The Power of Unity

I feel Alone.

I understand that I’m not alone, but there are times that I feel alone and completely powerless.  What can be done?  Others have their agency and are free to act for themselves and if I didn’t care about them or their welfare, there would be no problem. 

Fortunately, I do care.  But it does bring feelings of temporary hopelessness, powerlessness, and isolation. 

I think that is why this address by Elder Wong of the Seventy has been so hard for me to digest. 

It speaks to my heart’s desire, but is a painful reminder that I currently don’t have the resources that he suggests as a solution.  

I get that I do have powerful resources.  The most powerful resources – legions of angels and a loving Savior and Heavenly Father who are rooting for my and their success.  I have abundant desire and faith that the rescue is possible.  I have promises that my prayers are heard and will be answered in my best interest.  I have ample evidence and tender mercies that the above power is working in my life.  I have a loving husband and family who support me in my desire and efforts.  I have the power of fasting, personal prayer, righteous living, and the temple’s prayer circle.  I have HOPE.  I know I am not alone. 

But I don’t have a bishop, a missionary, a relief society president, an elder’s quorum president, or an Aaronic priesthood youth who are interacting in the lives of my distant friends.  Becoming friends, sharing their influence, and bringing goodness into their life.  At least not to my knowledge.  And so now I am wondering if my influence or faith or desire. . . is enough.  Elder Wong said that Unity is essential in the rescuing effort. 

I long for unity.  Especially since we live in a divided nation.  As I study the scriptures and see the need for unity in developing a Zion people, I struggle with the disconnect in everyday living.   

The City of Enoch was so united that they were translated.  The Nephites (without the -ites) were united and experienced peace for over 200 years.  And with the knowledge that, that kind of unity is necessary in order to live the celestial law, I can’t help but wonder how to bring it about.  My life’s mission is to provide a baby step in that direction. 

I’ve experienced to a small degree the power of unity in my own life.  All my life, I’ve said personal prayers and have been blessed by so doing.  But when my husband and I started holding evening couple prayers – and not just saying a prayer but really pouring out our heart’s desire and confessing our sins and seeking the Lord’s power in our lives, the prayer was different.  I could feel the Lord’s sanction of our unity and my abilities had increased as well as my desires.  We have had an increase in our love for one another and an increase of love for the Savior.  As well as an alignment of goals and communication.  Yes – Unity is powerful.

I’m not sure where to go from here, in order to COUNSEL TOGETHER of those with whom I desire to rescue from ignorance, addictions, false traditions, deceptions, and distractions.  But I reinforced my desire to be united in that effort.  And if I pray about that desire, I know the Lord will provide a solution somehow. . . . . .  someday.  

The Ponder Point

Every year for Christmas my children receive the gifts of the wisemen.  One gift represents the Gold – something to delight them, another the gift Frankinsense – something practical or useful, and one is the gift of Myrrh – something of deep meaning.  That one gift of meaning usually indicates a huge amount of time investment on my part- because sadly I’m not a very craftsy person. 

One year, I made little Sacrament Covenant Booklets, with the intent of helping the focus be on the Savior and the covenant renewed each week.  I don’t know that the gift was a great success.  If I recall, I didn’t even finish making them before the 25^th deadline arrived. (And I had every intention of completing the task in the down time between Christmas and New Year’s.    Aye, It didna happen.)

Alright, so it wasn’t a fabulous idea to make nine individualized, scrapbook style mini-books, but I do know that I developed a much deeper appreciation for the nature and purpose of the Sacrament that year.  And for many months to come.  Since I had put so much of my blood, sweat, and time into the project, I made sure to utilize it myself.

This address on the Sacrament was a wake up call that I have slipped back into habitual partaking of the emblems without accessing the power therein.  

I believe I found the point.  The point that makes the difference.  Habitually going through the motions of once a week taking the sacrament is good, but to receive the cleansing, healing, renewing, and deeply spiritual experience, there has to be something more.  That something is PONDERING. 

I’m as guilty as the next person at having my preparations for this sacred weekly ordinance consist of gathering all the family at church (since we’re all there anyway, right) and try to keep the littles quiet so as to not disrupt others.  Oh, and maybe I’ll have a 2 second visual of the Savior pass through my mind as I covenant to remember him always.  Pretty pathetic, I know, but unfortunately it has become the norm. 

But I have had times where the preparation was much richer and much, much more rewarding.

Like when I took time on a Saturday evening, or even during the sacrament itself, to reflect on the previous week.   Considering my thoughts, my words and my deeds.  Considering my effectiveness at keeping the commandments completely.  Considering whether I really exercised faith or simply touted my beliefs.   Considering the questions that plague my mind, or problems I haven’t found solutions to, or challenges I haven’t overcome yet.  Considering the aspects of my life where the atonement has already given me the enabling power to do more than I could on my own. 

That’s a lot of things to consider, especially if we are totally honest with ourselves.  In my little Sacrament booklet, I included a long list of questions to really help me to analyze where I stood.  Gut wrenching questions that if answered honestly, I always find a long list of sins that I hadn’t realized I was guilty of prior. 

The pondering point continues.  Listen intently on the sacramental prayer and review the aspects of the baptismal covenant outlined in Mosiah 18:8-13.  Such things as my desire, my willingness, my commitment, my witness as well as God’s promises.  Think on the symbolism of the sacrament, and remember.  Remembering is the key to spiritual growth and so vitally important to the purpose of the sacrament and our standing firm in our end of the covenant. 

In 1 Corinthians 11: 28-29 it states:

                “But let a man EXAMINE himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

                “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

I’d never realized before that I had been only doing half of the ordinance.  If there is no examination of self, no reflecting on my progress, no introspection as part of the process, no pondering - than not only am I not receiving the full benefit of the sacrament, but I’m cutting my own throat by doing it unworthily. 

That ordinance itself takes, what, about 5 to 10 minutes each week.  That’s not a huge amount of time to examine oneself.  But apparently, the Lord feels it is enough.  Enough that if we ponder, seek forgiveness and inspiration, and recommit; that we can access the power of the atonement to clean our slate and start fresh. 

If I can just do the 3 R’s:

(1) REMEMBER

(2) REPENT

(3) RENEW

Then I feel that I have worthily accepted the Lord’s invitation to be healed, to be forgiven, to grow spiritually.

An About Face

I’ve been there.

I was carrying on a conversation, minding my own business (or so I thought), when all of a sudden, someone got right in my face.  My comments were challenged, my points were mocked and belittled, and I was even threatened to take it back or . . .  - and before I realized what was happening, I was shamed and cowered into a corner. 

My choices seemed limited at the time.  And unfortunately, I played the game – becoming super insecure and reverting into myself. 

I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was being bullied.  Pressured into doing, or saying, or thinking, or being something that wouldn’t have been my choice if I didn’t have that shaming influence. 

So when I listened to this address from Elder Robbins, I couldn’t help but grab the air and yank my elbow in.  Yeeeeessssss!!!!!

BAM!  He wasn’t sending artillery to the bully, but arming the bullied. 

The 1st weapon: Establish the “WHY”

If we are in this world to stand on our own premise, then by all means, go with whatever whim and philosophy that comes your way.  But if we are consecrated and dedicated disciples of Christ, as we covenanted to be – the decision is already made. 

I like to think of it as a self-elected representative.  What other government could an individual nominate themselves, cast all the deciding votes, and be their own check on abuses of power.   That’s what agency (free will) is.  Our own self-governing nation.  I voted myself to be a representative of the Savior.  And as His disciple, I represent Him to the people.  NOT the people to the Savior. 

I want to adopt the mantra “I do ALWAYS those things that please the father” as my ‘WHY’. 

The 2nd weapon: Recognize the game

Usually attacks occur because the ‘guilty taketh the truth to be hard

Because there are only two options on who we represent (Savior or Satan), it would be helpful to recognize the strategies used by the opposing team. 

1.        Mocking – It’s sad to realize that mocking, scorn, ridicule, fear, belittling, etc. are usually more effective, than love, acceptance, forgiveness, patience . . .   The other team uses peer pressure as a motivation. (See, I knew high school was Satan’s playground - JK)

2.       Twisting – Making evil look good and good look evil.  That’s a fairly easy strategy to identify. But when he warps or imitates our own strategies, such as love of men before love of God (inversion of priorities) or utilizing guilt to have us turn away from the right (guilt is used to turn us away from sin), it gets a little more fuzzy on which side we really are on. 

It’s kinda funny when you think about it.  The guilty are the ones spreading the guilt.  Bullies try to make one feel guilty for giving offense in regards to their choice - and the only suggestion they offer to relieve that guilt is to give offense to the Savior instead.  ‘Join the bandwagon of sinners in order to relieve your guilt of shaming me.’ Does oxymoronic carry any weight here? 

3.       Legislation – Yep, make it a law . . .  or at least petition for lower standards.  I wonder how many things I would have wrongly supported if I hadn’t learned about the proper role of government.  Satan loves to legislate his ideas into legality.  Almost any law will pass as long as it is “for the children” or “for the underdog” no matter how immoral or counterproductive it is.  The needs of the few become more important than the needs of the many or the needs of the right.  And before you know it, we’ve legislated our way into an apostasized nation. 

The 3rd Weapon:  Be Inspired!

Greatness is inspiring.  Look to the greats.  There are so many accounts of men and women throughout the ages who have stood up to the bullies they faced.  The scriptures are chock full of them.  And as you learn about, be inspired by, and begin to emulate these greats, it is amazing how empowered you become. 

Yes.  It takes courage to stand up to the bully.  And even more importantly, it takes character to stand up to the bully graciously.  But courage is the only antidote for the fear of men.  The strength of an individual - or the strength of a nation – is only in proportion to the unbending on matters of principle. 

Can it be done without giving offense?  Probably not.  It is hard to please God while not giving offense to Satan.  But it really doesn’t matter what the end result is as long as the defense (or representation) – is done IN LOVE.    

When one makes an about face, they turn or change the direction that they were facing.  And like so many of the Savior's teaching, his ways are a change from the direction the natural man is facing.  

So the next time a bully is IN YOUR FACE and you feel that you have to LOSE FACE in order to SAVE FACE, understand that is being TWO-FACED about the obstacle you FACE, and so instead, make an ABOUT FACE. 

The Individual Element

The human body.

It is fascinating on so many levels.  Each body is made up of components called organs, which are made up of components called cells, which are made up of components called organelles, which are made up of components called atoms, which are made up of components called atomic particles, which are made up of components called quarks, which are made up of components called. . . . .  and so it goes.

Each component can be broken down to smaller and smaller parts.  Each part is necessary to perform the design of that component.

Conversely, the human body can also be a component of a larger function.  For instance, a person is part of a family, which is part of a community, which is part of a nation, which is part of the world, which is part of the solar system, which is part of . . . .

Bigger and bigger. Never ending.

These thoughts crossed my mind while pondering the talk by President Boyd K. Packer.

He mentions that each member of this church is a critical element in the body of Christ.  I’m pretty sure this is a symbolic reference rather than a physical adaptation.  So along those lines, each person is a part of the family. . . ., the community. . . . , the nation. . . . ., etc… of Christ’s kingdom.  But not only that, it is the testimony of Jesus Christ, or the spiritual strength, of each member that defines His success. 

Tangent here.  I vaguely remember watching the modern version of Clash of the Titans.  It was a little challenging to stomach with the amount of artistic license that was taken.  But one of the concepts was that the Greek god’s strength was only in proportion to the belief of their followers.  And when everyone stopped believing . . .  then the “god” was completely powerless. 

I wouldn’t be surprised if Satan (or his followers) truly believe this about Heavenly Father.  The campaign to stop believing in God is strong and having great success.  I find both truth and a great error in this philosophy.  It is true that God’s glory is defined by those who worship him, and He will be successful only by us choosing to follow his plan.  But the error lies in assuming that he will be without power if we stop believing.  The only one who is without power is the one who stops believing.  Or have we forgotten the lesson of Noah.  Everyone on the earth stopped believing to the point that there was no good in them at all – so God (still very much in power, but very saddened by the lack of belief) wiped out all human existence . . .  save one little preserved ark.

So when I say the success of Christ’s kingdom is pending the spiritual strength of its members - don’t equate power with success. 

President Packer continues with the reference to the war we are engaged in against the adversary.  Stating that each and every member of the church, with a spiritually strong testimony, is necessary to win against Satan.  In other words, the people have to be united and the caliber of Captain Moroni in order for Satan to be bound. 

Again, Satan is bound already to Heavenly Father.  He is subject to obey God’s every command.  The only reason he has been allowed any power is because it provides the opposition necessary for His plan and our progress.  But Satan is not bound to me and he’s not bound to you, at least not yet.  The only way which he will be bound in this life, is if we unite ourselves and fortify our testimonies of Christ.  (Again a reference to Captain Moroni – fortifying cities against the enemy)

This earthly sojourn is our boot camp and battlefield all rolled up into one.  We are in enemy territory receiving our battle training line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little – with each critical choice we either put on armament or remove it. 

And each warrior's preparedness makes or breaks the strength of the army. 

Continuing the body analogy, if a cell (say an individual) mutates or becomes cancerous (apostates) and it starts to break down the cells surrounding them, it will eventually affect the whole system adversely.  If a cell is “luke warm” so to speak, it could be considered a fat cell (spectator members), not part of the powerhouse of the body but sits there in storage to possibly be used some day.  If a cell is actively doing its part (participating member) – magnifying its callings, applying the Sunday school answers, exercising faith – it is a healthy and productive element of the system.  Fulfilling the measure of their creation.  And when other good cells combine, it makes for a healthy organ (wards/stakes/regions/areas) and a healthy and successful body.

I’m a believer in the power of One.  I’ve seen its effect in both directions. 

The decisions an ancestor made has affected generations. The ripple effect (or the butterfly effect) truly reaches out beyond our own little circle.   Consider the influence of one person in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life".  One person can make all the difference in the lives of so many people.  

Yes, I believe in the power of One.  

So what can one person do to make a positive difference in His Kingdom.  That's simple.  Find your purpose and accomplish it.  Seek revelation and fulfill the measure of your creation.  And when we do that, and unify with others doing the same thing, the individual element becomes a legion of warriors. 

Seeking inspiration

Over the last couple of years, I’ve been writing occasionally, as power thoughts came to me.  A couple of friends on facebook would make a simple comment which for some reason would stick with me and I’d ponder on it for a length of time until I blogged what was occupying my thoughts.  There were times that I had more power thoughts than time to write about.  Lately, however, I’ve been having the desire to write (because I get so much insight from my own writing) but haven’t been able to identify anything that speaks or weighs on my mind at present.  I guess you can say I am without inspiration. 

So with my desire to continue my search for truth, I’m adapting my blogging to a different source of inspiration.  Maybe those power thoughts came so easily because they were gifted to me but now it’s time to stretch myself a little more by seeking them out.  I’m hoping to study each of the general conference addresses and ponder the message that I receive from it, enough to write about it.

   

The first address is not rich in doctrine or heavy with direction.  I guess it could be compared to the ‘State of the Union’ address given by the president of the nation.  Instead this is the ‘State of the kingdom’ given by the prophet of God. 

I find it significant that his welcome begins by relating the purpose for this world wide gathering –

Why would we gather?

It isn’t because we are all on the same bandwagon or political ideal, a bunch of fringees who like to hear someone speak in our language and our own ideas.  It’s not any type of sales presentation where they are selling an idea, concept, or product.  It’s not really a duty to listen to those that preside over us, such as the royal decrees from a king or military instructions, or even our elected officials.  It’s not like a seminar or convention where you go to the class of your own picking and choose from the ideas presented on how you might try to improve your life. 

It is a gathering of the saints (those who have covenanted with their father) from all over the world (all of his children) to listen and learn (those that have ears, let them hearken and heed) to those whom we sustain (promise to support and follow their counsel) and receive the inspiration they’ve been given for us (revealed messages specifically for this time and this people). 

What a glorious purpose!  

Then there is the summary aspect of the kingdom.  Brief but encouraging.

The prophet takes the time to express gratitude for the progress and privileges granted us in this time.  From the beginnings when conference could no longer reach all its members and how that has changed with the advanced technologies of radio, television, cable, satellite, internet, and now personal devices.  We truly are blessed to have everything available instantly.  When you consider that King Benjamin’s tower and hand written transcripts were remarkable solutions for the masses that could not hear him, to the availability of God’s word through the prophet, today – it is difficult to not feel gratitude.  And of course, our prophet is leading the way in how to observe and express that appreciation.

Not only do we have access to the prophet’s voice, he points us to the temple.  Temple dedications, rededications, and construction progress keep the vision of where we are to look and stand.  With 170 temples in (near) operation, I can see the foundation being laid for the work that we are to engage in. 

In keeping with the growth of technology and temples, the membership of the church continues to increase as the stone cut out of the mountain rolls forth.  15 million really isn’t much when compared to the billions of people on the earth, but when compared to the 6 members that the church began with only less than 200 years ago, it is quite impressive.  I wonder how that growth compares with Christianity as a whole or any of the other world religions. 

I’m trying to remember a statistic, but I may be waaaaay off.  I believe back in 1999, there were only about 15,000 missionaries.  I recall being friends with someone who was interested in comparing Mormons against Christians.  They were impressed with the number of youth who volunteered to serve.  Now the missionaries are over 88,000, my daughter being one of them, and another daughter in preparation.  I can see how the Lord is in earnest, sifting out those who hear from those who choose to be deaf. 

The major counsel given during this address is the invitation to pay attention.  Like a mother or teacher encouraging a child to pay attention so that we won’t miss something that will be of value to us later.  Some important skill or knowledge will be available, if we but choose to catch it.  He closes his remarks with the desire that our hearts will be touched and our faith increased.  It is my hope that in pondering, evaluating, and blogging about conference, that his desire will come to fruition.  

A Fringee's Frustration

“Everybody’s Doing It”

As a youth, whenever I used that argument with my father, he would break out into a boisterous song. 

“Everybody’s doing it, doing it, doing it

Picking their nose and chewing it, chewing it, chewing it”

It was so aggravating that he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, understand the importance of being a part of the crowd. 

I’ve since learned to appreciate his wisdom.  Maybe not the song so much, but the concept that the masses don’t always make the wisest choice. 

With that consideration, I’ve begun a journey which involves walking to the beat of my own drum and down a path that society might not promote or condone.   

Why have a chosen a different path?  I guess you might say my eyes have been opened and my appetite awakened.  Call me ‘Ratatouille’ if you will.   It is difficult to be content eating sewage when I know there is a banquet of delicious gourmet foods available instead. 

It reminds me of the following account.  If memory serves me correctly, Socrates was having a debate with Thrasymachus about the benefits of being just.  Thrasymachus gave case after case of convincing evidence how the ultimate objective, which is happiness, can only be guaranteed by being unjust.

 In each argument, Socrates conceded that he was correct.  But even with all this evidence, Socrates was unmoved in his opinion.   He then began to point out that all of Thrasymachus objectives - (more toys, on top, carefree & fun, a rush, etc.) defined happiness at one level and that level provided temporary pleasure.  But there is a higher level of happiness (inner peace, genuine joy, fulfillment of purpose, service to mankind, etc.) that can be obtained only by being just.  A just person may not have all the benefits of the lower level but the higher level of happiness far outweighs the cost. 

And so this journey has made me somewhat of a fringee – different than the masses, on the outskirts of mainstream.  Not necessarily a social nerd, a computer geek, or trekky (ok, I may be a trekky to small degree).  Not a ‘stuck in an era’, an animal rights activist, a rebel without a cause and ‘I make my own rules’ type of fringee.

 I’d probably call myself a ‘seeker’ type of fringee.  Seeking truth.  Seeking to preserve truth and freedom and correct principles in a world that is rejecting them.  Seeking to devote and consecrate myself to my maker.  Seeking to be a force for good. 

So here is where my frustration comes in.  The more enlightenment, empowerment, and direction I’m given, the more I want to invite others to embark on the same journey.  But because I’m a Fringee, my message is ignored. . .  belittled. . . disregarded.   The closer I come to feeling genuine love and concern for my friends who have chosen a different path, the less effective I am at reaching or influencing them. 

For example.  I keep having this recurring day and night mare.  I visualize myself standing at the bar of God on judgment day and next to me are my dear friends, associates, and even potential associates (if I would have been friendly enough to open my mouth) who did not receive a pass.  They look at me with pleading eyes, and ask why I didn’t share what I had with them while there was still time?

My heartstrings are torn and my eyes well up with tears even now simply thinking about it.  As I consider the billions upon billions of souls who had successfully become victors of their first estate but have, or are, blowing their second estate, I feel overwhelmed with grief, heartache, and compassion. 

But what can I do.  I’m considered a fringee.  Every time I attempt to invite, my effectiveness is a nill because what I have to offer is not considered mainstream.  I’m viewed as “eccentric” and overly “passionate” and have an “over the top” position.   My message, my love and concern, my desire for their obtaining genuine happiness seems to never come to fruition.  And that frustrates me deeply. 

 I suppose I could focus on the positive – and only interact with those who have already chosen to take the same journey as myself.  Have my little clique of fringees who speak the same language and leave the rest of the world to fend for themselves while they enjoy picking their noses and chewing it.  But I find no contentment there either. 

So I’m stuck . . . . . . .  a frustrated fringee.   Still engaged in the noble cause of what I seek, but feeling the pains of rejection.   

Power Gone - but not POWERLESS

One of the purposes of this blog is so I can record power thoughts in my search for truth.  But this time, I simply want to express my gratitude.

A little back story:

                Back in December, my husband’s vocation was brought to halting stop.  Literally . . . he was stranded in another state.  The crankshaft, in his newly paid-in-full (now we can breathe a little) semi-truck  - broke.  It wasn’t worth putting us in debt bondage again and so he looked for other work.  Eventually he found employment that was the highest paid option and local.  The best of both worlds – so we thought.

                Unfortunately with our medical bills, IRS & other tax fan mail, and mounting unplanned expenses, we quickly found that finances were just as tight and probably worse.  After six months of trying to juggle the accounts payable with insufficient accounts receivable, the livestock and other assets were all sold (or are for sale)  Each day (and sometimes, each hour) we found that one more thing had gone financially awry.  The computer had a virus, the buyer (for a truck we have for sale) backed out, the extra job he found removing a tree turned out to really be a charity job, the bank was in overdraft, we’re stranded at home because of no fuel, my daughter had a tooth abscess, my medication required more blood work, the food sources depleted so I have to eat foods that adversely affect my health (wheat, rice, potatoes, sugar).  Then we began feeling disconnected – first the internet (bye-bye facebook), then the phone, and eventually the power.  This posed a few problems. The biggest being that our pump ran on electricity – so no water.  Other minor ones was that we had recently put our last pig in the freezer and my son’s insulin had to be kept refrigerated.  Now our energies had to be put to a new level of survival.  Looking for ways to fill up our water bottles (it really is amazing how much water must be consumed/used).  Borrowing the local park or post office to charge our devices.  Digging a fire pit with a grill so we can cook food since we were out of propane. 

                Of course, my knight in shining armor would problem solve everything he could for his damsel in distress.  He set up a generator to run for four hours a day to keep the freezer from thawing completely.  Eventually, he figured out how to connect the water pump to the generator so that we could fill up water barrels and water the garden once a day (btw the lawn has died a horrible, yellow death – priorities you know.  But the weeds are thriving).  He finally put up a clothesline so I could have my own solar dryer. 

                But the pursuits had a much different flavor now.  I hauled water three times a day to flush our indoor outhouse.  I had to wash clothes by hand and so my wardrobe had to be pretty soiled before getting washed.  With no funds, all food had to be prepared from food storage basics and on stove top or open fire.  Basically, oatmeal for breakfast, fried potatoes for dinner, and lunch was optional.  Our hair was French braided to conceal the greasy hair look, and washing dishes was either scalding hot or beyond lukewarm cold.   In a nutshell, life was challenging. 

                Here’s the confusing part.  Although we were not keeping upwith the Joneses (not even remotely), we were somehow optimistic, happy, even grateful.  God’s tender mercies weren’t always seen but they were definitely felt.  

               We discussed as a family what our options were and we concluded that it was best not to go out of our way to inform others.  Not so much from a pride standpoint (although I kept checking our motives because I didn’t want to go down that road), but because we noticed how some people who were aware of our situation not only were uncomfortable but almost acted put out – probably because it put them in a position of “should I help” and “I don’t want the inconvenience of having to help”.  Now I’m only guessing on that because I’ve had those same feelings toward other friends of ours who were hard up.  (Sad, but true story)

                Some of the kids felt like this was an adventure and was confident that good things would come of it.  Others just looked at it like we were camping out at home.  Our summer vacation.  No-biggie-dah.  The whole time I felt like our burdens were being made light by the unseen hand of providence.  Our prayers were not necessarily more desperate, but were spontaneously more grateful for the little things.  The generator operating when it was out of fuel (miracles are not little things, but every little thing was now seen as a miracle), no catastrophes with the propane or fire, time enough in the day to get the work done, siblings working together without contention, the quietness of no electricity (it’s very noisy, we’ve concluded) going to bed on time because there was no light, the continuing trend of only financial trials – instead of bigger ones like chronic illness, accident, wayward children, death, etc. 

                We may not have had electricity, luxuries, or even many necessities, but we were definitely connected to THE source of power.  And for that I’m truly grateful.