Today has been a glorious Sabbath Day!
I just listened to this beautifully inspiring music video,
"Did You Think to Pray" arranged and performed by Jerold Simon.
I sang along (out loud) and felt like I was communing
directly with my Heavenly Father, expressing my gratitude and love
for my Savior and for the many many blessings that are deep in my heart.
Though it's hard to explain, how I felt, I wanted to share this moment.
Take a few minutes and enjoy.
video/http://ldsmissionaries.com/did-you-think-to-pray-amazing-piano-rendition-video/
Surprise in Sacrament Meeting
During the Sacrament today, I opened my scriptures to Isaiah 40:31.
On March 27th I had a sweet missionary experience with this scripture
and it came into my mind during the sacrament.
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint."
I love this scripture and I know it is true!
Little did I know that I would be sharing it in our Meeting this very day.
Tom and I were asked to speak in Sacrament meeting today.
It was a Surprise!
We had comfortably listened to 2 wonderful speakers and then Bishop Fife stood,
mentioned that Elder and Sister Urban's time in Harrisburg Ward
was quickly coming to an end and he introduced us as the next speakers!
(The High Counselor who was supposed to speak did not show up)
We sang the congregational hymn, and made our way to the stand.
Tom went first and bore a beautiful heartfelt testimony and embarrassed me a little.
He gave me courage to follow him.
I stood to share my testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ
my love for His gospel, the Plan of Salvation,
my love and gratitude for my friend, the Holy Ghost,
the love we feel for members of the Harrisburg ward,
the blessings we have received because of
the Book of Mormon class we have been privileged to facilitate,
the great love we have for the wonderful missionaries we serve with
and the love I have for my wonderful companion and for our family.
I was also prompted to share Isaiah 40:31 and relate the following experience.
I posted about it on FB a couple of weeks ago. This is the edited version.
"This afternoon two wonderful missionaries, Elder Roybal and Elder Kemp
were in the Mission Office. They stood at my desk and visited with me for a few minutes.
Then Elder Kemp, who must have sensed that I needed a bit of encouragement
right at that moment, asked if he could share a scripture with me.
(I love it when missionaries share scriptures and miracle stories with me!)
As he recited Isaiah 40:31, my eyes filled with tears
and my heart was deeply touched by the perfect message
he delivered to me at the exact moment I needed it.
(I had been exhausted, feeling inadequate and overwhelmed
but at that moment, I could feel the Lord lift me up!)
I know that the Lord answers unspoken prayers to remind us that
He loves us and that He knows specifically what we need.
So often those answers are delivered in simple yet powerful ways
by others who listen to His promptings.
Sometimes, we need patience and have to 'wait upon the Lord'.
My heart is grateful to receive the love and inspiration I need
from the words of ancient prophets delivered by his young missionaries.
He reminded me why I love being a missionary in the North Carolina Charlotte Mission!"
I googled pictures of eagles, chose this one, added the scripture
and it now hangs on my office wall as a great reminder that
"I can do all things, through Christ, which strengtheneth me."
I was reminded today that when we invite the Spirit to direct us
and are willing to open our mouths,
He gives us the words that He wants us to say.
After all these years of prayerful hours and days of anxiety in preparing talks,
today I trusted Him completely to give me the words and spirit I needed.
Elder Kemp and Elder Roybal joined us for lunch. Besides sharing scriptures with us,
they helped us move furniture out of a vacated apartment in Pineville.
Doni's Visit to NC
Doni and her friend Ryan Hall came to visit last week and we had such a great time together.
Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Grandma Candy
My mother-in-law, Jim's mother, Candy Cuellar, passed away
on April 1st while Doni and Ryan were here.
I love her and will miss her! I've known her since I was 14 years old.
A few years after Jim died, Candy accepted Tom into her heart
and was so grateful that I have him in my life.
How blessed we are to know that families are forever!
These are a few photos of Candy and Emil, John and Jim.
Missy, Doni and Nikki surrounding their Grandma Candy.
This was the last time we saw her before our Mission.
She loved to play Rummikub with Martha, her caretaker and friend.
We always had a great time playing games with her.
Good bye Mom. We love you!
Sending our love to y'all!
I
