Blessings from keeping the commandments

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine 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” (Malachi 3:10).

I love the gospel so much. I know it is true. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of us and of our circumstances,  I have such a strong testimony of the law of tithing. Our family has been blessed so much because we have been faithful in paying our tithes and offerings. We received a little tender mercy from our loving Heavenly Father today, which I will mention in a little bit. 

A few weeks ago, Alex was attending PEC at church one morning and came home to tell me that a sister in the ward needed some help. He explained that she is a widow, (her husband recently left her when she was pregnant with her 3rd boy). She was mentioning to the bishop she wished her back yard was finished and landscaped so she could send her boys out to play instead of being cooped up in the house all day. She was recently diagnosed with a form of skin cancer on her face and was in the process of having that taken care of. She was not in a financial situation to pay for her backyard herself so the bishop asked if anyone would be willing to help donate some money so they could put in a sprinkler system and sod. Alex tole me he said we could donate $500. He said only 3 people (himself included) could donate and the other 2 could only do $100. Part of me was a little upset with the amount, but Alex quickly reminded me that we have been blessed financially so much that we need to do something for someone else. I agreed, but part of me was still upset. It was a special situation, not to go announced to the ward for fear others would want the same thing done to their yard.   

Alex was right, we have been blessed with enough means to get by and somehow it all works out to pay our bills especially our hefty student loans. Two weeks ago we paid the $500 and inside I knew it was the right thing. This last Sunday, just two days ago, was fast and testimony. This sweet young mother got up and thanked those who have been so kind to her and for the generosity and service her and her boys received. She told a story when she was a young girl in her home ward, there was a widow who at times needed help with different things. Many people in the ward helped this widow during the times when she needed it. This sister said "I never thought I would be in the same situation and be on the receiving end". 

It touched my heart and I felt so guilty for being upset at the amount we gave. After all, its not really our money anyway, its the Lord's. And he has freely given it to us through our work. My heart and attitude changed in an instant and I was honored to be able to help such a sweet sister.

Earlier today I finished paying all the bills and we were worried because we didn't have much cushion room for the next two weeks. Maybe $100 is all we would be left with, plus our meager savings which we wanted to not touch in case of an emergency. 

Well, today after dinner, I asked Jane if she wanted to go to get the mail with me. So we walked to the mail box down at the end of our street and sang and talked the whole way there. I opened up our mail box and on top of the mail was an envelope from Intermountain Healthcare. It looked like it was a bill. But instantly I thought I had paid for all of Ali's delivery and hospital stay. We hadn't been to the doctor recently so I know it wouldn't have been from that. When we got home Alex saw it and asked if it was a bill. I told him I was not sure but I thought I had paid all the bills. (our last Intermountain bill was in June of this year, and here it is September). So I opened it and it was a check for $436.00. Intermountain said we over paid on a Doctor visit with Ali, so here was our reimbursement check. It was such a tender mercy from the Lord. It came at the perfect time. From serving someone else and faithfully paying tithing, I know we are being blessed and the windows of heaven are open. It is just enough to get by and I can not thank the Lord enough for his kindness and love for each of us. It was something I needed today, to know that he is aware of us and knows us. 

Once again, I know the gospel is true. I love the scriptures and I love the hymns and the children's book and especially the lyrics to these wonderful hymns. I love and honor our dear Prophet Pres. Monson and I am so excited to hear from him and others in a few weeks for October conference.