I heard a great talk today. President Pond's talks are always great. I love him.
He titled the talk Feel Where You Kneel--a prequel to Elder Uchtdorf's Lift Where You Stand. He said before we spiritually lift we must kneel. He spoke about the places he was when he got answers--the memories of those places, those times. There were some good ones.
He encouraged us to do the same. He said when we have special spiritual experiences we need to:
1 Remember it.
2 Write it down.
3 Retell it to our children or friends if it is appropriate.
4 Reacquire--get that feeling, that peace again and build on it.
Today I will remember 3 experiences and record them the best I can.
I was on the creaky metal bottom bunk in a tiny apartment in Hong Kong with a gorgeous view of the harbor out my window when I received an answer about marrying Keith. I know, I know, why was I praying about that on my mission? Because it was important, that's why.
I remember him asking about my answer and describing it to him as just not being able to quit smiling, even while I was praying, before I opened my eyes.
We were sitting in Keith's little black GEO Storm under a shade tree outside the Oakland temple when I told him we couldn't come back any more until we changed our time frame on having a baby. It was Ian's time to come to earth. I didn't know at the time how critical his timing would be to have the right medical procedures in place to keep him with us.
I was at youth conference at BYU when I was told that the only way I could make the voice in my head (yes, I know how that sounds, but there's no other way to describe it) stop telling me that the wasn't a God. I knew--knew if I got the nerve to stand and bear witness that there was a God in heaven, that I would finally have peace. That time--weeks or months was so frightening to me I haven't ever really told anyone about it. Maybe Keith, I don't remember. I can't imagine why I didn't tell my parents and get some help.
There are many things in my life, big things, I don't remember praying about. There are things I did pray about and the answer came directly from the scriptures. Maybe I'm a words not feelings kind of person. I don't know.
These days I pray less frequently than I should. It's still hard. I think I can feel that prayers from others have subsided. I don't feel carried anymore. I'm sure they are carrying others.
1 comment:
Mine are still with you.
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