Whom God Calls, He Qualifies

The Lord was angry with the people of Enoch's day.  He called them to repentance because their hearts were hardened, they wouldn't listen to the Lord and keep His commandments, and their eyes were only focused on what was directly in front of them.

The Lord calls Enoch and Enoch says, "Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?

Enoch was told by the Lord to follow His commandments and the Lord would guide Enoch's words and have the Holy Ghost with him.  The Lord told Enoch to anoint his eyes with clay and Enoch became a seer.  Enoch spoke the words God wanted him to speak and the people could feel it.

In the beginning Enoch was afraid to speak yet his faith was so strong and he believed the Lord would guide his words.  And He did.  He led the people of Enoch.  Even the earth, the mountains and the rivers, obeyed Enoch's words.  All other nations and people feared him and the Lord's people.  And the Lord blessed the people of Enoch because they were righteous.  They were called Zion, the pure in heart.

My own experience, although far from that of Enoch, has shown similarities.  There has been many times I have accepted a call in the church that I feel inadequate to fill.  Yet I have accepted, knowing that the call was from the Lord and that he would help and guide me to accomplish my tasks and to fulfill my calling.  And He always has.  Whom God calls, he qualifies.

The words in Genesis do not say much about Enoch and his people, only a few short verses.  Enoch had children, walked with God, and was taken up to God.  We can learn so much more about Enoch and his people in the Joseph Smith Translation of Enoch found in the book of Moses.  We learn that Enoch was called to cry repentance to very wicked people.  Enoch's word's were powerful, because they came from God.  We learn that Enoch talked with God face to face and was shown many generations of the Earth.  He was commanded to call the people to repentance and to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  We learn that the enemies of the people of God could not prevail against them.  The people of Enoch were blessed.  The city of Enoch, the city of Zion, was taken up into heaven to live with the Lord forever.

Talents of Others

I am thankful to Michelle Burk who taught me the secrets to making bread which have eluded me for so long. I have always wanted to be successful at bread and all kinds of dough creations. And now I feel like I have it down. Thank you Michelle!

In honor of this new success, this week I have made wheat bread, cinnamon rolls, rolls, bread sticks, and fry bread for Navajo tacos. Fun and Yum!

Songwriters and Composers

I am thankful for people who have the talent of writing beautiful music and lyrics. At the Young Womanhood Recognition Night I heard the words to a beautiful song by Jenny Phillips and Tyler Castleton called To Become Like Him. Here are the words to the chorus. I wish you could hear the notes as you read the words.

Remember you are greatest
When you walk with God.
When his light is in your eyes
You are truly strong.
You don't have to prove your beauty
In the eyes of men.
You are divine within.
You were sent here to become like him.

Mother of a Young Woman

I am thankful to be the mother of a girl in Young Womens. I got to attend the Young Womanhood Recognition Night with Kim, who received a second medallion for going through the program twice. It was an evening where the spirit touched my heart continually.

Health

Today I am thankful for my health and the health of my family. I am almost thankful for being sick so that I can truly appreciate being well again.

We had the stomach flu pass through our home again. Out of 12 people, 3 remained unaffected by the bug.

Needed Words

I am thankful for people inspired to share thoughts with me about just what I need to hear.

Last Sunday I was feeling overwhelmed with all of the kids and wondering if I am doing enough for my family. Brother Lewis came and sat beside me and let me know how great a kid Thomas was and that he thought our family was learning some great stuff in the home because it showed.

Words of Wisdom

I am thankful for these words by Richard Carlson which reminded me once again . . .

"Don't sweat the small stuff."

Examples

I was realizing the tremendous responsibility as a parent to prepare my boys for a mission as I read the quotes below. I am thankful for the young men who have come into our home and have set an example for my boys by preparing and serving missions.

President Spencer W. Kimball: "I was asked a few years ago, “Should every young man who is a member of the Church fill a mission?” And I responded with the answer the Lord has given: “Yes, every worthy young man should fill a mission.” The Lord expects it of him. And if he is not now worthy to fill a mission, then he should start at once to qualify himself. The Lord has instructed, “Send forth the elders of my church unto the nations which are afar off; unto the islands of the sea; send forth unto foreign lands; call upon all nations, first upon the Gentiles, and then upon the Jews."

Elder Joe J. Christensen: “The Lord did not say, ‘Go on a mission if it fits your schedule, or if you happen to feel like it, or if it doesn’t interfere with your scholarship, your romance, or your educational plans.’ Preaching the gospel is a commandment and not merely a suggestion. It is a blessing and a privilege. … Remember, … the Lord and his prophets are counting on you” (“The Savior Is Counting on You,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 41).

President Gordon B. Hinckley has said: “I say what has been said before, that missionary work is essentially a priesthood responsibility. As such, our young men must carry the major burden. This is their responsibility and their obligation” (“Some Thoughts on Temples, Retention of Converts, and Missionary Service,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 52)

Friends

Today I am grateful for 2 friends who have been brought into my life, who have so generously shared a high chair and beautiful baby girl clothes with us.

Many Years of Motherhood

As I was reading a blog post by Danielle Bean about being a new mother and the mother she is today it made me think about my own steps at being a mother.

Seventeen years ago I was a new mother. It was hard to get a shower, keep the house in order, feed my family, and take care of that little baby. I was the youngest child and although I babysat when I was a teenager I didn't really enjoy it. The whole parenting thing was so overwhelming to me.

Today I have the two little ones down for a nap and so I sit down at the computer for a few minutes to blog, read my favorite blogs, and check the email. I started making five sack lunches at 7:00 am, my kitchen is clean, there is clothes in the washer and the dryer, I scrubbed a toilet this morning, and I've even had a shower. I loaded the dishwashers with a baby next to me in a booster seat.

The house is not perfect but we are healthy, happy, and fed.

Today I am thankful for the years of motherhood that have taught me how to balance life a little better and enjoy it a lot more.