Our family has been going through a lot of challenges and I was running on empty until I decided to stop and fill my soul with strength. Everyone does it in a different way.....I had hit a wall and was feeling overwhelmed with all that needed to be done and realized how inadequate I was to do this task....My mind was drawn to a lesson in church where they showed a seed the size of an oatmeal flake, yes that small and how from that small little seed the giant redwoods grow. I had the opportunity to go to California and see the Giant Redwoods. They taught us how we are like the seed struggling to grow and to be kind with ourselves because we are just babies at learning how to apply principles....At this grand 'older' age of mine I realize more and more how knowledge and application of that knowledge impact our lives. I do not benefit from knowing that going to bed early will help me feel more rested unless I do it...and lately I have been watching too many movies:) I read in the Conference issue of the Ensign Elder Christofferson's talk and was so moved by it...
"What is the source of such moral and spiritual power, and how do we obtain it? The source is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him. A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God. "
How are we strengthened?
"First, as we walk in obedienct to the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we enjoy a continual flow of blessings promised by God in His covenant with us. Those blessings provide the resources we need to act rather than simply be acted upon as we go through life."
"When we have entered into divine covenants, the Holy Ghost is our comforter, our guide, and our companion........It is the Holy Ghost that reveals how you may clear the next seemingly insurmountable hurdle. It is by the Holy Ghost in you that others may feel the pure love of Christ and receive strength to press forward.....In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer . He will sustain you as you work and watch. In His own time and way He will stretch forth his hand to you, saying, 'Here am I.'........He will strengthen and finish your faith. He will, by His Holy Spirit, fill you with godly power. I pray that you will always have His Spirit to be with you to guide you and deliver you from want, anxiety and distress...........
I am so thankful that there is a source of strength to turn to and fill our empty buckets.
