A Pencil in God's Hand

I have often been amazed at how God works in our lives. Some of my greatest experiences have come through the callings (church assignments) I've had. 

Today I was asked to help the Relief Society President in my ward (I'm currently the first counselor) with something on my lunch break. There is a sister in our ward who had to go to the hospital suddenly last night. Her dog was alone in her apartment. In talking with the RS president, we weren't sure what we were going to do. Her dog would need care a few times a day for potentially a couple of weeks. We're in a singles' congregation -- full of working individuals. And - there's one key to her apartment that would have to be passed around. 

Miraculously, we found a lady (who's not in our congregation) who was willing to take the dog for however long needed. Her dogs recently passed away and their household is set up perfectly for dogs - a large yard, etc. This lady doesn't know myself, the sister in the hospital or our RS president. She had just seen a post on social media asking for help with the dog. I think the Spirit must have nudged her a bit. Who does that - takes someone else's dog they don't know without pay and takes care of them? When we dropped off the dog to the lady it was so apparent to me that God's hand was in this. 

God loves His Children. He takes care of them. He provides solutions to problems. I know it. I've seen it. 

Mother Theresa stated my feelings so well: “I’m like a little pencil in His hand. That’s all. He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has nothing to do it. The pencil has only to be allowed to be used.”

It is amazing to be part of God's work - simply an instrument - and see His hand play out in amazing things. God is good. 

Promises of God

 Tonight I went for a drive to see the progress of the Orem Utah Temple construction. Shortly after I arrived, I noticed a beautiful rainbow forming. I thought it was very fitting. In temples, we learn of God’s eternal promises and we make promises, or covenants with God.  The rainbow is another promise from God. 

Genesis 9:15 says “And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.” 

There are reminders of God’s love and His promises all around us. God is truly a loving God. I’m grateful for his gentle reminders that He loves me and that His promises will be fulfilled in His time.  

God's Loving Care

Every so often I feel like God gives me little "tender mercies" to show that He's there, He loves me and He cares for me. Today, I experienced one of those. 

This morning I had a doctor appointment about 25 minutes away from where I live. As I was walking out of the doctor's office after my appointment, I saw a friend sitting by the exit. She lives even further away than I do! I was so surprised to see her there. Neither of us live in the town where our doctors are at. It seemed so random to see her there! We chatted for a couple of minutes and then I was on my way. It was fun to see her. Such a fun "coincidence"

As I was traveling home on the freeway about 15 minutes into my drive traffic started to slow down abruptly. Soon, I heard sirens and saw the police cars coming. As I approached where an accident had occurred, it was obvious that it had happened just minutes earlier. They were blocking off lanes still, etc. And boy, those cars were really smashed. 

As I drove home the rest of the way I had the impression that it was definitely not a "coincidence" that I saw my friend at the doctor's office. She was placed perfectly by the exit so I'd see her and chat with her. If I had been on my way a couple of minutes earlier from that appointment, I don't doubt it could have been me in that accident.

When I prayed before I left my apartment this morning, I prayed for safety and protection as I traveled. God certainly answered that prayer. Grateful for His love, His care and Him placing us where we need to be at the very moment we need to be there. 

Neal A Maxwell said: 

None of us ever fully utilizes the people-opportunities allocated to us within our circles of friendship. You and I may call these intersectings “coincidence.” This word is understandable for mortals to use, but coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by “coincidence” but instead by “divine design.”

I saw His "divine design" in my life today. 

Faith is for the Future

In the words of Thomas Rhett, “Ain't it funny how life changes?” I had to stop by my work's office today to take care of a few things. I really like working from home, but stopping by today sure made me miss life before Covid. Crazy it’s been almost a year! And then I stopped to see the temple progress. I miss my daily lunchtime walks here. I miss being able to worship inside here. But then I remembered a quote by Jeffrey R. Holland: “Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the “high priest of good things to come.” (From this talk.)Yes, nothing stays the same... and that’s ok. Better things are to come.