Each Sunday I listen to the talks, lessons and miscellaneous conversations and search for a phrase or something among all the important things discussed to remember and stick with me. The speaker in sacrament meeting today talked about cleaning the building and the spiritual benefits of doing it. I sort of glossed over his words until he drew near the end. He talked about the pleasure and spiritual uplift he received when he was asked to clean the temple. And then those four words, spoken often, but rarely given justified attention, perhaps because of repetition, came out his mouth. "And I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who gives me the chance to grow, to give back to Him. I am so grateful to my Savior who sacrificed all for me." And on it went and for some reason my ears perked up and I knew I felt the same way.
I am so very grateful for a wonderful loving Heavenly Father and perfect older brother and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for friends who like to write, like me, and who are LDS and know the encouragement each of us needs. Each of my friends at latterday authors, even though I have not met any of you, I know you are the most wonderful people. You couldn't be any other way.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
The Lord's Suffering
Sunday evening and time to talk about something that bothers me now and again. It bothers me because I am the type of person I'm going to talk about now. We all have our struggles - the challenges our Lord places in our path back to Him - and we each cope with them in different ways. But one thing I've noted as strikingly similar and that is we all finds ways to complain.
At work we complain about the long hours or our boss who doesn't understand us and has his/her own agenda. We are frustrated with the long lines at the store, or the heavy traffic, or the children who also have their own agenda. We wonder why we were chosen to have to bear so much.
Now, when I begin to realize these feelings have overtaken me, and they do, I make an effort to refocus. I refocus and I encourage all who fall into this complaining trap to also refocus on the one person who suffered most of all. Our Lord and Savior, who I love more than anyone else, suffered at Gethsemane to the point of bleeding from every pore. And yet not a single word of complaint came forth from His mouth. So when we think about the things that weigh us down and overwhelm us in our mortal journey let us consider the Lord's suffering. For me, at least, my trials are really put in perspective.
Charlie
At work we complain about the long hours or our boss who doesn't understand us and has his/her own agenda. We are frustrated with the long lines at the store, or the heavy traffic, or the children who also have their own agenda. We wonder why we were chosen to have to bear so much.
Now, when I begin to realize these feelings have overtaken me, and they do, I make an effort to refocus. I refocus and I encourage all who fall into this complaining trap to also refocus on the one person who suffered most of all. Our Lord and Savior, who I love more than anyone else, suffered at Gethsemane to the point of bleeding from every pore. And yet not a single word of complaint came forth from His mouth. So when we think about the things that weigh us down and overwhelm us in our mortal journey let us consider the Lord's suffering. For me, at least, my trials are really put in perspective.
Charlie
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Showing off
This is our grandson, Calan. I guess since his parents have him plastered all over Facebook I can show him off here. I'm pretty attached so more photos may be forthcoming. Enjoy.
Charlie
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