There have been a few things on my mind lately.
- Testify. Testify. Testify. Sometimes I feel like I say the same things over and over again in here. Sometimes I feel like I say the same things to my kids over and over and over while studying scriptures. Sometimes I feel like I’ve read the Book of Mormon so many times that I find myself rushing through sections because I know what they say … BUT … I need to continue to testify over and over and over again. And I need to seek deeper meaning in those words that are already engraven in my mind, and allow them to inspire my heart over and over and over again with their simple testimony of the Savior. The general authorities give talks over and over and over again on the same subjects. The Book of Mormon suggests preaching repentance over and over and over again. Repetition must be a necessity, so I need to keep doing it.
- I went to the temple the other night and did initiatory work. I haven’t done initiatory work in a really long time. You know when you find yourself in a peculiar place and then realize you are there for a reason you weren’t aware of? That was me. I can see the Lord’s hand directing my life far in advance of my awareness. Prior to that night in the temple, my heart was tender and repentance was deep in my mind. As I began initiatory work, I was overwhelmed at the words, “thy sins have been forgiven thee.” I got to hear it 4 times and each time felt the same. Me sitting, looking up at the temple worker who, with a gentle and loving smile, reassured me that in as much as I have had a true and honest heart, my sins were forgiven me. At that point, I knew the Lord brought me there to hear those words. I had scheduled the appointment long ago, but in His wisdom, He knew what I would need to hear. I’m so grateful for His love and awareness of me.
- I want my kids to know that it is okay to make mistakes. That people, good people even, do it. That they will do it at points in their lives. That I have made plenty in my life that I have had to work through. That we all can come back from them and shouldn’t dwell on them, but learn from them and keep moving forward. Likewise, we should allow that for other people as well. We should not hold people down to their mistakes. We shouldn’t judge them because of them. Rarely do we know their situation and circumstances, let alone actually understand it. It is for the Lord only, who knows and understands perfectly, to judge; we must only love.
