This past week had a couple of uplifting moments.
Wednesday's temple assignment was really good. It was only my third day. The first two times were a little gut wrenching. Exactness is not always my friend and I have to work really hard to memorize word for word. Last week was more frustrating than the week before. The first week I got to learn mostly by myself, memorizing the way that works best for me. Last week, my trainer, wanted me to memorize the way that works best for him. After 30 minutes of not being able to put together two sentences, I asked if I could try it my way...just give me 15 minutes to my self. He came back and I had the whole section word perfect. I can feel the help of the Lord in fulfilling this responsibility and calling.
I was talking with my boss, Steve, who works the same night that I do, telling him that I look forward to an enjoyable evening at the temple. That the first two weeks were a little stressful and mentally draining. Wednesday night was a night that was enjoyable and very energizing. Heavenly Father knew I needed a spiritual boost that night. ALL the words just came to me, no matter where I was assigned. I got to spend an hour at the recommend desk and meet and greet the patrons coming to the temple that night. I have yet to start the learning the initiatory, but I know with effort (and prayer) it will come.
Sunday was a good day also...We had Stake PEC, Ward Conference, and I attended the ward I am assigned to.
Here are a few quotes that stood out to me that day.
- We can't continue to remain the same if we hope to reach our goals.
- Our bishop told us a story about when he was fishing in boat with his father and he had hooked a large salmon. His father grabbed the back of his pants and said these words "Just focus on what you are doing...I got you". Just like we need to do with our Father in Heaven - just focus on what we are doing because he's 'got you'.
- We need a fresh view of change - Look in the mirror and say "Where could I really change" and then do so honestly.
- He is waiting for us.
- The biggest "wow" moment was the instruction I received in Stake PEC. That we are our worst enemy when it comes to knowing the will of our Father. We think we know and we do things the way we think works best without listening to the Spirit and relying on personal revelation (received with effort on our part - Going to the Mount often (Temple) reading the maps (scriptures) and communication (prayer with our Father).
We read in the Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 17
8 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.
and 1 Nephi 18
1 And it came to pass that they did a worship the Lord, and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious b workmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the c ship.
2 Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.
3 And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did a pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord b showed unto me c great things
It is important to listen to the Spirit when we are asked to build a ship and to build it in the way our Heavenly Father wants it built and not the way we think it needs to be built.
Great day - Long Day, but great day!! And it ended with a visit from Rusty, Megan, Olive and Rosie.
