My One and Only Epiphany

Craig is a deep thinker – he comes up with clarifications and perspectives that are quite profound.  I am not.  I have a very simple brain, and that’s ok.  But this week I had an epiphany while I was bemoaning the low turnout of our Patriotic Program (which had some definite nice moments, small audience notwithstanding.)

We’ve all heard that we don’t pay tithing just because Heavenly Father needs our money – if the Lord simply wanted the Church to have huge sums of money he would tell the Prophet where a goldmine is and how to purchase it, etc.  We pay tithing for US – to show Heavenly Father that we have faith, and to enable us to have the opportunity to help build the Kingdom.

The thought came to me that the same is true about missionary work.  Heavenly Father, through the Holy Ghost, could steer “those who are ready” to Church buildings all around the world as each Ward/Branch is gathering for Sacrament Meeting.  But that wouldn’t do US any good.  (Except to build up Wards/Branches that are in desperate need, like ours are!)  Instead, as WE participate in Missionary Work, OUR testimonies grow.  As we invite our friends to join with us we are showing Heavenly Father obedience, faith, and a willingness to put ourselves in potentially awkward situations as we do our part to build the kingdom.  Small sacrifices, but needed ones that help US grow and builds OUR testimonies.  So as Elder Bednar said, “Stop praying for the missionaries to find those who are ready – that’s YOUR job.  Start praying that you’ll know who to invite.”  (I love Elder Bednar)

We tried to make the Chapel look festive!
PSA - Handbook update - it's ok to take pics in 
the Chapel as long as it's not during Sacrament Mtg.

We have been anxiously watching for the new fawns🤍 - when we saw 
them coming down the street we opened our gate, but they walked on by!