What is in Our Control?

In talking to a friend today about the state of the world and my concerns long side with that, he made the following statement:

Well, we do our very best and we take what God and men give us because we have no other choice. I’ve had a decent run. If the axe falls, so be it. Just be ever watchful that you are doing the Lord’s will and you’ll make it. I’m freaking out today too for my own reasons but I know that my tithing is paid and I effect change in my sphere so beyond that, oh well.

What stood out to me was "Just be ever watchful that you are doign the Lord's will and you'll make it....I effect change in my sphere."

I know I worry so much about things I cannot control. I can try to be a good influence in the lives of those around me, as instructed by the example Christ, however, they ultimately have their agency to make their own decisions and have zero control over their actions or their outcome. I can only control my behaviors, actions and reactions.

"Don't Be Unduly Concerned..."

A friend of mine shared with me a bit of spiritual revelation that she had. The events leading up to this revelation were weighed down with worry, fear and deep concern for her family and their future. She found herself directed to the scriptures and came across this scripture and its reference:

Philippians 4:6 "Be bcareful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

The footnote for this scripture says: "Don't be unduly concerned about anything."

What I personally took from this was that if we are doing what is right and have faith in God's plan for us, going to Him in prayer and thanksgiving, we'll be directed for good and all will be as He intended it. To be "unduly" concerned and fearful about things can also be a distracter of the Holy Ghost which is absolutely vital if we are to learn of and follow His direction for us.

Tender Mercies of the Lord

I know that we all have our own personalized share of trials. The beauty in this is that our trials are personalized for us and to us. It makes me want to cry when I think about how well the Lord knows my strengths, weaknesses and all of the things that make me 'me'. I believe that the love has for each us and knowledge He has about each of us are 'tender mercies'. He knew that we each needed to experience heartache yet in His great mercy he tailored that heartache for each of us knowing exactly what we could and could not handle. He wants us to be live, learn, grow and be successful.

1 Nephi 1:20 "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of delivereance."

Nephi is telling us that these tender mercies are in our lives. In May 2005 Elder David A. Bednar stated, "Through personal study, observation, pondering , and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand the the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consoluation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

He continues and says, "When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of delivereance."

When we ache, when we feel bad, when we feel alone, when nothing makes sense, when things seem trying the Lord often comes to us as a tender mercy. Amy, during a particularly difficult time you have quietly served as a tender mercy in my life bringing hope and strength to my heart and offering assurance and guidance in ways that you may not know. I am certain that you are an angel on His errand in my life.

xxox
brit

"We never really know what stupidity is until we have experimented on ourselves." - Paul Gaugin

Trials. Which Can We Overcome?

One thing I've come to know lately is the truth about God not allowing us to have trials that we cannot withstand

So, what does this really mean? Well, cancer is a major trial that some people haven't been able to withstand but it doesn't have spiritual consequences like drug, porn, alcohol addictions (to name a few). These are MAJOR trials but God wouldn't allow them to continue with those who are struggling, without providing a way out. That "way out" begins with the Atonement. Additionally, we are promised that we can endure through ANY trial WITH His help BUT there is one condition there....we have to ASK for His help. We also have to "DO OUR PART" to over come. I am reminded that my patriarchal blessing says "Heavenly Father won't do things for you that you can do yourself...but He will be there when I am in need." So, when we've done all that we can do and we can't go any further, He will take us the rest of the way and we WILL overcome.

Make Your Trials Worthwhile

"Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experiance wisely." - Auguste Rodin

I guess this can also be said about mistakes and trials.

Faith

Faith and fear cannot exist simultaneously.

Non-Sins Can Block the Whisperings of the Spirit

Not only do "sins" prevent us from hearing the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, there are a number of "non-sin" things that as well...

- Fear
- Guilt
- Worrying
- Anger
- Sadness
- Constant mind stimulation in radio, TV, iPods, cds, video games, etc.

None of these things are sins, but they do in fact prevent us from hearing the still "small" voice. Satan knows that and often stirs us up to have thoughts that cause us to worry, be fearful, guilt-prone etc. Knowing this while hopefully allow us to turn our hearts to a more peace full state, as well as turning off the loud, distracting entertainment and "listen" quietly to the spirit.