Day 16.

I am thankful for the scriptures, for words from living prophets.

I set a goal this year to read the Book of Mormon (again) and to take my time, really studying and pondering what I read.  I wanted my study to remind me of my days in seminary, when my scriptures were all marked-up.  I may not be very far into the book, but the knowledge I have gained exceeds the amount of pages that could be bookmarked.

Today, as I was reading, a light was turned on.  There was something that was new to me.  Something that meant more to me than it did in previous readings.  It gave me great hope and comfort.

As if to prove a point, I was reading later in the Ensign, and the same thing happened.  I was reading a conference talk by Elder Bednar.  It was one that I listened intently to during this last conference, but in reading it, promises given to us stood out as if in bold font.  Another great blessing.  Another comfort.

I am so thankful to have these words, this encouragement and guidance from a loving Heavenly Father.   

So blessed.

I am feeling extremely blessed today.

It’s not just today in particular.  I have seen the hand of my Heavenly Father in my life more frequently.  I am so thankful for so many things. 

I have been doing so many private posts lately, not wanting to put ALL of it out there.  My worries are my worries.  While I don’t want to share everything with everyone, and quite frankly, most of what I worry about seems so small and insignificant in comparison to what we see in the world today, I just keep it to myself.  They consist of tender mercies and experiences that I am just not ready to share with everyone.

I have been trying to get back to the basics.  There have been many lessons taught  that are further strengthening that resolve.  They come from all over, not just Sunday meetings, but in other inspired writings, whether they be the scriptures, or what a random blogger has written.  They come from inspired friends and family sharing their knowledge.

I have to bear my testimony today of prayer, of the Book of Mormon, and the study of scripture.

As I continually pray for comfort, I am continually blessed.  As I search out the best decisions to make, I am always guided.   It seems like life has been a sort of a puzzle lately.  With school starting again, trying to find the time to do all those things that need to be done, managing a household as well, I have been praying for guidance and comfort.  Yesterday for some reason, was a particularly worrisome day for me.  (Maybe it has something to do with Ashley starting school this week…)  I prayed constantly.  As the nighttime approached, I said my private prayer, and left my worries and stresses in the hands of my loving Heavenly Father.

This morning, I started my day again with prayer with the girls, and we set out about our day.  It is amazing how much I am able to accomplish when I go about things in the right order, just how much I am blessed!  Today hasn’t been any different.  I have prayed for help with my goals, re-establishing good habits, and as I go about, trying to do those things that I have set out to do, I get them done.

I know I have help.

I sat to read my scriptures, and yet again, was blessed.

I won’t post the entire reference here, but a link (in case you are interested), and some of what touched my heart today.

My reading was 2 Nephi Chapter 4:

“ 20 My God hath been my ^asupport; he hath led me through mine ^bafflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

  21 He hath filled me with his ^alove, even unto the ^bconsuming of my flesh.”

“23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me ^aknowledge by ^bvisions in the night-time.

  24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty ^aprayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.”

“34 O Lord, I have ^atrusted in thee, and I will ^btrust in thee forever. I will not put my ^ctrust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his ^dtrust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

  35 Yea, I know that God will give ^aliberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ^bask ^cnot amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the ^drock of my ^erighteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.”

I KNOW that these scriptures were preserved by the hand of the lord to be brought forth in these times for our benefit.  I know that we have  loving Heavenly Father who only waits for us to ask for His help, and He lovingly and willingly blesses us.

I am so thankful for the comfort I have.

(I just wish I would have received some direction as to NOT putting on my make up BEFORE I read this!)

Here's the "DL"...

What a weekend!!! Had the funeral on Saturday... The primary kids did so well, although I have never heard "I am a Child of God", sound so sad. Randy did a great job! It was amazing how he got through that feat. All-in-all it was a very emotional day. It definitely gets you thinking about priorities. I was already having a hard time, then, when I went to leave the church, I could hear the bagpipes playing for him up on the hill... they always get me. Maybe it's the Scot in me... There have been so many blessings because of the events that took place one week ago.
I have decided that I want to be a scriptorian ( when I finally grow up...). My mom is so knowledgeable in the scriptures. I could call her anytime this last week with any question, and she knew the answer. I want to be just like her. I bought a little notebook, Peyton Green of course, and that will be my special place to write down what I learn. I want to be able to help my kids one day too. I should school myself better.
Yesterday was such a beautiful day. All went well getting ready for church. Got there a little early too!!! Ash went to her class and stayed there!!! Lynn read the scripture, no problem. It did help that I bribed them both with gum.
The blessing was awesome. Merrill always does such a good job. I prayed the night before and even that morning to have my mind calmed, to have questions that I have had about Peyton answered. Those prayers... He always answers them!
I missed Grandpa & Grandma Wallace. Grandma keeps getting worse, and when she is better, it is never as good as the time before she got bad. Grandpa didn't want to leave her side. I did make coconut cupcakes just for him... I sent some home with mom. I heard he was so happy to get them. I love my Grandpa!
Sophie lost a tooth last night. Lynn was a little freaked out. She now doesn't want to lose any teeth... Today, I spent the day doing laundry, making some headbands, with Brooke's help in cutting and turning pieces, sorry for the raw fingers! I don't have Lynn and Ashley's finished, and I still have buttons to sew on them, but here's Peyton's... Brooke also took some good pics of Pey in her blessing dress. I tried last night, she would do nothing but cry. I did get her all posed and cute, then Ash had to jump at her, get in her face (or "bace" as Ash would say it,) and scare her... that darn kid (Ashley, that is...)!