tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17798230442508800892024-03-06T01:02:44.252-08:00Sammy Grace's PlaceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-50202532637678277282017-05-20T19:23:00.000-07:002017-05-20T19:23:06.285-07:00Enjoy.Enjoy is a verb.<br />
<br />
For some people, this verb comes naturally. They wake up, and they<i> enjoy </i>life. For some people, this verb is a choice. A lot of people experience both of these paths of "enjoying."<br />
<br />
But doesn't it feel good? Once ya choose it of course... To just---<i>ENJOY. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
To wake up laughing at your two year old screaming for chocolate milk first thing in the morning. (Instead of groaning...which is what I tend to do)...<br />
<br />
To taste food. The way it's meant to be tasted. Like you haven't eaten in 3 weeks, or if all you've been eating is potatoes. I once heard of a diet in which you pick one food and you ONLY eat that food for a week. When the week is over you start to eat healthier foods and you can taste them differently because you "reset" your taste buds. Do we need to really be resetting our taste buds? Because we have so many food options that we forgot to just <i>taste</i> or <i>enjoy</i> our food?<br />
<br />
To stare at our children. Remembering them just as they are now, with our own eyes. Not with a camera lens. Enjoying the ability to have them, and see them grow, and be in their presence. It's one thing to feel gratitude...but is there something requiring more of us---to not just be grateful, but to enjoy?<br />
<br />
We move around in our busy lives so quickly. And every spare second we get we are looking at our phones. Believe me this is not a chastisement for anyone more than it is for myself. But I know I am not alone in this. I often think of the way people lived hundreds of years ago, and I wonder if they <i>enjoyed </i>life more than we do today. Food required a lot more work. Having babies was WAY more risky and often resulted in death for either the mother or the child. Time was spent completely differently---as was money. Treasures were often small and simple.<br />
<br />
So, whether your life is spent working to travel, or traveling to work, enjoy it. Whether you have a family you're raising, or still being raised, enjoy it. If you are living to work, or working to live, enjoy it. If you are living a dream, or wishing you could dream more, enjoy it. If you are like me, and folding another load of laundry, cleaning the same rooms over and over, and making more food just so you get to do the dishes...enjoy it. Whether your life will end in triumph or tragedy, enjoy it---because it's yours, no one else's. Each of our lives have blessings and burdens...but just...<i>enjoy</i> em'.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-21754509531563571192017-03-20T17:02:00.002-07:002017-03-20T17:02:29.209-07:00The Great DivideAnother poem by me. I actually wrote this while living in the lovely trailer last summer. I haven't written in a long time, I've been quite busy and "pondering" time doesn't happen as often when you're a mom of 3 kiddos under 4. But I specifically remember sitting in our little trailer, sick as a dog, and finding it impossible to ignore the prompting to sit and write this one down. It, like the others, is quite imperfect.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a day coming </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is what we've heard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No...the day is here now</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where you must heed the words</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For this is the day </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of the Great Divide</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Where some will}</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
be afraid and hide:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Unsure and rocky is the trail </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They take with no clear path in view</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They search to bring others with them </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Because they're lost, and lonely too.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happiness and Confidence</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
is the promise of this side</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But because it isn't real, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
it only lasts a little while.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But they still laugh and poke fun</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At those holding to the rod</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They say, "Look at those silly folks,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Who say that there's a God"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But when they close their eyes at night </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's fear that's in their souls</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And though they say they're fine</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They are yearning to be whole</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So they seek the things of this world </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hoping to fill the void</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And they scoff at those who know they're loved</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And relationships are destroyed</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some walk over to The Fence of Indecision</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And they stay there for a time</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not knowing their decision is made</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Unless they move fully to the side of Christ</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They fear what those wanderers will say </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
if they take a leap of faith</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That fear is overwhelming--</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If only they would pray.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Because little do they know</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
it is not really a leap at all</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If they would choose the Savior </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They would be on a foundation that will never fall.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
{Where some will} follow the prophet in stride</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
They will have watered their seeds of faith and will know of the Tree of Life</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
They will have their hands tight on the rod-Even whilst they experience trials and strife</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
They will have left that Fence, a long time ago---That fence called Indecision</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
With Christ they are yolked forever as they work to conquer the battle within.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
They know His side is safest, His foundation is sure</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
With His help, their hearts and hands will have become clean and pure</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Distraction- no, they stay their course as they seek for those in need</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
they want (because they know), for all to eat the fruit of the tree</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
For the fruit is God's love and the utmost form of divine</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
and even when the battle rages---for this fruit they will still climb</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
For His love for us all is endless, infinite, and true</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
And the atonement is the reason for doing all that they do</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
These are they that today choose to not let their minds float away</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
But instead they focus on the Lord and on His pathway</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
They worry not what others think and continue to press on</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
For they know whose side their fighting for and they'll fight 'till the battles won.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Those whose hands are securely locked in place</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Following the Savior---they will continue to keep their pace</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
And they'll call to their friends and loved ones on the Fence or far away</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
And even if they're laughed at--you will still hear them say,</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
"Please come, our Savior Jesus Christ loves you so</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
We want you to be with us, we do not want you to let go,</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
The power lies within you to choose the path that you will choose</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
But the truth is truth and if you're not with Christ, then this battle you will lose."</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
These one's hearts will break, as they watch loved ones walk away</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
But Jesus Christ will heal them in the most amazing ways.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
So with His strength they'll carry on, knowing they're not alone</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
And knowing, as all children want to know, that they are safely headed home.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-77785295535734168972016-04-13T18:09:00.002-07:002016-04-13T18:09:48.082-07:00"I Got You!"Today Camry was playing on the couch with her favorite Teddy Bear. As I was walking in and out of the room trying to take care of Hartly and make dinner, I heard her yell to her bear, "I Got You!" And then of course she pulled him to safety from the other side of the couch and repeated the phrase "I Got You," softer and softer, until she held him close.<br />
<br />
There's been so many times over the last few years where she's fallen, or gotten hurt, or been scared and I've picked her up and said those words, "I Got You." And some of those times I'm positive I said it without thinking. But <i>some </i>of those times I remember saying them with meaning- you know those times as a parent when you hope your words are reaching somewhere down inside your child...adding to their foundation that's in the building process. So I think when I heard her say those words, in an effort to soothe her fearful teddy bear...I realized that to some degree she knows I Got Her. I've got her back. I'll pick her up when she falls (even if she has to sit and cry for a second to learn a lesson).<br />
<br />
If she can understand that I love her no matter what...then she will better be able to understand our Savior's love for each of us. He's Got Us. We fall. We get broken. We repeat mistakes. We don't deserve to be picked back up oftentimes. And I think sometimes Heavenly Father lets us cry on the ground for a minute. But They are always willing to pick us back up.<br />
<br />
There's a million other things as a woman, as a human, as an individual that I could be doing/pursuing. Trust me I'm well aware what the world says I could, or should be doing.<br />
<br />
But I got a couple girls. I got em. And if I continue to be there to lift them up, encourage, and teach and do all the other motherly things I'm supposed to do---then maybe I can raise a few kids who know how to handle themselves in the crappy crapperson world we live in.<br />
<br />
Elder M. Russel Ballard said in conference just barely, "...there was a time when the walls of our homes provided all the defense we needed against outside intrusions and influences. We locked the doors, closed the windows; we shut the gates; and we felt safe, secure and protected in our own little refuge from the outside world. Those days are now gone. The physical walls, doors, fences, and gates of our homes cannot prevent unseen invasion from the Internet, the Wi-Fi, the mobile phones, the networks. They can penetrate our homes with just a few clicks and keystrokes."<br />
<br />
If my kids grow up knowing that my husband and I are always there for them, then hopefully they will trust in our protection, our guidance, and see the gospel as a safety net. Maybe they will be able to better understand our loving Savior Jesus Christ. Giving my children a safe place to come home to with my heart is just as important as a physical place to live. Making sure the Spirit is felt in our home is crucial. Teaching them the safety that comes from the guidance of the Holy Ghost is a must.<br />
<br />
It's good to be a mom. It's so hard...but it's so good. My heart and prayers to all parents in all your parenting. It's a tough world-but we can do it. We Got This.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-8970279929857087612016-01-26T01:28:00.000-08:002016-01-26T01:28:01.513-08:00Publish PeaceI've written a few times about my personal hiatus from Facebook for a couple years shortly after Colten and I were married. And how I felt somewhat chastised by the Lord when He spoke to me through Elder L. Tom Perry---(read it <a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/worldwide-leadership-training/2013/06/missionary-work-in-the-digital-age?lang=eng" target="_blank">HERE</a>) who asked us to use social media to spread the gospel. Social media was, and still is to a point, something I despise. Like many things in this world, Satan has put his stamp on it, in it, and all around it. However, the Lord still guides many to use it for appropriate purposes.<br />
<br />
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is receiving SO much criticism for SO many things right now. But is this really a new thing? NO. But maybe it feels newer because were exposed daily to so much information--constantly through our social media networks we are shown countless articles on both sides of every issue. Black, white, and gray areas of everything you can ever argue about-<i>somebody</i> is sharing their opinion about it.<br />
<br />
SO, let's publish peace.<br />
<br />
Let us all flood Facebook, Instagram, and whatever outlet you choose, with the good news of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. With the exception of a few silly things my kids have done, and some photos here and there, <i>most</i> of what we share is what I would consider "publishing peace." Anything, positive quotes, memes, scriptures, and most importantly, <i>your testimony.</i> Did you know you can choose who and what you follow? Virtually and in real life you can choose to make it known who you "follow", and what you would like to "share." Many have chosen to avoid social media at all costs, as I did for a long time. I long for a world where we're not all looking down at our phones all the time. I have the addiction as bad as the rest of the world and it is a constant struggle to '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY" target="_blank">Look Up</a>.' But if we're going to be communicating with friends and loved ones online--lets make it worth it. Let's publish peace. Let people see <i>exactly </i>what you believe. Don't be a fence sitter. Have faith that those whom you fear may be offended by what you believe, will hopefully choose to have respect for your clarity in what you know to be true.<br />
<br />
It's scary. I totally get it. Testimonies are sacred, and oftentimes I cry when writing here on "Sammy Grace's Place." I take a little bit of comfort in the fact that hardly anyone reads it! haha! But some of my posts have actually been seen by hundreds! So I know that I'm supposed to publish a little peace here and there. But <i>you, whomever you may be, </i>can take comfort in these words:<br />
<br />
1 Nephi 13:37<br />
<br />
"37 And<i> blessed</i> are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall <i>publish peace, </i>yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be."<br />
<br />
D & C 19:29-30<br />
<br />
"29 And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, <i>publish</i> it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see. 30 And thou shalt do it with all <i>humility, trusting in me.</i>"<br />
<br />
Seek the Lord as your companion in sharing the gospel at every opportunity. So my invitation to all is to publish peace, share all that is good and true. If our focus is truly the "good news," God gives us strength to share it confidently with those we love. You just never know whose heart the Lord needs you to touch, or inspire. We get plenty of bad news everywhere---so let's start, or continue, to publish peace.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-69849505630659132812015-11-06T13:12:00.001-08:002015-11-06T13:12:16.319-08:00My Response.I have stood at the pulpit in a few different wards, in front of hundreds of people on quite a few different occasions and shared my testimony. Over the last 5 or so years I have written my testimony and published it here in multiple posts, and all written on different subjects and addressed in different ways. I don't profess to be extremely knowledgeable, but I like to write down the lessons I learn in life, and how and what the Spirit teaches me through life experience. I don't ever try to sound "preachy" but for goodness gracious all I want to do is "talk of Christ, [and] rejoice in Christ" 2 Nephi 25:26. Yesterday's announcement has not changed my testimony.<br />
<br />
I STILL know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints is the true church and at it's head is Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know He has called a Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and with Him a First Presidency, and 12 Apostles. I know that He leads and guides them and they are His mouthpiece.<br />
<br />
Here's my testimony in a poem I wrote years ago. Publishing it for the world. Do Not Copy. Because it is published here I have certain copyright rights that you cannot infringe upon!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This sums up how I still feel, and will always feel. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Truth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Samantha Iverson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth sometimes
rings out bright and clear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's special, unique,
different and dear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth often hits
somewhere inside<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some people try to
make the truth hide<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes it isn't
always what we wanna hear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But for some reason
when we do, our hearts cheer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes the truth
makes us cry <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That's why someone
came up with a lie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But lies never
last--though they seem like they do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And though sometimes
it’s hidden- at some point it pops out--<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
the good ole' truth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth is steady,
it's patient, and real<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s something that
each one of us will feel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sometimes we notice
the truth by our tears<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most times the truth
doesn't speak to our ears<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No, our hearts hear it
best if they are fine tuned<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hearts always listen
even when the head doesn't want to</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And someone's heart is
feeling that yearn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That desire, that with Faith we may learn,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That Want for the
truth about our lives before<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth about after,
when we leave this life's door<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know the truth, for
it has spoken to my heart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's something with
which I never will part<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I've felt it in goose bumps
from the gift of a song<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I've felt it when a
tear fell down my cheek sad and long<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I've felt a burning
inside my chest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One so strong my heart
couldn't rest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wanted to share it
with everyone I knew<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And through this poem that's
what I hope to do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth is, the
truth has been restored,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When it spoke to me,
it didn't rain, it poured<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth I felt was
that I have a Savior<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One who will redeem me
if I change my behavior<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If I repent when I
falter, and try to do my best<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know now He will be
there to help me pass my test<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth that I know
is that there is a book<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's the keystone of
my religion and if you'll just take a look...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You'll find some
things in there, like stories and lessons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You'll find the truth
and you won’t be forgettin'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's called "The
Book of Mormon"--it's special to me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For it's everything
and only the beginning of what I believe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth is, a boy
only 14 years old <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saw Heavenly Father
and His Son-and it's not just a story he told<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joseph Smith was a Prophet,
a Revelator and a Seer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And it's the truth he
found and gave that I hold so dear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth of the
gospel of Jesus the Christ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Has been restored in
its fullness and for the last time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's the only true
church-with quite a long name<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know it, I believe
it, that this gospel is true,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And though I make
mistakes, I'll try his works to do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To have faith, hope
and charity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To show by example and
teach with clarity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All the things I've
been taught and the things I will learn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So that I can help
fill the void of a heart that yearns<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If I can help give
them the gift of the truth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then His work can
continue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And one day what I've
said, we will all feel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The truth in its
brightness, and we'll know that its real<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God loves His
children-each and everyone the same<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You might be surprised
how much more he knows than your name<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He wants us to come
back with Him to live in His presence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not one, Not a
billion, but ALL back in heaven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That is His work and
His glory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To bring eternal life
to all men--<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
It’s not just a story<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is the truth and
if you already know,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then don't forget how
important it is that its told!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And remember what a
gift that it is in your life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don't leave it on a
shelf and walk right on by,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Share it, Love it,
Live it, and always learn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because it is a great
feeling when your bosom starts to burn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And you know that it's
true, with every part of your soul<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For peace, happiness
and eternal life is the reward<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
And I believe--that that, is everyone's goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-89642622908749615582015-10-10T14:43:00.001-07:002015-10-10T14:43:19.502-07:00No Strings Attached. Poem. This poem has been sitting on my desk for a couple of weeks now. I wrote a large portion of it and then thought it was done...but I kindof... asked the Lord if there was more. And there was. Please don't steal. If you use this give me credit. I'm not posting it because I want credit, but I have a book of my poetry that I have lost, and I have learned that it is beneficial to publish poetry somewhere like this setting so that I can always have it. If you take the time to read this, maybe you will feel what I felt...maybe you will get impression that come not from the words but the meaning underneath them. Or maybe you will just see a story. And that's fine too. The latter part of the poem is obviously more spiritual, but the entire writing is meant to pull at your heart "strings"...as mine were being pulled this particular day. Anything I write comes from a place that's very personal. I always hope that whatever I say people will take with open hearts, not assume anything, and just know that they are from and for me. Really, they're not even from me. This one really wasn't- it was more from my Heavenly Father. I know for the people closest to me- they appreciate what I share with them. But not everyone does. So I hope you'll find some appreciation in this. And again, don't steal :)<br />
p.s. all my poetry is imperfect. deal with it ;)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
No Strings Attached</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Samantha Iverson</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There once was a Young Man, who gave away a lot of things</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The funny thing was, was that each item he gave, had a string!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His heart...so generous. Or at least He thought it was so,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But when people saw him come around they let their eyes a'roll</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For pretty soon they realized that the gifts were never theirs</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because the gives could not be given away--they could never be re-shared.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For if you tried to sell them, or even to give them to the poor,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That Young Man would come a knockin', right up to your door!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He'd say, "Remember, I gave this to you! That's why it has a string!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because if you didn't want it, you must give it back to me!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know each, and every thing I have--the strings lead to my home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I spent money on these treasures here! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's something you should have known!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So people gave the gifts back, or left them on the shelf</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And that Young Man walked around puffed up, quite proud of himself.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then one day an Old Fellow crossed the path of the Young Man</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He saw the Young man walking, with lots of strings in hand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Inquiring, the Old Fellow asked, "What are all those strings?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Young Man replied, "These are attached to all my things!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isn't it a great idea?" he said, to keep track of what's given away?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Old Fellow had a puzzled look, and wasn't sure what to say.<br />He began with, "It might not be good business, and your stockpile might run low,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I know how you don't have to keep all of your strings in tow."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He said, "What if you gave away your gifts, and didn't want them back?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What if you gave them, if it's possible, with <i>No Strings Attached</i>?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Young Man replied softly, "But I love the treasures I own"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He said, "If I just give them, then what will I have to show?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Old Fellow smiled, and said, "What matters most is not the strings back to your home, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But when this life is over God wants to see how much your heart has grown."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Something inside the Young Man made his fingers finally let go</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the strings he held so dearly, disappeared before they hit the road.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Young Man, surprised, said, "What happened to all the strings!?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Old Fellow smiled and said, "You must be forgetting about your things,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some call it integrity, to do things for others when nobody knows</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some call it charity, pure love deep inside...and kindness is how it grows</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are just of few of the 'things' God wants us to carry around</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And inside our homes he hopes only these good 'things' will be found."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Young Man said, "I understand now, what I am to give, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not about the things I buy, but it's about how I live!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Old Fellow said, "Yes, when we get to the other side,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Heavenly Father wants to see if we have let go of our pride."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Young Man started to leave, feeling much different than before</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then he turned around and asked, "Do you have time for something more?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>What if I get caught up again...in selfishness and pride?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>What if I am weaker than you think I am inside?"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Old Fellow answered, as a tear fell down his face,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"My heart's been there too, it's a terrible, awful place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought I was doing well when I looked down and saw more strings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These ones were more like ropes...and they were tying ME to things.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Addictions...on the ropes I saw each of their names</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Things I thought were harmless---at least that's what they claimed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Selfishness, Anger, Gossip, Lying, and even the one named Unkind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hadn't even realized that all of these were mine!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's when I discovered, I needed Someone to help cut the ropes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to help me see what I couldn't---help me gain some control.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had to fill my life with good things, like Charity and Integrity</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like Love, Patience, Kindness, and the one named Trustworthy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I began to look for who could help me get rid of what I'd found</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For I could not just drop these ropes---they now held me bound.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's when I found Him. His name is Jesus Christ.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is really the One who could help me in my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He took upon Himself all the strings, and ropes, yes he knows all their names.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He took upon Himself every bad thing, even the one called Pain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because He was Perfect, He conquered all that is not Good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is how He knows how to help us have the 'things' we could and should.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not only will he cut the ropes, if we let Him help us so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But He gives us power so that if the strings start tying we'll know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is the One who will change the size of <i>your</i> heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And as you do His work He will not fall short on His part.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, eventually, <i>who you will have become,</i> is an Old Fellow like me,</div>
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Trying to teach a Young Man about Repentance, the Atonement, and letting go of strings.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-61512806397634203442015-09-16T08:04:00.000-07:002015-09-16T08:04:46.791-07:00"Without Murmurings"1 Nephi 17:1-3<br />
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1.....And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness.<br />
2 And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings <i>without murmurings.</i><br />
3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.<br />
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This hit me this morning. In verse two, it suggests that the women maybe had a hard time with murmuring. I know I would have---traveling through the wilderness, struggling to find food, pregnant, tired, hungry, etc. But even among all their frustration, they must have seen the hand of the Lord as Nephi did. As they saw that they were able to give birth to healthy children, and that their bodies were able to "provide suck" as it says. I know that that would have been a humbling experience for these women. How scared they must have been having children in the wilderness and not knowing if they were going to find food. They must have found faith. They must have seen the hand of the Lord. They must have started trusting in Him for ALL of their needs...because it says, "they <i>began</i> to bear their journeyings <i>without murmurings." </i>The Lord kept blessing them. They were still following their husbands even though they had murmured--they were still trying to do what the Lord asked. So He blessed them, and He clearly helped their eyes see and their hearts were softened because they began to figure out how to journey without murmuring. How long were they traveling? I know they were married in the wilderness, and bore children---these things take a long time! So this miracle of change that went about in these women didn't happen overnight. Heavenly Father blessed them with strength and they saw His miracles take place in their lives so much so that they were able to stop complaining.<br />
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Sometimes I get so mad at myself for getting upset when things don't go the way I want them to. I get frustrated that I get frustrated! It's ridiculous! Emotions are real, and they happen in response to life's experiences. But it doesn't mean they will last forever, and we certainly don't have to let them. When we let the Lord work in us,---when we use the Atonement---we can start to bear our life's burdens <i>without murmuring. </i>I think some of my burdens I still struggle to fight the desire to murmur. But, one of the reasons why this hit me so hard is because I feel like I'm learning how to live without murmuring. Maybe it's because I'm growing up. Maybe it's because I'm a slow learner. Maybe it's because murmuring can just be tiresome. Maybe, it's because the Lord is working in me. I think that's probably it. I see that now. And I'm thankful. And I hope he keeps working on me so that I can completely rid my life of all complaint and all murmuring. My husband would probably appreciate that ;) But most importantly, I know the Lord would appreciate it, and so would I. Because it would mean I would be a little more of who He wants me to be.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-36908364464788536502015-07-27T20:55:00.003-07:002015-07-27T20:55:51.018-07:00I Can't Handle It. <i>Sometimes...</i><br />
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I can't handle it when I ask my toddler to NOT do something and she deliberately does it anyway.<br />
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I can't handle it when I try to put my baby to bed 4 or 5 times and the 6th time I swear she's asleep, I lay her in her crib and my elbow hits the side and wakes her back up. Painful elbow+a trip back to the rocking chair=angry mom.<br />
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I can't handle it when I wake up some mornings and our basement abode looks like a literal tsunami took place.<br />
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I couldn't handle potty training. Seriously I think we're good now, but for the next kid I'm pretty sure I'm hiring potty trainers- let me know if you're available.<br />
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I can't handle when my toddler is cry/whining and tries to tell me what she wants and I have no idea what she's saying.<br />
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I often cannot handle getting out of bed to feed lil' baby girl. Again.<br />
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<i>Always...</i><br />
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I cannot handle when I'm holding my baby and she's snuggled up to my chest, and she reaches her hand up to touch my face...just to feel it.<br />
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I can't handle---I have absolutely no strength against this---when my toddler says, "can you come snuggle with me?" and I lay (awkwardly) in her toddler bed and she says, "Let's sing 'I Am A Child of God"...I give in every time.<br />
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I can't handle when my toddler puts both her arms around my neck and holds on tight---I can't understand how such a young child can understand such strong emotions and how she can convey her love in such a simple way.<br />
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I can't handle when my baby smiles and laughs at me like I am actually the funniest individual Heavenly Father has placed on this earth...well she might hold me second to her older sister I'm not sure...<br />
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I can't handle the cuteness of when these two little girls interact with each other---how I pray they become the closest of sisters...how I pray they hold on to the simplest yet strongest of emotions of love, forgiveness, and friendship.<br />
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I can't handle when my toddler knows whats on the next page of her book about a pig. Cracks me up.<br />
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I can't handle when both my kids are squished on my lap...both happy as can be...both just needing some mommy time.<br />
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I can't handle being a mom sometimes. Because it's the hardest job I've ever attempted. But my heart also can't handle how much love it feels---it feels so much that it just starts to spill over and run all over and I can't hold back the tears because the love has to come out! Love tears...that's what I'll call em...they show up during those times when I can't handle this 24/7 Amazingly hard and incredibly wonderful job I have of being mom. I get why some people have 19 kids. I get why some feel content with 1. They are hard to care for sometimes (maybe most times) but they are SO <i>easy</i> to love. There's so much love to be felt from these children that if you open your eyes and heart you could never feel dissatisfied. I get why Heavenly Father wants us to be like little children. Their love is unconditional. They forgive me when I forget to be kind, gentle, patient, and loving. They forgive me when I have felt like pulling my hair out...They are patient with me forevermore.<br />
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My heart is full, and that feeling in my heart...sometimes...I just can't handle it. I just wonder why I've been entrusted with the care of two of the most beautiful children that God could have ever created. I will always see these two little girls in that way. I will not discredit how fantastic they are, because I will always see them as two of God's princesses. I hope I can teach them that that's who they are. And not the snot-type of princesses. But the humble princesses who know who they are and who will not <i>be</i> anything less or <i>accept</i> anything less. I love them with my whole heart and soul. I want them to know that- and that Heavenly Father also loves them more than I could ever even begin to comprehend...and more than what my heart is even capable of handling.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-76374744155451281012015-05-09T14:37:00.001-07:002015-05-09T14:37:31.714-07:00Truth SeekersIn Relief Society a week or so ago, during our discussion about the prophet Joseph Smith our teacher read a quote from Elder Neil L. Anderson: "Why does the Lord allow the evil speaking to chase after the good? One reason is that opposition against the things of God sends <i>truth seekers </i>to their knees for answers." (This was from his October 2014 talk entitled "Joseph Smith").<br />
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That one description--"truth seekers," has stuck with me. Am I a truth seeker? As I've pondered this, I've found two ways in which I hope to be a better truth seeker.<br />
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1- First and foremost I want to be a better "truth seeker" in the gospel. I know I have been a truth seeker at times, but sometimes I guess I forget that my spirit is hungry. Unfortunately. And then I taste a little bit of the sweetest parcels of truth and I realize I've been starving! I've always felt like asking questions is a brilliant thing to do---as long as you sincerely, with the Holy Ghost as a companion, seek the truth as you look for answers.<br />
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2-In personal relationships. In every relationship there will be awkward moments, ups and downs, hard times, and hurt feelings. I hate those times. But one thing that makes it easier is seeking the truth of the situation. When we worry about the details and fret about the small offenses, it holds us back. Not only that, but it clouds our vision. The truth is that we are all God's children. We are here to love each other, and by doing so we help each other become better. I've found it's easier to assume the best in people. I haven't always done that and I've learned the hard way that most folks really do have good intentions. Sure there's a lot of bad in this world because there's supposed to be...but holding on to the good and assuming the best in our loved ones is often a force that pushes us all to a better emotional place. I've found that in tough moments if I take a step back and ask myself, "What is the truth in this situation?" and I separate the emotions for a moment, it helps me see the truth and then I can respond better and be more loving, kind, and hopefully a little more like how our Savior would be.<br />
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Moroni 10:5 "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."<br />
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As I've said before this blog is a place where I can write my life lessons so that I can look back and remember what the Lord was trying to teach me. He often has to teach me the same lessons over and over again. I choose to share it because sometimes maybe it'll be helpful in other's lives as well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-65763187220961253452015-04-16T10:03:00.000-07:002015-04-16T10:03:30.207-07:00"If you can't see it, hear it, or feel it, then it doesn't exist."At least that's what the mean kangaroo from Horton Hears A Who thinks.<br />
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I've been watching this show almost daily, (not voluntarily...by force from my 2 year old) and every time I hear her make this comment in the movie I cringe. The whole movie is her battle with Horton concerning what she believes in an unimportant "spec." However, Horton has heard the voice of the Mayor of Whoville (a place with many good Whos) and thus he knows that the spec is a world smaller than theirs and it must be protected.<br />
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In relation to real life...and whether God exists or not... I tend to NOT follow the kangaroo's advice.<br />
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I, like Horton, have a belief in something that I would say is not <i>obviously</i> seen, heard, or felt. And I don't think we need big elephant ears to hear it, because even the kangaroo, along with all the other animals in the jungle, eventually heard the people of Whoville.<br />
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I have heard the Holy Ghost speak to me, not with my ears, but with my heart. I have seen countless miracles that I know are miracles from a Heavenly Father who is concerned about me in my life. I have felt in my heart, and soul the truth: that an Only Begotten Son came here and died for me. And I know that He rose again. He lives and He is aware of me, and He loves me---even when I make dumb choices. His love I have felt so strong that I <i>want </i>to be better, and like Horton I want to protect it, and I want to tell everyone that it exists---even if they haven't yet heard it, seen it, or felt it.<br />
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And for those who have heard/felt/seen and are wondering if they still believe...<br />
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As silly as this may sound there's a part in the movie where a dirty rotten vulture takes the "spec" which currently resides on a clover, and he throws it into a field of clovers. Horton faithfully goes through every clover...not finding the "spec" anywhere. All of a sudden the wind picks up and all the clovers he has checked start flying around and he starts to think maybe all hope really is lost---when he finally sees the tiny "spec" on top of it's trusty clover. He recovers that clover and after a few more trials he finally gets it to a safe place.<br />
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Sometimes we have to have tremendous faith in something that we cannot find. And I promise that eventually, we will see the miracle...but remember, it might be the size of a spec. And "even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you" (Alma 32:27) and you'll realize that the truth exists. If you faithfully search you too will see, hear, and feel that He is real--Jesus Christ is real and He loves each of us more than we could ever understand.<br />
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Sure I'm a stay at home mom who watches way too many children's movies and maybe I relate the gospel to silly things. But it's important to me, and it is very real to me, and I love the gospel. I love knowing that I can walk with the Savior everyday if I would just invite Him. And I know He is watching even when I forget to invite Him. <b>"His grace is sufficient"</b> for my good days and bad. (Moroni 10:32) Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-15298392644186524182015-01-26T12:24:00.003-08:002015-01-26T12:24:56.517-08:00Laughter is easier. Laughter is easier than crying<br />
Loving is easier than hatefulness<br />
Kindness is easier than regret<br />
Forgiveness is easier than carrying hurt<br />
Repentance is easier than continuing sin<br />
Obedience is easier than Repentance<br />
Joy is better than Pain<br />
Pain is better than ignorance<br />
Loss is easier with Faith<br />
Choice is better than Force<br />
Happiness is possible because of Christ.<br />
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You may initially disagree on some of these statements. But honestly, the easier path is always righteousness, and the only way to stay on it is with Christ. And this life comes with all sorts of junk we have to sort through---so hopefully you choose to do so with our Brother, the only truly reliable source available.<br />
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Hopefully you choose to laugh as often as you can. Hopefully you choose to not carry burdens alone. Hopefully you try your darndest knowing full well your capabilities are limited without Him. Hopefully you see the purpose of pain, and the beauty of choice. Hopefully you seek for quiet moments---to commune with the best Listener of all. Hopefully in the midst of all that is scary, hard, and frustrating---you seek peace....And hopefully your heart is sensitive enough to feel it. After all,<br />
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Hope and Faith are much easier, and Stronger, than Doubt.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-30437471617692129872014-10-07T09:41:00.000-07:002014-10-07T09:46:49.500-07:00Miracles-Blessings-TrialsThis is the topic that kept me up last night. I may have been awakened by a baby who is leaving me no room to sleep peacefully throughout the night without taking a visit to the little girl's room. And then the same beautiful baby in this belly of mine also needed food. Needless to say, I am awake every night for various lengths of time. Which is essentially what brought me to this subject. This miracle pregnancy, (for I truly believe every pregnancy is a miracle) may be a beautiful and a wonderful and an exciting thing, it has also been a trial. As most women would agree, pregnancy is NOT easy peasy lemon squeezy.<br />
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BUT, it gives us a gift which requires more gratitude than I think I could ever explain. It's a gift of life, a gift of love, a gift that is eternal. This hard 9 months brings about my most cherished calling in life...motherhood.<br />
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Unfortunately I do not wake up every morning with those kinds of thoughts in my head. The first phrase that typically enters my mind is usually, "Oh girl please go back to sleep!" But then I get up. Except on those awesome days daddy is home and he lets me sleep a little longer :)<br />
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As I pondered all of this, I realized every miracle, blessing, and trial in my life has all been connected to each other. Whether it was because of a "trial of my faith" that I received a miracle, or if because of a blessing in my life I also had trials that went with it. Sometimes the pattern just goes crazy and life looks something like this:<br />
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Miracle. Trial. Blessing. Blessing. Blessing. TRIAL. trial. trial. .....<i>miracle. </i>Blessing. trial. etc.<br />
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Examples:<br />
The miracle that I feel when I am able to sing a song and know that one heart was touched. But tied with that often comes the feelings of nervousness, and the all too familiar headache that I get afterward because I get so stressed out about it sometimes. Especially the journey of song that happens after having a baby. Waiting for my voice to get back to normal, and not feeling as sure of myself was and will be hard again. But as hard and emotional as it can be, it's worth it. Because I see someone who was listening and somehow I know, that I was an instrument for the Lord to touch his or her heart. And that's all I need to keep singing.<br />
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The miracle that is a child. I've mentioned pregnancy, (cuz that's kindof on my mind all day everyday) but to see my little girl grow and learn to talk and walk. But with that comes potty-training, repetition of books that I would at this point feel very comfortable about throwing into the fire, and of course the all too familiar newborn stage that I'm positive takes superpowers to endure. But we do it because we love it. She knows how to blow away my frustrations as if they were little feathers, by just giving me a smile and saying the phrase daddy taught her... "Yeah, Buddy!" :)<br />
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Every one of us experiences trials big and small, but somehow if we are on the right path--it seems like Heavenly Father knows how to keep us moving forward if only we with look with an eye of faith and see His hand in all things. Sometimes my miracles are as simple as me finally getting a break during naptime when my toddler hasn't taken a nap in two days. Sometimes it's just that feeling of how grateful I am to have such an amazing husband, and the miracle is as simple as me waking up next to him every morning.<br />
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The more hardships I hear from other's lives I watch my blessings become miracles...because they mean that much more to me knowing that I didn't have to go through what another person may have had to endure.<br />
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"If you are on the right path, it will always be uphill. The Lord is anxious to lead us to the safety of higher ground" -President Henry B. Eyring<br />
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I suppose my mind tends to lean towards the negative...and so when the world is quiet, the Lord has to teach me about the beauty of this life, and specifically my own life. I really like sleep, but again the trial of bags under my eyes comes with the blessing of me waking up with a smile on my face.<br />
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"Don't be gloomy. Even if you are not happy, put a smile on your face. This is the gospel of good news, this is a message of joy, this is the thing of which the angels sang when they sang of the birth of the Son of God. This is a work of eternal salvation; this is something to be happy and excited about. You won't get anywhere if you go with a frown on your face" -President Gordon B. Hinckley<br />
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I'm so excited to meet this new little girl growing everyday inside me. If you've been around me this summer and I've seemed gloomy, I'm sorry I got a little like Eeyore when I was sick. I promise happier me is here. I don't feel like I need to tie a trash bag to my belt in case I throw up anymore.I'm feeling...not normal...but certainly a lot more like I can turn my frown upside down :)<br />
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I'm thankful for my miracles-blessings-trials and all, because it helps me know the Lord just loves me.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-83974387725958398332014-08-11T13:39:00.001-07:002014-08-11T13:39:35.414-07:00My Testimony of the TempleFirst off, when I said I would rejoin the lovely Facebook crowd, it was for one reason. One reason only.<br />
To use it as a tool to share my testimony. So, when I got invited to join this "Flood Facebook with the Temple" group, I jumped at the chance.<br />
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How do I write about something---when I feel my knowledge of it has only scratched the surface?<br />
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I'm praying the spirit will guide me in sharing my feelings and emotions about the temple in a way that will be felt more than understood just by words.<br />
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I feel I have so much more to learn about the temple. But here's what I know:<br />
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-I know that when I'm there I have the opportunity to feel peace in a way that is specific to the Lord's House. I know in the temple, when I quiet my mind and heart, my chest burns with the warmth of God's love--as if in one instance He can answer all of my questions, just by reminding me that, "I'm here. I love you. I know you. I hear you."<br />
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-I know that the ordinances that take place in the temple are eternal. I know we can act as Saviors on Mount Zion, doing work for those who have passed on. I know the people who came before us that didn't receive the special blessings that come from the temple, can still receive those blessings with our help.<br />
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-I know that the Lord has spoken to me in the temple. In a way that my heart understands...which is much stronger and more everlasting than anything I could ever hear with my ears.<br />
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-I know that I feel peace and gratitude knowing that my family can be together forever. The sealing power in the temple is real, and it binds families together for eternity.<br />
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-I know that when I'm in the temple, especially with my siblings and parents, I feel content. I feel like everything is going to be okay.<br />
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-I know only a few things, but the experiences I've had in the temple have always led me to believe that it is truly a House of the Lord. It is a place where our Savior can dwell. It is a place where the distractions of this world are put aside, and we can focus on eternal--and the most important--of all things. If I'm ever in search of direction, I can go there and see my path more clearly. If I just need to feel peace--one of the hardest things to find in this world--I can go there and finally feel it.<br />
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If you don't know where else to go in this life, go to the temple. Find your way there. Do what you have to do to be worthy to enter. It's the one place in this world that reminds me of what it must have felt like in heaven. I'm grateful that I have had the blessing of living so close to the temple, and that my family has been blessed because of it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-72732097212843234542014-07-08T14:18:00.000-07:002014-07-08T14:18:19.616-07:00First, Seek to Obtain My Word<span style="background-color: white;">“Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men” (D&C 11:21). (lds.org)</span><div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I wonder, in all seriousness, the literal number of times I have been told to read my scriptures. Throughout my childhood, my teenage years, and even since being an adult. So many times. So many. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Why? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">In the times we live in there's so much proof of this or that. There's research on one thing and research on another thing. There's ways to document everything in life making it "easier" to find truth. Unfortunately, I think I have been distracted and confused at times and I have relied on many different sources for strength and reassurance. Though they have all been good sources, I still find myself seeking peace. I don't think it's just my personality speaking when I say we live in a pretty crazy and not-exactly-peaceful world. There are literal psychos all over the place. I don't use the term psycho lightly or impolitely either. I am simply pointing out the obvious. I've always wished I could go back in time and live in a quieter world, (not forever, but maybe a day) but then I think, maybe I'm better off not knowing the extent of the horror that exists on the earth today. If I were to see how good it may have been at times, maybe I would be too afraid to come back to 2014. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Because of the world's terribleness, we are bombarded by advertisements for anything and everything that will, "make us happy." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">But the thought of trying to figure out what will help bring me peace is overwhelming--when I look to the world's advice. How do I know what's right? How do I find something that will truly help and give me everlasting comfort? Out of all the worlds offerings, how do I know where to go? Sound familiar? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Joseph Smith had a similar experience when seeking which religion he should join. He was offered many seemingly good choices, yet he was confused. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">So, he sought God's word. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The scriptures were the only foundation he saw fit to lead him to figuring out the answer to a life-changing question. "What should I do?"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" James 1:5</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Admittedly, my impatience makes me try to skip the scripture-checking step and go directly to prayer. Not a bad way to go, but maybe not the <i>best.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">As I've tried to be better at reading my scriptures, I know why Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ tell us to "Obtain My Word". </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">In the Bible Dictionary, under the word "Prayer" we read:</span></div>
"As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/7.7-11?lang=eng#6">Matt. 7:7–11</a>). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. <i>The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.</i><br /><br />There are many passages in the New Testament that teach the duty of prayer (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/7.7?lang=eng#6">Matt. 7:7</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/26.41?lang=eng#40">26:41</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/18.1?lang=eng#0">Luke 18:1</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/21.36?lang=eng#35">21:36</a>;<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/eph/6.18?lang=eng#17">Eph. 6:18</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/philip/4.6?lang=eng#5">Philip. 4:6</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/col/4.2?lang=eng#1">Col. 4:2</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-thes/5.17,25?lang=eng#16">1 Thes. 5:17, 25</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-tim/2.1,8?lang=eng#0">1 Tim. 2:1, 8</a>). Christians are taught to pray in Christ’s name (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/14.13-14?lang=eng#12">John 14:13–14</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/15.7,16?lang=eng#6">15:7, 16</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/16.23-24?lang=eng#22">16:23–24</a>). <i>We pray in Christ’s name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ—when His words abide in us (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/15.7?lang=eng#6">John 15:7</a>). We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ’s name at all; they in no way represent His mind but spring out of the selfishness of man’s heart</i>." (lds.org)<div>
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When I read the scriptures, I better understand our Savior. I start to see how Heavenly Father was and is, and my mind automatically starts to think higher thoughts. And one of the blessings that I feel directly comes from reading the scriptures, is peace. </div>
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So here we are in this world trying to seek truth. Trying to be happy. I've found that if I will just do the simple "primary answers" of reading my scriptures, saying my prayers, and going to church--my life changes for the better. I find peace--and I feel the divine strength that gives me confidence, knowledge, and power to go forward with faith. <br /><div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I don't have a lot of knowledge or wisdom, but I can bear testimony of a few powerful truths. I know that reading the scriptures is one of the ways we keep a firm grip on the iron rod. It's one way we can find solace, and one way we can find answers to the questions we are always asking. When we obtain His word, we start to receive revelation for our lives, guidance towards the straight and narrow path of righteousness-- in a world that offers too many different roads to take. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It's a simple task, but we have to do it. We cannot afford to leave our scriptures closed. We cannot risk thinking that we know enough. If our lives are too busy to read, maybe we need to reevaluate our priorities. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">This is the newest lesson I'm learning in my life. There's always something the Lord's tryin' to teach me. And since I'm a little dumb sometimes I get the same lessons over and over :) But that's okay, it just means the truth is real and it lasts. What was true for me as a child is still true for me as an adult. I have to do the simple things to be the happiest. That's just the way it is. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-44607053303308961242014-06-09T15:42:00.001-07:002014-06-09T15:42:29.719-07:00One Simple Smile.It's amazing how one genuine smile from someone can make you feel like taking in a deep breath...and finally really breathing. Of course all of us who are alive, breathe. But some of us have a hard time getting through each day physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually...whatever it may be. But sometimes, one smile, is like a breath of the freshest air you've ever breathed. It's simple.<br />
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I may not always say the right thing. I may not always DO the right thing. But I can smile. Even when I'm sad, my heart is still willing to throw out a genuine smile...simply from the fact that even though I may not know you, I know you're a child of God like me. And I know I have struggles so I figure you do too. So if I can't do anything else I will smile, truly smile. And I hope people feel that.<br />
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Because I felt it today from someone else. And it made me breathe, like life feels good.<br />
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And I'm thankful for that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-35352846639001367262014-05-26T08:51:00.002-07:002014-05-26T08:58:57.390-07:00A word on, all the important things. This post probably needs Chapters. That's how full my brain is right now. So many thoughts.<br />
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--It's been a while. Life's crazy. Toddlers are a busy job. My little one keeps me on my toes.<br />
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I am a writer. I am not very good at putting a label to something, but one thing I've found to be sure is this truth. I have to write. It keeps me sane. And if I keep my mind above the deep thoughts I have then I'm not as happy. I feel like the world has so many distractions to keep me busy. Pinterest, Cellphones, (dumb) Facebook, and Life itself can sometimes become a distraction. Is that a strange concept? I feel like we can get caught up in too much of unimportant life issues and we're so busy problem solving that we don't take a moment to look eternally. Maybe I'm the only who feels this way. Probably not.<br />
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Anyhow, I'm always looking for lessons in my life. I have an ongoing journal in my head, and I feel like over the last 4+ months I've continuously started writing something and then I just keep scribbling it out. So today I'm forcing my brain to do what it does best, ponder deeply...and then write. For me, it's therapy. It's relaxing. It's an accomplishment, but it's not something I have to work hard at. (I probably could work harder to make my grammar and punctuation better...)<br />
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I've learned lessons about marriage, friendships, hardships, motherhood, and about being myself.<br />
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"<b>TREADIN' ON SACRED GROUND"</b><br />
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There is an old country song I heard over the weekend titled, "Sacred Ground" made famous by a band called McBride and the Ride. I'm a sucker for all generations of country.<br />
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Here's the part I love about it,<br />
"It's a precious thing you don't know nothin' about<br />
We were joined in the eyes of the Lord<br />
And the eyes of our Hometown<br />
why don't you leave her alone<br />
you're treadin' on sacred ground"<br />
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In the world we live in, marriage has to be protected. And I truly think it's not as easy as it used to be. This song is about a man warning another man, but I heard it differently. We should warn <i>whatever</i> comes in the way of our marriages to get outta here, you're treadin' on sacred ground. Meaning, all the above mentioned distractions that are technologically related, and all the other 'stuff' that just gets in the way. It's different for everyone, but Satan finds whatever tools he can to get in and try to destroy the most sacred things in our lives. If he can ruin a marriage, he will. We all know this. But I think sometimes we struggle to see him sneak in. He comes in the forms of whatever is important to this world, money, social status, media, etc. We have to seek out the things of a better world. When it comes to marriages, they are most sacred, and they ought to be most protected.<br />
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"If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don't expose it to the elements. You don't make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by." -Elder F. Burton Howard.<br />
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That's been pinned once or twice....and thank goodness because it's a beautiful description of what I am tryin to write. Marriage, is something that is supposed to bind us together. We must work hard to make sure it does that, by taking care of it. Making it stronger everyday.<br />
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<b>Friendships</b><br />
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I haven't always been a super good friend to <i>everyone. </i>It's not because I'm rude, or because I don't want to be a good friend, I'm just content with my few close friends and the enormous amount of family that I have. According to The Color Code/The People Code, I am a White personality. We're pretty content, and tend to be lazy, and potentiallly not very fun. My second color is Blue, and that's where my need for closeness to people comes from. So it makes sense that I'm really close to my bubble filled with wonderful people, but I'm not real great at branching out.<br />
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I'm learning, that there are amazing people out there who I enjoy becoming friends with. Now that I don't work at the theater I don't get as much social interaction outside of my family and the church. But honestly, my testimony of the visiting teaching program has increased 10-fold. It has helped me be a better friend. I love seeing my sisters, and I love all the things I learn from them. Slowly, but surely I'm learning how to be a good friend to everyone.<br />
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I'm super thankful to my buddy Charlee Ann, for being a superstar friend since 5th grade. She is that person who seems like she should be one of my sisters. She's always been an example to me of how to be a great friend. Neither one of us has been perfect, but over the years we've taught each other a lot. We will still be calling/texting each other when we're in our 90's. Kids will be like, "what's texting?" And we will be like, "don't worry about it" and we'll push through the arthritis to tell each other something hilarious. And then we'll have to tell the nurses that we need a diaper change.<br />
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<b>Hardships</b><br />
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Well all I've learned in this chapter is that hardships come. No matter who ya are or where yer from. They come and they come fast and hard and it sucks. But there's only one way to get through em'... With the help of our Savior Jesus Christ. Simple and sweet. Short but true.<br />
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<b>Motherhood and Being Myself</b><br />
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Motherhood is hard. It it's too often that people make us feel like motherhood is not enough. The world teaches that you are not smart enough, you are not bold enough, you are not beautiful enough, and you are certainly not accomplished enough, if you are <i>just</i> a mother.<br />
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I beg to differ.<br />
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I've recently got caught up in this idea myself, but I was reminded by my mother that motherhood is of ultimate importance. Sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough in my life, along with all that I do at home. But my life is at home. And that's the best place for it to be. My mom reminded me that when we get to heaven Heavenly Father isn't going to care as much about our list of accomplishments. He is going to care how we took care of His children. Whether they were the ones at home, or the children He needs us to serve in our wards and neighborhoods. But, if ALL you do is your very best for each one of your kids, you're doing pretty awesome. And that's the message I forgot.<br />
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And I don't think it's so much what we "do" as mothers. It's hard to explain, but it's what we become because of motherhood. When we are constantly serving, teaching, and loving, our kids we are doing what Christ did when he was here. And that makes us understand Him. I've had to stop at least 25 times while writing this. That's life with a toddler. If that doesn't teach patience I don't know what does.<br />
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The purpose in this life is to become. Become a loving person. Become a spiritual person. Become like our Savior. Become more Godly. Become more humble. Become more patient, teachable, more clean, more true, etc. Motherhood is a catalyst for becoming Godly.<br />
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Sadly, Satan has a hold on too many mothers, and just like everything even motherhood, one of the most sacred callings in this life, can become tainted.<br />
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So I put this section last on purpose. As a reminder to myself and to all mothers that what you do matters, but more importantly it's <i>enough</i> because of who motherhood is helping you to become. It's special, it's sacred, it's crazy hard, and it's worth it.<br />
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Never forget that.<br />
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And when it comes to being myself, being a mom is who I am. I am a thinker, a writer, a singer, and I might be a little socially awkward sometimes. But that's who I am and that's Okay. First and foremost I am a mom, to the most beautiful little girl in the whole world. She makes me smile every day. She also makes me scream a little. But then I just have to love her even more for it. I love my job.<br />
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Those are my life lessons. Always more to come.<br />
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I must go now, to clean the house that has been destroyed during this writing process.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-544077831638079502014-01-27T12:05:00.001-08:002014-01-27T12:05:27.584-08:00Why does the Father forgive so much?In my Sunday School class, my amazing kids are constantly testing me. But only because I ask em' to. Every week we give them slips of paper, and tell them to write questions they have about the month's topic, or about anything in the gospel. February's subject is "The Plan of Salvation" and January's topic has been "The Godhead." Every question I get is wonderful. They make me study harder, and the practice of asking questions and finding answers is hopefully being instilled in their hearts. As it is in mine.<br />
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But this question, it hit me like a spiritual arrow soft, but nonetheless intense and straight into my chest. It was one of those moments where the tears began to well up whether I wanted them to or not.<br />
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The question that was given to me, is the title of this post. "Why does the Father forgive so much?"<br />
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I know without a shadow of a doubt that when we are called in positions in the church our Heavenly Father helps us feel the love He has for the individuals in our classes, quorums, groups, etc. And when I read this question it was like an immediate rush of love came in to my soul. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of every individual in my class---and my senses were heightened all of a sudden to make me see that.<br />
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I don't know who wrote the question. I have no idea what struggles many of my students face. I know they struggle with similar things that I struggled with in high school...but, I don't know enough about the rest of their lives to understand what they're going through. So I don't know if this question came from a need of understanding that the Father will forgive this individual, or if it was because they wondered why people who do horrible things can still be forgiven.<br />
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Here's my answer to the question:<br />
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I don't know why our Father in Heaven forgives so much. It boggles my mind, while at the same time warming my heart. I don't know that there's a limit to how much he will forgive---I really don't think there is one. I know that our understanding of love and forgiveness IS limited. We are still learning how to love, and how to forgive. I know that some of our brothers and sisters do some pretty terrible things in this life and I don't understand why. I am thankful that I don't have to understand how to judge them on Judgement Day. I'm thankful that that job is up to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that our Father in Heaven knows us in and out, past, present, and future. He knows our spirits because he created us. We are His children.<br />
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Sometimes I think I know Camry so well because she began life inside of me, and the first 9 months we were inseparable :)haha. And then she came to this earth and it was a feeling of-- "I know you. I've known you for a while now, and yet we're just meeting each other, but I'm here to take care of you, I promise." But when I ponder being a partner with Heavenly Father in bringing His children to the earth I realize that He knew her those 9 months too, He knew her long before I did. He will continue to know her better than I ever can. That knowledge is strange, but so fulfilling and safe. I trust His arms more than I trust my own. I know He is a better parent than me, and although I'm here to love and guide her--part of my purpose is to teach her how to build a relationship with her Father in Heaven.<br />
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Because He knows each of us soooo well, I know he has the ability to forgive and know when our hearts are pure. He knows when we truly repent. He knows when we seek His forgiveness with all the sincerity of our souls. He knows when we need Him. And I KNOW that he will never leave us empty. He may not send down a choir of angels, but I guarantee He will send peace. That's one of the jobs of the Holy Ghost, to comfort us and give us peace when we think we are not worth it. And Christ is the mediator in and through it all. We are to gain a relationship with Him just as we do the Father.<br />
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Why does the Father forgive so much? I don't know, but I know He sure loves us and wants us to have all that He has. Why did the Savior hang on the cross? Why did he rise again triumphant from the tomb? Why do we seek forgiveness? Because we are not perfect. But there was a Plan set forth long before we came here that made it so that imperfect people can become perfect. Part of the plan was to come to earth, receive bodies, be imperfect, and require the Savior's Atonement to make it back to be with the Father who loved us enough to make a straight path for us. Another part, the Savior's Atonement, made it possible for us to become at one with our Father, clean and whole.<br />
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Alls I knows is....I'm thankful He forgives so much. I need it. I need His love and forgiveness probably more than I need air to breathe. It's that important. The beyond shocking part is that I don't always seek it out. I ought to be slapped in the face for that. But that's part of my journey. Learning to seek out what truly nourishes my soul. And I know that our Father's love, and His endless forgiveness, is more nourishing and more filling than any food or water. I know the Savior's love is perfect. He is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). I would be lost without all three members of the Godhead. I would not know the purpose of my life if not for the Plan of Salvation. I would be forever scarred and lonely if it were not for the Savior's Atonement to strengthen, lift, and heal me. I would be hopeless, if I did not know, that my Father in Heaven <i>can, and will, forgive so much. </i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-83017488178065038682013-12-03T21:21:00.001-08:002013-12-03T21:22:52.185-08:00Family Storage While preparing a lesson on the Second Coming, my mind has been drawn to this phrase, "Family Storage." And as I was studying Mark 13, I came across a scripture that finally put my hands to this keyboard. It talks about one of the signs before the Second Coming.<br />
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Mark 13:12, "Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death."<br />
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Can we relate this scripture to our own lives? I hope you don't want to betray family members and/or kill them...OBVIOUSLY. But, is Satan still working on us to destroy relationships? What if this scripture is meant for more than just the literal meaning of killing each other?<br />
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I like to forgive. But I find myself, just as we all do, holding grudges. Part of life is learning to not sweat the small stuff right? Right.<br />
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But sometimes there's big stuff. Hard stuff to deal with in life. Especially in familial circumstances.<br />
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That's when Satan tries real hard to kill relationships. He wants us to turn against our siblings, our parents, our loved ones.<br />
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We can't let that happen! The Second Coming will come, sooner or later it will come. And food storage is gonna be important, water storage is gonna be real important, but what about <i>family storage? </i><br />
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The Prophets have urged us to prepare ourselves, and prepare we must! Part of being prepared is being spiritually prepared. If we don't remember the people who Heavenly Father has blessed us to know as our families here on earth and throughout eternity, than what have we remembered? Now is the time to forgive each other, put differences behind, and love as the Savior loves us. In times of need, we will not only need physical nourishment from food and water- we will require love, support, and help from each other.<br />
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My life is a constant struggle of trying to love and forgive. Sometimes I'm great at it. Sometimes I really suck. But it hit me today stronger than ever before, that the people in my life I absolutely need the most--are the members of my family. Because they are God's gift to me when life gets the toughest. We cannot expect perfection from each other, but we can love, teach, and try to be examples of the Savior who loved perfectly. I've written it before, and I'll write it again. We were never asked to be perfect on our own, we've always required the Savior's Atonement. If we could see each other through the Savior's eyes, I'm sure we could never hold a grudge, feel hatred, or seek to hurt others. We would only see---probably people just like ourselves, scarred but seeking. Hoping to do the right thing.<br />
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I loved how President Uchtdorf said in the last General Conference, "<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If you define </span><i style="border: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">hypocrite</i><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> as someone who fails to live up perfectly to what he or she believes, then we are all hypocrites. None of us is quite as Christlike as we know we should be. But we earnestly desire to overcome our faults and the tendency to sin. With our heart and soul we yearn to become better with the help of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."</span> I sure know a lot of the right things, but I'm always struggling to do them. But I'm trying, just like we all are. And if we are yoked with Christ, then we are just where we need to be--moving forward. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">So, I guess all I'm saying is, there is no better time than now to love, forgive, and put in the past the mistakes of others. Now is the best time to seek for confidence in Christ so that we don't worry about the problems of others as much. When we know Him, it becomes much easier to see people as He sees them. And suddenly forgiveness is easy. Or at least, easier. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I write this because I need it the most. I share it because I figure there's someone out there like me who struggles with their "family storage" too. Remember how important our loved ones are. Keep loving them, even when they may not love back. Christ experiences the latter every moment of every day. He understands. He can teach us how to build our "family storage" so that we become stronger as family units. So strong that Satan cannot enter in to tempt us. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Thank goodness for the scriptures-they can always put things into perspective. </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-66574069214946986812013-11-02T21:36:00.002-07:002013-11-02T21:36:25.705-07:00Trust.Life has confirmed with me that I live better when I am treated as though I am trustworthy, good, and essentially---important. I'm not trying to explain that everyone should treat me as though I am all that in a bag-a-chips. I am explaining what it feels like to be around people who treat you with Christlike love, the kind that makes you feel special, the purest, sweetest trust and respect that exists in this world. It can be shown in small and simple ways--but it's effects last forever.<br />
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A while back now, I had a dear friend a few years younger than me---okay a LOT younger (still in high school)...confide in me. She shared with me her confusion about her situation with her parents. She was 18, not graduated yet, and she was ready to move out. And her parents were ready for her to be gone too. (Or so she claimed). I asked her outright, "Have you done anything that would cause them to stop trusting you?" I wasn't looking for stories that were none of my business, and thankfully she didn't tell any. She understood my question and in a round about way she explained that yes, she had done some things that had frustrated her parents. And they only knew a fraction of what was really going on in her life.<br />
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Knowing that I could not rely on one side of the story, I tried to stay neutral, and understanding. She also told me about how she was truly trying to be a good person, but she felt like that part of her life wasn't seen by her parents, or anyone. She felt comfortable with her friends even though they enjoyed participating in activities she knew were inappropriate. She was sitting on the fence. She felt better on the outside with her friends. But inside, she yearned for closeness with her family, and mutual understanding with her parents. Sound familiar? I think we all feel this way at one time or another. I know her parents are wonderful people, and they were trying desperately to get through to their daughter. But they were trying to get her obedience by treating her like she was a bad child through and through. She had lost sight of the good in herself, but she knew deep in her heart what was right and she was trying to find a reason to get back on that path. The world was telling her to follow her friends, move out, give up, do what you want, and let go.<br />
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So there we were. I didn't know what to say, or how to help her see the path she needed to take. I asked Heavenly Father's help so many times. And I believe he told me to tell her what I've learned in my life.<br />
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* My parents trusted me. This phrase can mean so many things. To me, it meant they loved me, they respected my decisions, and they <i>believed I was good. </i><br />
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So I told her, what I believe in my heart of hearts, that she is a wonderful girl. She has a strong testimony. Sure it was being tested, but she held on to what was true and good. I tried to remind her that she is important. She has a Heavenly Father who sees her as a choice daughter of His.<br />
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This was when she started to cry.<br />
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Satan wants us to believe that we are useless. We have done too many bad things to ever be good again. He wants us to give in to the world's philosophies. And at the bottom of the worst of the worst is that belief that we cannot be trusted, loved, or important.<br />
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He is a liar.<br />
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I bring up this story because in a different way I've re-experienced this life lesson. Sometimes it can be our parents, (even parents with the best of intentions) sometimes it's our dearest friends, and sometimes it's just someone we have to see everyday at work. But sometimes there's a person who makes you feel like you are scum. Worse than scum. Like you are just a bad person with bad intentions who wishes bad on all around you. Sometimes we believe them. Unfortunately. Recently, I started to do that. Someone expected the worst out of me and in trying to constantly defend myself I found myself questioning my intentions and the intentions of others. So I caught on today. And that's just not a game I want to play.<br />
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I am good. I am NOT perfect. But my intentions are good, just like pretty much everyone else. The people bad-to-the-core are really not as common as we sometimes think. Often we go about trying to get along in life and somehow we communicate but quite often it's awkward. And in our efforts to understand others we often misconstrue their intentions. But we must remember and believe that people are good. Even the people who are manipulative or negative nelly's or whatever, they are still on the same path we are of trying to do their best.<br />
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The people I love and respect and look up to, are the people who make me feel worth it. I feel comfortable around them with my imperfections because they make me feel like I am still good, important, trustworthy, and lovable.<br />
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I think it starts inside ourselves, understanding that we are children of Heavenly Father and we are inherently good. If we hold on to that belief it becomes a knowledge and then we start to see it in other people. It's so hard to constantly reassure someone who does not trust themselves. But we have to. Because if they can see they are important then they can become closer to our Savior and that's when changes happen.<br />
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I know that the Savior Jesus Christ knew that each one of us is worth it. Clearly he proved that by suffering for our sins, and being resurrected so that we might live again. Life experience and the choices we make leave us scarred and battered. But the Savior sees the good in each of us and He makes it possible for us to be whole again.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="stanza" id="" style="border: 0px; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">’Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Thought it scarcely worth his while</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To waste much time on the old violin,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But held it up with a smile:</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,</span></div>
<div class="line" id="" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Who’ll start the bidding for me?”</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“A dollar, a dollar”; then, “Two!” “Only two?</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Going for three—” But no,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">From the room, far back, a gray-haired man</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Came forward and picked up the bow;</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And tightening the loose strings,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He played a melody pure and sweet</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">As a caroling angel sings.</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The music ceased, and the auctioneer,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">With a voice that was quiet and low,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Said, “What am I bid for the old violin?”</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And he held it up with the bow.</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And going, and gone!” said he.</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The people cheered, but some of them cried,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“We do not quite understand</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What changed its worth.” Swift came the reply:</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“The touch of a master’s hand.”</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And many a man with life out of tune,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And battered and scarred with sin,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Much like the old violin.</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A game—and he travels on.</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He’s “going” once, and “going” twice,</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He’s “going” and almost “gone.”</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Never can quite understand</span></div>
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<span class="emphasis" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="emphasis" style="border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">By the touch of the Master’s hand.</span> <sup class="noteMarker" style="border: 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2001/05/the-touch-of-the-masters-hand#footnote29-21905_000_012" style="border: 0px; color: #486fae; font-size: 9px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">29</a></sup></span></div>
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-Myra Brooks Welch, quoted in General Conference by President Boyd K. Packer, found on lds.org.<br />
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The good news is, my sweet dear friend chose to change her life for the better. And I know, I know without a doubt that it started with a tiny seed of belief inside that she was worth more than the life she was living. Sin did not have to burden her forever, she could turn to the Savior and give Him her burdens in exchange for a pure heart and clean hands--hands that are now doing His work and living righteously. She is an amazing example to me. She showed tremendous courage and strength---she is one of those inspiring people who makes me feel worth it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-37601590436311941442013-10-29T08:20:00.002-07:002013-10-29T08:21:39.611-07:00Real conversation Acquaintance: "sorry if you can hear me chewing really loud" she says as she awkwardly chews slowly and covers her mouth.<br />
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Me: "oh your fine I can't even hear it."<br />
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Acquaintance: "REALLY!? Cuz in my head its really loud!"<br />
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Me: .... Shes for real..."Yep that's because your mouth is right next to your ears"<br />
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Acquaintance: "I guess that's true"<br />
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Yep. It's true.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-46952082882056272032013-10-13T21:35:00.000-07:002013-10-13T21:35:12.479-07:00Self ConfidenceThis is a very broad subject. There are thousands of psychologists studying this, millions of books and articles written, and it's because there are people struggling with it everywhere.<br />
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How do we get self confidence? How do we keep it? Do you struggle with it? Why do so many women struggle with it? Why is it so fragile?<br />
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I don't know how to answer all those questions. I'm just a wife and a mother who ponders <i>everything. </i><br />
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I do have some leads though. Or some ideas.<br />
I'm just gonna jump right in.<br />
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Life experience. So much can happen inside those two words. So much good and so much bad.<br />
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Sometimes I hear of experiences and I think why was he or she allowed to do that to someone? Why does there have to be victims in life? Why do children have to endure things that shred any last bit of self confidence that one could have had? There are so many questions to ask.<br />
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I don't want to delve deeply into life experience I just want to lead your mind where mine went. Not to terrible, horrible, mind/heart scarring ventures, but to things that still shouldn't have happened.<br />
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I look at some people and I think, had they not endured that trial they could be more confident maybe. I never think it in those exact words, but that's pretty much what it sums up to. I think, maybe he/she would understand this or that aspect of life better, had they not experienced that.<br />
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And often as humans, we look at the bad stuff that happens to us as just that---bad stuff. My own mother is very much a worry wart and she is constantly (and I mean constantly) bringing up the worst-case-scenarios in any situation. I told her I had a nightmare last week and she suggested I get a supplement for anxiety. One nightmare. I love you mother, forever and for always, but I not takin dem pills!<br />
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I don't say this to bad mouth her. In fact, her worst-case-scenario thinking has made her prepared for literally every worst case scenario ever, and it has prevented many bad scenarios from unfolding. I'm just trying to illustrate a point---we always think of the trials in life as trials! Horrible happenings that just happen and we cannot prevent even though we continuously try to!<br />
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And lately I've been thinking about changing people's thinking. Why does Heavenly Father put people through unimaginable trials? Because of who he wants us to become. Now I know you've heard of this before, but <i>really </i>ponder this with me.<br />
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If I had grown up in any sort of a different family situation, sure, it may have seemed better to some. I've even thought maybe it would have been easier. Not having the "big kids" with us for a whole Christmas Day was pretty bad, I won't lie. But it did something to me, somewhere inside, to make me stronger. It made me appreciate my siblings, and it made me yearn for closeness with them. Had they always been there, maybe we would have fought more. Maybe I wouldn't have looked to them as examples. Maybe I would just be a little different. But Heavenly Father needs me to be who I am. And so he put me in a beautifully imperfect family in which I've never regretted belonging.<br />
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Think if we had the ability to see every "trial" for what it truly is. A current of water smoothing our rough patches slowly day by day. Or maybe some trials are sticks of dynamite blasting us onto the path of humility. Couldn't this ability to see trials differently change us clear down deep inside? Could it give us truckloads more of self confidence because we see how important we are to our Heavenly Father because he has given us more responsibility to <i>become? </i>I think it can!<br />
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There are some people who I wish I could sit them down, look them in the eye, and say, "You ARE worth it." Correction= I wish I could do that to all people. That's why I have a blog I guess. But really if you are reading this, do you believe that? Because I believe it. Heavenly Father wants YOU to understand something important so He gave you burdens. The "natural man" sees those burdens as hard, but again can we change the definition of burdens and trials and tribulations? In order to survive---we have to. Alllllll the hard "stuff" has to get their names changed. They should be called things like, strength-builders, family uniters, path re-directors, rough edge smoothers, and helped-me-to-become-like-God-ers.<br />
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Heavenly Father does want us to understand a lot of things---to become like Him we have to become All-knowing. (that will take much longer than this lifetime I believe). But most importantly---He wants us to understand we are not asked to endure life experience alone. He would have never sent us here alone. He sent us here, and then sent His Son to make all of the necessary connections. His Son built a bridge back home so-to-speak. His Son also offers strength, and the know-how for re-building hearts and homes. His Son offers to walk alongside us to help carry <i>every </i>"helped-me-to-become-like-God-er", or what is more commonly known as every, "trial."<br />
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And knowing what I know about the Savior Jesus Christ, I feel much more confident that He can be on my side. My search for self-confidence has also been a search to know my Savior better. And I don't know a lot, but I know that when I try to live as He would, I see trials for how they really are just a bit better, and I believe in myself a lot better. I find peace and happiness in just being good ole Sammy Grace! And I don't seek for the world's approval, I just try to enjoy being me and everyone that comes along with that.<br />
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So here's my hope. Please know, You Are Worth It. Whoever you are. Life experience is meant to make you even greater. We are sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father who has created worlds without number. We are part of an ever growing family of love that just keeps multiplying--never dividing. So believe in yourself. Make decisions, Make amazing things happen, and Make your little corner of the world better because you're happy being you! Find your Confidence in Christ.<br />
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*thanks for reading. my husband has a rough time even listening to my long blog posts. ;) gotta love it. gotta write it down somewhere.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-6546752626303523942013-10-10T21:48:00.001-07:002013-10-10T21:48:29.469-07:00Because Nothing Bad Happened.**Can I just say, this blog is a special place for me. Sometimes I ignore it, and I feel and think things that I need to write--like I am supposed to write them---and I still ignore them...But then I sit down, and I re-read something I wrote, and I know that it isn't necessarily just <i>me</i> writing. For some reason, I notice things, I analyze everything, and I put it into language which transforms into a vision for others to grasp or to ignore. And it feels good. It's me, connected to a spirit that I don't even realize I am in tune with. But as I said, I look back and think, how did I know to write <i>that?</i> How did I know it then it would help me today? The answer is: I didn't. I just do it, because I'm supposed to, and then my Heavenly Father blesses my life with it. I hope it blesses others. Refer to the quote at the top right of the page, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."<br />
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This is a post that's been pressing on my mind and I've been ignoring it. Unfortunately that means I may not word it as wonderfully as possible, but I will try my best.<br />
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Growing up, I remember when my mom would teach me about the 'right things' to do. These 'right things' are as follows: Be kind. Share. Don't steal. Be nice to your sister. ...hehe... Forgive your friend. Pray. Read your scriptures. Etc. As a child, when we didn't follow those behaviors, usually there came a punishment afterward. One of my favorites included writing 500 times phrases such as "I will stop complaining." (I still struggle with that one).<br />
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These punishments helped me to learn a significant life lesson. Because my mother was consistent with discipline, I learned that choices ALWAYS have consequences. Every choice is connected to a consequence. Some consequences are of lesser importance, while others have substantial and eternal significance.<br />
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As the teenage years came, like most teenagers I was given a bit more responsibility. Parents and children eventually make the transition of babysitters and diaper bags to peers and cellphones. (I still struggle with the cellphone part, but that's the world we live in folks!) With this transition there comes less parental supervision, more interaction with humans of the opposite sex, and opportunities to make decisions that seemingly "no one will know about." We always hope that all teenagers will stay in well-lit areas, participate in wholesome activities, and choose good decisions whether parents are there or not.<br />
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Thankfully, many youth choose the straight and narrow path. Some do not. In the world as a whole, many do not.<br />
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Those who choose the crooked path are not free from ownership of the choices they've made. However, I wonder if a few people could have been and still could be helped by learning one simple truth: Choices come with Consequences. They ALWAYS come with consequences.<br />
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The older we get, and the more responsibility that becomes ours, the more chances we have to choose the wrong things. For example, if at 16 you are fortunate enough to get a car, you may tell your parents--"I'm going to a friend's ward on Sunday" and then you peace out and go do what you want. Or, you decide to not pay your tithing because your check just was too small to give any away. Maybe you decide to go to an inappropriate movie because your friends want to and because "no one will know."<br />
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These small choices are made every day. By all of us. As young adults, and as adults, these choices often go unnoticed by others. They are choices only we know about. And many times, right after the choice is made, "nothing bad happens."<br />
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Usually, no lightning strike comes from heaven. Mom and Dad don't make you stick your nose against the wall. No one spanks you.<br />
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But these choices when no one else is looking, these are the moments where we find out who we really are. These are the very moments in which we become more like our Father in Heaven, or less like Him. And if we haven't made the connection of choices leading to consequences then we are more likely to make choices that seemingly have no consequences. And here's the thing, something bad <i>does </i>happen when we make bad choices. It often just happens in our hearts. It separates us that much more from our Father in Heaven.<br />
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I know this because this is me. This week I chose to spend time watching stupid shows that may have been funny, but they didn't uplift or edify. In fact, they filled my mind with gunk that I now have to remove. They supported things that I say I don't support. And yet, by watching the shows, unfortunately, I was supporting them. And I thought, nothing bad happened. I just watched a show or two. The shows definitely fit in the PG-13 category, and they made me laugh. But then I realized some things. While watching the shows, I paid less attention to my precious little girl. I left work undone that I could have easily accomplished. I was lazy, and I wasted time that on this earth--is truly so fragile. These 'bad' things didn't speak up as loud and clear as my mother did when she lectured me after a bad decision. They were much quieter in their sneakily making my life less wonderful.<br />
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And I realized that the rationalization of "nothing bad will happen" is the stupidest rationalization of all time. Because everything we do creates a happening of either good or bad. We're either on the path or were off it. Choosing to sit on the fence is still choosing not to walk on the straight and narrow path.<br />
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I've watched as a childhood friend made choices believing that nothing bad would happen in his life. Then he showed up on my doorstep with a verbal list of happenings that I pray I never have to endure. The adversary wants us to believe that some choices do not bring about consequences. We can never believe that. We have to believe in doing good---all the time. We can trust wholeheartedly that when we do good, good things happen. We have to make good choices because our Heavenly parents have never left us alone, and they will always know the choices we are making. And we must choose the right because of who we can become. I chose to be weak this week. I chose to give in to the natural man rather than following the me who is a daughter of Heavenly Father who seeks to do His will. I was lazy, cranky, and I ignored my child. Without consciously realizing it, I put effort into becoming useless and selfish. I hate it when I do that. Because even when I don't immediately see it, bad things happen.<br />
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So, start making good choices. Because good things will happen. Short and sweet ending, because it's the short and sweet truth.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-83132426264718536602013-09-18T05:57:00.002-07:002013-09-18T07:13:23.851-07:00Claiming Dependence on EmotionOk, so it's 5:30 in the morning. And I have words flowing into my mind so much so that I cannot sleep. This happens every once in a while. That's why I have a personal journal, and that's also why I have a blog. Anything that I write in this post is so far away from trying to offend that if you choose for any reason to make it offensive I am putting any and all blame on you for making it so. This post is solely to help any and/or one who may be struggling with anything similar to what I have struggled with. I have limited understanding and limited experiences. So bear with me, and see these words for what they really are...<br />
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It may have been a teacher in college who first put this idea into my head in a way that I could understand it. Somewhere I was told of an idea that emotions can be 100% controlled. In other words, we are not as connected to our emotions as we often think we are. And I pondered that. I'm not sure about this idea, but it has lead me to find more understanding on the subject throughout my life and I think that this idea was beneficial to me in a way. It gave me a little more power than what I had ever given myself. So let me just jump right in and explain.<br />
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In 2 Nephi 2:14 it states,<br />
And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.<br />
(thank you lds.org)<br />
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As I ponder this scripture I know that we have been told we are beings who "act", and we are not "to be acted upon." And I wonder if this counts for emotions. I imagine that it does, and I feel like in my life it became the scriptural slice of the sweetest truth pie I've ever tasted. Because it too gave me power. And it's origins were way ahead of anybody else's idea of emotions being more in our control than we often assume. </div>
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Life experience: I only have so much. However, I will share a sliver of my life that is unpleasant to revisit, but is of vital importance because it took a large role in shaping me into who I am. </div>
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When I first married Colten, I was so overwhelmed. There were a million joyful things, but truthfully I struggled to be happy. The only people who really knew how I was feeling at the time were my mom, my husband, and a few close family members. But, most of my family didn't even know. Which was exactly the way I wanted it, because it was so hard to admit that I was depressed. I struggled enough that my mom bought me professional tapes to listen to with guidance on anxiety and depression, and I sought out natural remedies to lift my mood so that I could function more normally. And even though there was a long list of things to be happy about, I found myself laying on the floor crying and trying to talk through it with my mom. Even my husband never saw that, and I didn't want him to. </div>
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Let me make something clear as can be, Colten did nothing wrong. He was and is and always has been an amazing husband. </div>
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My mom made it clear to me, that the next step was therapy. We were both afraid I was in too deep, and that I couldn't make it out alone. That word, therapy, scared me. And being that I have my mother inside of me, there was a stubbornness that would not let me seek help beyond my family and my Heavenly Father. And thank goodness for that strength left in me, because I decided to pull up my bootstraps so to speak, and climb my way out of the hole I was in. (I do believe therapy is vitally important for millions of people, but I just didn't need it).</div>
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I engulfed myself into the gospel. I took as many Institute classes as I did college classes. I had already taken a lot of religion classes which I believe helped tremendously prior to this chapter of my life, and they gave me a great foundation of knowledge. And one of my teachers in college (not Institute actually) helped me to take ownership of my emotions. Rather than letting them destroy me, knowledge of truth helped me to gain back power. It was a slow process, but I eventually gained enough power back that I could start to see things a bit more clearly. I stopped taking natural remedies to lift my spirits. I just didn't need them. </div>
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I started to look at myself with eyes that were no longer cloudy. I saw a girl who judged others quickly. I saw a girl who couldn't see the blessings in her life to save it. I saw girl who assumed that many people around her had vicious intentions, and I was a victim in too many stories. I was shocked. And it hurt. Who knew that I was in the wrong in so many areas? This new information didn't push me back down the hole though. I was in charge now, and I had also finally realized that I was most definitely not alone. </div>
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I started to take ownership of the judgments I made. And I started to turn them into love. Love is the only thing strong enough to overpower any of the other emotions I was feeling. The second I sincerely loved those around me, the second I started to give more power to myself, the stronger my relationship was to the Spirit, and to my Heavenly Father. This is a life goal: to continue to replace false judgments with love. We all work on it constantly. The more we work at it, the better we become--true in many of life's endeavors.</div>
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I started to see the blessings that the Lord had given me. This, probably above many other things, humbled me. Depression had not humbled me. Depression had made me sick and lonely. <b>Gratitude humbled me.</b> <b>Humility gave me strength. Humility was the gateway to joy and happiness. </b>Pure and true humility came from realizing the Lord knows me and He wants to help me get through all trials, and He blesses me in spite of me. </div>
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I studied the Atonement. I took classes, I read talks, I read scriptures, I listened, I sought it out. </div>
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Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"</div>
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I slowly but surely found that that which I gave power to became the strongest in my life. I had given power to unhappiness, loneliness, anger, confusion, frustration, etc. It wasn't workin' for me. </div>
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So I found power, the right power, within me and from my Heavenly Father, and I put my energy into that. I sought out good things in people, and wonderful things about life. </div>
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I am no longer in the hole folks. I am so far away from it I don't even remember where it went. But it's gone. Thankfully. </div>
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Do you wanna know what pushed me the last little bit above ground?</div>
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Colten and I got pregnant. :) This came with ups and downs. Right after I had Camry I could tell the hormones in my body were leading me to jump back into the hole. So I just tried the same remedy that had worked so beautifully before. I sought sunshine and it warmed my heart and soul. I looked for and found blessings everywhere. I trusted in the Lord and had faith that my body would work through the changes, and it did. I also started to understand the meaning of being selfless. Continued service day in and day out for a little body who was completely dependent on me for survival---there's humility in that. And there's dependence on the Savior there too. There's no way I could do it on my own. </div>
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I don't claim to understand what those around me are going through. As I said earlier, all I have are my experiences and my limited understanding. I have no idea if this helps anyone. I don't have anyone specifically in mind that I could be writing this for. All I know is these thoughts have been jumping around in my head every day for a little while now. And this morning they finally wouldn't let me sleep. So I acted and here they are. </div>
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I have found that ownership of my emotions has worked for me. I have found that actively seeking good things led me to Christ. Moroni 7:16 says, <a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1779823044250880089" name="16" style="border: 0px; color: #486fae; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> "</a>For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God."</div>
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I'm thankful for the power to act and that I am not just a thing to be acted upon. That knowledge, when I gave it power, changed me...and it continues to change me everyday. I no longer depend on my emotions to dictate how I feel, they are not strong enough to keep me above ground. Real strength comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ---and it's connected to whether or not we are willing to come unto Him. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-84752945600168735542013-09-17T07:28:00.001-07:002013-09-17T07:28:58.144-07:00Happy Anniversary :) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm with the guy on the left :) I know you're jealous, just contain yourselves. </div>
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As of today, I have been married 3 years to my best friend in the whole world. He is my partner, my go-to for everything, my favorite person, my <i>husband. </i>I love that I get to call him that. It's amazing how time has gone by so fast, and ya know they say, time flies when you're havin' fun! </div>
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Truly, when I think of how many years we have ahead of us, I get excited. I love that I get to spend the rest of forever with him! Sure, we have our ups and downs like everyone else, but we've grown together and become stronger for it. I was young when I got married, (or so they say) but I believe I was the smartest 20 year old on the planet for falling in love with Colten. I love him more than words can say, and I love, love, love, whatever is up ahead, because it will be with my darling hubby. </div>
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Thanks to a wonderful 3 years hun! You're more than any wife could ask for. I love you!!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15454078151004809126noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779823044250880089.post-27292147981174299532013-09-15T21:31:00.001-07:002013-09-15T21:31:41.831-07:00Motivated By Love. This phrase has been a common one in my head over my lifetime. Mainly because, when I hear about someone doing something just straight-up amazing, 99.999999% of the time it's because they were motivated by love. Tonight I "showed up" to listen to someone who has been a long time friend, neighbor, and counselor to me and about a ka-gillion other people in his lifetime. He is also the principal at the high school in our town and he is one of those people whose example---even if you only know him for a short time---immediately draws you to Christ. He's just that awesome.<br />
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He, and the principal of the middle school in our town, were involved in a special journey called, P.A.A.C.E. The acronym stands for, Principals Across America for Computers in Education. Their goal: to raise money for computers in their schools. So, they rode their bikes literally across america, and they inspired thousands of people along the way.<br />
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So, at tonight's fireside, when Mr. Jody Rich spoke, he inspired me too. He inspired me to think about motivation by love, and the affects it has in one's life. He spoke about things we should do in life, and things we should think about, and he talked a bit about something as simple as 'showing up' in life. But the message I got, was the message of being motivated by love.<br />
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Not just anyone can ride their bike thousands of miles. Not just anyone can climb Mt. Everest. Not just anyone is willing to push their physical, mental, and spiritual self beyond what they ever imagined was possible.<br />
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But someone <i>motivated by love</i> can.<br />
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Maybe some people accomplish physical feats because they just simply love the rush they get at the end of a race, or at the top of a mountain. And that's still amazing.<br />
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But then there are people, who accomplish amazing things for someone else---never thinking twice about what they must give, but only thinking about the prize that will come for their loved one once the price has been paid.<br />
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Those are the times when children of God shine. Those are the times our Father in Heaven might shed a pure tear of joy because it means something even more special than we think. It means that His children are starting to understand a little bit more of their Savior. Some may not even realize it, but as they sacrifice for those they love their hearts are changing, and drawing closer to Him. And it's beautiful.<br />
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Our Savior was motivated by love. Faith, obedience, and a Plan were all part of His motivation, but the strongest is Love. Love for His Father, and Love for his brothers and sisters. That is a small way of how I can understand the Atonement. And when I hear stories of inspiring people like Jody Rich, it again draws me to my Savior. Those stories teach me a little better how to be like Him.<br />
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And I got to thinking, What amazing things can I do in my life, that would require sacrifice, but also motivation by love?<br />
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And I thought, I sure as heck won't be riding my bike 3000 miles. (Although I will always have the utmost respect for those who are willing to).<br />
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But I will be getting up at 2 AM, and 3 AM, and 4, and 5 and 6 if needs be for my little girl. In small ways I can still contribute to the people in my life who I can affect in some way or another. I can be the best visiting teacher this world's ever seen. I can love, forgive, and serve. I can appreciate my husband for continuously getting up and working as hard as he can to provide for our family. I can appreciate his motivation from love. I can strive to follow God's commandments and strive to teach them to those around me. And most importantly, I can try to understand Christ, and how He is, and how He loves. And then I can do as Jody has and will always do, I can try to lead others to our Savior, and maybe, just maybe, someone's heart will choose to be changed. And if that happens, then they've accomplished something that lasts throughout eternity. And that's a feat that we're all working on, day to day, on and on, and over again. We do our best...We fall short. But Christ is there, not just at the top of the ladder to get us to the last step, but He's truly there every step of the way. Sometimes we seek Him, and sometimes, unfortunately we don't. But the more we do, the more we are inspired and changed, and somehow we can help others to do the same.<br />
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I just have to thank every person in the world for their outstanding sacrifices. Whether they be the sacrifices that go above and beyond what we think are humanly possible, or if they're the sacrifices that go unseen and unnoticed. Look for people around you who sacrifice every day for you, and thank them for being Christlike and loving you. And then turn around and sacrifice for someone else.<br />
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The more you do, the more you realize the amazing things that can be accomplished when motivated by love.<br />
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