God is generous. Indeed, His blessings "exceed or grandest expectations" (President Uchtdorf).
It was while living in California this past summer that I have come to feel, see, and comprehend a little more clearly Heavenly Father's utmost desire to bless each one of His children. Surely, He has surrounded Austin and I by many of His good and Christlike children who give as richly as they receive. I am humbled, reverenced, and so deeply grateful. We would not have been able to provide as abundantly for our little girl without their help.
When Father in Heaven told Austin and I to move to California, we excitedly anticipated His blessings to roll forth. But it seems that my anticipation always falls short of Father's blessings. His love and generosity exceeds my grandest expectations.
Mary, my sweet sister in law, graciously welcomed me into her home for the summer while Austin had his internship with his uncle Dan. Though I was supposively there to "help" Mary with her seven children (two of which were newborn twins), she really was helping me - teaching me how to be a good and Spirit-led mother.
While driving back from our first beach trip for the girls' summer, Mary told me of her and Jeffrey's intention to pay me for my help. This would be in addition to the baby clothes, toys, and equipment, as well as the whole summer's worth of food she has provided me without question or hesitation.
While driving back from our first beach trip for the girls' summer, Mary told me of her and Jeffrey's intention to pay me for my help. This would be in addition to the baby clothes, toys, and equipment, as well as the whole summer's worth of food she has provided me without question or hesitation.
In times past, I had expressed my reluctance in accepting money, assuring her repeatedly that she is blessing me far more than I could ever repay her. Not only has she been blessing us temporally, but spiritually also - beyond description. If anyone should be offering a monetary gift, it should be me, for her Christlike service, generosity, example, patience, and wisdom are Heaven-sent and I cannot thank her or God enough.
Mary just smiled as I tried to explain this to her yet another time. She went on to tell me her plan (as she had discussed with Jeffrey the night previous). She would pray to Father about what they should give Austin and I, thus vanquishing any refusal on my behalf - for it would be a command from the Lord haha. Oh how I adore her. I am reverenced at how Godlike she is. Her generosity has taught me so much of the Savior. I can truly see Him, my Lord, my Redeemer, in her countenance.
Not only did she give so generously to me, but she gives to all those she comes in contact with. She is continually welcoming people into her home to eat with their family and to be loved by them - whether it be family, friends, or even fresh acquaintances. She was not only feeding her family of nine, but she offered nourishment (emotional, spiritual, and physical) to so many others. The command to "love one another" and to "impart of your substance" was embedded deeply within her. Because Christ had given so generously to her, she did the same to others with a heart full of gratitude and love. Her character has become so refined by the Lord that it comes naturally, easily, and with a pure love so great, I cannot help but be amazed.
I love Mary. And I love the Lord. I know it was in His kindness and love that He sent me to her home for those three precious months.
Not only did she give so generously to me, but she gives to all those she comes in contact with. She is continually welcoming people into her home to eat with their family and to be loved by them - whether it be family, friends, or even fresh acquaintances. She was not only feeding her family of nine, but she offered nourishment (emotional, spiritual, and physical) to so many others. The command to "love one another" and to "impart of your substance" was embedded deeply within her. Because Christ had given so generously to her, she did the same to others with a heart full of gratitude and love. Her character has become so refined by the Lord that it comes naturally, easily, and with a pure love so great, I cannot help but be amazed.
I love Mary. And I love the Lord. I know it was in His kindness and love that He sent me to her home for those three precious months.
Mary and Jeffrey were not the only ones to shower blessings upon us in behalf of the Lord, but as did our uncle Dan, ward members from California, and my beloved hometown friends also gave generously.
Above all, our sweet parents - both Austin's and mine - have been so graciously supporting us along the way. Just like our Heavenly Father, they have been beside us - supplying that which we can not do for ourselves. They have even motivated, helped, and strengthened us in our efforts to provide for ourselves - never leaving us alone or comfortless. Momma Jody and papa Juan, Susan and Jeff. Tongue cannot express, nor hand write, the great love and gratitude we feel for our parents.
We are reverenced. And so very grateful. Thanks be to God! Father in Heaven was well aware that Austin and I were not financially equipped to provide for a newborn babe. But the Lord provides a way for us to do that which He commands. I thank Him will all the fervor of my soul.
Above all, our sweet parents - both Austin's and mine - have been so graciously supporting us along the way. Just like our Heavenly Father, they have been beside us - supplying that which we can not do for ourselves. They have even motivated, helped, and strengthened us in our efforts to provide for ourselves - never leaving us alone or comfortless. Momma Jody and papa Juan, Susan and Jeff. Tongue cannot express, nor hand write, the great love and gratitude we feel for our parents.
We are reverenced. And so very grateful. Thanks be to God! Father in Heaven was well aware that Austin and I were not financially equipped to provide for a newborn babe. But the Lord provides a way for us to do that which He commands. I thank Him will all the fervor of my soul.
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
