broken liahona

Normally a Liahona is supposed to help someone get to where they are wanting to go. Yesterday my Liahona broke... causing the reverse of helping! Right in the middle of the road my bike chain snapped, almost sending me to the pavement, as cars were wizzing right up to me. I scrambled out of the road luckily not injured laughing at myself and my silliness.

In the Book of Mormon Lehi and his family find a "round ball of curious workmanship...within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness." The Lord provided them with their own ancient day GPS, or in other words a Liahona. Nephi observed however that "...the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them...And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things."(1 Nephi 16:10,28-29)

The Lord will always provide a way for our escape, whether from a semi-busy road, or from the falling city Jerusalem. By faith in Jesus Christ and diligence in keeping His commandments we are helped. We must do our part to recieve the promised blessings of Eternal life with our Heavenly Father and His Divine Son. "...for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." (2 Nephi 25:23)

I needed hymn

A few weeks ago as we sat in an appointment I could tell there was something wrong with my teaching companion Sister McCracken. We had just sang to our dear friend so I told my companion to tell me what was bothering her using titles and first lines of the hymns only. It took a moment and to my surprise she did a great job. I understood what was wrong and we were able to move on with the lesson we were teaching.

Just last week I had another interesting and powerful experience with the hymns. I sat in yet another appointment being poked and tested again. My poor little mind began to be frightened and my nerves started to jitter me around a little. Immediately without thinking I began to sing one of my favorite hymns. "I need thee ev’ry hour, Most gracious Lord. No tender voice like thine Can peace afford.  I need thee, oh, I need thee; Ev’ry hour I need thee! Oh, bless me now, my Savior; I come to thee!" (I Need Thee Every Hour) With each word slipping through my scared little lips the nerves vanished and the tense pain of the appointment crawled away.  With my eyes closed and focusing on the spirit of the song another song instantly came into my mind and overwhelmed me with so much peace. "Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous... omnipotent hand."(How Firm a Foundation)

From this small and simple experience my testimony in Jesus Christ once again grew to a whole new level. I was scared and felt alone yet I knew He was with me. I am so thankful for His promise to His people in John 14:18 "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you" I know that day that Jesus Christ the Son of God came to me to comfort me! It was almost like He was singing right back to me. He knew I needed Him and He ran to my side. I am forever grateful for the love He has for me His unworthy servant.