Getting to know Him...

I think one of the comforting parts of trying to do what is right and relying on God is that I have been able to learn of Him.  He is kind and gentle.  He is patient. He believes in me. He intervenes when asked and will never make me do anything because He knows I learn best by choosing.  He is trustworthy.  He has sharp foresight.  He is loving.  He lives to teach, to bless, to persuade, to save, to comfort, to support and to strengthen.  And He is perfect.  Perfect in timing, consideration and forgiveness.  He is my Father and I want to be like Him.  I recognize these qualities in many of His servants and I can see it is in these qualities that we can measure our likeness to Him.

It's all good…

I was reading my scriptures today and wrote down some notes on a few of the following verses.  I know how important it is for me to put all my trust in the Lord even if I don't know what tomorrow will bring.  He provides support in everything and anything I need in order to be successful.

Alma 59: 11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our ^adeliverance in him.

This is another verse that stood out to me because of how much I want things to work out for the good of myself and my children.  He wants me to understand that if I want things to happen then I must submit my will to God .  I must pray, study, ponder the scriptures to find out His will first. Then once I know what it is I need to do, I ask for His help.  He will bless my efforts and multiply my outcomes. 

Alma 60:36 Behold, I am Moroni, your chief captain. I ^aseek not for power, but to pull it down. I ^bseek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country. And thus I close mine epistle.

In reading this last verse, the thought came to me, "God has already delivered you, what are you worried about? He already fulfilled his promises so many times before.  What is there really to worry about? If there is anyone to put your trust in, it is He. Don't worry.  Be at peace.  Everything is taken care of." 

Alma 61:21 See that ye ^astrengthen Lehi and Teancum in the Lord; tell them to fear not, for God will deliver them, yea, and also all those who ^bstand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free. And now I close mine epistle to my beloved brother, Moroni.

Spontaneous love

Yesterday while I was waiting at a doctor's office for an appointment, Alivia played with some toys.  I was on the other side of the room reading a magazine when I heard her yell, "Mommy, where are you?!"  I said, "I am right here, sweetie!"  She then without any hesitation yelled, "Mommy, I love you!" It was amazing. It was amazing she could say it so boldly in a room full of strangers.  Children are magical that way.  I think it is a wonderful example of the spontaneity in love.  How wonderful children are because they express what it is they feel without worry or caution.  They express what is in their heart without limitation or barrier.  I think this is one of the reasons why children are so pure. And hearing Alivia's pure heart express love to my heart made me feel so alive.  And isn't that the whole point of living?!  I know I came here to Earth to love.  To love others and myself withstanding all weaknesses and to love God because He is my Creator. And He is Love.

Multi-purposeful Love

I am reading this book and one of the parts I really like is where the author explains what it is about love that is so transcendent and powerful.  He writes, "The spiritual meaning of love is best measured by what it can do, which is many things."

Love can heal.

Love can renew.

Love can make us safe.

Love can inspire us with its power.

Love can bring us closer to God.

I have been the recipient of powerful doses of love.  This Christmas my friend Cyndi showed a lot of compassion towards me in a predicament I found myself in unexpectedly.  She told her sister about some recent stressors that came up a few days before Christmas and her sister expressed a desire to help in some way.  She wrote a check to me for $1,000.  Everything that happened the week prior that was very painful all of a sudden dissipated into nothing and I felt very loved.  Love can heal. Love can renew. Love can make us safe. Love can inspire us with its power. Love can bring us closer to God.  

I know the source of love is God and I remembered in this difficult time to turn to the Author himself.  I was needing some extra help finding an apartment.  I woke up one morning and knew I needed to just ask Him for help and plead my case.  He answered my prayers by the end of the day.  I felt really good about what I needed to do.  His love heals. His love renews.  His love makes me feels safe. His live inspires me.  His love draws me close.