I was raised in a home wherein we NEVER locked the front door. Neighborhood children could walk in as they pleased and eat our food if they so desired. This open-door policy carried into my college life. As a freshman in the dorms, I placed a magnet over my door-lock as to allow free access without having to use a key. Surely, it must run in the family because my sister and cousin, who are now living in the dorms, have instituted the same thing. 

The concept of having a house key was completely foreign to me. And this quickly became detrimental after moving into my first apartment sophomore year. My darling roommate was raised very differently than I in regards of house security. In fact, she was an avid door locker and would never close a door without being sure the lock was in place. Consequently, I would find myself locked out of the house quite often. After a while, I remember feeling frustrated and annoyed with my roommate. I would become angry and upset with her. And my impatience bothered me.

At the time, I was in a BYU marriage and family class with Brother Richardson of the General Sunday School presidency. He was teaching us the beautiful formula for becoming united with God and one's spouse. 

Genesis 2:24 
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

Leave -> cleave -> and be one.

Meanwhile, while reading in the Book of Mormon one afternoon, Father guided me to Moroni's address on faith, hope, and charity. As I read these passages, the Spirit brought these words with power and light to my mind:"Cleave unto charity" (Moroni 7:43).

Surely I was taught from on high that day. My eyes were opened and I beheld a new and deeper understanding of the formula Brother Richardson had taught us. Leave, cleave, and be one. If I were to cleave unto charity and become charitable even as Christ is, I first must leave behind every unkind, impatient, judgmental, and angry thought. As the scripture says, I needed to think no evil. 

I wanted to be filled with this pure love - so, I poured my heart out in prayer to Father in Heaven. I remember feeling the grace of His Son purify me and change my perspective. Jesus cleansed me of all negative thought and empowered me to cleave unto charity, filling my soul with love. As the word "FULL" implies, there was room for nothing else - I was FILLED with love. Instead of becoming frustrated by finding the door locked, I became joyful in locking the door with her. I would think: "I love my dear Kristen and I want her to feel safe!" So, I would lock the door with cheer. 

Oh how grateful I am for this beautiful life in which we can become like our Father in Heaven! It is through the grace of His Son, Jesus Christ that we can change now. Now is the time to change. Let us become charitable!


love julia

Leave every bad thought, cleave unto charity, and be one with God.

Typhoid Fever

While sitting in the BYU devotional, the Spirit brought Jane Lassetter's words with power to my mind: "A feeling of nervousness accompanies us when we chose to go against Heavenly advice."

Immediately, I thought of my Typhoid Fever immunization. A few weeks ago, I went to the clinic to be immunized in preparation for India. There are two forms of the vaccination: oral and injection. When presented with these options, I asked for the pills because they were $10 cheaper. In that moment, I vividly remember feeling that I should change from the oral medication and request the injection form of the immunization. But, against heavenly advice, I proceeded with the oral medication.

The pills I received require constant refrigeration and must be taken in a strict, regimented manner. Due to my busy schedule, I had to wait two weeks before I could take the pills. But eventually, I was able to successfully finish the full dosage.

Early one morning, the voice of the Lord brought to my remembrance something of great importance, which could impact my health drastically. Several days ago, I came home to find the refrigerator door open. As I felt the inside of the fridge - I noted that it was room temperature. Thinking little of it, I swiftly shut the door and went about my day.

But now, I can feel Father gently reminding me of this prompting I ignored while in the clinic. In His mercy, He is helping me see why He gave me such council a few weeks ago in the clinic. Even though I was disobedient, He is graciously preserving my life by again encouraging me to receive an injection of the typhoid fever vaccination.

Thanks be to God! Oh how foolish and unresponsive was I. But I thank Him for calling once more to get my attention. Father preserved my life through and by the grace of his Beloved Son. I thank Him reverently.

Grapefruit

Of His micromanaging hand, I so testify! The other morning, I woke up especially excited to enjoy a grapefruit for breakfast. As I started to prepare for my 8 am class, my sleeping-beauty of a roommate, Cindy, woke up. It had been three days since I last saw her and she had just had a difficult night. Father used me to stand in the place of His Son as I embraced her and talked with her. I love Cindy and am so privileged to have had the opportunity to be with her that morning. I humbly thank our God.

Because I spent my precious breakfast time with Cindy, I had no time to eat the grapefruit I so badly desired. But, Father in Heaven was ever mindful of me and my simple sacrifice. Though I gave it no further thought, He thoughtfully inspired His daughter, my labor & delivery nursing instructor - Cheryl, to bring four plump grapefruit to class. She used them as an object lesson to represent the uterus during pregnancy (appetizing, I know). After class ended, I asked if I could have one to eat and she kindly assented. Oh how kind is Our Father and King! I thank Him for being keenly aware of me, His daughter. I could not help but feel His all-encompassing love as I sat in the sun and ate the heaven-sent grapefruit.

Thanks to Their kindness and grace, I have seen the micromanaging hand of our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. It is They who have revealed to me Their intricate involvement. It's beautiful - the more we thank Them, the more we see. Ask, and ye shall see. 

Having a few minutes to spare one evening after tucking my friend into bed, I felt the voice of the Lord prompt me to open the Book of Mormon. My eyes were opened and I received a greater understanding of a verse I love.

Jacob 4:8
"Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him."

I have beheld the intricate involvement of our Father in Heaven. I have seen His micromanaging hand because He has revealed it to me. This week, I have seen His hand in greater magnitude than I had the previous weeks. And as I think back, I remember having felt the Spirit direct my prayers, guiding me to ask to more clearly see Him in the details of my life. And surely He has answered. I could not see His hand if He didn't give me the eyes to see it. 

love julia