Crump Crew in Nauvoo: Invitations and Blessings...

What a weird weather week it has been. It was raining at the beginning of the week and then the temperatures plummeted to well below zero. This caused freezing rain and a layer of ice on almost everything; our front and back stairs, the van, the roads and every walkway. The historic sites were closed off and on throughout the week. All of this just added to my admiration for the pioneers who endured this kind of weather continuously.

So because we spent more time at home this week than usual and didn't go out and do anything, I had more time to study, learn and do a little pondering. This week's post is a bit more philosophical than usual. So for what it's worth, here are my ponderings this week...

On Wednesday night we had Mission Training and President Lusvardi wanted us to learn from the teaching style of President Nelson and other members of the Twelve. We talked about invitations and promises. If you go back and read talks given by President Nelson he always invites and promises. Sometimes he gives a brief personal experience. But always an invitation and a promise. We discussed how we can use that same technique as we teach in the historic sites and other places. So, as a result of that training, everything I read now I think of it in terms of invitations and promises. Today the Sunday Relief Society lesson was taken from Elder Rasband’s talk from October General Conference, “Be Not Troubled”. It’s a great talk about walking the covenant path, trusting in the Lord, doing your part, and centering our thoughts on Christ. All of this to help us "be not troubled." I made a list of over 20 invitations and promises that Elder Rasband gave. As I looked at that list I thought, ‘And now what? That’s a lot of stuff!” Then I looked at the list again and realized that there was one invitation that he mentioned that really covered all of the rest. “Center our thoughts on Jesus Christ.” That’s it. That’s really the key to everything else. Now I know that’s not a novel concept. We are told to “look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not.” And “…talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ…”. But, in reality, if I center my thoughts on Christ, then EVERYTHING else falls into place. I am in holy places, I have love and charity, and I am serving. I am seeking, obedient, humble, believing, and trusting. So now my next question to myself was ‘How do I do that? How do I center my thoughts on Christ?’ Elder Rasband mentions being in holy places, like the temple and serving. I also know that if I immerse myself in the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, it’s so much easier to think on Christ. The promises Elder Rasband made to us if we do follow his invitations include surviving spiritually, having fear dispelled, finding answers, feeling God's love, receiving heavenly help, and receiving personal revelation. Aren't those all blessings and promises we each are seeking?

This whole idea of invitations and blessings is very intriguing to me. I think that no matter what I want to enjoy in this life, there is an invitation and a promise for it. As I sat in sacrament meeting this morning I paid close attention to the hymns we sang. Yep, there they were, invitations and promises. I studied my patriarchal blessing, more invitations and promises. I thought about the temple covenants I have made. There they were again. Invitations and promises. Not to belabor the point but, maybe that’s not just how President Nelson teaches, maybe that’s the pattern of our Heavenly Father. Not maybe, it is. He wants to bless us so he invites us to follow Him and promises incredibly amazing things if we do.

So, my invitation to you is to pay closer attention to every invitation and promise that comes your way; in Conference talks, scriptures, music, your own patriarchal blessing, Sunday lessons, and other inspired counsel from leaders, then act on those invitations, and as you do the promises that were made will be fulfilled. I have seen it happen throughout my life. Those who give God their best receive the best He has to offer.

And that's my rambling for the week :0)