TJ Hirst

Life brings some hard lessons.
The sturdiest plants are not grown under glass,
and strength of character is not derived from the avoidance of problems.

Ruth May Fox

as quoted by Julie B. Beck in Remembering, Repenting and Changing

Learning to listen is not just a lesson I teach my children, it is a lesson I continue to learn myself, especially that I may receive divine communication.

For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.

The Book of Mormon - 2 Nephi 28:30

When my friend recently talked to me about taking away all the distractions and barriers so that she can have the Holy Spirit guide her, I could relate to that feeling. Often I feel a tight ball of stress swelling right in my chest. I know it is keeping me from more. More faith. More knowledge. More love. I know when I feel it, but sometimes it is hard to let go. But when I am willing, my heart opens, and I receive.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Genesis 2:2-3

A new week blossoms as this azalea outside my front door.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do:
for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
St John 5:19

Jesus Christ’s relationship to Heavenly Father established a pattern for us in following His Father and ours. On this day that we honor fathers, the power of my own father’s example is deep in my heart. Day to day, in little ways, I follow him as he follows Christ. Glad to be with you today, Dad!