Monday, February 2, 2009

Led by the hand

The last couple of weeks have been really hard and really wonderful all at once. Thinking back yesterday, I could see what I've been suspecting - that Heavenly Father's been perfectly and lovingly putting things in my path that have helped me take some needed changes in direction. A couple of those have been really hard, and pretty painful, but as I've tried to turn to Him, I have felt more loved, and closer to my Heavenly Father than I have in a long time. I love Him for not forgetting about me and for never giving up on me. I love Him for reminding me of important truths that I've been forgetting of late, like the fact that he answers our prayers and will give us personal revelation in many ways, that He will meet us half way (or much more than half way) as we take even a shaky, single step towards Him. I love Him for the trials and challenges He sends my way, and for His gentle reminders that it is wisdom in Him to have dealt with me after this manner. I love Him for weakening me in some ways so that He can help me be strong in others. I love Him for new and old callings that give me the opportunity to be useful and to serve. That stretch me, and force me to look (uncharacteristically) outside of myself. I love Him for the wonderful family that He blesses me with, and for parents who have both, over the last few weeks, said things that I have really needed to hear. Things that have come as answers to pleading prayers (though I probably haven't acknowledged it as such to them). I love Him for friends and siblings who have done the same. I love Him for the gift of hope, and for the wonderful healing and 'sun-rising' nature of that precious gift. I love Him for the words of unspeakable comfort and strength that I've been guided to in the scriptures and in the words of the modern day prophets. I love Him for my testimony, and for the gift He's blessed me with of believing easily (the 'following' I'm still working on, but the believing is never a problem, and I am always grateful for the enormous blessing that that is). I love Him for making me feel, over the past few weeks, like I can do hard things. Most of all, I love Him for His many, many tender mercies. For those times when I've asked Him to hold me hand and He has, and for those many times, when I should have asked and didn't, but that He held it anyway.

xo Tammy

6 comments:

breckster said...

Elder Holland spoke to our stake a few months ago. he said that now was the time to "stay in the boat." because no matter how rocky the ride is in the "safety" of the gospel boat, it will be even worse out side of the boat. You won't be able to survive outside the boat, so stay in the boat.

He also said this is a gospel of happy endings. It depressed me at the time because there were some blessings I didn't want to wait until the end to get. but I'm realizing that it is a million little happy endings, and one big one at the end of it all.

Sandy M. said...

You do pretty well with the 'following' too..
Elder Holland and Breckon give good advice.
xxoo

emilysuze said...

Thank goodness we have the gospel and a loving Heavenly Father to get us through these rough patches. It's also nice to have a mum from downunder who has great advice to give and great American friends who love you. :)

emilysuze said...

On a totally and completely random side note, I was watching "My Best Friend's Wedding" and got to the part where the three boys are sucking the helium out of the big, metal container and singing a sappy love song. For some reason, it made me think of singing mice, which made me think of us annoying Brecken with our rendition of "Blue Moon." :)

Abby said...

Tammy you remind me of your blessing on Sunday night - yours was amazing, I loved it. You're awesome, and I love you!!! You've aways been great, but it seems like you're sort of turning towards being happier and doing things that'll make you really happier now... hanging out with me and mum Friday night counts.. :)

xo

Unknown said...

Very nice post here! and yes God really do answer prayers...and do wonders in our lives!