Promised Blessings

Here we are, the end or beginning of another week.  It all depends upon when you read this.  For me, it is the end.  It has been full of excitement, adventure, frustration, and joy.  What else would you expect?  I hope not much.

I continue to fight the battle of balance.  I find myself questioning the ways I spend my time and ask myself what more I should be doing.  I usually get an answer and set a new goal for the next day.  It is a cycle I will continue to work on.  I don't know why, but this week has been filled with that question over and over again. 

The pondering that opened my heart and mind continues in 3 Nephi 27:16-18.  I spent a great deal thinking about the work "repenteth".  It is such a powerful word.  As I pondered, I learned so much more about my Father in Heaven.  He too, uses this word a great deal to describe himself or his actions.  I have often wondered why.  So I went to the topical guide and looked at the different uses of the word.  Have you ever tried substituting those words in place of the word "repent"?  Take a look

Repent - see also Baptism, qualifications for; confession; contrite heart; excommunication; forgive; guilt; problem-solving; purification; remission of sin; return; turn.

As I pondered the above verses, the words in yellow stood out in my mind.  "...whoso has a contrite heart...", "...whoso forgives...", "...whoso feels guilt...", "...whoso comes problem-solving...", "...whoso returns...", "...whoso turn unto me...", etc...

What is the promise?  They shall be filled.  This is not just a one time promise.  It is a continual promise.  We are promised to be filled over and over again as we exercise these principles of repentance. I learned that this not only applies to you and me, but to our Father in Heaven as well.  I am sure there are times that he looks down upon us and wants to shake us by our shoulders until we turn around, start using our problem-solving skills, forgive others, feel guilt for what we are doing that leads us away from him, or until our heart becomes more contrite.  Yet he does not, because he knows that by doing so would take away our agency.  He does not get involved until we go before him.  

Having this thoughts has made him more real in my heart and mind.  I am sure he gets upset with me and some of the things I do or don't do.  I am sure he would like to slap me upside the head and say "Hey, get with it."  I wonder how many times he has had his hand raised and then repented to let me learn from the choices of my actions.  I have so much more to understand.

Any who, I then continue on in the verse and see that we are asked to "endure".  Endure to not indicate it is something easy.  In fact, it may require sacrifice and tribulation.  It is how we grow.  I was reminded of a conversation I had with SnackPack this week.  He and a group of friends were asked to scrimmage the girls basketball team.  For him, it was fun.  He came home talking how they smoked them.  But I wonder how they felt.  The coach had a purpose in the scrimmage.  He wanted the girls to be challenged.  It required them to pick up their game a little.  At times, I am sure it was humiliating, but they "Endured".  Because of this, they may become a stronger team and/or individuals.  The Lord does the same for us.  In the end, if we have given it our all, enduring to the end, regardless of how hard, challenging, painful, for difficult it may seem to have been, he will hold us guiltless before our Father.  We just have to do our best, where ever we are and in what ever we are asked to do.  

Remember that team concept as well.  It does not matter whether we are starters, forwards, centers, or bench warmers.  We all have a roll.  We give it our all no matter where we are at the time.  We must "Endure".   The promise is the same for all.

OK, I know there is more, but I will let you ponder on your own.  I just know I love the communication that comes to my heart as I do and know you will be given the same.

Like I said, the week has been a busy one.  I thought we were going to get the bathroom operational before the end of the week, but when we went to put the porcelain throne in yesterday, we learned the tank was cracked.  The Queen and I had to purchase a new one late last night.  I will put it in tomorrow.

Besides working, the Queen has been super busy.  She finally got in to a therapist.  He has given her some things to work on.  They are not fun, but she is Enduring.  We hope to see the blessings of her endurance before long.

The Professor spent the week in Parent/Teacher Conferences.  This is probably the least favorite part of her job.  It has been frustrating, but I have enjoyed the dialogue is has created between us.  We have had some good discussions.

Tall Man is in and out.  We see him for a few minutes between work and rehearsals.  He usually takes advantage of the time and does a quick power nap.  I can't blame him.  I would do the same.

SnackPack is winding down the soccer season, getting ready for Jr. Jazz, and is stoked about Holiday Choir performances.  Winding down does not mean slowing down, it just means he has more time to fill with other activities and homework.  He is really good at the filling part.

On Friday, we had to opportunity to share with our little Ashy.  She did not look so little as she was sealed to her soul mate.  It was wonderful in so many ways.  

The day was filled with more excitement and adventure as we got word of an accident up North.  We are told everything is OK and will work out.  I will let those who were involved share their perspectives with you. Hint, Hint.  If they don't, just ask.

I love you all.  Have a fabulous week.