Inspirations

One of the things I have felt I need to put on my list of things to do (as referenced here) is praying to know who and how to serve then listening and following through. I have been at it a few months and have had some tender experiences. The aren't many feelings as good as being an instrument in God's hand and the peace one feels and the confidence that comes because you feel more acceptable before God.

Sister Bonnie Parkin gave a BYU devotional called Personal Ministry that I've linked before. It is an amazing talk that has had a great impact on my life. She talks of discovering our personal ministry and shares many wonderful stories of prophets who minister personally. She concludes:
"Our personal ministry is sacred and precious. It allows us to become an extension of the Lord’s love. It embraces all who cross our path. What are those things you can do for another person that only you can do? I invite you to find out. "

Elder Don Clarke gave this talk in conference in 2006. He tells about his grandfather nearly losing the mortgage on his farm and how an old crippled man sent him a note one day telling him that he had $200 that he could have if he was in financial difficulty. The mortgage was $195. What a wonderful blessing to that family because one man followed the spirit. Elder Clarke says this at the end of his talk: "I have a little book that I carry with me, where I record the inspiration and thoughts that I receive from the Spirit. It does not look like much, and it becomes worn out and needs to be replaced from time to time. As thoughts come to my mind, I write them down and then I try to do them. I have found that many times, as I have done something on my list, my action was the answer to someone's prayer. There have also been those times that I didn't do something on my list, and I have found out later that there was someone I could have helped, but I didn't. When we receive promptings regarding God's children, if we write down the thoughts and inspiration we receive and then obey it, God's confidence in us increases and we are given more opportunities to be instruments in His hands."

I have found this to be true. Yesterday as I was preparing myself to make this post I had to run to the grocery store. I prayed before that I might be able to help someone there. I was on the look out the entire trip. Nothing. When I was checking out I noticed the lady behind me. In her cart were very minimal items and her clothes were well worn. Suddenly I wanted to pay for her groceries, but that is not something people usually just let you do. I checked my purse and I didn't have any cash that I could just leave with the checker and I didn't know how to do it with a credit card without her overhearing what was happening. I just could not figure out how to pull it off. And then my transaction was complete and I had to move on.

On my way out I saw a lady I knew. . .well, sort of knew. I really only know who she is. I've never talked to her and I wasn't confident she knew me. But I went up to her and put my hand on her shoulder and called her by name and asked her how she was. She started bubbling over with news about her kids and things she has been doing this summer.

As I left I was struck with how Heavenly Father really wanted me to serve while there. It was such a simple, simple act. And although it put me way out of my comfort zone (paying for that lady's groceries would have fit my personality so much better), I felt so elated afterward because I was an instrument in God's hands. Things like that just have a way of boosting you.
So now for another little inspiration I've had. . . I'm inviting any of you who want to join me to start recording inspirations and acting on them. I've made 6 little notebooks to give away. If you would like one, just read one or both of the talks linked above and leave me a comment stating your desire to join me. On July 1st I will send them out to you (if more than 6 want to join, I'll put your names in a drawing as to who to send the notebooks to). Thanks for reading my blog!