Saturday, November 22, 2008

Mercies and Miracles

A reader asked if I had anything to say on this subject. Since I do have the best readers on the internet, I thought I would try to put a few of my thoughts on this into words for her.

For those not familiar with the Book of Mormon, I will explain what Mormon folk mean when they say "tender mercy." In the first part of the Book of Mormon, a prophet named Nephi writes the following; "But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

One of our current day prophets gave a talk a few years ago where he noted that during a highly stressful time in his life, his favorite hymn was played just before he had to do a very scary thing. He noted that this was a "tender mercy" of the Lord.

So a tender mercy has become a fairly common phrase among Mormon folk since that taught. We recognize these mini miracles that buoy us up and encourage us and strengthen our faith in trying times.

I have had several of these tender mercies brought to my attention by that inner whispering voice of the Spirit over the last 5 months. Alone, one of them may be seen as a coincidence. But combined they create powerful evidence to me that the Lord knew Camille's life would be taken in the time and manner that it was. Additionally, they are great evidence to me of the Lord's love for me and His desire to bless His children with little extra signs of that love when we must go through the dark days of this life in our journey to become more like Him.

My time is limited today. So I will simply list all the tender mercies I have thus far seen in this tragic time of our lives. I will say that I find more each month.

Tender Mercies:
Taking family pictures the Saturday before Camille' drowned.
Camille spending time with each set of grandparents alone for a day or two just weeks before she died.
Camille calling to me from the pantry the day she died. She had crawled to the top of the step latter and was so proud of herself. I went to find her and she had the biggest smile as she stomped her foot and yelled out. I called her dad over to see her because she was so cute. This is the image I use to replace the horrifying images that still haunt me finding her. I am so glad to have taken that moment to just look at and appreciate and love my baby girl and all her personality.
Having a dream that Camille drowned in the spa and then not remembering it till I saw her there.
Having her die before she was ever at an age that I had to discipline her.
Having her die before the economy took a nose dive. We had no money worries when she died. We were so glad not to feel we needed to be thrifty on her grave and about her medical care.
Having a speaker in church talk about KNOWING for sure that there is life after death because of an experience he had just after his sister died when he was in high school. The week he spoke, my friend Britt was in town and the first 2 rows were filled with people who had lost children in the last year.
The Camille stocking - and not finding that darned box last Christmas.
Having chosen her flower for certain the week before she died. 
Having a line in her baby blessing that sounded ... "not good" and made me hold her a little longer at night putting her to bed wondering what "special circumstance" she would have to go through.
Being inspired to start the blog when I did.
ALL the support that ALL of you have been to me and continue to be for me each day. That is half a million tender mercies all rolled into one. 

Well I have to run and I want to get this published before I go. Thank you again to all of you. Most of all Thank YOU to the Lord for the multitude of His tender mercies which do strengthen my faith and make me feel mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

14 comments:

Jennie said...

Every post you write leaves me edified. Thank you for that. It truly is a tender mercy to me. Your list is amazing, and each one a beautiful tender mercy for you, and your family. I went through something particularly difficult last year, and I was so grateful for the tender mercies shown to me, during that time. It is really what got me through. I had also heard a song at the world wide leadership training that was about tender mercies. That song and one line in particular kept coming to me when I needed to be lifted up. It said, "The tender mercies of the Lord are daily shown to me." It really reminded me to look around and notice them. I am so glad that you have had so many tender mercies, lifting you in your dark and difficult days.

Kathryn said...

Thanks so much for the help.... I don't know why I need this in my lesson but I am grateful that you were willing to share! you are such a strong woman and truly amazing!

Claire said...

I'm so grateful for how open you are about sharing your experiences, thoughts and testimony with all sorts of strangers on the internet! Every post you write inspires me and helps remind me to hug my baby girl a little bit tighter and a little bit longer. And on days like today, when life is stressful and I just want to run away or sit in a corner and cry, I need that reminder, that life is precious and family is so important. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me!

Unknown said...

Thank YOU! I love "stalking" your blog because I always feel boosted up when I finish reading. You are an amazing person with a talent for writing, as well as a giant spirit. I appreciate that you allow your blog to be public so I may be lifted up...usually on my down days. :) You're wonderful!

Becky said...

Thank you for your posts. I feel excited each time I check it and see a new post. You bring joy with reality to my life.

Kathryn_m said...

I am so thankful for all the tender mercies that come my way.

I am curious about baby blessings - who writes/delivers them? You seem to imply that they foretell of the life of the child - is that correct?

Are they akin to the Sacrament of infant Baptism?

The image of Camille on the ladder is precious - thanks for sharing that moment with us.

love 'n hugs,
kathryn_m

Anonymous said...

You're welcome.....!!

Love to you,

Jane

jaacs said...

What a powerful witness and testimony. I love reading your blog and, while we don't know one another, I'm eternally grateful for you sharing everything that you have shared. I'd like to think that it has made me a better wife and mother. At the very least, it has made me stop and appreciate the little things with my family and not fret over trivial matters like maintaining a perfect house or worrying if I even get anything accomplished during the day other than enjoying our girls. :)

Thank YOU a million times over for allowing us to be part of your life and for the most amazing example that you set for us all. You are amazing. :)

Melissa-Mc said...

Doesn't it make you wonder how many "tender mercies" and miracles are going on all around us that we have no clue about? It makes me want to be grateful for everything, even the small things.

Susan Anderson said...

This is a great Thanksgiving post and reminds me...at a stressful time...of all the tender, merciful things I have to be thankful for, including your blog. Thanks, I needed that!

Brimaca said...

You've been a tender mercy to many of us. The Lord led me to your blog at a time when I was being impatient and unappreciative. Then you blog led me to Nie Nie and between your two blogs I have become a much better mother, wife, and friend.

Heather & Greg said...

I have to thank you for your ever inspiring posts, you boost my spirit even on days when i don't think i need boosting. You continue to remind me of all that I have to be great full for in stressful times. Thank you for being a friend to so many, and for your unwavered faith and example. One of my tender mercies is the hymn "Did you think to pray", it Always comes to me at times of need!

Anonymous said...

I have left an anonymous comment before about when my brother died when he was five years old, and the spirit telling me the night before and preparing me for what was to happen. I KNOW the Lord has a plan for each of us. He let me know (for some reason) so I would not doubt. That is one of the most wonderful tender mercies that I have received.
Also, the Sunday before he died, he bore his testimony all by himself. He was just barely five year old! He died December 9th and the week before he begged my parents to put up a Christmas tree...something they didn't do until just a couple weeks before Christmas. It's like he knew he wouldn't be around to share Christmas with us. The suit he was buried in had already been wrapped and was under the tree when he died....unfortunately she had to return some gifts. The night before he died my mom took he and I to see Santa Claus. Oh, the tender mercies! There is a God and He lives. Our loved who have passed on ones are around us and I have witnessed this. Just pray and those questioning it will know!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly. Your voice is a tender mercy to so many that you will never even know. And thus, Camille's life and death are blessing countless numbers of us with tender mercies, each time you share her with us. Thank you. May God bless you and your family and send more of His tender mercy your way.