Tender Mercies

As you may know, this semester, I have been teaching a class without Peter. I say that cautiously because we discuss many ideas days before my preparation, yet, he is usually busy doing his own responsibilities while I'm teaching. My class is the first half of the Book of Mormon, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the study and students. Nephi says it better:

"...For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and
my heart pondereth them, and writeth them
for the learning and the profit of my children."
(2 Nephi 4:15)

"Delighteth" is an exhilarating word and therefore, emits an extraordinary feeling - even more than an "aha". What I have learned is what I experience from reading the scriptures is largely determined by what I bring. Where I am in my thinking at that hour, the experiences I am having, my attitude, my recent conversations, and my gospel study all influence my interpretation and how much I will gain. I love the scriptures! I not only treasure the truths but I receive comfort. I am always overwhelmed and reassured of the Lord's love and patience with me! This is better than an endorphin rush... even delightful. As I "pondereth them" throughout the day, I receive direction, motivation, strength, and oftentimes answers. I feel more peaceful in tackling my day. Unlike Nephi, I am not writing scripture for my posterity. However, since obeying my own homework I gave my students at the beginning of January, I have been writing my "tender mercy" experiences daily. I am experiencing even more enjoyment from the scriptures. Nightly, I write down blessings that I witness in the scriptures, in my life, or others just as President Eyring encouraged us to do ("Remember, Remember"). Sometimes, I'll notice a "loving-kindness, consolation, support, and spiritual gift" (Elder Bednar - April, 2005 Conf.) towards me or Peter. Sometimes, it's a new perspective to a familiar scripture. When I record these incidences or feelings, consistently, my life is brighter; and once again, I feel reassured of the Lord's love for me. And the added blessing is that my testimony is growing daily which enables me to press forward with cheerfulness no matter what tomorrow brings. I believe my students will feel this delight, as well.
You are among our tender mercies, for sure! We look toward more delightful days with you...and the scriptures.

Happy New Year!

There is something refreshing about a new calendar tacked strategically in the center of a bulletin board. You are reminded of a new year with 12 months of clean boxes. It reminds us of our mind and choices; that is, we have our agency to make our days count for something. We think about doing better, for ourselves and others. One of the great blessings of the gospel is that our days are already prioritized. Our choices are centered around doing good...for ourselves and others. So the feelings of glad tidings of great joy experienced during Christmas linger easily as we contemplate magnifying our callings and filling our days with worthwhile endeavors as a mother, father, wife, husband, daughter, son, neighbor, teacher, etc. as we set about doing good. And if we struggle in any of our callings we have the assurance that our Father in Heaven is eagerly waiting to help us. We can be an instrument in His hands. Who could ask for anything more? May the new year bring you and yours even more good choices and fullfilling days for your days ahead!
Love,
Peter and Sharon