Love's Reminders

A young boy gave me a little silver bell, and told me, "Ring this whenever you are lonely, and remember that God loves you." The following years I served a mission in a city of 11 million people, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The bell rang more than once my first year there. In the shadows of the concrete jungle, we taught a young woman who had once believed and faithfully followed Christ's gospel. She had even served a mission like the one I was serving. As I looked into her eyes, I could see her loneliness. She had followed a path that had brought her no joy. I pulled out my small bell the boy had given me, and rang it as loud as it could chime. Then told her of the love that God had for her and gave her the bell with the same instructions the little boy had given.

Ten years later, technology has advanced. I received a pop up message from this woman. She was proud to tell me of the positive changes she had made in her life. She then reminded me of my little bell. She had been re-baptized, and had even served another mission to Belo Horizonte, Brazil. As she thanked me, I could not accept it because it was the love of God that she felt through the ring of a bell and her choices to follow the path of joy.

To share joy brings joy. So I wasn't surprised when she told me she had given this bell to another in Belo Horizonte. Her sweet message reminded me of the joy that comes with sharing.God's love.

Life's questions, and paths are filled with distraction. Some say north, while others go south. Our own paths cross thousands of others each day. We see other's journeys in relation to our own or our neighbors and judge one another. Above the distractions, the Creator molds you and I and the earth of the paths... a Father who hopes we return to Him, even a God of perfect love. He alone knows your best choices and paths.

Sometimes life's journey has clarity in directions each choice has a destiny. So it has been with me this year... a marriage, change in a career, and a new home. Mary is eleven years younger than I, and many laughed and doubted our love. As I listened to the distraction, I had decided twice against dating her. The truest advice was sent from above and filled my heart to help me know that I should marry Mary. Once again the sweet knowledge that the path I travelled was right.

I complained, and hoped for my career to get better to help me begin my life with Mary. Rexburg is not D.C. full of jobs I'd qualify for. Some told me to settle for whatever job I could get. I felt within a promise of something better. Six months have passed and I am earning, enjoying, and learning more than I ever could have with the other job offers and my previous position. Once again, the love from above spoke to my heart. Not logic, persuasion or another one's path. The Creator of all things blessed my life's journey.

Nobody is alone in life's paths and choices. I am proud to see my brother Clayton happy in Chico, California with his perfect job at Berberian Nuts. He left Logan, Utah less than a month ago as his heart and he chose to take his family to this new place. With no job arranged, enough money saved to cover a months rent, and the confidence that came from this heartfelt direction; he moved his wife and three kids to Chico. He has two bachelor degrees. One in business, and another in Forestry/Horticulture. Within the first couple days serendipity guided his path to meet the Director of HR and the General Director of a large orchard. Now he is employed with a house on the walnut orchard, a company vehicle, and a salary with benefits working as a professional! Congrats!

Life's journey can be full of His divine love. As we walk our paths may we ring our bell louder to help others along their paths. While examining another's journey, may we accept them with that same little chime. As we walk forward may we persistently seek for divine guidance along the way... He will guide us if we listen. When we review our live's journey, may we see His rich blessings and know that God loves us.


Prepared by Lucas Handy