Speak for thy servant heareth

     Being away from home while attending college I always got a thrill when I heard my phone ring and I saw a  familiar number.  "Hi Pa, how are you?" was the usual reply.  Many times during these months away from home I sought counsel from my father during stressful finals week or when I needed a little extra boost for the week.  I was always waiting for those moments, listening.  Unfortunatley I became self absorbed and had taken a detour in life choosing other paths, almost opposite from my father's counsel. He would still call but during this time, my ear wasn't as in tune to that familiar voice.  I choose to listen to distractions and found myself lost and confused.  I am glad to say that since that time, I have found the path again and have opened my ears and my heart again to the counsel of a loving father.
      I was reading in 1 Samuel the other day and was reminded of my favorite example of the submissive nature of children.  As a child, Samuel's life was dedicated to the Lord, though he was unfamiliar with his ways.  One night, Samuel heard his name called, "Here am I" was his response.  After 3 encounters of heading this calling and being unfamiliar to the voice he answered a fourth time with the words

"Speak:  for they servant heareth."

    What faith, what courage we learn from a child.  Though at that time the voice was unfamiliar, he still listened.  I was brought to a rememberance of my own actions and the question came to my mind:  Do I answer as willingly as did the boy prophet Samuel?  He didn't mind the sleep he was missing or perhaps the ridicule he would get from Eli.  He didn't fear the unknown; he simply responded:  Here am I.  
      As we are counseled to become even as a child, I have realized all the improvement I still have to make to get there, but I also realized the blessings that are awaiting this change in my life.  As I listen more closely I will be giving up the distraction, the less important things in my life, the practices taht are time consuming and unproductive.  The things in life that keep me from focusing and drawing closer to family and most imporantly my God.  As I start to embrace these changes I will be ready and willing to repsond as did Samuel, "Speak: for thy servant heareth."


Learn how to be in tune to listen to the voice that will call you here!

Who am I?

Who am I?


How many times in life have we asked or heard this question? One of
the most memorable is probably from Les Miserables when Jean Valjean
is released from prison and succumbs to old habits. He receives pardon
of his wrongs and goes along his way. His past comes to haunt him and
he is faced with a choice, deciding who he is and who he will be? He
struggles with knowing "Who am I? 24601? Who am I? I'm Jean Valjean!"

This idea came from a letter I received from my brother in law. After
sharing his story with me he asked, "So who are you? I want to get to
know the real you. I've heard all about you from your sister and
family but it's best to go to the source." I know that this is true,
the source is where truth comes from. God is the source of all truth
and we need only seek him to discover it for ourselves.

Over the next few weeks I reflected on the question and I've come up with
some random thoughts. This was a wonderful journey of reflection that
I have thoroughly enjoyed and I can now say: I know who I am.

I was born in Davis County to a family with loving parents and siblings.

I was raised under the Big Sky and learned what it means to work.

I grew in the faith and among my peers I learned what it means to
"stand as a witness of God at all time and in all things, and in all
places."

I've been mocked, challenged, and I've had my back up against the wall
but more importantly I've been proved my God. I know what it means to
stand for truth and righteousness.

I've loved and served my fellow men as Christ has taught me. I'm a
sister. I'm a daughter with a divine nature. I will not succumb to the
world's ways for I was born to be a queen.

A daughter of a king I am, with many examples before me.

I am of infinite worth and my divine nature reminds me what God expects of me.

I am an heir of God, a joint-heir with Christ.

I am a child of God.

How did I get this way?

I was raised in the faith and at a young age I had the desire to grow
closer to God.

Through my years in life I've slipped and fallen in the mud but I've
never lost sight of my Father's house. I know where I am headed.

I'm trying to be like Jesus in all that I do and say.

I love my neighbor and try to always remember to forgive.

When I need comfort I read the scriptures. I seek The Lord through prayer.

I know what it means to to align my will with his and daily strive to do so.

I am not perfect, but I am working to become like my Father.

This life is our time to prepare to live with him again. As a king, his
palace is waiting for us. This life is the process through which we
build ourselves with his help to enter into his rest and enjoy his
presence.