In our couple scripture study, Clinton and I came across Helaman 12:1-5 (1-3 are quoted here, this is from the Book of Mormon):
1 And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and aprosper those who put their btrust in him.
2 Yea, and we may see at the very atime when he doth bprosper his people,...yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do dharden their hearts, and do eforget the Lord their God, and do ftrample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.
3 And thus we see that except the Lord doth achasten his people with many afflictions,... they will not cremember him.
Anyway, this scripture struck a chord with me. It does seem that when things are going well in my life, I can get lax about saying my prayers and reading my scriptures, but when times are tough, my prayers become so much more fervent and sincere, my scriptures become my life-line and my time with the Lord is greatly increased.
How sad that it sometimes takes chastening for me to keep the Lord an active part of my life. He is so willing to bless me and does so when I put my trust in Him. It seems there is a pattern. We're blessed and content--we end up becoming lazy, the Lord sends trials our way to help us remember Him, we are humbled and seek His comfort and blessings, He blesses us, we're blessed--we become lazy/proud...etc.
If only I could keep my focus always on the Lord! I am so grateful for His love and mercy for me, despite my weaknesses. He is a wonderful example of how to love and forgive. I love that this scripture says He loves and prospers those who trust Him, and if people aren't loving or trusting Him, He'll provide trials that will bring them back to Him and He'll bless them even more! What a great way to be!
Ha ha:
It feels like the innards of a tornado outside; the wind is a-blowin' somethin' fierce! Peter was fairly insistent that we "brave it" anyway and go for a walk. Well, as you probably imagine, the wind was blowing everything everywhere. Garbage cans were knocked over, branches had fallen from trees and leaves were everywhere.
Now, I won't call him an idiot, but this doofus in my neighborhood was actually outside blowing his leaves off his grass with a leaf blower...while the wind was still howling! I actually stood there and watched him for a few minutes, totally dumbfounded (or shall I say, I found the dumbo?). He'd blow the leaves, turn his back to work on another section, turn back around and re-blow the leaves that had blown back and then he'd start the cycle over again.
Um...am I the only one who thinks this is an ineffective way to clear one's yard of leaves?
It's so true! We rely more on the Lord when life is too hard for us to handle on it's own. In retrospect, we are grateful for the trials I suppose. But yeah, I could be better about always remembering Him. And leafblower in the wind??? Seriously!?
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