His Heart ... My Heart!

I love it when I receive tender mercies in the middle of what seems like an ordinary day.
There was nothing special about this day and I was just sitting in the congregation singing the hymn, God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son (#187), when the words in the last verse stood out to me and touched my heart.

vs 3
"Oh, Love effulgent, love divine!  What debt of gratitude is mine, That in his off'ring I have part And hold a place within his heart."

I HOLD A PLACE WITHIN HIS HEART!

This isn't new revelation to me - it's something I've known before - but today it just touched me in a tender way, and I am grateful for it.   Indeed, He holds a place within my heart!  

All You Can Do

 

 

All you can do is the best you can do. 

And that is all God expects. 

They (God and Christ) can fill in what we cannot do.

 

Heard this somewhere and loved it!  Maybe I've saved it here before, but I left the paper trail and am now getting rid of it, so I had to make sure I have it saved (even if it's saved again).

With God All Things Are Possible

Still Pondering this from Chapter 14 of Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Lorenzo Snow:

"God will add His strength to our efforts"

"Where the Lord plants us, there we are to stand; when he requires us to exert ourselves for the support of these holy principles, that we are to do; that is all we need to trouble ourselves about; the rest our Heavenly Father will take care of."

President Snow "knew in whom he trusted and therefore was able to endure every hardship, every opposition and overcome every obstacle."

After becoming President of the Church President Snow said that "There was no use in his making excuses as to inability etc., to assume the vast responsibilities involved in the position .... He felt that it was for him to do the very best he could and depend upon the Lord"

And a little something from the conversation during the lesson:
Though I don't remember the exact quote or story the thing I felt impressive was that individuals and families should have their FHE, attend seminary, have prayer and scripture study, etc. to help strengthen individuals and families so that each can be a good example to those around them. 
And, do not remove yourself from places (like a public school for instance), but strive to be the example the world needs.  Of course this does not mean that you remain in an undesirable and improper place or surrounding. 

Dark vs Light

I found this while searching for things to use in the 4th of July flag raising program.  I wrote the quote on a note page but neglected to write the source from where it was found.

 

Darkness ceases to exist when the Light of One flame still burns.

 

 

A Bitter Heart

For a while now I have given thought to a certain time in my life when my heart was bitter about my circumstances and conditions.   Each time I have thought about it I have also felt inspired to share my story here.  I have attempted to write it several times, but have also hesitated each time knowing that it would incriminate me. I really am embarrassed by it.  Listening to General Conference prodded me, so once again I attempted to complete this story but didn't succeed.  Attending Skyler's college graduation was the final prod I needed, and I am sitting to complete it for the final attempt.  This experience isn't something that I am proud of or pleased with, aside from the fact that I am grateful to have been able to recognize and overcome the evil within. 

I want to start out by saying that I love my children - each and every one of them.  This story in no way should, nor is intended to make any statement contrary to that fact.

My story is about hearts.  They are our very life.  But this story isn't about the beating of a heart in a physical sense, but about the spiritual part of the heart, which in many ways is just as important.  Our hearts are what help us feel ..., really feel.  Therefore we need to keep them happy and never harbor hatred or bitterness.  For hatred and bitterness are destroyers of happiness and joy and peace.

Okay, enough preface, on with my story -

After having a few boys added to our family I really wanted a girl. At one point I was feeling rather bitter about things and wondering why Heavenly Father wasn't answering what I thought was a righteous desire and request. 
Don't get me wrong - I loved (and still love) my boys, each one of them, and wouldn't trade any of them for anyone or any thing else. But that love didn't stop me from wanting a girl too. I know that there are others out there who at the same time would have given anything for a child - girl or boy, so why should I complain?  (I might add, that I have felt that feeling for a short time in my life too.)  I also saw at the same time that there were young girls out there who shouldn't even be having children, getting pregnant and having a girl.  What was up with that?  Are you sensing the bitterness I was feeling?  I'm just trying to paint this picture as it really was - telling it like it is type of thing.

I'm not sure how many boys I had before I began feeling so bitter about it, and I'm sure it was a gradual thing, but I can especially remember one experience (and can vividly envision it in my mind as I think back on it today) when I wept bitterly and felt almost angry against the Lord for not granting me this blessing.  I was telling my visiting teachers about my desire and while doing so I was able to feel my body tremble and a coldness overcome me.  I remember recognizing that I was "out of control" ..., this was not what I wanted to feel.  I was not who I wanted to be.  I didn't like that bitter feeling inside of me.  The Lord's Spirit had left me.  These sweet sisters listened lovingly, and surely wondered what to say or do that could console me.  I'm sure the Lord was inspiring them because they said and did exactly what I needed at the time.  Even though I don't remember their exact words, I do remember the love they expressed to me and the hope they gave me as they shared their love for me and their love for the Lord.   I wish I could remember their words, but do recognize that what I felt may have come from more than spoken words.   I knew then that I needed to pray for forgiveness and come to terms with the fact that I did not have a daughter.  I had to remember to trust in the Lord, to love Him.  Possibly most importantly,  I knew that my prayers needed to change from "please give me a daughter" to "please give me peace".   I had to stop dwelling on my discouragement and start dwelling on something that would take my heart to a happy place.  Christ would be that happy place.

I can tell you that my prayers did change and my heart changed also.  In time, I recognized that I had come a long way.  After my seventh son I was feeling a great peace and even felt comfortable with being done with our family of seven boys. There was no bitterness left in me.  I felt good inside.  I felt peace and love from above.  I was content.  I was happy.  It was a great feeling and I was grateful for it.

My story doesn't end there, but it could have and life would have been great because I had found a happy place.  I find it interesting that it was only after this peace came to me that I was given a daughter. Child number eight, that I wasn't sure I was even going to have, was a surprise package ready to be dressed in pink (at least for a few years).   And to prove His love for me, the Lord then sent us one more son, child number nine, to complete our family. 

There is much more to this story that I left unsaid, but I am grateful for the change of heart that took place, and for those two sisters who truly were inspired to encourage and love and inspire me to be a better person.  Their hearts were where they needed to be when I needed them.  I am so grateful for that.   One of those sisters has since past away, but I will remember her always because of the love shared from her heart to mine that day.  The other sister remains my friend and without even knowing, continues to touch my heart in numerous ways.  They each hold a special place in my heart.

I have learned that true joy comes from what Christ sends us, whatever that is.  It does not always come from our desires, though sometimes we are lucky enough that those two things are the same.  It's how we handle what He sends us that makes us who we are and guides us to a happy place.

I love this quote - it fits perfectly for my story - I must remember this for all areas of my life!

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
― Maya Angelou


Because the quotes I heard at Skyler's graduation are still recent enough for me to remember, I am adding them here. You'll probably see why they prompted me to continue writing my story.   As usual, I will enjoy reading the conference messages to remind myself of those great words, and maybe I'll share some of those thoughts as I come to them.

Quotes from April 2013 BYU-I  graduation: (FYI - these were each from different speakers)

- "In all thy getting get understanding" and "lean not unto thine own understanding but trust in the Lord" (two scriptures that fit so well together)

 

- "This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it" (quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson)

 

- "How we react to our failures can be more important than how we react to our successes"

I thought I was going to close here, but another thought keeps coming to my mind - it's a phrase in a children's book, and maybe even the title of it - Better Move On Frog! 
(I don't remember the story of that book, but the title is what fits here.)
When we find our hearts becoming hardened or bitter we'd better move on to a happier place, and we'd better recognize that the happier place is closer to Christ and His teachings.  That's all there is to it.  Forget and forgive and move on.


and lastly - a Japanese Proverb



image from here




Finding Joy in the Journey, Terry's talk

(I've been wanting to add this for a long time now, and just thought of it again, so, with Terry's permission, here is the talk he gave November 2011.)

The journey through life has a handrail. That handrail is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is there to give direction, comfort and stability to all who choose to use it.

When we are very young the handrail is set at the height of our mother’s hand.  As we get older it is elevated slightly but easy to hold on to.  In our primary years it begins to become more important to us.  As youth our handrail offers instruction as well as support.  These gospel instructions are in the For Strength of Youth, the Church magazines, parental counsel, the scriptures, YW and YM, Sunday School, Sacrament meetings, prayer, seminary and all wholesome and proper activities and all things that the gospel offers.

 A little bit later this handrail leads to the temple, missions, sealings, baptisms for the dead, joyful family life, and in the end to eternity.  The handrail provided by the Savior is the most sure way of finding joy in this our journey through mortality.

 It has been said “Life is not about the destination, but the journey.”  We know that the proper journey is the most important for it leads to the proper destination.

 Have you ever been hiking in the mountains knowing you’re on the right path?  Doesn’t this give you peace and comfort and allow you to see your beautiful surroundings, rather than worrying where you are headed?  Being on the right path leads to a joyful journey!

This does not mean we won’t get tired sometimes.  Jesus himself was weary from His journey and sat down at that ancient Jacobs well to rest.  He wasn’t tired from His assignment from His Father, but His physical being needed rest.  It was here He met the woman to whom he introduced Himself as the Messiah saying; “I that speak to thee am He.”

I have a friend who when we talk always brings up his family.  Our last conversation he said, “I have a good wife and my kids don’t disappoint me!”  This is similar to what John said to Gaius by letter stating; “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”  Knowing and walking in the truth brings joy to the journey.

 There are many journeys discussed in the scriptures.  Even the Plan of Salvation was instituted to help us on our journey.  All Christ does in Heaven and on earth, both as a Sprit and then born of Mary, is to allow us to return to Him and our Father in Heaven.  Adam and Eve initiated this earthly journey.

 Moses led a vast group of Israelites for 40 years as they journeyed in the wilderness.  Who supported them in their wanderings?  Who provided the manna?  Who provided the water from a rock?  Who gave them the Ten Commandments?  It was Jehovah, the Spirit son of Heavenly Father!  Who provides for us now?  Who delivers us from the grave?  Who extends His forgiveness that we may repent and be clean and come unto Him?  Jesus Christ, as the physical and spiritual Son of Heavenly Father.

 We on this earthly journey can find joy in knowing we are not alone.  Knowing God knows and understands and loves each of us brings joy to the journey.

There are many other scriptural accounts from which to learn.  Joseph who was sold into Egypt journeyed with a band of Ishmaelites, was re-sold to Potiphar, was put over his whole house, was imprisoned and eventually, through never losing faith or sight of who he was, saved the entire nation from famine, and his father’s household as well.

 Ammon, our great missionary friend and a true Nephite, journeyed to the kingdom of Lamoni.  Through his strength in the Lord and his own diligence Ammon found favor in the eyes of Lamoni and taught him and his whole kingdom the gospel.  Ammon was such a great representative of the Lord that Lamoni contended with his father.  Then Ammon defended him with the sword and so great was the power of the Lord in Ammon that later Lamoni’s father and all his household were converted.  This conversion was because Aaron helped king Lamoni’s Father understand the gospel.  The king had a similar experience as his son and was truly converted.  The king said in prayer; “I will give up all my sins to know thee.”

Both King Lamoni and his father were thinking everything was fine in their kingdoms.  They were the top dogs, period!  But they learned they were in error.  They had the faith and the strength and courage to change. There is great joy in the journey through repentance and coming more fully unto Christ.

 As many of you know, Elaine is the author of an internet blog.  She keeps many informed and encouraged through her “We are Family” site.  I know several of you are nearly addicted to her writings.  This seems to be an important help to those who want to know of the goings on in our house.  Even though this, at times, is a nearly daily responsibility, Elaine finds joy in helping others. There is joy in the journey through being of service.  Those who help others be happy are usually happy.

 We each have our own journey.  Many times we experience things we never thought we would.  Sometimes we feel all is well.  Sometimes we feel like the top dog in our own kingdom or career or livelihood or family or whatever.  There are seasons of life when we know we are not.  No one is immune to hard times or difficulties.  The only choice we have is how we will handle them.  With the handrail of the gospel we know we can make it through gracefully.

 I would like to share a personal experience of someone who I believe handled life well.  On my very first chemo treatment my body was not used to receiving such strong foreign materials that were being introduced into it that day.  When this happened things got sort of rough and I threw up.  After some medication and time to settle down, the elderly lady to my left asked,  “What are you in for?”  It sounded like a question from a prison inmate; but I knew what she meant.  I told her and she asked, “Are you willing to accept some advice?”  I said “sure, to which she said, “You have to remember three things. You have to be positive, you have to have faith, and you have to pray.”  I said, “I believe all of that!” and she said, touching me on the arm, “You’re going to be fine!”  She knew because she lived it, and I could tell!  She’s right.

 Partly because of her influence on March 2^nd 2010, just prior to going to the cancer center, the following was written;

I’m Fine

Having cancer is like the throwing of a rock into a peaceful pool.  In many instances it can be very unsettling and disruptive.  Many times the cherished peace no longer remains.

There are times though that the scene can be a thing of beauty.  Perhaps the rocking of the gentle waves can set a floating leaf to dance, lively and delighted and made happy by the new found energy.

To the observer the ripples may extend clear to the ponds edge where they may seem to be an harassment to a slumbering frog, seeming to be a never ending teasing at which he wants to smile but never even blinks.  Is he pleased by this?  It’s hard to say.  He stays.

In other ways this cancer rock penetrating the calm becomes a nuisance, as to the fish who lurked below just ready to dine on a mosquito now no longer visible nor available for his favorite lunch.  If that rock had not entered the water things could be different.

For many the hope is that the rock will settle on the ponds floor, being seized upon by the mud and debris and for ever there remain.  Probably for all who have cancer this is the wish.  Out of sight but never out of mind we wish for its demise in obscurity.

In an odd way though, many of us as owners, are grateful for this rock.  For though the disruptions and loss of calm, we become enlivened by the goodness of the constant ripple of kindness that seems to never end.  We have loved ones and care givers and other good people whom we never expected to ever know who have brought hope and help and faith and prayer and a positive attitude. We have doctors and nurses who never blink, who keep their eyes fixed upon the goal of making us well.  There are many through unseen efforts who are working to ensure that the rock remains submersed. If my rock should ever resurface I hope it won’t recognize me.

Sadly for many the splash is only the beginning and the rock is seemingly on a string, and those who know this fate awkwardly keep having it return to them.  We all wish this not to be the case.  But good can come from bad and happiness from sad strength from difficulty and experience from all.  So we seem to need to just make the best of it and trust in God.

We know that He who created all nature is the cure.  That He can fix our bodies.  That He can fix our spirits.  That He knows us.  That He loves us and that we will be alright, and that it will turn out better than we think.  I’m fine!

 Written by Terry, 2 March 2010 (4:51 am)

There is another special journey of a lady on a donkey, who came to Jerusalem to be taxed.  On this trip the Savior of the world was born.  In a stable He drew his first breath.  Having descended below them all He came to earth in the most humble of circumstances.

 Perhaps on that same donkey Joseph led Mary and Jesus to Egypt to save the Savior from the vicious and homicidal jealousy of King Herod.  When Herod died an angel told Joseph he could take his family back.  They ended up settling in Nazareth.

 The journey of this extraordinary man would continue. His efforts were wholly for the betterment of others.  He blessed, He healed, He extoled and exhorted, He fulfilled the law, cleansed the temple, set up His Church, called the apostles, performed many miracles, did all that He was sent forth to do.

 On His final earthly journey, once again upon a donkey, He made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  From there the scene erodes until the whole earth is threatened with darkness.  Only Christ Himself could overcome and supply the world with eternal light.  From there to the resurrection, to today, He continues to give His all.  Is there a better example to follow?  Has anyone been more selfless, more loving, more divine?

 It is by following Christ that we find joy in the journey. Maybe this joy is eternal and maybe our journey never ends.  Maybe we will always be learning and growing and progressing and helping others.  Maybe as the pre-existence prepared us for earth life, this life prepares us for exaltation if we’re willing.    I’m sure this is so.

 This is my testimony – the handrail extends to Heaven - in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

The Lord is my Strength!

I was searching online for a quote "The Lord is my Strength" and realized something quite profound, yet so very simple.

When images and comments came up I saw a few spiritual references and appreciated them in their own individual way. Then as I scrolled down I noticed other photos that didn't seem to apply to my request and wondered why they were included.

That is when it hit me! I saw the captions under the images and understood why those images were there. Each had a caption similar to this; "Oh, my lord!" (left un-capitalized on purpose)

I suddenly felt the importance of realizing who our Lord is and how the secular world often "worships" things as their "lord" just as I saw in these images of men or women of a sensual nature, or delicious food, or other things that do not lead us to our Lord if that is our lord. I am sorry for those who do not understand this. They are truly missing something, and may not even recognize it.


I am very grateful for my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. He is my strength!

Thank You For Waiting!

(Message by Elaine, given February 21, 2009 at Stake Conference, Saturday Night Adult Meeting.)

When Pres Christensen told me the theme of the meeting I thought, "That's a great theme!" My part was the "Be Still" part; "waiting patiently on the Lord". I love this theme. It touches my heart, Even amidst all my fear while Pres. Christensen was asking me to speak I was having some reassuring thoughts like: I have experience with this that I can share. I can testify of this. As each of you surely can too.

The next day at Terry's chemo treatment I was thinking about those experiences that I just knew I could share, but I wasn't coming up with much. I turned to Terry and told him of my stupor of thought. His reply was, "BE PATIENT, THEY'LL COME!"
I love his advice. They did come. I remembered many experiences that I've had. I wish I could share them all, but I only have a few min.

Terry has been my best friend for over 29 years now and he has often helped me learn how to accept things that I cannot change.

I have had a tendency to worry a lot. One day, years ago, when I was talking with Terry about a concern or worry I had he just looked at me and said; "Why do you worry about things like that?" Does worrying change or solve anything? Honestly - it just makes me feel worse. That was an eye opener to me. Worrying is not very productive. I have tried to not worry about as many things since then.

When we cannot change the challenge we are faced with we must Let it go. Our Savior has already gone through this for us. He understands. No matter what the issue is - turn it over to Him.

A few years ago we were asked to give Sac Mtg talks. The topic I was speaking on was faith and obedience. (here is a very short version of the story)
I forgot my notes and there was no time to return to get them. This was a major problem for me - I write things out word for word. I knew I had to practice what I was preaching - have faith that the Lord would help me thru my talk and be obedient in keeping my assignment.
I prayed hard, asked the kids to pray for me, and asked Terry to give me a blessing. I jotted down a few notes, and felt the Spirit prompt me as I spoke, then, about 15 minutes into my talk I felt my mind go blank (more common for me :) I should have been comfortable there, but I wasn't) Fear and panic began to set in, I thought "What now?", then just as quickly as the fear set in a sweet peace came and I heard "Just close now, This is enough!" So I did. I sat down with a sigh of relief and a feeling of peace. I had accomplished a tremendous task - but not on my own. I had turned it over to the Lord & He helped me thru this difficulty.

I do testify that praying to your Heavenly Father and then continuing in faith brings great results. Tell Him your concerns - tell Him everything, poor out your heart, Then trust in Him, HE SENDS US GUIDANCE AND PEACE!

Richard G. Scott said; “Humble, trusting prayer brings consolation, solace, comfort, direction, and peace the unworthy can never know.”
(we might take note of a few things in that quote)
- the need to be humble,
- the importance of trusting prayer,
- and the fact that we must be worthy.
Remember "the Lord cannot dwell in unholy places".

The latest encouragement I hear often from my husband when I have a concern is simply - “It’ll turn out better than you think!” and it usually does. These loving little reminders help put my mind at ease. They help me remember to be still and wait patiently on the Lord. They remind me to focus on the things that I can change, let go of the other. They are encouragement to proceed with trust. Trust in the Lord.

One scripture given to me for this message is Psalms 27:14 “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.”
Elder Wirthlin’s inspiring council in his last conference message was simply- “Come what may and love it!”
Instead of worrying, accept it, love it. Be of good courage, and He will strengthen us.

Just before Thanksgiving 2004, Terry was diagnosed with small lymphocytic lymphoma / chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We were concerned - his health was deteriorating fast. He would be starting chemotherapy treatments the first of Dec. Our hearts were heavy. What was going to happen to our family? We tried to understand what lie ahead for us, but we weren’t sure.
What we did know was that worrying wouldn't help, and we knew where to turn.
My personal slogan has often been - “The Lord is my strength!” Where else can we go for peace?
We prayed, and asked each of our fathers to give Terry a blessing. We have found peace and comfort and strength.
We still don’t have all the answers. Terry is not cured. He is in the middle of his 3rd set of treatments within 4 1/2 years. But - we just keep on keepin on. We are waiting, striving to remain true to the Lord, accepting what comes our way, and looking forward to a bright future. We feel safety. We feel peace. We feel love. And we know that “it’ll turn out better than we think!”
I testify that we can find peace amidst the storms that threaten us. Our Heavenly Father knows of our heartache and suffering. He loves us and wants the best for us. We must never doubt this.
He does not always intervene in the course of events, but He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations. (Elder Joseph B Wirthlin, May 2000 Ensign)

There were other scriptures given to me for this evening, all with a similar message of waiting on the Lord. I followed some of the foot notes and was led to 2 Nephi 6:13 where I had previously written a note in the margin that said: “to wait = to remain true to Him, to remain strongly attached while staying put or still until something expected happens.” I love that little bit of info.

Waiting on the Lord is not just waiting - it requires something -
- It requires remaining true, and strongly attached to Him.
- Remaining true requires faith. "It is after the trial of our faith" that the blessings come.
- It requires living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- It requires staying put, with our feet firmly planted in gospel soil.
- It requires charity - charity suffereth long, is not easily provoked, beareth all things, and endureth all things.
- Staying put requires being steadfast and immovable.
“Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men” (2 Ne 31:20)
To be steadfast in Christ implies keeping covenants. Each week we renew our baptismal covenants to “take His name upon us”, to “always remember Him,” and to “keep His commandments”. (D&C 20:77) Doing these things gives us hope to carry on. It changes our hearts, allowing us to feel the love of God in our lives.

Christ said, “I am the Way!” and He meant it. He is the way to find peace.

I love this quote from Elder Dallin H Oaks, he said; “The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the brightest light and the only hope for this darkened world”

I testify that “when we live the gospel, the Lord helps us meet our challenges.” “It will not eliminate all of our problems, but the gospel will give us direction to help us solve our problems and the comfort and peace we receive from living close to the Lord can help us face those problems without panic or fear. (#3 Living the Gospel Daily)

Living close to the Lord is so important. “If we develop a relationship with Christ, ... we will have a quite confidence that will see us through any trial. Whatever the anxiety, or fear, or frustration, we have only to remember the Lord’s comforting words to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Liberty Jail, ‘My son, peace be unto thy soul.’ To each of us, Christ will always be there to say ‘My son or my daughter, ... peace be unto thy soul.” (Church news Oct 8, 1994, Elder Ladd)
Terry had such an experience during a Spanish Branch Sacrament Mtg one day as he was telling the members about his health condition. He felt Heavenly Father's love for him personally and he heard the comforting reassurance that everything would be alright.

In the midst of chaos, we must pause and must listen for the Spirit that tells us, “All is well”. There is great cause to be concerned, but there is greater reason to be at peace. (May 2003 Ensign, Blessed by Living Water)

One day in the temple, while I was expecting our 7th child, I was saying a quite prayer, asking that this child be a girl. I had confidence that the Lord could make it so. While I was petitioning the Lord I heard, “This one isn’t, but the next one will be!” My thoughts and attitude changed drastically. It was as if I stood up and threw my hands in the air and spoke out loud the words, “What do you mean the next one, there isn’t going to be a next one!”
My goodness! What was I thinking? Who did I think I was talking to? Where did I think that message came from? I had been given a message that should have been a “tender mercy” - meant surely to calm my soul and prepare me for what was to come. But, I shrugged it off, ignored it, even denied it. I put it out of my mind and never thought of it again.
Then, after we had our 8th child, and it was our first girl, I was lovingly reminded of that experience in the temple a few years earlier. I felt the much deserved chastisement and was quite humbled. Did He not “tell me in my mind” the things that I should know, that would help bring peace to my heart and my soul?

I testify that we must listen, we must accept these messages from the Lord, sent thru the Comforter, for just that purpose, to comfort us. This comfort sent to us will surely make the waiting easier.

I testify that we must exercise faith in the Lord, in His teachings, His promptings, and in His limitless power. We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God’s purposes and patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable. Remember that “faith is things which are hoped for and not seen.”

Before I close, I testify that these things which I have spoken of are true. Being still and waiting patiently on the Lord may not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Isaiah 30:18-21 reminds us “...blessed are they that wait for him... this is the way, walk ye in it.”

While sitting in the waiting room at the clinic last week I heard a receptionist lift up the phone and say “Thank you for waiting!” It was said so sincerely that it touched my heart. Of course I knew of my assignment at the time so it meant a little more than it might have otherwise.
After hearing it I thought of how I’ve always hoped that the Lord would be able to say to me “Well done thou good and faithful servant”, and this day, because I now understand more fully what it can mean, I add another phrase I might like to hear Him sincerely say, - “Thank you for waiting”