On Sunday a middle aged sister in our ward that I think is just an outstanding individual. She is pure, simple, and very kind & Charitable. She gave a wonderful talk on the 8th Article of Faith and the word of God in our lives. She shared this story and it was touching to me. As I visited with Dad and Mom this week about their MTC experiences I was telling dad that I really didn't want to go to Church and neither did Jack. We contemplated playing the sick card because Cameron wasn't well, but without another word being said to each other we were all dressed and ready to go. I am so thankful we didn't play hooky because I needed this little story, which inspired me to get back on track. We hope that our assumptions are right that we all go through periods of time when we are doing great and other times when we are not doing what we should as faithfully as we want to. We each are simply doing the best we can. I personally have been really laxed on my personal prayers and scripture study. As I shared this with dad he shared that he has used this concept and lesson many times in his talks. (Where have I been? I missed all of those great lessons!) So if you haven't been fortunate enough to hear dad share his teachings similar to this story I hope it is something you can just put in your little thought cap--we are Parrish's we all have them! ...LOL It may even come in handy to help you explain to your children when they are whining and complaining about having to get up early or stay up late (when ever you are striving to attempt this task) of reading scriptures or attempt FHE whatever it maybe. Love you all~Jill
The BIBLE & The Coal Basket
Distributed by email - Author unknown
The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible.
His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could. One day the grandson asked,
"Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"
The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house.
The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.
This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.
Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"
"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean.
"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.
That is the work of God in our lives.
To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son.
Take time to read a portion of God's word each day. Pray that He will use it to turn your heart and mind to Him.
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