A few weeks ago, while searching for stories of hope for seminary, I came across a CNN story about hope related to the fertilizer plant explosion in Texas. The story tells me that God's love is everywhere, even or especially in the midst of tragedy.
Ten days after a deadly explosion ripped through the small Texas town of West, Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton found himself carefully picking through the debris of damaged homes looking for lost pets. Swanton, a public information officer with the Waco Police Department, rushed to the town soon after the explosin, helping staff at the command post. The April 17 blast at the West Fertilizer Company, killed 14 people and injured more than 200. Huyndreds were rescued or evacuated throughout the night.
Then last Friday, he and a small team of animal control officers were helping rescue animals left behind in the chaos. Some were found wandering among the crumbled ruins. Others remained in their pens and cages, hungry and thirsty. At one point, Swanton walked up to the burned-out shell of what had once been a home. Barely recognizable was the wreckage that had once been a washing machine and dryer. Bricks were still falling.
As he approached the foundation, he became aware of a white dove settled in the ruins. "She let me get within 2-3 feet of her," Swanton said. "It was so peaceful. To me it was a symbol of hope."
I know many find it hard to see the love of God in the midst of tragedy. I know that God loves us, that we are each his precious children. As such, he allows us to have experiences that give us opportunity to choose good. I believe those who died in this tragedy have gone to home to be with their Father. Those who are still here on earth have the opportunity to love and serve each other, to strengthen and bless all of God's precious children.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
God answers our prayers
This is my first attempt at writing a blog. I hope to get more comfortable as time goes by! I will state up front that I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). My blog posts will contain religious language that is probably unique. If you are reading and have questions about what something means, just ask me, and I will do my best to answer!
My goal with beginning to write is to create a record of my experiences and observations that have taught me that God loves all his children and is aware of our needs and concerns.
Recently I was struggling with a decision. I needed to decide whether to continue serving the Lord as a seminary teacher(early-morning scripture study class for teenagers). As you can imagine, this is actually a part-time, unpaid job. It involves preparing a lesson 5 days a week and getting up at 4:30 am to teach that lesson to 24 high school freshmen who may or may not be excited to be attending.
While it is very time-consuming and difficult, the rewards are immense. Studying the scriptures on the level needed to be able to engage teenagers in meaningful discussion requires in-depth analysis and learning on the part of the teacher. It is the ultimate opportunity for a teacher to grow and gain a greater love for God and Jesus Christ as well. Until recently, I had not found any other service opportunities that bring the same spiritual rewards.
As I prayed and pondered whether the Lord wanted me to teach again next year, I came to the conclusion that I would continue to serve him this way, until he told me to take a different path. I stated this in my prayers, and then continued to teach and serve, as if I would do this forever.
One morning, the Stake President came to our seminary prayer meeting, and asked to speak with me privately. He informed me that he felt impressed that I should be released and given another calling. I have great faith that this Stake President was speaking for the Lord. This was the answer that I sought; I knew what the Lord wanted me to do. He had blessed me with an answer and it came in a way that told me he had heard my prayer.
Through this experience, I knew the Lord loved me and was listening to my heartfelt prayers. I felt to sing with joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My goal with beginning to write is to create a record of my experiences and observations that have taught me that God loves all his children and is aware of our needs and concerns.
Recently I was struggling with a decision. I needed to decide whether to continue serving the Lord as a seminary teacher(early-morning scripture study class for teenagers). As you can imagine, this is actually a part-time, unpaid job. It involves preparing a lesson 5 days a week and getting up at 4:30 am to teach that lesson to 24 high school freshmen who may or may not be excited to be attending.
While it is very time-consuming and difficult, the rewards are immense. Studying the scriptures on the level needed to be able to engage teenagers in meaningful discussion requires in-depth analysis and learning on the part of the teacher. It is the ultimate opportunity for a teacher to grow and gain a greater love for God and Jesus Christ as well. Until recently, I had not found any other service opportunities that bring the same spiritual rewards.
As I prayed and pondered whether the Lord wanted me to teach again next year, I came to the conclusion that I would continue to serve him this way, until he told me to take a different path. I stated this in my prayers, and then continued to teach and serve, as if I would do this forever.
One morning, the Stake President came to our seminary prayer meeting, and asked to speak with me privately. He informed me that he felt impressed that I should be released and given another calling. I have great faith that this Stake President was speaking for the Lord. This was the answer that I sought; I knew what the Lord wanted me to do. He had blessed me with an answer and it came in a way that told me he had heard my prayer.
Through this experience, I knew the Lord loved me and was listening to my heartfelt prayers. I felt to sing with joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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