About a Funeral, Seeking Wisdom and Asking God, Blessings of Tithing and Offerings

I have felt the hand of the Lord so much these last several days. So many people have been praying for my family and it’s a service that can’t be measured. I couldn’t list all the ways I have felt blessed. My family has been so understanding and patient with my emotional swings, and difficulties thinking clearly, even in the midst of their own grief. They have helped me to see, understand, and remember important principles that have made moving forward so much more doable.

My dad’s funeral was beautiful. I’m in awe of the power of the music that my parents’ grandchildren (and spouses) created, as well as the gift my brothers gave when they sang together. One of my brothers even wrote a fourth verse to “God Be With You”, that touched many hearts. Music truly allows us to express feelings and thoughts on another level that reaches deeper and lifts us higher. It’s a beautiful way to carry a soul to Heaven.

This year the LDS mutual theme is James 1:5-6

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

I LOVE THESE VERSES. There are so many times I lack wisdom. So many times when the only one who can answer my questions is Heavenly Father. There are so many times when He has given me answers that have helped me over, under, around, or through things that I could have not handled on my own. Sometimes I have to be patient and wait for an answer, but there are so many other times when God anticipates my questions and sends me answers almost before I even knew to ask.

(Read and Follow the Instructions)
I’m so grateful for the blessing of being able to pay tithes and fast offerings. I believe so many of the blessings my family and I have are a direct result of paying an honest tithe and a generous fast offering. (Never underestimate the blessings of fast offerings!)

3 Nephi 24

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the fields, saith the Lord of Hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed, for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of Hosts.