reynolds made the request of me I immediately thought of that piece and made a determination to learn the piece so that it could be played during Ward Conference. I spent countless hours for several weeks learning the music and always fell short of perfection in the same place. The mistakes were so bad that there was no way to fudge during a performance.
I continued to practice and worry about Ward Conference as the date crept closer and closer.
Finally that Sunday morning came and I prepared myself for church and arrived early so that I could run through the piece one more time. I decided that I should play the piece slowly to avoid mistakes.
Ward Conference began and I read the program to see where I was in the program. I was typed in neatly in the very middle of the program. I sat quietly and prayed with great passion and plead with Heavenly Father to help me play the piece with the intended spirit and without error.
After a couple of speakers I was next on the program. I calmly sat down at the piano and offered up one more quick prayer. I opened up the sheet music and read the title: "O Divine Redeemer" and gently placed my fingers on the keys for the first few notes and chords. At that moment I felt a warmth flow from the top of my head and down to my hands. It felt like a pair of gloves had just covered my hands and I began to play. I played that piece with every part of my soul and without one mistake. When I played the last note I knew that Heavenly Father had blessed me that day. I knew that I could not play that way again without him.
I have played "O Divine Redeemer" two times since and have played it with the same feeling of love and gratitude for my Savior but not ever as well or perfectly as that Sunday morning. I am grateful for the gifts and talents that Heavenly Father has blessed me with and am grateful that he continues to bless me as I serve in his church using those talents.
Knowing the true source of my gifts and talents is truly another Tender Mercy in my life.
While I was attending the Young Adult Ward in Simi Valley, I was asked by Bishop Reynolds to prepare a musical piece for our Ward Conference. I had picked up a new piece of sheet music a couple days before from the Book Brigade and had attempted to learn it and was a little frustrated with the complexity of the piece.
When Bishop Reynolds made the request of me I immediately thought of that piece and made a determination to learn the piece so that it could be played during Ward Conference. I spent countless hours for several weeks learning the music and always fell short of perfection in the same place. The mistakes were so bad that there was no way to fudge during a performance.
I continued to practice and worry about Ward Conference as the date crept closer and closer.
Finally that Sunday morning came and I prepared myself for church and arrived early so that I could run through the piece one more time. I decided that I should play the piece slowly to avoid mistakes.
Ward Conference began and I read the program to see where I was in the program. I was typed in neatly in the very middle of the program. I sat quietly and prayed with great passion and plead with Heavenly Father to help me play the piece with the intended spirit and without error.
After a couple of speakers I was next on the program. I calmly sat down at the piano and offered up one more quick prayer. I opened up the sheet music and read the title: "O Divine Redeemer" and gently placed my fingers on the keys for the first few notes and chords. At that moment I felt a warmth flow from the top of my head and down to my hands. It felt like a pair of gloves had just covered my hands and I began to play. I played that piece with every part of my soul and without one mistake. When I played the last note I knew that Heavenly Father had blessed me that day. I knew that I could not play that way again without him.
I have played "O Divine Redeemer" two times since and have played it with the same feeling of love and gratitude for my Savior but not ever as well or perfectly as that Sunday morning. I am grateful for the gifts and talents that Heavenly Father has blessed me with and am grateful that he continues to bless me as I serve in his church using those talents.
Knowing the true source of my gifts and talents is truly another Tender Mercy in my life.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
TENDER MERCIES
1 NEPHI 1:20
"And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
In April 2005, Elder Bednar stated:
"I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us."
The idea for a new Blog came to mind Tuesday morning as I was driving to the church to pick up Evan from Seminary.
I have been praying fervently to Heavenly Father to protect my job and to bless Victor's company with contracts so that Victor and I can continue working. I am often concerned that our positions may be at risk at our various jobs due to the economy and the company's desires to stay afloat. Victor and I have witnessed many of our co-workers losing their jobs and it has hit pretty close to home.
Tuesday morning I had been praying about again due to the layoffs at work that occurred on Monday.
As I was approaching Gonzales Rd the rain had stopped for a moment the sun tried to peek around the clouds. As a result the clouds had a thin ribbon of gold across the top and wide bands of sunlight in various shades of white and yellow burst straight towards Heaven. I was struck with such awe and amazement that I was overcome with such deep emotion that I realized that this was Heavenly Father's way of telling me that there is sunlight after the storm.
I am at peace and I am able to come to work with joy and happiness in my heart and am able to do my job. And it almost seems that I am able to do so with more efficiency than I have in the past 5 years. I have been able to accomplish tasks more easily and without error.
I am thankful for the blessings that Heaven pours down upon us and I am especially grateful to the peace that is offered to us when we are worried or distressed.
My hope for this blog is to share with you the Tender Mercies of the Lord that exist in my life and in the lives of my families and friends.
May the Heavens pour down abundant blessings and may you see the Tender Mercies of the Lord in your own lives.
"And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
In April 2005, Elder Bednar stated:
"I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us."
The idea for a new Blog came to mind Tuesday morning as I was driving to the church to pick up Evan from Seminary.
I have been praying fervently to Heavenly Father to protect my job and to bless Victor's company with contracts so that Victor and I can continue working. I am often concerned that our positions may be at risk at our various jobs due to the economy and the company's desires to stay afloat. Victor and I have witnessed many of our co-workers losing their jobs and it has hit pretty close to home.
Tuesday morning I had been praying about again due to the layoffs at work that occurred on Monday.
As I was approaching Gonzales Rd the rain had stopped for a moment the sun tried to peek around the clouds. As a result the clouds had a thin ribbon of gold across the top and wide bands of sunlight in various shades of white and yellow burst straight towards Heaven. I was struck with such awe and amazement that I was overcome with such deep emotion that I realized that this was Heavenly Father's way of telling me that there is sunlight after the storm.
I am at peace and I am able to come to work with joy and happiness in my heart and am able to do my job. And it almost seems that I am able to do so with more efficiency than I have in the past 5 years. I have been able to accomplish tasks more easily and without error.
I am thankful for the blessings that Heaven pours down upon us and I am especially grateful to the peace that is offered to us when we are worried or distressed.
My hope for this blog is to share with you the Tender Mercies of the Lord that exist in my life and in the lives of my families and friends.
May the Heavens pour down abundant blessings and may you see the Tender Mercies of the Lord in your own lives.
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