– True To The Faith – November 2007 –
I experienced another “tender mercy” of the Lord on Tuesday, November 7. A few days prior to the 7th I had become aware that I was missing a very important book. It was my copy of True To The Faith that I had had spiral bound, and I had used this book during the entire time that I served as bishop. It is a wonderful reference on repentance, forgiveness, mercy, the atonement, and love. I had it marked just a much as my scriptures, and I had relied on this great book so many times. It was of great importance to me. I had searched for the book for 3 days, but had been unsuccessful in locating it. I had even asked Susan if she would get me a new copy for Christmas.
As I was doing my morning exercises on the 7th, I began to think again about the whereabouts of this great book. I was very distraught that I would have lost or misplaced such an important book. I had the feeling that it was somewhere to be found, but I couldn’t for the life of me remember where. I said a prayer to the Lord, saying approximately these words: “Lord, I bring to you a very trivial matter in comparison to the magnificent and overwhelming things that you daily deal with, but I would be so grateful for some inspiration as to where I might find a book that is important to me. Lord, as I picture our home in my mind, please direct my thoughts to places that I might look that would lead me to this book.” During the next several minutes, I became aware of 4 or 5 places that I had not looked, or places that I hadn’t searched thoroughly. I thanked the Lord for guidance. After finishing my exercising, I searched the areas that I had pictured in my mind, and found no sign of the book. I sat down at my desk, somewhat discouraged, when a distinct memory came into (was placed in) my mind. I saw the book in the window of my mind, and remembered placing it in one of my credenza drawers. After just a few seconds of searching, there was my beloved book, along with a large file of wonderful church talks that I had completely forgotten about.
Some might call this coincidence or just good luck, but I believe the Lord answered a simple prayer, not because I was worthy of the answer, but because our wonderful Father loves us and stands ready to bless us as we try to do His will.
Click here to return to the Personal Life Journal index