As Nephi concludes his account of his great vision, he explains that in the last days “if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks “ (1 Nephi 14:1). Sometimes I think we take for granted all that the Lord does for us. We consider it coincidence or don’t even stop to realize what blessings we have been given. Sometimes we need to be jolted into realizing what we have. To help me be more aware, I am going about my day looking for the words, the power, the deeds that the Lord is sending my way and especially I am watching for the ways that He is taking away my stumbling blocks. I am trying to be more alert and able to acknowledge His hand in my life. And I have been surprised. Just when I need it someone tells me the words I need to hear or does something for me just when I need a deed done. I’m getting better at remembering that the Lord often works through others and recognizing that He put those people and it is a manifestation of his power and love for me.
I think being aware and being more grateful are keys to receiving another blessing Nephi talks about a few verses later. In that verse Nephi says that he “beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory” (1 Nephi 14:14).
I want to be armed at all times with righteousness and the power of God. I think being more aware of the Lord working in my life will help me in that quest.
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5 comments:
Sherrie - I sure enjoyed your words and music today at the RS Conference. It was such a wonderful meeting! Thank you!
Here are a couple of lines from my patriarchal blessing that I've always appreciated: "...you will have stumbling blocks come before you. There will be friends raised up to help you over them. Use these stumbling blocks as stepping stones..."
I've seen the Lord bless my life through friends and family members over and over again. And your blog posts are often just the thing I need to read to help me re-adjust my thinking or perception. :)
My mom said she she gave you a hug from me today. I felt bad that I couldn't go because I really wanted to come. However, I had a bit of an emotional episode at 5:30 this morning and thought it best to stay away from big crowds of people today--which seems to be a trigger for me, unfortunately.
She also shared with me many of the things from the talks. I especially liked the part about there being a clear connection between gladness and gratitude. I certainly believe that. Even though I have very unexpected ups and downs with my emotions (regardless of what I do at times!), I know that, as I am grateful, I am able to feel more joy, even on the very difficult days. :)
P.S. I love the lyrics you wrote to "Lift Up Your Heart"--my also brought me over a program just now. :)
P.P.S. I meant to say my MOM brought me over the program. :D
Kellie, Thank you so much. I didn't see you there. You should have come given me a hug!
Wendi, I'm sorry you couldn't come either. I was hoping to see you. I do hope you get feeling better. xoxoxo
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