sticky notes of love

My mind is racing all over the place! It has been a crazy last few days. I have been out of my normal area and in Jacksonville. I was not used to all the traffic and the hustle and bustle of the city. I missed my little Country town. I missed the zillions of stars and the quiet, peaceful back roads. I was so thankful to be back into my own area. Coming back meant bringing a new companion with me. Fear soon settled into my mind and the thought of "starting over" played over and over in my head. It was not a thought that I wanted. But the tender mercies of the Lord were all over when we walked into our apartment.

My former Companion had put sticky notes all over my wall to thank me. Even though I didn't feel like I had done anything. On each note was something that she liked about me or something that I had taught her. Tears settled in and I could feel the Spirit testify to me that what I was doing was right. That is one of the best feelings ever. These last few days have taught me a lot about being humble. Preach my Gospel talks about humility. It says when you are humble "You are confident that you can do whatever the Lord requires of you if you rely on Him." I will not lie to you. I have a hard time being humble. But I am so thankful for the lessons that I have learned about this Christ like attribute!

I cant explain to you the exact moment that humbled me. I cant pin point my feelings that helped me learn this valuable lesson but I am so grateful that it happened. I have full faith and trust in my Savior Jesus Christ. One of my favorite Scriptures is Alma 26:12, "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak.."  I was trying to take on the world by myself, but was brought to realize that I am not alone in this. Through all the events and advice that I have been given the last week or so I have learned so much! James E. Faust said  "...It is the humility that allows us to accept and live with our own warts, without cosmetics to hide them.” Step back for a second! Think of the Lord and all that He has done for you. The marvelous things that He has planned for you and I promise that you will be brought to humility. You will come to know just like I did that I can not do it alone but with Him I can do all things!

tender mercies

As we were studying this morning we got a phone call telling us to walk outside and look at the sun rising behind the trees near our apartment. What a beautiful sight! The clouds were covering the clear blue sky, light broke through in 2 or 3 sections sending rays of sunlight streaming down to the waking world below. My first thought was how beautiful it was. I stood there in aw thinking of all the wonderful things that our Heavenly Father has created. In those small moments as I watched, silently thinking of the Father, I felt love. A tender mercy of His overwhelming love! What perfect timing it was!

 David A Bednar said "I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them."

He goes on to explain what a tender mercy is. "I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase 'the tender mercies of the Lord.' Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."

Each and everyday we are blessed with tender mercies from our Father. He loves us and he wants us to feel His love. I know that as you look for these moments that they will mean more to you. I know that you will feel His love. I have felt these tender mercies in many ways. It is an overwhelming and capturing feeling.

I am so grateful for my Father in Heaven. He is very aware of each of my needs and my desires. He is aware of my pains and my struggles. In the very moment when he sends that tender mercy, I feel on top of the world. Everything disappears and I am filled with His love!