The Tender Mercies of the Lord

I've always loved the talk by the Apostle David A. Bednar about The Tender Mercies of the Lord.

There are so many things that God gives us. Sometimes we feel undeserving or humble or sometimes we expect things to happen and they do. I've always believed that God loves his children and therefore will give them blessings at all times, regardless of who they are.

This week I got two unexpected temporal "Tender Mercies". I received two half tuition scholarships from the university. This may seem like something expected and that if I was prepared of course it was going to happen! But no. In fact last December I received an email from the University saying that I had not made the cut for a scholarship. I felt really sort of down trodden. My family isn't in the best economic status right now. We're not starving and we can go out and buy new clothes and play things but still tuition is a giant chunk out of the family budget and with my sister coming to school next fall I was worried about what my poor parents were going to do.

So when I looked on my financial account for school and saw an unread message telling me about my scholarships I flipped! I haven't mentioned that I have about half tuition for spring and summer terms as well on part of my photography. But for fall and winter?! That was just the cherry on top of the sundae.

I feel very grateful to so many people. To the university, to my family, and to a certain Father in Heaven who, I believe, has His hand in all and sometimes likes to surprise his children.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

I'm not one to publicly write about my religious views and thoughts but I have decided that today is one of those days where I do something different.

This weekend is the weekend of General Conference, a weekend where all of the members throughout the church look toward Salt Lake for council and uplifting. I love this time of Conference because I do feel uplifted as well as united. It's a lot of fun to see the people in Salt Lake and hear the talks.

My favorite General Authority, if I can have one, is President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the Church Presidency. In his talk this Sunday morning he asked the members to use modern technology to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I just want to say that I know and feel that the Church of Jesus Christ is led by Jesus Christ himself, and by God our Heavenly Father. I know that they live and love us. They love everyone, members of the church and non-members. They love sinners and thieves. They love straights, gays, bi's, and everything in between.

Sometimes we as a church receive a lot of guff for what certain individuals say, but I know that God is merciful and loving unlike we imperfect human beings. I can assure ANYONE that by living the principles that are taught in the church, they can be happy and feel good. I have felt the change and the brightness in my life. 

I encourage everyone to look into the church and really study what it is about. Forget about past mishaps and problems, look at what is happening now. The goodness and service and the love.

I know it's true and that Jesus Christ and God love us and will help us at all times.