1/4/2018 - Section 75:22-36

January 4, 2018

Section 75:22-36

Journal, Hearts Open, Missionary Work, Work, Help Others,

Journal: We have 11 days until we enter the MTC. I am, as a postpartum nurse and lactation consultant, nervous about being a mission nurse—the missionaries do not require my area of expertise at this time in their lives, but I am confident that ‘in the strength of the Lord, I can do all things.’ That doesn’t mean that I am sitting around twiddling my thumbs—I am organizing information from the 4 months of weekly med treatment records that I’ve received from the Philippines. I am making lists of the meds that are normally used, and the processes of the most common individual diseases. I am reading my tropical disease book. I’m going over the wonderful notes from our missionary medical training that was held in SLC in December. I’m trying to keep up with my scripture study. And I’m praying, and remembering to speak to Heavenly Father every night and every morning—and times in between.  And the neatest thing is how things are simply falling into place. We found the townhouse we wanted to purchase and watched as our offer was accepted despite other offers coming in, and we watched as the dates given for closing allowed just enough time to close (Jan 18), get the keys (Jan 19) in order to have the washer and dryer delivered, and get on the plane (Jan 20). And the little-er things are just as wonderful—we had no idea where we had put our safety deposit box keys. We have both looked and looked, and this morning when I work up too early, my first thought was to look in a wooden box inside a particular plastic tub—and that’s where the keys were…another “thank you!”. Yesterday I emailed the newly returned nurse from the Philippines. She had said that she would get together with me after the holidays. But my only contact for her was her missionary email, and that was now obsolete. All my contact information that I had given her was also on that missionary email account that she no longer had access to. I hit several other blind alleys, and then decided to email the office couple in the Philippines. Result: as soon as it becomes a reasonable time to call, I will be getting in touch with Sister Turner and arranging a meeting. So—in short—we are very busy, our to-do list is very long, but it’s all getting done—plus we are staying mostly sane. Blessings are distilling upon our shoulders—and what’s neater is that we are recognizing them and are so very thankful.

Now to my scripture study for the day: In the ending verses of section 75 the Lord requires those who are able to help provide for the families of those who have been called away on missions. The advice He gives to those who might provide is for them to be “willing to open their hearts.” (v 25) Opening our hearts is the first step in any gospel undertaking, and oh the difference it makes! I find that opening my heart can sometimes take a determined and conscious effort. But when I make that effort, I am always rewarded in surprisingly wonderful ways.

In this section, the Lord has spoken to those called on missions, and to whose callings involve staying where they are. His final advice (v 29) is, I feel, directed to both groups: “Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways.” We are expected to work in the church. We are expected to work in this life. That is what brings progress for us…and for others. Elder Franklin D Richards taught: “President McKay has said, ‘Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success.’”