Called and Chosen

I was thinking today about what it means to be called and chosen, pondering the scripture D&C 121:34 (34-46 inclusive) "Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?" and also thinking about Nephi in Helaman 10:4-7 4 "Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. 5 And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt dnot ask that which is contrary to my will. 6 Behold, thou art Nephi, and I am God. Behold, I declare it unto thee in the presence of mine angels, that ye shall have power over this people, and shall smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the wickedness of this people. 7 Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people." It occurred to me that being chosen what happened to Nephi. He was called and was faithful with 'unwearyingness' in doing the will of the Lord. In fact there is a check list of sorts in verse four: 1. Declaring the word of the Lord 2. Not fearing man 3. Not seeking or own life or will, but to seek the will of the Lord 4. Keeping the commandments Because of all this Nephi was also chosen of the Lord. Being chosen of the Lord is to be given permission to use the priesthood fully and completely because ones will is aligned with the Lord's will perfectly. It is to be told by the Lord: I trust you fully and I choose you and give you full authorization to do my work.

The really good ever so happy completely awesome day

Today was one of those days that satisfies the heart and soul. It was a slow, luxurious morning, sleeping in and breakfast as a family including our daily practice of holding hand around the table for the prayer. I find this particular practice very fulfilling. Then we went and participated in the baptism of some close friends, hanging out afterwards to visit and enjoy the moment. Our friends were prepared to receive the gospel for a long time and the moment to join the church turned out to be now. We have been part of teaching them and they have made our life better. I rejoice in their progress and in their joy. This evening I went to help fix a vehicle for some other friends and it came together beautifully. It made me realize how wonderfully guided I have been in my life to acquire skills and develop talents that bless my family and so many others. I am grateful for the many times I have been called upon to use these in blessing others and in doing the Lord's work. I want to recognize the hand of the Lord in my life, I am blessed, I am most often content, and I am happy.