"Tiernas Misericordias" means "Tender Mercies" in English. I know
that I have mentioned a lot of tender mercies before, though this past
week as I focused on my journal a little more, I tried to write all of
the Tiernas Misericordias that I could remember throughout the week. It
truly was an amazing way to reflect back on the amazing blessings that
the Lord gives to us daily. In fact, every hour. I always tell myself if i
cant find a tender mercy every hour of my day, i need to look harder
because there is always something if we go out and work for them, have
faith to receive them, and ponder on them. I want to share with all of
you one that I had this past week.
Sunday. Alarm goes off, i say my prayer and continue through my
morning. Our schedule hasn't changed yet like all the missionaries
around the world, so we still have the normal routine. If I told you all
my week was full of flowers, smiles, laughing, tacos, and perfectness I
would be telling you the story of a fantasy world. We did eat Honduran
tacos which were AMAZING, though to sum of the overall week, it was
enjoyable, but rough. I woke up feeling sad, feeling a little tired,
down and not as motivated as always. After a couple minutes of starting
to exercise i told myself that if i went throughout my day feeling the
way i was feeling that nothing would be productive.
Now, doing what most of you would probably do, I decided to focus
my studies on the Atonement. I took some time to sing some sacrament
hymns and reflect on the words. Given that it was Sunday, I thought that
I would try to focus on the Sacrament and what it represents. Those
hymns invited a wonderful spirit into my studies and I felt uplifted to
focus on helping our investigators use the power of the atonement in
their own life. I truly was spiritually uplifted.
However, daily struggles aren't always taken away as we may want.
Sunday I learned that we must all be like Nephi and ask for the strength
to endure through tough moments:
"But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound." -1 Nephi 7:17
What comfort, peace and strength both physically, emotionally and
spiritually I have felt as Nephi felt. I know that the Savior is always
here with us and is willing to lift us up and carry us on our way to
reach our goals and to accomplish what needs to get done. And not just
to accomplish, but to do it happily and joyfully. I know my savior lives
and that he is with me. What a tender mercy we all have in every
moment.
I love you all so dearly and wish the best luck in all of your journeys!
All my love from the small city of Tallahassee :)
Your very own, and only,
Elder Stonely
Some pictures from a District activity that we had...
