Tender Mercies From The Lord -

I often ponder on the term tender mercies of the Lord. My interest in this came about in a conference address entitled The Tender Mercies of the Lord by Elder David A. Bednar  He quoted from the Book of Mormon; 1 Nephi 1:20; "But behold, I Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance". I ponder on this message and even memorize the scripture.
Elder David Bednar stated the following: "Since last October I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase “the tender mercies of the Lord.” Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits “his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men” (D&C 46:15).
Because of this message I recognize more quickly the tender mercies that I have received from the Lord. Some of these moments have been small; but very significant to me. Others such experiences have been profound leaving me with a testimony that God has answered a prayer".
 I had an experience come on a day when I was scheduled to work a shift at the temple. I had that morning received some information about a family member that caused me great concern and heartache. I had been crying all morning and was concerned that I would not be able to make it through the day without breaking down in tears. As I was driving to the temple I offered a soul wrenching cry that the Lord send me a tender mercy in the temple.  I had two moments in the temple when I knew I had received an answer to my prayer. These were sacred events in my life.
Another experience was in 2008. I had a very sweet little Maltese dog that we named Dollie. she was a joy in my life and I grieved over her for a long time.If you have a second to read this post entitled here; The Miracle Of The Lilac Bush . Enjoy!!

I had another experience in 2006 when I knew beyond doubt that I had been given a tender mercy from my Heavenly Father and Savior. My dear father passed away in October of 2001. He was 86 years old at the time. To me my Dad was one of a kind. He was such a sweet, gentle and good man. He was always so kind with my mother and loved her so much. I was his only daughter and I knew how he treasured me and I treasured him. He liked to sing songs to my mother when they were traveling. He didn't have a particularly good voice; but he loved to sing. One of the songs that he loved most was entitled: "Always".
When we as a family were putting together his funeral program; my sweet mother said: "You need to have your girls sing the song, "Always". We had a difficult time finding the music but in the end my sweet daughters sang that beautiful song. It was a comfort to my mom.
My dearest mother passed away in our home in August of 2006 at the age of 90. I had been taking care of her off and on through the years; sharing the time with my older brother. She had requested to come and live with me for the last few months of her life. At first I couldn't get her to talk about plans for her funeral; but finally she did. She again requested the song "Always " to be sung at her funeral by my daughters; Christina, Jenni-Marie and Tiffani. All six of my children loved both of my parents so much that it was difficult for them to be part of the program. They too were emotional over their beloved grandparents deaths.
I was to give a talk about my Mother at the funeral. I was a basket case for sure and had little control over my emotions. I had been praying for the ability to give my thoughts on my mother without falling apart. I went into the Ladies restroom and stood at the sink wondering how was I going to do this.
I prayed for a moment and pleaded with my Heavenly Father to help me with this. I then said: " Mother and Dad; if you are here today, please stand by my side and hold me up". At that very moment the song of "Always" came over the funeral homes loud speakers. My prayer was heard, my parents were near and I was able to express all the feelings of my heart about my mother and my father.

My Precious Parents

How I thank the Lord for all of his tender mercies; they have been countless. I recognize them more quickly now. I know that all of you have these moments in your lives. Look for those sweet minutes and know that our Heavenly Father and our ever aware Savior love you and desire to bless your lives with these tender mercies of the Lord.