Heavenly Promises are Always Kept!

I love the scriptures! Every time I read in them I get something form them. Today I read the words of King Benjamin. Mosiah 2:22
"And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you."

This goes along with something that I read in the Ensign today. I think that I have been railing a little bit against the Lord. As my childlessness continues I wonder at the feelings and promptings that I feel that I have had concerning the friends from heaven who I am waiting for. It all feels so futile. I get the message that the Lord is all powerful and still nothing happens and I am not removed from the childless prison that I feel trapped in. How can I keep hoping and feeling and still have nothing. I feel like I am tormented and driven crazy with wanting to have this promise kept. Elder Holland writes about the Prophet Joseph and the lessons that he learned in Liberty Jail. He quotes D&C 123:17 "Therefore...let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then we may stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." Joseph had this revealed to him during his trials and in the deplorable conditions of and actual prison. I think that I can suffer more patiently while I am still enjoying the comforts of home and family relationships. Here is the clincher to me Elder Holland says this: "I testify that bad days come to an end, that faith always triumphs, and that heavenly promises are always kept." From my patriarchal blessing it says " ...the children that come to you in this life, as your born children will be tractable and love you..." I believe what Elder Holland says is true "heavenly promises are always kept." I just need to continue to keep the commandments and I will be blessed, the Lord never varies from what he has said, whether by his own voice or the voice of his servants it is the same. I will continue to work cheerfully until I am released from this bondage and am allowed the joy of raising up children unto the Lord. Was this article in this issue of the Ensign there by accident? I think not, how grateful I am for these timely messages from the Lord. I know that He loves me, He hears me and He answers my prayers.

Good News!

D&C 62:1
"Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted."

I love it when I come across these reminders in the scriptures. They feel like little messages from heaven to me. No wonder we are invited by our leaders to read the scriptures everyday. If we didn't we would miss out on the inspiring messages to keep trying that come from our heavenly home.

Free Agency and an Internal GPS

"Our choices have the undeniable power of transforming our lives. This gift is an extraordinary sign of trust in us and simultaneously a cherished personal responsibility to use wisely. Our Father in Heaven respects our freedom to choose and will never force us to do what is right, nor will He impede us from making mediocre choices. His invitation, however, concerning this important and vital gift is clearly expressed in the scriptures: 'But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God'."

"We too have a 'GPS' allowing us to know at all times what is right and what is wrong, as well as assisting us in making correct choices.
'We are born with a natural capacity to distinguish between right and wrong because of the Light of Christ that is given to every person (D&C 84:46). This faculty is called conscience. The possession of it makes us responsible beings.'
Additionally, as members of the Church we have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost to comfort, protect and guide us.
However, like other faculties, our consciences may become inert through sin or misuse. If we become desensitized to the things of God in our lives, we too lose reception of the signal needed to guide us. Keeping the commandments is our best assurance to maintain a strong signal with the Divine."

I am so grateful for the commandments and the peace that I have felt when I do my best to keep them. I am grateful that I know that Heavenly Father loves me, He loves all of us.

"Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work"

I read a lot of good things in the Ensign today. First I read an article in the June Ensign by Susana Lyou Mantle. The thing that stood out the most to me is this: "The more I trusted in Him [Jesus Christ], the more my life was guided."

This was so good for me to read. I have really been struggling recently and doubting the direction that I have felt that I have been given. I can't tell if it's really from Heavenly Father or if I am just being guided by my own wants. This helps me to understand that I just need to let it go. I need to accept the Lords will and His time frame and try not to think about all that I feel like I don't have. If I try to forget myself more it will show a greater trust in Heavenly Father and His plan for me.

A scripture has been going around in my mind all weekend, James 1:4.
"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

This just means so much to me today. I was so emotional at church yesterday. There were a lot of people visiting because we were hearing from three missionaries who are ready to leave on their missions. There were grand babies and families all around and Heather wasn't there. I want the opportunity to raise up a righteous posterity. I want to see what a child will look like who comes from Bob and I. I think that it is a desire that came with me from heaven. Maybe my Heavenly Mother taught me. Maybe it is a trait that I get from Her. I sorrow greatly over my inability to have this blessing right now. But I think that if I understand this scripture correctly that I haven't been letting patience have her perfect work in my life. I have been too wrapped up in what I want and feel like I don't have. I believe that my days, weeks and years are known to the Lord and nothing will be denied me if I can overcome myself and submit myself more fully to His will.

James 1:2-6, 12
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

I just wanted to include all that I read that touched my heart today. I hope that I can apply these things to my life. I feel like they are rally inportant, that my eternal happiness depends on it.

I also read D&C 58: 2-6
"For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.
For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.
Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and recieve that which is to follow.
Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you--that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come;"

Another message to be faithful in tribulation. A reminder to be obedient, that is why I came to the earth. I need to lay it to heart. I know what is true I need to cultivate my testimony so that I may bless others. I have always felt like my mission was to my family who are struggling with the gospel. I need to practice the things that I learn so that I may be an example.

I have a quote from the Conference Ensign May 2009 by President Uchtdorf:

"Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God's will rather than ours."

I think that this all ties into the things that I have been feeling. All the things that I feel like I have to endure really are neccessary for the purification of my heart and the building of my faith. I need to accept the will of God in my life and trust Him more fully so that I can sense greater direction in my life.

One last quote from the Conference Ensign May 2009, President Uchtdorf quoted Elder Wirthlin who said:

"Oh it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us--even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will.
"We [might] see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever...
"The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities."

Isn't this the most wonderful thing? Heavenly Father loves me inspite of all my flaws and weaknesses and even if I give up on myself He never will.

Challenges = Experience

Okay I am going to start out with the quotes from Elder Hales from the May 2009 Ensign:

"Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13)."

D&C 122:7-9
"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon the; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

1 Corinthians 10:13
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

I am so glad that I read this today! I have really been feeling bogged down. My feet hurt all of the time, I can't loose this weight that I have put back on the easy way by just walking. This time it will be harder, the challenge is harder. But not so much that I can't overcome it with the Lords help. I have been feeling so bad about myself that I haven't been able to feel guidance from the Lord. Well I am not going to be shackled any more. The Lord knows exactly what I am going through and I know that He will help me. There is a way to escape and if I will rely on God, He will be with me forever.

One last quote from Elder Hales:
"I testify that the appetite to possess worldly things can only be overcome by turning to the Lord. The hunger of addiction can only be replaced by our love for Him. He stands ready to help each one of us. 'Fear not,' He said, 'for you are mine, and I have overcome the world' (D&C 50:41)."

Did you think to pray?

Here is a quote from the Ensign (May 2009) President Monson:
"Adam prayed; Jesus prayed. We know the outcome of their prayers. He who notes the fall of a sparrow surely hears the pleadings of our hearts. Remember the promise: 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.'
To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer."

I was thinking that maybe the only miracle that I will see is the strength to endure my challenges but it will be enough because I know that Heavenly Father loves me and one day all of my sorrows will be swallowed up and I will see the Savior.

I have a quote to share from the Ensign (May 2009) President Eyring said in Priesthood Session:

"You will show by your face and manner that you care for the people. They will see that your love for them and the Lord makes you unafraid. And you will be bold enough to bear your testimony to truth. Your humble, simple and perhaps brief testimony may touch the heart of a person more easily that your more experienced companion."

He was talking about home teaching and fulfilling priesthood responsibilities but I think that this applies to all of us who wish to serve the Lord and help to lift our fellow brothers and sisters. Maybe even in our own families.