Kristi's Miracle

I had an experience today that I'm extremely grateful for.

As a college student, I rely on grants and subsidized loans from the government to pay for my education. I recently applied and was accepted to the Fast Grad program at BYU-Idaho, this means that I can attend school year round. While this is an incredible opportunity, money has been a little bit tighter than usual. Each student is only given a certain amount of federal aid for the year, so now I have to split that money up for 3 semesters instead of just 2.

I got a little crazy last weekend and went shopping with some friends. Everyone needs a black dress right!?!? Anyway, long story short I've been feeling a little sick about money and being uber careful about how I spend it. Yesterday, I had tithing settlement with my bishop and we were talking.

He asked me to look over my tithing statement for the year, just to double check the figures.

I responded, " That's right, I just don't make that much money these days," I said in reference to the small figure totaled at the bottom.

He said, " You know, that's okay. Tithing isn't about paying a lot of money. Paying tithing blesses you. That doesn't mean that money will just fall in your lap, but often times a way will open up for you to work for a little extra money."

I pondered that, and knew it to be true.

My family has always been big about paying tithing and other offerings, and have been a great example to me.

I got a call today from my dad asking me if I wanted to work for some family friends for some desperately needed cash while I'm home next week for Thanksgiving. While it's all phone work, which I hate, and scares me a little, it's a job, and I'm so grateful. The Lord loves me, and I know that I am being blessed for paying my tithing. Heavenly Father will always take care of us if we are obedient and do His will. My life seems to be one miracle and revelation after the other. And I am so grateful.

Thanks!


Kristi

The Miracle of Hymns by Shelly Catton

I love the hymns! Ever since I learned to play my first hymn, I Stand All Amazed, I have enjoyed playing the hymns for myself, my family, and many choirs and congregations. There aren't very many hymns in the LDS hymn book that I'm not at least familiar with the melody.

Every time I pray I always ask for a few things that my family and I are in need of. Among these things are temporal and spiritual well-being as well as protection. In the scriptures we are cautioned to avoid vain repetitions in our prayers, so sometimes I have wondered if always asking for the same things kind of strays into the territory of vain repetition even if I really need these things.

A few weeks ago I was just waking up, I hadn't even opened my eyes yet, when in my mind I heard the melody to the hymn, The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare. I thought to myself, "This is kind of weird. I wonder why I'm thinking of this hymn?" As I concentrated on remembering the words, it became quite clear to me that this hymn was an answer to my oft said prayer.

The Lord my pasture will prepare - The Lord will help us and take care of us and if we will trust in Him he will guide our lives in the way they should go.

And feed me with a shepherd's care - At first I thought the word was "lead", but then I looked at my hymn book and the word is "feed". That sure gives me comfort to know that the Lord will feed me both body and spirit.

His presence will my wants supply - As well as providing our temporal needs, if we are close to the Lord and feel His presence, we won't have the need for "things" to make us feel good.

And guard me with a watchful eye - It makes me feel comforted that the Lord guards me from both physical and spiritual danger and that he knows me and watches over me.

My noon-day walks he will attend - Whatever I am doing throughout the day He is there with me.

And all my silent midnight hours defend - I had forgotten this last line until I looked at the hymn book. This line really touched me because I always ask for protection while we sleep and I really felt the Lord re-assure me that He is there and knows my needs and wants.

I am very grateful for this experience and love to recognize miracles in my life.