Hey Yo!
Were you worried I wouldn't make it today?
Me, too. But I am here again. Phew.
So let's just get right down to the nitty-gritty.
In Sunday school this week, my wise and good husband Jason made a comment somewhere along these lines, "I think we sometimes suppose that if we don't know the reason behind a commandment, we shouldn't do it, but [this example in the scriptures] teaches us that even when we don't have all the answers, we should still live all the commandments. Then as we act, the reason is illuminated to us."
It is such a bummer that the term obedience gets linked to perfectionism, prudishness, or (worst of all) ignorance, even among the nicest of chums. I don't think that is necessarily so. I think trying your best to listen to and do what God wants you to do is awesome and noble and way sexier than James Dean with a cigarette. Too far? No! Living true to the light and knowledge you have is honest and virtuous and wise. It inspires the best in others and in ourselves.
Being obedient to God is putting your faith first. Sometimes that means walking a few steps in the darkness before the light appears (thanks Pres. Packer). Time and time again this has proved true in my life. I love that message from Henry B. Eyring, when he says, "Acting on even a twig of faith allows God to grow it."
Were you worried I wouldn't make it today?
Me, too. But I am here again. Phew.
So let's just get right down to the nitty-gritty.
In Sunday school this week, my wise and good husband Jason made a comment somewhere along these lines, "I think we sometimes suppose that if we don't know the reason behind a commandment, we shouldn't do it, but [this example in the scriptures] teaches us that even when we don't have all the answers, we should still live all the commandments. Then as we act, the reason is illuminated to us."
It is such a bummer that the term obedience gets linked to perfectionism, prudishness, or (worst of all) ignorance, even among the nicest of chums. I don't think that is necessarily so. I think trying your best to listen to and do what God wants you to do is awesome and noble and way sexier than James Dean with a cigarette. Too far? No! Living true to the light and knowledge you have is honest and virtuous and wise. It inspires the best in others and in ourselves.
Being obedient to God is putting your faith first. Sometimes that means walking a few steps in the darkness before the light appears (thanks Pres. Packer). Time and time again this has proved true in my life. I love that message from Henry B. Eyring, when he says, "Acting on even a twig of faith allows God to grow it."
I see the light, and it is good.
Just by a small way of example, let me quickly tell you about something that happened to us to strengthen our faith in the principle of tithing. We have always trusted that paying tithing is a good thing to do, but not very long ago when we had no income, we started to notice incredible blessings during a stressful stint of unemployment. People popped up all over our lives with groceries and suggestions for places to apply and words of comfort. One of my friends just sat with me and cried. Isn't that nice? Against the backdrop of uncertainty, each of those little kindnesses seemed brighter and more powerful. That coupled with a ridonkulus tax return revealed to us that these were the "windows of heaven" pouring out blessings on us for paying our tithing.
So I want to be obedient, by golly. Because I love God and I know better and He blesses me beyond any amount of effort on my part.
6 comments:
I am so glad you are able to reap a few blessings now from your obedience earlier. Happy Day. Life is good :)
Mom! You are the comment queen! I am so impressed. I love to hear your thoughts. :)
I have always loved the saying "When God closes a door He opens a window." And for me, sometimes the window opens even wider than the door ever did.
You get what I'm sayin'.
You are missed here, but I'm happy for your sweet family. And did you hear Kyle is now the 2nd Counselor in the bishopric? Times be a'changin'! :)
Angie, YES! It was such a sad and scary thing when we were jobless, but there was so much good to come. Kyle was our home teacher at the time, you know, and he was always so confident for us. He said, "I know it seems like I should be worried for you, but I just feel like you guys are going to be great."
I loved that. He had so much confidence in us--but really in the Lord. I love his great faith. We miss you, too, and I am needing your amazing book suggestions! Are you back on Facebook? When things settle down a little for you I want to know every good thing to read!
I've been checking FB now and again, but haven't had too much time to read. Right now I'm reading _I am Malala_ and so far so good! I was hoping to finish it before the baby is here in 5 weeks, but I've been really sick and now I'm behind since I need to finish her quilt. Are you on Goodreads?
Kind of! I got an account for a class in college, but I haven't really used it since then. I will go dust it off and look you up! I can't believe it is only five weeks until baby!!! Congratulations and I hope you start feeling better soon.
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