can't name but feel deeply

"The greatest single lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and His children obey, they will always be right. It has been said that history turns on small hinges, and so do our lives. Decisions determine destiny. But we are not left unaided in our decisions. If you want to see the light of heaven, if you want to feel the inspiration of Almighty God, if you want to have that feeling within your bosom that your Heavenly Father is guiding you, then follow the prophets of God. When you follow the prophets, you will be in safe territory," Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, January 2015.

All through the scriptures, which contain the words of God's ancient prophets. These provide a user's manual for happiness, good will toward all men, and true peace on earth. They also tell us to pray always, serve others, declare the God's word, and worship Him formally (at church/temple) and informally (every waking moment).

Some think this means if we follow God and listen to His prophets that life will be perfect and without trials. Perhaps that mistaken idea is one reason God tells us to feast upon the scriptures. Alma 10:14, 2 Corinthians 8:2, Hebrews 11:36, Job 9:23, Ezekiel 21:13, 1 Peter 4:12 are but a few references that speak of the faithful during tribulation. sometimes I joke that I'd appreciate a vacation from trials for a time, but (yikes) I don't really mean that. I know the hardships of my life have helped me grow into something more.

Yesterday, I visited a dear lady, dying from Alzheimer's. She had been a great lady, following the prophets and serving the Lord with her husband for decades. Now, as she awaits that final breath, she is but a shell. Her understanding is not more than a child of two. So I told her how much Jesus and Heavenly Father love her, how much I love her. Then I looked into her eyes to find some spark. It was there. She smiled with her beautiful eyes before the clouds returned. What does such a woman still have to learn? I know she taught me something I can't name but feel very deeply.

being a drum

Visiting Teaching is a privilege and blessing. How humbling to be Jesus' special eyes and ears. We go into one another's homes to fellowship and share the gospel. We also are sent to discover any needs a sister may have that the resources of the church or extended faith and prayer can help. When I was a little girl probably 4 or 5, Mrs. Bach across the street told me we are instruments in the hand of God. As any child would, my literal mind considered musical instruments. I said, O good, I want to be a drum. She laughed and said I would understand some day. I understand now. So my simple but sacred calling to laugh with, uplift, fellowship, and help a few sisters is my way of being that drum.

This month the assignment is to share the message The Attributes of Jesus Christ: Obedient Son.

Luke 22:41-46

“As we walk in obedience to the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said D. Todd Christofferson, “we enjoy a continual flow of blessings promised by God in His covenant with us. Those blessings provide the resources we need to act rather than simply be acted upon as we go through life...Obedience gives us greater control over our lives, greater capacity to come and go, to work and create.”

“Can the spiritual strength that results from consistent obedience to the commandments be given to another person?” asked David A. Bednar. “The clear answer...is no.”

The parable of the ten virgins is an example of this principle. While all of the virgins took their lamps to “meet the bridegroom,” only five were wise and took oil in their lamps. The other five were foolish because they “took no oil with them.”

Then the cry came at midnight: “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” All the virgins trimmed their lamps, but the foolish virgins had no oil. They said to the wise virgins, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.”

The wise virgins answered, “Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go … and buy for yourselves.” And while the foolish virgins were gone, the bridegroom came and the wise virgins went with him and “the door was shut” (Matthew 25:1–13).

When we allow the things of the world to distract us, we may not be emptying our lamps of oil...But we aren't filling them either. Good intentions don't add oil to our lamps unless we carry them out. We receive drops of oil through obedience to principles and commandments such as prayer, repentance, faith, hope, studying scripture, forgiveness, charity, worshipping God, living the commandments, spending our time wisely, and so on and so forth. These then increase our capacity to receive and perceive His grace and blessings. In other words, they open our eyes that we might see the tender mercies and gentle hand of God directing our lives.

Visiting with Ester

This morning I'm going out to Visit Teach. We believe in bearing one another's burdens Galatians 6:2 and fellowshipping with the saints of God. This charge is so serious that each woman is assigned to visit a few other women each month, bringing encouragement, love, and a message from the gospel. This month the visiting teacher message is The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Advocate. Usually, we visit teach with a partner. However, mine moved away. In a tiny branch, there wasn't anyone to take her place, so I go alone to a reduced amount of women. The two ladies I visit are wonderful, sweet, and accommodating; their only needs at this point are to know that someone cares enough to check up on them. I have visited women with severe challenges in the past and loved helping.

"Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the Father. The word advocate has Latin roots meaning one who pleads for another. The Savior pleads for us, using understanding, justice, and mercy. Knowing this can fill us with love and gratitude for His Atonement."

The story of Ester illustrates this in a way I never considered before. Usually, we focus on the bravery of Ester. However, we can consider Ester an advocate for her people. Also, consider the King, who turned his back on protocol, softened his heart, and listened to Ester's petition with mercy and forgiveness. Is his position slightly similar to Heavenly Father with a repentant person. Of course, Father hasn't a hard heart to begin with. As Jesus advocates for sinful mortals, Heavenly Father hears and forgives.