From Erin: I really liked this, Dad, thanks for sharing. I just kept thinking about how she hit it on the spot, I remember when I just kept praying EVERYDAY (and night!) for Avery to come, and just thinking WHY!??? I didn't know what God's plan was, or why he wouldn't come even though I had heard from my midwife that it would have been ANYDAY, anyway, I just remember praying and praying and wondering why He didn't answer my prayers, and even complaining to Jenny once that my faith wasn't getting stronger, that every day Avery wouldn't come it kept getting weaker and weaker, almost like Maurine Proctor talked about (she wrote the article) anyway, she talked about a FULL scale pout, when you stop saying your prayers all together, and luckily I never got to that point, because in the end, I knew that this is the true church and that He still is there for me, just that I didn't know His plan. He did hear me, he just had a better reason for him in Heaven then for Avery to be here on Earth still and that instead of praying for him to come, I needed to pray for comfort.
Anyway dad, thanks for sharing, I love this closing quote by her,
"The aim of our lives is to develop spiritual maturity—a journey that takes us from this kind of instability to being like that lovely Book of Mormon phrase 'firm and immovable.'"
From Jenny: I can definitely relate on a different level. I think one day in 2005 I prayed for patience... HA! I was tested and tested in patience of when Heavenly Father wanted us to start our family. I was anxious but knew, really KNEW that it was not up to us. I can't count how many people had children before me, even teenagers, which many people would make comments (that knew our situation) that I "should resent those people". But, I decided that I wouldn't. One of my trying times came last November when I was told I would never have children of my own. I was sad, yet many thought I was in denial because I didn't give up. I saw another Dr and she gave us other avenues. Throughout all of this Aaron and I prayed everyday, I cried in longing for my family to grow but never questions WHY?, just WHEN? I felt a comfort this past May when Mom and Dad visited. My body seemed strange and I even expressed that feeling with mom when I told her I was feeling weird. I wasn't actually pregnant at the time, but dad mentioned that I would have a family soon. I knew as close as he and mom are to the Lord that he was giving me comfort. Throughout my trying time many people asked, "Do you hate people that are pregnant?" I was even called to Nursery which those same people say, Why do you have to take care of other people children? I would even volunteer to take friends babies which they thought was my way to pretend I had a baby.
When I read this article I know there are certainly times when I was upset and pouted, but understand the severity of pouting and complaining to the Lord. Erin, That same quote stood out to me, and I hope that I showed some maturity by never questioning the Lord. I know life is getting tough for many of us with this economic bind, but it's happening for a reason, everything does. It took 3 years to get an answer and for my 'test' of patience to be over. I received many messages in the meantime, but never the ONE particular one I wanted. I went from asking, to expressing my love of my family I have now. I think our intent is really important and we need to be careful what we ask for!!!
From Mom: Aloha to all. I enjoyed reading the article. I feel the words she shared are true for many. But looking at life from this 58-year-old vantage, I ponder if I have been pouty, as she put it.
Hmmm...there were more times to do that earlier for me. But about 15 years ago last spring I learned much about how the Lord thinks. He often sees things from a different plane than me, and therefore, I learned that sometimes the things I ask for are not the things I need most. That new perspective was what helped me see that I need to place my trust in Him, totally, always, not doubting. I have tried to do that since.
The above situation was triggered by my profession and played heavily upon my emotions. Physically, however, that was made even more manifest in my life. Unusually challenging childbirths, endometriosis, miscarriage, breast issues then cancer, chemo, assorted threats to my health and various stages of aging/pain [in my quote book = "Pain is my friend." ] since 2000--surviving all of these have helped me know it is His Plan I'm a part of...and He has given me the strength that makes me willing to give it what I need.
I don't know how long or short my stay here in this estate is going to be. But this I know. I have much to learn. I place myself in His hands. In my patriarchal blessing meekness is defined: strength that rests in the Lord. I pray that I may acquire this characteristic as the Lord shows me what I still need to learn here in my earthly life's journey, toward spiritual maturity. Please don't let me pout, and remind me to stay on track.
I love this gospel. I have no doubt of it. I'm grateful for all who have taught me lessons [all of you] that will lead me to the life my Father has in mind for me.
3 comments:
From Erin:
I really liked this, Dad, thanks for sharing. I just kept thinking about how she hit it on the spot, I remember when I just kept praying EVERYDAY (and night!) for Avery to come, and just thinking WHY!??? I didn't know what God's plan was, or why he wouldn't come even though I had heard from my midwife that it would have been ANYDAY, anyway, I just remember praying and praying and wondering why He didn't answer my prayers, and even complaining to Jenny once that my faith wasn't getting stronger, that every day Avery wouldn't come it kept getting weaker and weaker, almost like Maurine Proctor talked about (she wrote the article) anyway, she talked about a FULL scale pout, when you stop saying your prayers all together, and luckily I never got to that point, because in the end, I knew that this is the true church and that He still is there for me, just that I didn't know His plan. He did hear me, he just had a better reason for him in Heaven then for Avery to be here on Earth still and that instead of praying for him to come, I needed to pray for comfort.
Anyway dad, thanks for sharing, I love this closing quote by her,
"The aim of our lives is to develop spiritual maturity—a journey that takes us from this kind of instability to being like that lovely Book of Mormon phrase 'firm and immovable.'"
From Jenny:
I can definitely relate on a different level. I think one day in 2005 I prayed for patience... HA! I was tested and tested in patience of when Heavenly Father wanted us to start our family. I was anxious but knew, really KNEW that it was not up to us. I can't count how many people had children before me, even teenagers, which many people would make comments (that knew our situation) that I "should resent those people". But, I decided that I wouldn't. One of my trying times came last November when I was told I would never have children of my own. I was sad, yet many thought I was in denial because I didn't give up. I saw another Dr and she gave us other avenues. Throughout all of this Aaron and I prayed everyday, I cried in longing for my family to grow but never questions WHY?, just WHEN? I felt a comfort this past May when Mom and Dad visited. My body seemed strange and I even expressed that feeling with mom when I told her I was feeling weird. I wasn't actually pregnant at the time, but dad mentioned that I would have a family soon. I knew as close as he and mom are to the Lord that he was giving me comfort. Throughout my trying time many people asked, "Do you hate people that are pregnant?" I was even called to Nursery which those same people say, Why do you have to take care of other people children? I would even volunteer to take friends babies which they thought was my way to pretend I had a baby.
When I read this article I know there are certainly times when I was upset and pouted, but understand the severity of pouting and complaining to the Lord. Erin, That same quote stood out to me, and I hope that I showed some maturity by never questioning the Lord. I know life is getting tough for many of us with this economic bind, but it's happening for a reason, everything does. It took 3 years to get an answer and for my 'test' of patience to be over. I received many messages in the meantime, but never the ONE particular one I wanted. I went from asking, to expressing my love of my family I have now. I think our intent is really important and we need to be careful what we ask for!!!
Love you all! Sorry for the novel!
From Mom:
Aloha to all. I enjoyed reading the article. I feel the words she shared are true for many. But looking at life from this 58-year-old vantage, I ponder if I have been pouty, as she put it.
Hmmm...there were more times to do that earlier for me. But about 15 years ago last spring I learned much about how the Lord thinks. He often sees things from a different plane than me, and therefore, I learned that sometimes the things I ask for are not the things I need most. That new perspective was what helped me see that I need to place my trust in Him, totally, always, not doubting. I have tried to do that since.
The above situation was triggered by my profession and played heavily upon my emotions. Physically, however, that was made even more manifest in my life. Unusually challenging childbirths, endometriosis, miscarriage, breast issues then cancer, chemo, assorted threats to my health and various stages of aging/pain [in my quote book = "Pain is my friend." ] since 2000--surviving all of these have helped me know it is His Plan I'm a part of...and He has given me the strength that makes me willing to give it what I need.
I don't know how long or short my stay here in this estate is going to be. But this I know. I have much to learn. I place myself in His hands. In my patriarchal blessing meekness is defined: strength that rests in the Lord. I pray that I may acquire this characteristic as the Lord shows me what I still need to learn here in my earthly life's journey, toward spiritual maturity. Please don't let me pout, and remind me to stay on track.
I love this gospel. I have no doubt of it. I'm grateful for all who have taught me lessons [all of you] that will lead me to the life my Father has in mind for me.
ly mom
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