Working to Humility through Faith, Hope, and Charity
Happy Sabbath!
Wow, what a week it has been. Here, west of the Rockies, we have had all four seasons. Most of them in a day. Ok, maybe not the super heat of the summer, but there was days that I was super tempted to turn on the AC, even opening windows was not working. I definitely had ceiling fans on. Then there were mornings that we woke up to snow. It is has been crazy.
How has your week been? What have you learned? What adventures have you had?
I have been blessed in so many ways this week. This morning as I reflect upon the verses of pondering and all the blessings that have filled my life this week, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, something I need to be more of.
Pondering - Ether 12:26-28
"And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;"
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
"Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope, and charity bringeth unto me - the fountain of all righteousness."
As I ponder these words and the events of my life and the world around me, I realize more and more that those "Fools" who mock are really those who are filled with pride. They see themselves as better, not only of others, but God, Jesus Christ, and all that they have given us. They discredit God's power and hand in their lives.
I have also been reminded how easy it is to succumb to the influence of those fools. It is easy to conform to the same prideful behaviors in order to be accepted, praised, honored, or elevated. It is easy to justify our actions because of the influence of the world around us. It is easy to become casual in our commitments to improve and be better. It is hard to Humble ourselves before God, not occasionally, but continually. The minute we let our guard down, we stumble over the enticing crumbs and perceived treats of a worldly world.
I am so grateful to see not only my own weaknesses, but the humble weaknesses of others around me and the opportunities granted me to grow in faith, hope, and charity through the grace of Jesus Christ, and God our Father. Together we are able to grow and come to him.
I have had several tender moments this week as I have been reminded about my need to be full of humble gratitude. We had a Youth Standards Night in our stake. I have been able to serve with several of the youth as we have planned this even. It was very simple, but so powerful.
As we have planned, one young man has taken the lead. He is probably viewed on school campus as one of the cool, popular guys. He is handsome and has a great deal going for him. Any who, he suggested the theme, the speaker, and has been very instrumental in making all the arrangements.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is a young man who is probably not even seen by that cool, popular group at school. He is socially awkward and does not know it. He is full of life, but no one seems to see him or want to see what he has to offer. The minute someone gives him attention, he over flows with conversation that appears to be never ending. The thoughts he shares are random and scattered, but he lights up with the opportunity to be included and share.
Well, I had the opportunity to observe this week. It was a testimony builder for me. Many of the youth council, these two young men included, arrived early to set up and prepare for the even. Our little awkward friend was doing all he could do while trying to fill the air with all the things he not been able to share since the last time we met. Mr. Cool worked right beside him, made him feel important, listened with intent and caring. I was amazed.
Then came time for the event to start. Mr. Cool was conducting. Little Awkward was asked to give the opening prayer. Suddenly, this young man who had so much to say was speechless.
"Heavenly Father - we are happy to be here..." There was silence, for like 90 seconds. Then Mr. Cool slid his chair behind the guest speaker and did his best to quietly give Little Awkward inspired words for his prayer.
I was humbled. I stood back and observed many more occasions through out the evening where Mr. Cool, who had been given so much and had every excuse to be full of himself, humbly recognize several of the Little Awkwards, by name, as he humbly gave them a listening ear, a smile, or a ray of light. I realized that it was something he had to work hard to do every moment. It was have been easy to turn blind eye and follow the influence of the world around him, but he didn't. I have so much to do to get to his level.
Our week -
It been pretty mundane if you look at our life from the outside. Every day was filled with working, eating, sleeping, and concerted efforts to take care of our bodies. The Queen and I did little things, she more that I, around the house doing the normal upkeep routine. We just enjoyed our time doing it together.
The Professor is counting the days until her "Spring Break". The munchkins in her classroom are doing the same. Spring is in the air. It has been hard to do with all the fluctuation of seasons on her school campus.
Tall Man and Ehl-Bo continue to wage the battle. Tall Man has been inspired with several leads, but none have panned out. He stopped by briefly this week to work on some commissioned work. They continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Puddin and Lady Hawkins have made a decision and are now focused on how to make the move happen. The Queen and I had the opportunity to be up north and catch a evening meal to hear about the event of their lives. We were surprised by a late night visit last night, but were grateful for the quiet moments of cuddle conversation.
SnackPack is making the adjustment to being off campus more than on campus. It has been a challenge to tweak the routine. He is getting there. We have really enjoyed having him in and out more.
Love you all. Find the Joy and Be Thank Full in all you do.
Wow, what a week it has been. Here, west of the Rockies, we have had all four seasons. Most of them in a day. Ok, maybe not the super heat of the summer, but there was days that I was super tempted to turn on the AC, even opening windows was not working. I definitely had ceiling fans on. Then there were mornings that we woke up to snow. It is has been crazy.
How has your week been? What have you learned? What adventures have you had?
I have been blessed in so many ways this week. This morning as I reflect upon the verses of pondering and all the blessings that have filled my life this week, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, something I need to be more of.
Pondering - Ether 12:26-28
"And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;"
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."
"Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope, and charity bringeth unto me - the fountain of all righteousness."
As I ponder these words and the events of my life and the world around me, I realize more and more that those "Fools" who mock are really those who are filled with pride. They see themselves as better, not only of others, but God, Jesus Christ, and all that they have given us. They discredit God's power and hand in their lives.
I have also been reminded how easy it is to succumb to the influence of those fools. It is easy to conform to the same prideful behaviors in order to be accepted, praised, honored, or elevated. It is easy to justify our actions because of the influence of the world around us. It is easy to become casual in our commitments to improve and be better. It is hard to Humble ourselves before God, not occasionally, but continually. The minute we let our guard down, we stumble over the enticing crumbs and perceived treats of a worldly world.
I am so grateful to see not only my own weaknesses, but the humble weaknesses of others around me and the opportunities granted me to grow in faith, hope, and charity through the grace of Jesus Christ, and God our Father. Together we are able to grow and come to him.
I have had several tender moments this week as I have been reminded about my need to be full of humble gratitude. We had a Youth Standards Night in our stake. I have been able to serve with several of the youth as we have planned this even. It was very simple, but so powerful.
As we have planned, one young man has taken the lead. He is probably viewed on school campus as one of the cool, popular guys. He is handsome and has a great deal going for him. Any who, he suggested the theme, the speaker, and has been very instrumental in making all the arrangements.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is a young man who is probably not even seen by that cool, popular group at school. He is socially awkward and does not know it. He is full of life, but no one seems to see him or want to see what he has to offer. The minute someone gives him attention, he over flows with conversation that appears to be never ending. The thoughts he shares are random and scattered, but he lights up with the opportunity to be included and share.
Well, I had the opportunity to observe this week. It was a testimony builder for me. Many of the youth council, these two young men included, arrived early to set up and prepare for the even. Our little awkward friend was doing all he could do while trying to fill the air with all the things he not been able to share since the last time we met. Mr. Cool worked right beside him, made him feel important, listened with intent and caring. I was amazed.
Then came time for the event to start. Mr. Cool was conducting. Little Awkward was asked to give the opening prayer. Suddenly, this young man who had so much to say was speechless.
"Heavenly Father - we are happy to be here..." There was silence, for like 90 seconds. Then Mr. Cool slid his chair behind the guest speaker and did his best to quietly give Little Awkward inspired words for his prayer.
I was humbled. I stood back and observed many more occasions through out the evening where Mr. Cool, who had been given so much and had every excuse to be full of himself, humbly recognize several of the Little Awkwards, by name, as he humbly gave them a listening ear, a smile, or a ray of light. I realized that it was something he had to work hard to do every moment. It was have been easy to turn blind eye and follow the influence of the world around him, but he didn't. I have so much to do to get to his level.
Our week -
It been pretty mundane if you look at our life from the outside. Every day was filled with working, eating, sleeping, and concerted efforts to take care of our bodies. The Queen and I did little things, she more that I, around the house doing the normal upkeep routine. We just enjoyed our time doing it together.
The Professor is counting the days until her "Spring Break". The munchkins in her classroom are doing the same. Spring is in the air. It has been hard to do with all the fluctuation of seasons on her school campus.
Tall Man and Ehl-Bo continue to wage the battle. Tall Man has been inspired with several leads, but none have panned out. He stopped by briefly this week to work on some commissioned work. They continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Puddin and Lady Hawkins have made a decision and are now focused on how to make the move happen. The Queen and I had the opportunity to be up north and catch a evening meal to hear about the event of their lives. We were surprised by a late night visit last night, but were grateful for the quiet moments of cuddle conversation.
SnackPack is making the adjustment to being off campus more than on campus. It has been a challenge to tweak the routine. He is getting there. We have really enjoyed having him in and out more.
Love you all. Find the Joy and Be Thank Full in all you do.
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