Seeking the Misplaced/Lost Seeds

I will start this week with the verse of scripture that I have been studying.  2 Nephi 2:3-4  Yep, it is a continuation from last week.  Lehi is talking to Jacob, his first born in the wilderness.

That phrase has been going through my head again and again for the past several week.  "In the wilderness."  When we read it, we imagine Lehi and his family wandering, dwelling in tents, struggling to survive, and much, much more.  But was that the "wilderness" the Lord wanted us to think of?  Aren't we all traveling in some sort of "wilderness", trying to survive, figure out where we belong, seeking for the promised land?  As you think about that, let's go to this weeks verses.

"...thy soul shalt be blessed,..."  I just finished reading Elder Cornish's talk a few minutes ago.  Lehi was giving Jacob, us, the same encouragement.  We are going to make it.  It does not matter where you are, what you are being asked to endure, or how very challenging it is for you, You are going to make it!  You are Good enough.

As you know, my head has been kind of missionary orientated the past few years.  It probably should have been there or probably was before, but more on a ward and stake level than about those who are out and about in the service.  So this though applies to us all no matter where we are.  As I was pondering this verse, I came across an image in the New ERA this month.  It was reminded us about talks from last April, but the thought applies today.  It was an image of a flower growing out of the side of a cliff.

Where did the seed come from?  How did it find it's way to this location?  What courage and strength did it need to grow in such conditions?

I relate this to Jacob.  He was planted with Lehi and his family in the wilderness.  It was up to him to make something of it.  Because he did, he was blessed.  Likewise, so will we.  

How?

Keep reading.  I like to cut this one up a little, but read the next part of the verse, "...and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother,..."  That is the key right there.  My thoughts go to our Eldest Brother, Jesus, Jehovah, Christ, Our Redeemer and Savior.  If we dwell with Him or seek to dwell with Him, we shall be blessed, we shall make it!

The rest of the verses really focus on HIM.  But what did Jacob do?  What can we do?  Who was watching out for Jacob?  Nephi, Sam, Lehi and many more.  How many Jacobs do we know in the world who have been planted in harsh, difficult, and challenging situations?  But yet they are growing.

We can reach out to them, help them find fertile ground, nurture, and care for them.   Isn't that what missionary work, home and visiting teaching, and/or fellow shipping is all about?  

SnackPack shared a thought with us this week, that for him, probably was not meant to affect me in the way it did.  I hope he, and all of you, can take a different view of what he experienced.  He and his companion were scheduled to eat with a family from the local ward they are in.  When they arrived, the sister informed them that her husband was delayed at work and would not be able to join them.  Since there were no other priesthood holders in the house, she would not be able to welcome them in her home.  Instead she gave them a gift card to Chili's and asked them to go get dinner there.  SnackPack shared that he ordered one of my favorites and it made him think of his Father.

Here is my thought.  How many people remember their Father?  Earthly or Heavenly?  SnackPack carries that memory and felt a reciprocating love, him to me and me to him.  Do we know people out there who don't have such memories or feelings?  I truly believe that it is part of the plan of happiness that we are born into families that we might have such feelings.  More importantly is that we need to remember and draw upon the memories of our Heavenly Father?  How many people are out there that do not remember Him, being with Him, or feeling His reciprocating love.  His love is there for us, it is up to us to remember it, kindle it, and return it.  That is what SnackPack and Puddin are doing now, along with thousands of others.  Are we helping?  I invite you to find the opportunity to help them remember, know, and then come to know Him.

Those are my thoughts for now.  

On with the week:

The Queen and I are doing our best to adjust to the changes in our schedules.  The evenings seem to be more open.  She does a great job keeping herself occupied.  I just need to figure out a hobby.  I start so many projects or form so many ideas, but never follow through.  I guess I need to start doing that.  

The season is changing.  I spent some time cleaning up the leaves and winterizing the yard.  She spent time planning and working on holiday projects.  We did go to our first meeting and get some assignments.  I went out the next night for Ward visits.  We will see what this week brings us.

The Professor worked a partial week.  She has enjoyed the past few days catching up on sleep and personal projects around the house as others are out and about seeking Bambi's father figure.  Tomorrow we all go back to the wheel.

Tall Man stopped by with different projects.  It was good to catch up with him.  Work is going well.  I was reminded how good he is with people.  When he is not working, he is building sets and such.  He and Ehl-Bo are part of the board this year and it sounds like they will be kept busy.

We didn't get to see Ehl-Bo, but saw some of her amazing creations.  She an incredibly vivid imagination that lets her bring to life what she sees in her mind.  Great things to come.

Songbird sends us little updates here and there.  I know with the extra days off this week, she and her family were busy, busy, busy.  We are glad she shares the updates.

Other than that, life is good.  The Queen and I thought about getting together with the snowed out cabin group, but we thought about it too late.  It sounds like they had a fun weekend.

Until next time,

Cheerios