Ask

Most children ask for what they need and then some.  It has been interesting to me, as I have worked with a couple of my kids, to learn that some children need to be taught to ask.  It is not in their nature to ask for help.  It is not a given that they look inside themselves when they are uncomfortable and find out what they need, and then turn around and seek for someone that can provide for their need.  I remember one day when we were on vacation in Utah touring the Conference Center Isaac was very upset.  Crying, throwing himself on the floor, miserable.  When we finally stopped for lunch, Isaac ordered juice and water with his lunch.  As soon as it arrived he grabbed both drinks, stuffed the two straws in his mouth and drained the cups in record time.  The reason for the mornings suffering became clear.  He had been thirsty.  He never asked for a drink.  In fact, when the other kids stopped at water fountains, he cried and refused the water, perhaps it was simply because he wasn't used to water fountains.  Who knows, but my point is this:  Judging from some of the things the scriptures say, I think at times Heavenly Father sees us, His children, doing this same thing.  I think he sometimes marvels at our unwillingness to ask.  In 3 Nephi 16:4 Jesus says:

"...my people at Jerusalem, they who have seen me and been with me in my ministry, do not ask the Father in my name, that they may receive a knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost..."

The people at Jerusalem were told that Jesus had other sheep, but they didn't think to ask for understanding, or clarification of his words.  I believe it says they assumed Jesus meant the Gentiles.  I'm sure there are many instances in my own life when Heavenly Father was just waiting for me to ask so he could help me to understand.

Matthew 7:7-8 says:

"Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; For every one  that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

We have to be taught to ask.  It goes along with learning faith.  We ask.  We receive.  We learn to trust Heavenly Father.  But if we never ask...we will continue to thirst.

Light

I have been gaining a lot of understanding through studying the words of modern church leaders this past month.  Maybe that is why reading these verses made me pause and take a moment to remember that General Conference is coming up.

Christ is speaking to the Nephites in 3 Nephi 15:10-12 when he says:

"Behold, I have given unto you the commandments; therefore keep my commandments...And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he said unto those twelve whom he had chosen.  Ye are my disciples; and ye are a light unto this people..."

I'm very thankful for my testimony that Heavenly Father has given us apostles and a living prophet today.  I'm grateful for all those who serve in leadership of this church--Christ's church in the Latter-Days.  And so I ask myself:  Am I grateful enough to listen when they speak?  Do I take the time to receive the light?

Really Believe

3 Nephi 14:21 says:

"Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven." (emphasis added)

 This scripture reminds me of the reason I enjoy sign language so much.  This scripture reminds me of the sign for "believe."  In order to say "believe" in sign language you touch your index finger to your forehead and then bring that hand down to clasp your other hand in front of you.  I remember it easily because to me the sign says more than the spoken word.  To me is says belief starts in your mind but needs to continue to your hands, or in other words, your actions to really make a difference.