Okay, I started a letter last week, but I didn't get very far so I might as well just write it all in an email so you can all get it together instead of missing your flight by mere hours. (In response to the news that Amy gets to go to Indonesia with Mom and Dad.) (Exciting realisation about Amy going to Indonesia: that must mean she's finally got a passport. Yay!!! Now we don't have to leave her behind when the rest of us evacuate to Canada or Scotland or northern Siberia.) The #1 thing I should have asked last week is did anyone by any chance do my taxes? Also, don't know if you read the jokes on the candy that went in my Easter bag, but this was my favorite: How do you get the water into watermelon? Plant it in the spring! Ahahahahahahahaha Ahahahahahahahahha Hahahahaha...Ohhh...sigh. Sister Johnson doesn't always get the word-play jokes.
Here are all the thoughts I've written/thought in the last two weeks organized into a somewhat logical stream. (Editor's note: The next two paragraphs are in reference to a difficult experience that someone we are close to is going through.) I've already decided I'd never go home - even for a death (sorry) (Name removed) has an excellent support system, I'm here to help others who don't know where to go to find that hope. This is not my experience, the Lord gave it to me so I can strengthen others. I almost can't believe it's real, but I don't think I'm in denial, I think I've just actually developed that much faith and trust in the Lord. Sure, I regret the circumstances that brought it about, but when I look at the future, all I feel is joy and peace. I don't even see it as a trial that may/will turn into a blessing - I just see what a wonderful gift it is - for (****) and the whole family, I don't know how or when, but I just know (****) are so blessed to be able to go through this situation, that the Lord trusts (****) enough to take it on.
I wondered only briefly what I could have done differently to prevent this, then recalled how many witnesses I've received that I am exactly where the Lord intended me to be right now, so I obviously was not meant to be home for this. Whatever the implications of that may be, it's wonderfully freeing to see the Lord's hand and feel free of guilt - and that's not just me, I'm close to the spirit here so you have to believe what I tell you and I tell you I have felt the Lord in no way holds any of you accountable for this - even (****) - He's blessing you!
I admit it, I'm behind on my scripture study, ever since the beginning of the last transfer I just haven't been able to catch up, I keep trying though; I've got more than half of the book to go, and if not, I do have an extra week in August before I start the D&C - good planning. But I saw the hand of God in it the week after you called; I spent that entire week studying Alma 21-24 Here are some of my insights: I am here because I know the power of the Atonement is real and everyone must know or they will live forever in misery and I can't bear that thought.
It's not about your faith bringing a level of blessing - it's about having the faith to accept whatever the Lord's will is with a grateful heart. We may complain about a small sting that lasts a moment when we can't see the enormous pain we just avoided. Why do we complain about the pinpricks when we can't see the epidemics we're spared.
What is the difference between those who stumble and are lost and those who stumble yet remain faithful? John 16:33 says "ye shall have tribulations" not maybe, shall, but we can rely on the Savior for comfort and guidance. Each time you fall, you can get back up and try again - the gospel offers unlimited pitches & innings, if you don't hit the ball, just keep swinging!
Here are all the thoughts I've written/thought in the last two weeks organized into a somewhat logical stream. (Editor's note: The next two paragraphs are in reference to a difficult experience that someone we are close to is going through.) I've already decided I'd never go home - even for a death (sorry) (Name removed) has an excellent support system, I'm here to help others who don't know where to go to find that hope. This is not my experience, the Lord gave it to me so I can strengthen others. I almost can't believe it's real, but I don't think I'm in denial, I think I've just actually developed that much faith and trust in the Lord. Sure, I regret the circumstances that brought it about, but when I look at the future, all I feel is joy and peace. I don't even see it as a trial that may/will turn into a blessing - I just see what a wonderful gift it is - for (****) and the whole family, I don't know how or when, but I just know (****) are so blessed to be able to go through this situation, that the Lord trusts (****) enough to take it on.
I wondered only briefly what I could have done differently to prevent this, then recalled how many witnesses I've received that I am exactly where the Lord intended me to be right now, so I obviously was not meant to be home for this. Whatever the implications of that may be, it's wonderfully freeing to see the Lord's hand and feel free of guilt - and that's not just me, I'm close to the spirit here so you have to believe what I tell you and I tell you I have felt the Lord in no way holds any of you accountable for this - even (****) - He's blessing you!
I admit it, I'm behind on my scripture study, ever since the beginning of the last transfer I just haven't been able to catch up, I keep trying though; I've got more than half of the book to go, and if not, I do have an extra week in August before I start the D&C - good planning. But I saw the hand of God in it the week after you called; I spent that entire week studying Alma 21-24 Here are some of my insights: I am here because I know the power of the Atonement is real and everyone must know or they will live forever in misery and I can't bear that thought.
It's not about your faith bringing a level of blessing - it's about having the faith to accept whatever the Lord's will is with a grateful heart. We may complain about a small sting that lasts a moment when we can't see the enormous pain we just avoided. Why do we complain about the pinpricks when we can't see the epidemics we're spared.
What is the difference between those who stumble and are lost and those who stumble yet remain faithful? John 16:33 says "ye shall have tribulations" not maybe, shall, but we can rely on the Savior for comfort and guidance. Each time you fall, you can get back up and try again - the gospel offers unlimited pitches & innings, if you don't hit the ball, just keep swinging!
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