While in the MTC I was trying to be perfect...not too unusual for me. I was human. I was trying to learn the Korean language. I was trying to be a perfect missionary with pure, perfect thoughts. I expected myself to have a perfect testimony. I wanted to remember every scripture, quote, concept that we were taught. etc. etc. Well...I kept failing. That was tough.
At some point, I don't remember which week, I was saying my personal evening prayers in Korean. I said, "I know thou doest love me." Immediately a very clear thought came to me, "Do you? Do you know I love you, daughter?" And then there was a feeling of 'because I do,' though there were no words. I started crying, of course...sort of like I am right now. I didn't know. I had been taught it my whole life, yet I did not know. I was trying to be perfect and was missing the main part of the gospel. God loves us. Me. Sometimes I still forget. When this happens I remember that night on the top bunk in an MTC dorm when Heavenly Father made sure I personally knew that He loved me. How grateful I am for the Holy Ghost and how He can teach and comfort us.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
feeling promptings
so, I am new at this....blogging that is,
and this is the dad speaking.
Feeling a prompting should come frequently....I believe the Lord is constantly sending messages to us, but since we tend to be a fallen race (fallen men) we do not, as a general rule, do a very good job of receiving. President Monson is a fantastic living example of a son of God who follows promptings.
That being said, I do not compare very well to his example. But I have actually paid attention to a few promptings sent my way. One, I remember very well....
We were having stake temple day in Oregon...I had done several sessions that day...and it was one of the last sessions....
I was involved in the prayer thingy (not sure if you should talk to much about the ceremony lest you become casual about the temple...so I opt for "thingy")
Sister Martin was also there...and the guy giving the prayer said "bless those who came with a need for a blessing"....suddenly, as clear as a slap in the head, I had the thought "sister Martin really doesn't want to be blind" Now, that was a real shot...and I pondered how we often take our position in life for granted...not the ungrateful "for granted", but the "we can't change it" type of for granted. So I approached her, and had a great experience in giving her a blessing later that evening at her home (with Bro. Marshall) The Lord really blessed her, I am thankful I listen that one time to the Lord....."She really doesn't want to be blind" I hope we never want to be blind
Love Dad
and this is the dad speaking.
Feeling a prompting should come frequently....I believe the Lord is constantly sending messages to us, but since we tend to be a fallen race (fallen men) we do not, as a general rule, do a very good job of receiving. President Monson is a fantastic living example of a son of God who follows promptings.
That being said, I do not compare very well to his example. But I have actually paid attention to a few promptings sent my way. One, I remember very well....
We were having stake temple day in Oregon...I had done several sessions that day...and it was one of the last sessions....
I was involved in the prayer thingy (not sure if you should talk to much about the ceremony lest you become casual about the temple...so I opt for "thingy")
Sister Martin was also there...and the guy giving the prayer said "bless those who came with a need for a blessing"....suddenly, as clear as a slap in the head, I had the thought "sister Martin really doesn't want to be blind" Now, that was a real shot...and I pondered how we often take our position in life for granted...not the ungrateful "for granted", but the "we can't change it" type of for granted. So I approached her, and had a great experience in giving her a blessing later that evening at her home (with Bro. Marshall) The Lord really blessed her, I am thankful I listen that one time to the Lord....."She really doesn't want to be blind" I hope we never want to be blind
Love Dad
Saturday, February 20, 2010
New Talk: Prayer and Promptings
Hi-ya family.
It is time to change the conference talk. We are now reading Prayer and Promptings by President Boyd K. Packer. This talk is beautiful. Part way through the talk President Packer shares how the Spirit speaks to us. He starts by saying, "That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration..." Later he shares an experience of the Lord answering a prayer and says, "this process is not reserved for the prophets alone."
Family, we have each been baptized and confirmed into the Lord's church. This means that we have the gift of the Holy Ghost, what a marvelous blessing this is. We are not prophets, but we can still have our prayers answered and feel the Holy Ghost guide/teach/comfort us. Here is the prompt for you:
Based off of President Packer's quote teaching us what the Spirit feels like, tell an experience where you felt the Spirit. How did you feel it? What did He prompt you to do or what did He comfort you in?
You need not share experiences that are too sacred and reserved for only times when the Lord prompts you to share it with another person. I am sure there are plenty of other times you have felt the Spirit that you can share with us.
I love you family!
It is time to change the conference talk. We are now reading Prayer and Promptings by President Boyd K. Packer. This talk is beautiful. Part way through the talk President Packer shares how the Spirit speaks to us. He starts by saying, "That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration..." Later he shares an experience of the Lord answering a prayer and says, "this process is not reserved for the prophets alone."
Family, we have each been baptized and confirmed into the Lord's church. This means that we have the gift of the Holy Ghost, what a marvelous blessing this is. We are not prophets, but we can still have our prayers answered and feel the Holy Ghost guide/teach/comfort us. Here is the prompt for you:
Based off of President Packer's quote teaching us what the Spirit feels like, tell an experience where you felt the Spirit. How did you feel it? What did He prompt you to do or what did He comfort you in?
You need not share experiences that are too sacred and reserved for only times when the Lord prompts you to share it with another person. I am sure there are plenty of other times you have felt the Spirit that you can share with us.
I love you family!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Share one thought
For this talk, just post one thought you had while reading the talk. I was going to share many of my thoughts as you can see by my numbering them, but took too long on one. You don't have to read it all though.
We'll do prompt questions as we become more familiar with the process and consistent in checking our blog spot.
We'll do prompt questions as we become more familiar with the process and consistent in checking our blog spot.
Thoughts on Elder Scott's Talk
I am going to write a few thoughts that I had while reading through Elder Scott's talk.
1. I frequently wonder if something I feel is the Spirit or just me talking in my head. Because I am unsure I have a hard time following what I feel.
Elder Scott says that, "[My] confidence in the direction [I] receive from the Holy Ghost will become stronger...as [I] consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit."
This is true. I have heard similar thoughts expressed by others and have always believed their words. Only recently have I truly applied this principle though and have gained a first hand testimony of it. Learning to recognize and follow the Spirit takes a great deal of trust, humility and courage. It also takes a long time. Elder Scott said, "I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit." Those words were encouraging. My slow progress is not unusual, in fact, it is expected.
Here is my firsthand experience. Read it if you want to but if you don't have the time, I am not offended when you don't...and I'll never know. Here you go:
You all know that I have recently graduated and am trying to figure out what to do next in my life. I have consistently prayed and gone to the temple about my future. I have searched out many options and I feel the Spirit guiding me as I do so. More often than not I feel at peace even when there is nothing certain before me. This is very strange for me. Remember when I prayed about a major, going on a mission, Andy? I made myself ill over those decisions. I did not feel peace and could not feel the Spirits direction. Why the difference? I attribute it to my testimony in Heavenly Father's love for me and my willingness to listen and trust Him consistently.
I am learning more and more of God's love for me. He truly wants me to be happy. This is important to remember when it comes time to be humble and trust Him. He has told me to walk down certain paths and I remind Him that if I do then I can't do that or that. You see, I keep trying to weasel all my dreams into my immediate future. This is not possible. I decided to let Heavenly Father decided what I am to do next. Once I let go of my dream, my schedule, my choice, my life, peace came. I can now feel the Spirit guide and have the courage to follow Him because I do not have my own agenda.
Since graduating I have been more consistent in listening and following the promptings of the Spirit both when I ask for direction and not. I believe this is why I am recognizing the Spirit more often and have felt at peace more consistently than I ever have in my life.
Love you guys-
1. I frequently wonder if something I feel is the Spirit or just me talking in my head. Because I am unsure I have a hard time following what I feel.
Elder Scott says that, "[My] confidence in the direction [I] receive from the Holy Ghost will become stronger...as [I] consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit."
This is true. I have heard similar thoughts expressed by others and have always believed their words. Only recently have I truly applied this principle though and have gained a first hand testimony of it. Learning to recognize and follow the Spirit takes a great deal of trust, humility and courage. It also takes a long time. Elder Scott said, "I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit." Those words were encouraging. My slow progress is not unusual, in fact, it is expected.
Here is my firsthand experience. Read it if you want to but if you don't have the time, I am not offended when you don't...and I'll never know. Here you go:
You all know that I have recently graduated and am trying to figure out what to do next in my life. I have consistently prayed and gone to the temple about my future. I have searched out many options and I feel the Spirit guiding me as I do so. More often than not I feel at peace even when there is nothing certain before me. This is very strange for me. Remember when I prayed about a major, going on a mission, Andy? I made myself ill over those decisions. I did not feel peace and could not feel the Spirits direction. Why the difference? I attribute it to my testimony in Heavenly Father's love for me and my willingness to listen and trust Him consistently.
I am learning more and more of God's love for me. He truly wants me to be happy. This is important to remember when it comes time to be humble and trust Him. He has told me to walk down certain paths and I remind Him that if I do then I can't do that or that. You see, I keep trying to weasel all my dreams into my immediate future. This is not possible. I decided to let Heavenly Father decided what I am to do next. Once I let go of my dream, my schedule, my choice, my life, peace came. I can now feel the Spirit guide and have the courage to follow Him because I do not have my own agenda.
Since graduating I have been more consistent in listening and following the promptings of the Spirit both when I ask for direction and not. I believe this is why I am recognizing the Spirit more often and have felt at peace more consistently than I ever have in my life.
Love you guys-
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