Working the Ground Every Day, Every Day, Every Day
Happy Sabbath!
I hope and pray that all of you are well whenever you might read this.
It has been another adventure filled week, that we have take to take in stride with many ups and downs, but I think we made it.
This week I have had Alma 32:37-
"And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that i may get root, that it may grow up, ans bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit."
"But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it has no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out."
"Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof."
I love that Alma both testifies and prophesies in these verses. As I reflect upon his words, I cannot help but compare them to life experiences in my life today and the words of modern day prophets. President Nelson has pretty much been saying the same thing. It is imperative that we are doing those things in our lives today to receive and act upon personal revelation. We must be able to recognize the prompting of the spirit and see the blessings that come from following them.
Isn't this just planting a seed, nourishing the growth, and partaking of the fruit thereof, even in times of drought or heat that scorcheth not only our faith, but us. We are promised that even when this happens, our seed, plant, and tree will be able to grow and give forth fruit that is most desirable.
My week has been filled with planting. I have also felt some scorching heat. It has not been easy, but I can testify to you that because I have diligently prepared my ground, nurtured my seedlings, and fortified the plants, I have received the fruits of my labor in the most sweet and tender manners.
I had the opportunity this week to attend youth fireside with our local temple president and matron. The spirit was sweet. The message was fun and up lifting. At one point, the temple president was talking of his personal experience of walking through a newly completed temple with President Gordon B. Hinckley. As they entered the Celestial Room, President Hinckley softly said, "I love entering the Lord's living room."
It was a wonderful thought to carry as now president of the temple, this good brother is reminded that he is caring for the Lord's Home more than he is carrying for His House. It is a warm and inviting thought to have. I found myself carrying the same thought.
On Saturday morning, I woke up very early. I could not sleep. I was overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness. I was missing the Queen of my home. My mind was filled with questions, concerns, and doubts about my ability to carry out what the Lord desired of me.
As lay there in the dark pondering these things, I had an overpowering thought and desire enter my mind. It was loud and it was distinct. "Come Home" As I reflected upon those words, I knew exactly what I was to do. I knew exactly who was calling me. I knew exactly where I needed to be.
I rolled out of bed, prayed, showered, dressed, and went to the temple. The closer I got to the beautiful edifice, the stronger the feeling became. The minute I walked through the doors, my body was filled with joy, peace, and comfort of, "Being Home".
The next hour or so was an emotional roller coaster of joy, reminders, confirmations, sweet communion, and overwhelming peace. It was as if I was sitting in a personal priesthood interview with my Savior. I don't know how else to explain it.
I am and will ever be eternally grateful for the love and power He has given, gave, and continually gives me as I seek Him on a daily basis. Yet I know that the sweetness of this fruit is because of the efforts I give in preparing to receive. It does not always come at once. Sometimes, we are scorched a little, stretched a little, or asked to endure a little, but it is always worth it.
I am reminded of as story I heard recently about a small boy how had two pennies burning a hole in his pocket. It knew exactly what he wanted and had been working hard to get it. One Saturday morning he put on his best cover-alls and headed down to farmer Jones tomato patch. There he met farmer Jones and asked if he could buy a tomato. After a confirming nod, the boy began his search. After several minutes of inspecting vines, he had found the brightest, biggest, and juiciest tomato in the patch. When he told farmer Jones which tomato he desired, farmer Jones replied, "A tomato like that goes for five pennies."
A little dejected, the boy again began to search the vines. Finally he came across a greenish red tomato that was just beginning to show its potential. The boy pointed to the tomato and asked, "How about this one, will you take two penny for it?"
Farmer Jones nod his affirmation, the boy gave him his two shiny pennies, and sealed the deal with a hand shake. Then the boy turned with a smile and said, "Thank you sir, I will pick up in two weeks."
When planting, nourishing, and caring for our seeds of faith, we must be able to see the fruits, even before they are there.
Thanks for reading my ramblings. I hope they have been what you needed.
Our week -
The Queen has struggled through some rough patches this week. She continues her adventure in far away lands. She is grateful for the strength and energy she has been given to make it through each week and transitions between different offices, but on the weekends she has had to struggle through some rough patches of irreverent foods that have not been to her stomachs liking.
The Professor has spent time this work bonding with students and learning about the "Palm". I think she had given herself the title of semi-professional. We will see if it is a talent that comes in handy some day. Ask her about it.
Tall Man, Ehl-Bo, and Lego have been busy as ever. It is always an adventure trying to figure out how they will juggle work, school, church and family each week.
Puddin did not get the news he wanted this week, but isn't giving up. He will continue working towards his goal. We understand that Lady Hawkins has been busy, busy, busy. I am glad they are able to make time for each other.
SnackPack did not get the news he wanted either. He was not looking for the same thing that Puddin was, but it was disheartening all the same. His week ended with the hopes of new prospects.
Love you all.
Have a great week.
I hope and pray that all of you are well whenever you might read this.
It has been another adventure filled week, that we have take to take in stride with many ups and downs, but I think we made it.
This week I have had Alma 32:37-
"And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that i may get root, that it may grow up, ans bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit."
"But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it has no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out."
"Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof."
I love that Alma both testifies and prophesies in these verses. As I reflect upon his words, I cannot help but compare them to life experiences in my life today and the words of modern day prophets. President Nelson has pretty much been saying the same thing. It is imperative that we are doing those things in our lives today to receive and act upon personal revelation. We must be able to recognize the prompting of the spirit and see the blessings that come from following them.
Isn't this just planting a seed, nourishing the growth, and partaking of the fruit thereof, even in times of drought or heat that scorcheth not only our faith, but us. We are promised that even when this happens, our seed, plant, and tree will be able to grow and give forth fruit that is most desirable.
My week has been filled with planting. I have also felt some scorching heat. It has not been easy, but I can testify to you that because I have diligently prepared my ground, nurtured my seedlings, and fortified the plants, I have received the fruits of my labor in the most sweet and tender manners.
I had the opportunity this week to attend youth fireside with our local temple president and matron. The spirit was sweet. The message was fun and up lifting. At one point, the temple president was talking of his personal experience of walking through a newly completed temple with President Gordon B. Hinckley. As they entered the Celestial Room, President Hinckley softly said, "I love entering the Lord's living room."
It was a wonderful thought to carry as now president of the temple, this good brother is reminded that he is caring for the Lord's Home more than he is carrying for His House. It is a warm and inviting thought to have. I found myself carrying the same thought.
On Saturday morning, I woke up very early. I could not sleep. I was overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness. I was missing the Queen of my home. My mind was filled with questions, concerns, and doubts about my ability to carry out what the Lord desired of me.
As lay there in the dark pondering these things, I had an overpowering thought and desire enter my mind. It was loud and it was distinct. "Come Home" As I reflected upon those words, I knew exactly what I was to do. I knew exactly who was calling me. I knew exactly where I needed to be.
I rolled out of bed, prayed, showered, dressed, and went to the temple. The closer I got to the beautiful edifice, the stronger the feeling became. The minute I walked through the doors, my body was filled with joy, peace, and comfort of, "Being Home".
The next hour or so was an emotional roller coaster of joy, reminders, confirmations, sweet communion, and overwhelming peace. It was as if I was sitting in a personal priesthood interview with my Savior. I don't know how else to explain it.
I am and will ever be eternally grateful for the love and power He has given, gave, and continually gives me as I seek Him on a daily basis. Yet I know that the sweetness of this fruit is because of the efforts I give in preparing to receive. It does not always come at once. Sometimes, we are scorched a little, stretched a little, or asked to endure a little, but it is always worth it.
I am reminded of as story I heard recently about a small boy how had two pennies burning a hole in his pocket. It knew exactly what he wanted and had been working hard to get it. One Saturday morning he put on his best cover-alls and headed down to farmer Jones tomato patch. There he met farmer Jones and asked if he could buy a tomato. After a confirming nod, the boy began his search. After several minutes of inspecting vines, he had found the brightest, biggest, and juiciest tomato in the patch. When he told farmer Jones which tomato he desired, farmer Jones replied, "A tomato like that goes for five pennies."
A little dejected, the boy again began to search the vines. Finally he came across a greenish red tomato that was just beginning to show its potential. The boy pointed to the tomato and asked, "How about this one, will you take two penny for it?"
Farmer Jones nod his affirmation, the boy gave him his two shiny pennies, and sealed the deal with a hand shake. Then the boy turned with a smile and said, "Thank you sir, I will pick up in two weeks."
When planting, nourishing, and caring for our seeds of faith, we must be able to see the fruits, even before they are there.
Thanks for reading my ramblings. I hope they have been what you needed.
Our week -
The Queen has struggled through some rough patches this week. She continues her adventure in far away lands. She is grateful for the strength and energy she has been given to make it through each week and transitions between different offices, but on the weekends she has had to struggle through some rough patches of irreverent foods that have not been to her stomachs liking.
The Professor has spent time this work bonding with students and learning about the "Palm". I think she had given herself the title of semi-professional. We will see if it is a talent that comes in handy some day. Ask her about it.
Tall Man, Ehl-Bo, and Lego have been busy as ever. It is always an adventure trying to figure out how they will juggle work, school, church and family each week.
Puddin did not get the news he wanted this week, but isn't giving up. He will continue working towards his goal. We understand that Lady Hawkins has been busy, busy, busy. I am glad they are able to make time for each other.
SnackPack did not get the news he wanted either. He was not looking for the same thing that Puddin was, but it was disheartening all the same. His week ended with the hopes of new prospects.
Love you all.
Have a great week.
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