Diety Delivers

The way we had been brought up as children in our non-member family was, if you messed up, the punishment was severe, even if it was unintentional. The thinking behind the discipline was, that even if it was a mistake, the memory of the severe punishment would prevent us from repeating the mistake, or the bad behavior, whatever the case may be.

I joined the Church when I was 16. As a teen, I had made a few mistakes. Not major ones, but ones that had been made after my baptism, and ones that I had learned in seminary needed to be discussed with my bishop.

I went to my bishop with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, anticipating some sort of punishment for my bad behavior. My bishop at the time was a kind, gentle, and understanding man. My punishment was to 'go and sin no more.'

I left a little confused, as I had never experienced anything like that. I stayed worthy to eventually be married in the temple. Suddenly, I found myself with two young children, and a lot of doubts.

I began to wonder if I really had been forgiven, and if my punishment, or lack thereof, was enough. I was afraid that things had not been taken care of properly, and I that I had partaken of the sacred blessings of the temple unworthily. Now, I had children, born in the New and Everlasting Covenant. Had I jeopardized their eternal blessings because of my unworthiness? The questions just kept piling up. I began to get depressed.

I decided to pray about the situation. I recounted the story to my Heavenly Father, and asked for forgiveness again. I said, "please let me know in some small way that I am square with you".

The next day was Monday, and I was really dragging. It was lunchtime, and my kids were in need of food and a nap. I hadn't even combed my hair, and don't think I had even used deodorant. I was wearing sweats and an oversized t-shirt when the doorbell rang.

A sister from my ward whom I didn't really know very well, stood in the doorway with a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. It was sister Webb. She was a single sister, who was a recent empty-nester. This is what she said:

"I always take myself out to Pizza Hut on Monday for Family Home Evening. This time, I kept feeling like I should order two instead of my usual one. I thought, okay, whom am I to argue with the Spirit, so I bought two. I figured I could put the extra one in the fridge and have it during the week. On my way home, something kept telling me to bring it to you. I thought it was kind of strange, but, here it is. I hope you enjoy it."

With tears in my eyes, I hugged her, and I let her know that Heavenly Father had used her as an angel to answer a prayer for me. I felt so loved. I knew at that moment that I was "square" with Him. I also knew that he hears and answers prayers, and that He knows me and loves me.

I was also grateful to Sister Webb for following the promptings she received from the Holy Ghost.

This is one of those personal experiences that has helped me develop an unwavering testimony that God is real, and that he truly does work little miracles every day.