Dear family and friends. I feel very humble that the spirit is directing me to send out a message yet again. I have had the wonderful blessing the past few weeks to hear the whispering of the spirit as it has pertained to me and my life. I feel I might be able to share a little bit of this with you.
As you know a couple of weeks ago or so I wrote that I was retiring. That has now happened as of 12-1-2022. In fact my place of employment gave me a retirement party yesterday to say farewell to me. I thank them for that.
Many months ago I suggested to the Lord, that I would quit asking Him if it was time to retire. I instead covenanted with Him that I would be patient, endure the hassles that I had been experiencing and try to do my job to the best of my abilities, without complaint to Him. Further, I would wait until He tells me its time to go. Well as always the Lord is so good to His end of the covenants and promises He makes to us.
When I went to work on Monday, November 14th I had just finished my "early" morning routine. My co-worker had just arrived and after talking for a few minutes I sat back in my chair to decide what I needed to do next. As I did so, I felt and actually heard in my heart and my mind. "NOW ! DO IT NOW!!" I knew exactly what that meant.
I printed off the paperwork I needed, I took it up to my Director to get his signature. I then proceeded to the Vice President over our are waited for a while for him to get an opening then he wanted to interview me. We had a productive conversation. I then left him, cleaned out my desk, turned in a time card to reflect my vacation until the end of the month, and then retired.
I really struggled with the idea of having a farewell (retirement) party. I was ready to just be done. But, again the spirit told me as earlier this time while I was driving. "Yes, you will have the retirement party". I listened and I did obey. And, now I am very grateful for His guidance. Not only did I get to visit with many wonderful people that I have worked with one way or another over the years. Which meant so much to me. These people all influenced my life in good positive ways.
I also had the incredible blessing to have two of my former students from several years ago come and visit. We exchanged stories and feelings. In fact, one sent me a text after and shared these words. I did ask for permission to share.
"And I'm not sure you know how much you mean to me! I'm just not very good at keeping in contact. Especially since it just seems like last year when I was working there!
You are probably a second dad to tons who you don't even realize! :). You are one of the best people I Know" Ashley Cook Cluff
After reading that the good Lord finished taking away any darkness that was left in my heart left by the events over the past year. I'm so grateful for that. And so very very grateful for those who came to wish me a good retirement. And so very very grateful that He replaced the darkness that had crept in and replaced it with the Light and the Love of Christ.
And to all, I have ever had any dealings at all at work. Thank you, I love each of you. May the Lord's choicest blessings be with each of you.
Lindsey Sterling O Holy Night
Like some of the things I wrote or rather shared the last time, I feel the prompting to share the following thoughts. Again, these are not mine, but I can relate to what is written.
AT-ONE-MENT & ZION-LIKE UNITY
The following is a quote from a friend.
"As I study the scripture, it seems that accusations and division are prime tools of the adversary (the great accuser), and are traits which are contrary and opposite to the principles of Zion, which the Lord would have us become.
It is no coincidence then that when the Lord came to the Nephites and the people were converted to His divinity, that the first steps He took was to call his apostles and give them power to administer the ordinances of His gospel. And then He instructed them that if they wanted to become His people, that contention and division among them needed to be done away, as found in 3 Nephi 11:
28 …And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.
29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.
31 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.
32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.
33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.
34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.
35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.
36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.
The Lord makes it very clear that contention and division are not what He desires of those who would become His people, but that such things should be done away, especially contention over points of His doctrine. Instead, he gives the example of the oneness between His Father, Himself and the Holy Ghost. They exist in a state of At-one-ment with each other. And the importance of receiving His ordinances (both baptism and the sacrament) from His authorized priesthood representatives.
And we see that the people were able to repent, and because of their unifying love of Jesus Christ, they were able to see beyond their differences, and put aside judgement and divisions, and instead become unified and at-one with each other and the Savior, as described in 4 Nephi:
Vs. 2 – “…the people were all converted to the Lord…”(not converted to their own ideas or interpretations or agendas, but converted to the Lord and his command to be unified in their faith and support of each other, both temporally and spiritually).
15 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.
16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.
17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.
18 And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered until a hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first generation from Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in all the land.
I think that if we strive to become a Zion people, we must also learn these principles from our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We must be able to look past our differences and do away with the division causing judgments, and instead build our unity through our love for our Savior Jesus Christ. Our thoughts of condemnation should be turned inward, towards our own hearts, moving us to humility and repentance. And then our words and actions be turned outwards in love, compassion, unity, and charity towards those around us – both emulating the Savior and sharing His light with others to help draw them unto Him, and the ordinances which He has established and governs through His authorized chosen leaders so that we might inherit the blessings of salvation and eternal life.
The Lord can and will handle the judgments and course corrections, both to our hearts and to the world, including His church as needed. But our hearts may do better to focus on doing away with contention and division, and instead seeking the spiritual gift of CHARITY, which never faileth, and draws us all together, despite our differences, to become not only at-one with each other but AT-ONE with our Savior, so that Zion can finally be established among us."
The Prayer
The following is a wonderful compilation of the use of a couple of words from the prophets over the years. Especially President Nelson. It really provides good food for thought.
Urges & Pleadings
"In the days to come, we will see the greatest demonstrations of the Savior's power that the world has ever seen.
Between now and the time when He returns in power and great glory, He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles to the faithful.
Russell M. Nelson. ❤️✨"
Gentri Silent Night
We love each of you and pray that as you prepare for the Christmas season you will be blessed with the Light and Love of Jesus Christ in your hearts and with your families and friends. Set aside any contention, anger, or hard feelings. Forgive, listen to the spirit and OBEY.
We testify that HE lives. He loves each of you. He is the Christ.
Steve & Debbie Larsen
Comments