Sabbath Day Sentiments: of pondering and grace

2017 has been a tough year for me. My darkest hours have pervaded my life in a discouraging way. I have fought hard to stay positive and I have looked to God continuously for the strength, courage, and endurance to overcome discouragement. Oh, what a wonderful blessing we have in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the promise that tomorrow can and will be brighter!

Today's post is the first in a series I am calling "Sabbath Day Sentiments". Through attending church meetings and diligently listening for the Holy Ghost to nudge us, personal revelation often comes. I have been blessed to grow in knowledge and testimony as I have attended my church meetings.

And so we begin...


I have always been a pretty good ponderer.

The last several weeks, the speakers in my car have not been working. I have not taken the time to go get them repaired. I quickly realized how much of a habit it had become for me to turn on the sound system as soon as I got into my car. Without that luxury in recent weeks however, I have found myself spending a lot MORE time thinking and pondering.

What do I ponder about? Usually it's recent experiences, things I have read, things I have heard or seen, how to fix traffic issues on Utah's highways, how I can help the people around me, my shortcomings and inadequacies, my accomplishments, and much more. I have also realized that it is what is most current and relevant in my life that occupies the forefront of my thoughts on these occasions. I recently, therefore, have reminded myself how important it is to occupy my mind with good (i.e. virtuous, lovely, of good report, praiseworthy) things.

I've got the pondering down. But do I spend enough time reading and studying God's word (a.k.a. scripture) to keep those good/best things first in my queue of thoughts? Remember I mentioned pondering about my shortcomings? Trust me, I am very aware of them. And I am far from perfect at reading and studying daily, but I have faith that through Jesus' great mercy and grace, I can keep trying, and will be blessed for my efforts.

Speaking of grace, there is a line in the hymn "O Savior, Thou Who Wearest a Crown" that has struck me many times, including today when it was sung in preparation for participating in the ordinance of the sacrament: "The very foes who slay thee have access to thy grace". I love the concept of grace. God's grace transcends space and time, giving mercy and aid to ALL.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!" -John Newton

"For the wretched of the earth, there is a flame that never dies. Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise!" -Herbert Kretzmer (Les Miserables)

"What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?" -Henry F. Lyte (LDS hymn no. 166)

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28

"...my grace is sufficient..." -Ether 12:27

God's grace is for EVERYONE!