Looking toward the light and example of Jesus Christ, who is "mighty to save." May we face our individual struggles and challenges by being willing to drink whatever " bitter cup" (or trial) we are given, and not shrink from doing what will ultimately strengthen us.
Eight months ago, my little boy (age 7) and his brother (age 9) were playing outside. One day they came running into the house and big brother wildly slammed the front door on little brother!
Guess what happened?! Little brothers fingertip was broken, as well as almost completely cut off. I rushed him to his usual plastic surgeon (because he's been quite accident prone! We joke about a trip a year to this plastic surgeon!)
The doctor cleaned, stitched and bound up the finger, and for nearly a month we kept returning to check the healing. At one appointment the doctor told my seven year old son that he didn't need to wear bandages any more. But my little boy kept insisting on wearing them. And I kept providing the bandaides so he could do so.
I can't find the recent plastic surgeon pics
of my son. But this was in June,
just a few months before the finger in the door.
(Photo taken before 5 stitches).
Our new puppy bit him as they wrestled!
But one day I sat him on my lap and pulled back the bandaide to look at the healing taking place. His fingertip was scarred and deformed. I asked him why he wanted to keep it covered. With quivering voice he talked about how he didn't want people to see it because of how it looked.
Even though it wasn't a "big deal" to me,I suddenly understood his shame in having a deformed, scarred finger- with missing fingernail. I held his finger and carressed the scarred area and I said, "M..., I'm sorry you've been embarrassed by how your finger looks. But when I look at your finger all I can see is how wonderful Heavenly Father is, and how much he loves you, and each of us."
I proceeded to tell my precious son how our body is the most amazing thing on earth. I said there is no material on earth like it. When it gets cut it can heal. And broken bones can grow back together.
I again gently touched the scarred area and said "You don't need to be embarrassed because of the scars. You can always look at them and remember what God has done for you because He loves you!" From that day forward my son no longer wore a bandaid (bandage) to hide his finger. Our bodies are a miraculous gift of God. We are each unique and cherished creations and miracles of our divine creator.
While some wounds may physically or emotionally scar or cause of cause to become deformed, we can each find ultimate spiritual healing through the power and mercy of God. That is of great comfort and hope to me.
My son's small finger is just one example of the greatness of God. I hope you can look a your life and see His love for you. His love and greatness is everywhere we look--IF we have gratitude in our hearts and His vision in helping us to see beyond the mundane things of life.
How do you see the hand of God in your life?
Christine
I just discovered this song. It has a powerful message of God's love for us!
Yes! He loves of any way we are! He loves us any way we come to Him! #ChristSavedUs!
#YOUareLOVED
This "new (happier) chapter" of my life has been filled with many blessings from God. He has helped to squeeze the depths of sorrow out of my soul like a bitter tube of toothpaste and has replaced the contents of my life with joy. Joy, beyond words. Joy which moves me beyond the unanswered questions of life.
The joy I feel comes with a new confidence and perspective myself.A confidence that comes through faith and power of Jesus Christ's atonement. I no longer worry what others are thinking about me. Namely, the opinions of one person. I still care for their well-being, but I don't worry if I can be acceptable and approved of by them. Opinions certainly influence me, but I don't give the same power to the opinions of others now. Heavenly Father is the end all opinion that I care about. It's been an indescribable experience!
Which reminds me of a powerful message I heard as I did my makeup this morning:
"Because our conduit of connection with God has become clogged, we increasingly reach out to people around us—mortals like ourselves—for help and support. We gain a sense of security and direction from the opinions of others expressed through social media, blogspots, emails, self-help books, and numerous other sources. But the danger here is that all mortal knowing is by nature limited and flawed. ...Even if the “flesh” we rely on is our own mental capacity and even if we’re blessed with genius-level abilities, there will still always be something that we can’t see or that we fail to understand. The flesh is always limited, unless it is complemented by the power of the Spirit."
"When we lose contact with our spiritual abilities, we are easily led to assume that truth is a matter of consensus. To the mortal mind, the more widely something is believed, the more truth it seems to have. Often, with our mortal thinking, we fail to understand that even if a particular idea has received a hundred million “likes,” if it doesn’t receive the one “like” that really matters—that is, the stamp of testimony through the power of the Holy Spirit of God—it still remains merely mortal opinion and is therefore inadequate and limited. If we aren’t careful, when we slip into complete trust in our mortal modes of perceiving, we will find ourselves truly on our own, reliant only on our limited personal abilities as we wander through the vast cyber-foyer of media and public opinion...."
Five of my very special gifts from God! My children!
Today I turned 46! I was blessed to spend several hours of my day with a friend who has finally returned to the LDS temple after a 20 year absence! I was so proud of her because it required, on her part, a lot of change and sacrifices for God. I've envisioned this day for her for years, and I was thrilled when she finally made the decision that she wanted this enough to sacrifice for it.
I went to bed last night with a disappointment on my heart, but God assured me through songs of comfort in the night that I would have a wonderful day today. Those songs reminded me of just how loved I am, and reminded me that my smile bring happiness to others. I don't completely comprehend how, but I felt the warmth of love in my heart, and I slept with happy anticipation for how my birthday would go!
My friend came and picked me up this morning. As I stepped into her car the song, "she shall have music wherever she goes" played into my thoughts. I smiled because I so appreciate the gift of angelic music God has given me.
I sat down in the car and with her permission I asked for special blessings upon our day, and I invited the Spirit of God to join us and teach us.
After arriving, and dressing all in white, we sat in the chapel. I wished a friend of ours had been able to attend, but as I slept I knew I would have another dear friend there. I just wasn't sure who. So I waited to see. My heart beating like Christmas morning! Imagine my surprise when our mutual friend walked in! A friend, who is none other than my stake president. I have always felt his pure, Christ-like love for me. And Contrary to the fact that we aren't blood related, I feel like I have a brother in him, and it is always a joy for me to see him for that reason.
I knew it was no coincidence that Heavenly Father had brought him to my specific temple session to alleviate my disappointment and sadness of last night. It was a delight to spend this time with my friend, and stake president and his wife. Truly a Tender Mercy from the Lord to again remind me that His hand is in my life, and that I will not be forgotten or rejected by Him --ever!
My girl friend cried and said she felt the presence of her mom and dad during the session, who have both passed away in the last year or two. She described how thrilling it was to be there, and how she tried to take in every word she was hearing. Her hands were even shaking with excitement. I was happy that she felt the importance of the covenants we were there making to God in how would will live our lives, and how we look to Him in all things.
She suggested lunch after the 2 hour session. Long story short, a kind, older man had overheard me talking to my Stake President about it being my birthday. He offered to give me my birthday swats with his cane!!! Haha. "No thank you!" But then he joked for me to have a piece of cake on him. I walked off to the cafeteria giggling, but expected nothing.
Later that night I made a teasing face at my boy because
he has been my birthday thief for 7 years now! His birthday
is on the 12 of November, and he claims my b-day as his own!
Well, that man came down the the cafeteria a few minutes later and bought the lunches for my friend and I--as well as the dessert. Well he paid for all of it, except my dessert!! Because the kitchen chef/baker waived my pie because it is my birthday! I hugged and thanked Brother J. Hernandez, after he bought our lunch, and then off he hobbled telling this "bright, smiling young lady" to have a "happy birthday!" I felt so thankful for his kindness, and that of the head chef! More blessings from God!
Here he is 4 days earlier. But, you don't see me blowing out
his candles!! ;) :)
As I sat down to eat, my girl friend said she had been the one who wanted to buy me lunch to celebrate my birthday. I reminded her that while I love to celebrate my birthday, the real celebration of this day was in celebrating her re-birth. She immediately understood the sober truth of what I said, and she reflectively replied, "Yes, that is very true."
As we sat and visited I told her I come once or twice a week, and I'd love to come with her. She surprised me when she said we could come every Wednesday at the same time. I was thrilled, and agreed that it was a perfect time for me too!
(quotes below are from the talk above)
"The gospel and the commandments of God are not a cage that keeps us from succeeding in the world. They are the wings that help us to soar to heights of success that we, with our mortal faculties, can’t even dream of on our own...."
Sister Neill F. Marriott.... asserted,
“Love is making space in your life for
someone else.”
This truth is valid, not just for our children or our family but for our relationship with God as well.
We show love for Christ by making space in our lives for Him.
This means consciously devoting time every day to seriously studying His words, meditating on the scriptures that teach of Him, and praying to know Him, utilizing both our mortal and our spiritual forms of perception.
Take note of the Christmas tree that my children set up on
the 14th of November!! Haha! Coldstone cake. I love ganache.
In addition to making space in our lives for Christ, there is yet another way in which we demonstrate our love. As author Catherine Galasso-Vigorito asserted:
Love is not a special way of feeling, though lovely feelings come now and then. But real love is a commitment to live and care for another person. When that love is God’s love, it reaches out to all the people around you automatically. You just can’t help caring and sharing from the heart.8
Our service to God’s children is a visible sign of our love for Him. As we willingly serve others, we become a conduit through which His love flows to touch the lives of everyone around us.
Can you tell my little boy likes Pokemon!
Well, I'm going to go eat a cold stone cake soon, which my sister bought me (but that I created!) :) I just wanted to share a few thoughts. These aren't all the wonderful blessings of my day, or week, but they show a glimpse of God's goodness and mercy toward His children.
I hope you will consider how you can make room in your life to show your love for Christ.
I will close with a beautiful sentiment of truth:
"October 2014 general conference President Dieter F. Uchtdorf exclaimed:
"I offer you my personal witness that spiritual truth will fill your heart and bring light to your spirit. It will reveal to you pure intelligence with wonderful joy and heavenly peace. . . .
". . . If you seek God’s truth, that which now may appear dim, out of focus, and distant will gradually be revealed and clarified and become close to your heart by the light of God’s grace. Glorious spiritual vistas, unimaginable to the human eye, will be revealed to you."
Keep working toward those vistas which only God can help you see!
Christine
P.S. I asked my stake president afterward why he came today. (I wondered if someone had told me if my friend was coming there that day.) He replied that his wife said this morning that she wanted to go at that time. I smiled and told him I had a story to tell him about his wife being inspired!
My arm is semi-working today, so I was finally able to wash my hair! A big deal when you are in
excruciating pain in your right shoulder! I still have pain, and it hurts to rotate my arm, but if I take things slow, I'm okay! Hooray!
It's been the usual morning... breakfast, stories, homework, and play time with my 6 year old son. A lot of times we also tidy up together around the house... but today I am more concerned with my finals, and apparently with reading!
I've really become fascinated in reading These books called "Women of the Old Testament," and "Women of the New Testament." It seems that whenever I sit down and randomly open in either one of these books, I open up to something which I can relate to, or need to read.
Today I have been reading about Hannah, from the Old Testament. Two paragraphs stood out at me.
"....Hannah manifested here sorrow in frequent crying and a loss of appetite. Her husband, Elkanah, cherished here, but his attention and love did not fill the void in her life. Her priesthood leader, the high priest Eli, misunderstood her and accused her falsely. Hannah came to realize that no one could assuage the emptiness in her life but the Savior. Her despondency and awareness of her nothingness therefore became an important catalyst that led Hannah to discover the Lord's teachers for her. Through His compassionate acceptance and limitless strength, God helped this Israelite woman recognize that she could contribute to the Lord's work and have a fruitful life whether she ever gave birth or not. In the apostle Peter's perspective, one is not barren unfruitful if she abounds in faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, brotherly kindness, and charity. These Christlike attributes are available to everyone and will fill every void in one's life (2 Peter 1:5-8)"
(Women of the Old Testament by Camille Fronk Olsen.Deseret Book 2009, page 127)
I loved reading this, because it is so true that we may be misunderstood or unfairly judged- yes, even
by long time friends, and church leaders. It is important to act with grace, even where we are wronged and no apology is forthcoming. It is far more important to confirm our testimony of God, through our words and actions in each day of our life- than to worry if we receive credit for what we do right, or to have apology for what others may wrongly accuse of us.
How true are the following words from this same book:
"Eventually, Hannah was blessed with several children; however,she was filled with the grace of the Lord before she bore any. When she found the power of the Atonement in her life, she was full and fruitful and could give back to the Lord all that she possessed. Without vanity or complacency, Hannah's sacrifice revealed her independence as well as her awareness o the need for God. Some of us will never bear children, some will never marry, some will never have a happy marriage, and some will never have good health in this life. But every one of us can be fruitful and filled with the power of Jesus Christ. When we find Him, like Hannah, we will lose our life in doing His work. That is His promise to all of us."
(page 142-143)
We grow from childhood to adulthood with ideas of what we envision for our life. When those things don't happen we often fail like failures (as did Hannah), or we think life has nothing happier to offer us. But those pressures and lies of the devil and society are not true! Each one of us can "Bloom where we are planted," no matter what the circumstances we are in. Each day is a choice to change our reaction to our attitudes, and consequently we can change many circumstance. BUT, if some things are not able to be changed, we can find peace through the Lord.
In this process of looking to God and our Savior for solace, we will discover that our empty fountains are being filled with the sweet, refreshing and satisfying water of divine and purifying love. Love which flows freely into our spirits through the gift of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and which love surges through us, and heals us of our infirmities and afflictions. There is no wound too deep, or sin so scarlet that the Savior cannot bind us up and heal.
Take comfort and accept that you are loved as an individual, and a divine child of promise!
Christine
Women through the ages have done things to bless family.
I came home late from class. As usual! (I always lose some time by singing and
playing at the piano until the building is locked!) When I arrived home I
discovered the lights in the basement had been left on (again!) by my teenage
son. I set my backpack down, and began shutting out lights.
I stopped in the laundry room, and decided to start a new
load of laundry. (I try to do this each night, so no one has to go without hot
water for showers!) I matched socks and sorted piles for my children- of
already folded laundry, which still needed to be put away.
I love to fold laundry and match socks. It gives me a sense of purpose and joy to
know that I am blessed in so many ways. I am blessed with family, friends, and
a safe and peaceful place to live. Most
of all, I have a fervent testimony of Jesus Christ, and I know that through
Him, all sorrows can be eased, all sin can be made "white as snow,"
and all strength and joy come through his atoning power. I didn't use to understand just what
"drawing on the power of the atonement" meant, but through a help of
a dear friend, I finally understand it. The Savior's love has changed me!
Following laundry, I made my way up to bed. I began my bedtime routine- among which is
brushing my teeth and then washing my makeup off with a clean, white washcloth.
(Mmm..one of my favorite smells on earth is the smell of a soapy washcloth
against my face! I don't know why, but I love that "clean"
smell!)
As I began to wash my face I
heard a song play into my thoughts.
(Hearing "random(not!)" songs is not uncommon for me, because
music is a gift of mine. I'm thankful for this too!:) I took a moment to "listen" to the
song that I was "hearing." I realized it was "Angel Carol,"
by John Rutter. I smiled, and out loud I
said, "Thank you angels!" I
proceeded to move about my routine.
Within seconds I heard a new song play into my thoughts. I listened, but this was harder to
identify. After a prayer, I knew the
song. It was my Mother's "Angel
Song," as I have long called it.
You see, my Mom went through a very sad time in her life. She felt very alone, and very burdened
down. One night she had a dream in which
a man all in white, walked into an empty, but beautiful LDS temple-like room. This man sat down to an organ in the room,
and began to play a beautiful and haunting melody. But it was not a happy melody. In truth, it is a very very sad melody.
My Mother told me that she thought that was
an angel in her dream, and that he wanted her to understand that he understood
the loneliness and sorrows that she silently carried on her heart. Before my
Mom died nearly 10 years ago, she taught me the song. I proceeded to record that song, and compose
it to sheet music on the computer. When
my Mother died, that is one of the things I was working on.
With all the happenings in my life (namely moving, giving
birth to new children, many funeral,...and other struggles, stresses, and joys), I set the song aside
and forgot about it. But now, after
these 10 years that song has been brought back to my thoughts. I know it is not of my own ability that I can
recall it. Yet, here in the bathroom,
the song was playing into my thoughts, and as I hummed it, I began to cry. For, the angels, my Mother, and all those who
love me on the other side are acutely aware of a complex part of my heart that
hides in the shadows of my soul.
There I was knowing my
"angel(s) of music" were there with me, and half-jokingly I asked them why they chose
a song to make me cry!
Well, as soon as
I asked my questions, something remarkable happened. The "Angel Song" of sadness was
immediately replaced with a happier song!
But, I didn't want to lose the "Angel Melody," because it had
been a long time, and on my own I never could have recalled it. So, realizing what the angel (s), was/were trying
to do, I said, "It's alright, I want to hear that melody." And immediately the melody played sweetly,
though sadly, back into my memory."
I thought it was sweet that she/they wanted to show their willingness to
respect my wishes, in not bringing a sad song to my thoughts.
I did have some tears then in knowing I really am very close
to heaven. I also tearfully fell to sleep.
That was not only because of my burden of sadness, but it was moreso in
the knowledge that while I cannot speak to anyone on earth of my feelings, my
heart is known to Heavenly Father, and all the unseen beings of light.
Experiencing such a tangible empathy and
understanding for the complexities of my feelings brought me special comfort- even
though it cannot exactly lift the burden of mind and heart. Some things require time and patience.
I know I am not alone in my feelings. I know that we each
face our own personal hardship, set back, sorrows, and fears. And, while I wish I could give you some
soothing balm to ease Your burden, I want to remind you that you are not
alone. No one walks this earth alone,
even though it may feel that way at times. God and Jesus Christ are aware of
you, know your name, and love you more dearly than you can imagine.
In order to feel of spiritual wells of living water, please try and do your part to make choices to live like Heavenly Father would want
you to. Pray and read the scriptures.
Stop watching or reading things of impurity, and choose to listen only to music
which speaks of clean and Godly things.
Seek to be charitable to all you interact with. Serve, and share. Try to find ways to brighten the lives of
others. Even small ways, which are as
simple as a kind note/email, carrying their groceries, holding open a door, or
making the bed, can make others happy.
There are many scriptures about finding comfort…but here are
a few! I chose the ones that speak of
accepting or seeking comfort. There were some which demonstrate people, who
wanted to be miserable and refused comfort!
I've been there before, and may someday find myself in that place again.
I know that God understands that, but if
we can muster even an ounce more,, let us try to accept comfort and express
appreciation- even in the small ways it is given to us.
Luke
8:48New TestamentAnd he said unto her, Daughter, be of goodcomfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Isaiah 51:3·Old Testament For the Lord shallcomfortZion: he willcomfortall her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden,
and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found
therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
2
Corinthians 13:11·New Testament Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of goodcomfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace
shall be with you.
O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thoucomfortmy soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt
thou
grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may
suffer with patience
these afflictions which shall
come upon me, because of the iniquity of this
people.
=====
I wish you clear vision and comfort and peace, whether in
your joys or sorrows. I wish you to feel the presence of angels, and the ears
to hear sweet messages and songs. I wish you faith and hope, that you will
always labor to always be moving toward the light and promises of Christ. The Savior can heal all wounds, and soften
any sorrows, and he will heal yours- IF you allow Him to. The choice is yours.
Last night I met a young man, and his wife, in an LDS (Mormon) temple. This man had a severely scarred face, and instead of lips there was just a hole-which reveals his teeth and tongue.
I was surprised that despite his facial disfigurement, I did not cringe to look at him. Instead, I found him to be truly beautiful. It was as though the radiance of his beautiful and sweet spirit outshone the discolored shapes and patched skin colors of his face. All in white clothing, he looked nothing less than an angel to me.
I have often wondered how it might feel to be scarred in such an obvious manner. I made an opportunity to speak with him. He and his lovely wife, were very kind to let me ask a few questions, and share some personal feelings I have on the matter. Two of the things I asked were this:
1. Does it hurt? (It looks painful.) He replied that it didn't hurt at all.
2. How do people treat you when he goes into public?
(His reply (to paraphrase) was this:)
"You do get some looks, but you can't worry about what the world thinks of you. You have to think about Heavenly Father, and really understand that your beauty comes from your spirit."
As he spoke those words, I could feel his testimony of what he spoke. He'd come to understand, in a deeply personal way, that our beauty has to do with the righteous development of our spiritual beauty. I could see that radiant beauty in his spirit, and in the way he carried himself- it's why I found the courage to speak with him.
I felt thankful for the opportunity to be at the temple to meet this man, and to have a reminder from him about where the placement of our values need to be in life, in order to achieve peace.
If only we would all understand what he does. If only we stopped placing so much value and emphasis on physical appearances, and really learned to place value on our spiritual development and love of Heavenly Father. If only we could see ourselves through the eyes of a loving God, and learned to make our hourly choices with Heavenly Father's pleasure in mind; imagine how much happier our society would be!
The following words seem applicable, and understood, to this scarred man -and to any of us, wading through tribulation:
1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle (of our body) were dissolved, we have a building ( an eternal and spiritual home!) created) of God, an house (of glorious eternity) not made with hands, (for we are) eternal in the heavens.
====
2 Corinthians 4:6-8
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
==
Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9:
"...if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
9 ...fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.
I hope we will each resolve to move forward with greater faith, in believing that he has a plan for each of our individual lives.
I hope that whatever physical or emotional pain we experience, that we will have faith in God, and seek to see His higher purposes. Though it may appear that there are times we are alone, none of us are ever alone! Our God and His angels are always mindful and loving of us. And, if we allow it, our times of sorrow can bless us with "experience" for our "good!"
BUT--- During times of anguish, sorrow, or disappointment, We have to reach out our figurative hands and hearts to Heavenly Father, and we have to REALLY, truly, want him to help raise us from our "bed of affliction." That takes effort on our parts! But it's worth it, to see the miracles that are possible!
My desire is that you will know just how special You are, and to learn that your spirit "outshines every star!". No matter what circumstance you find yourself living in- there is ALWAYS Hope, but that kind of hope can only come through the power of God, and the saving power of Jesus Christ's atonement!
I wish you the peace to be found on your spiritual journey,
Christine
Over the last few days, I have felt an immense amount of inner turmoil. So much so, that I was experiencing physiological responses I have rarely encountered in my life. (I guess it could be related to an anxiety attach--- which is not something I'm very familiar with.) During this duress, I repeatedly fell to my knees in prayer and asked Heavenly Father why He let me feel like something was right to do, when in fact it turned out so very very badly. I asked Him over and over. "Why, when you knew the outcome? Why? Why? How could any of this be good?" The answers came gradually to me, as I purified my actions to Him. Not only did I pray, but I studied scriptures, listened to talks, and sought comfort from a priesthood blessing and attending the temple. The ordeal left me feeling injured and and terribly worried. Something has happened. As I have listened to the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost, my shaking fears and disconsolate heart has been comforted, and my peace is being restored. I have particularly been comforted through lines of songs that play into my thoughts, during the silent moments of this threatening storm. I immediately knew what God wants me to know, when a popular song I haven't listened to or heard for many months played into my thoughts as I fitfully tried sleeping... "Let it go! Let it go!" and added to that were words from two hymns: "Leave to thy God, to order and provide." and "When all that was promised the Saints will be given." Heavenly Father wants me to truly "let it go" and to trust in His omnipotent hand. I have learned a lot from this experience. Among other things, I've increased in my sensitivity to the feelings and experiences of others. I have been reminded that God's vision is marvelous and massive. I am reassured that He loves each of us very much, and is truly mindful of our needs. I also becoming more aware of how truly he "delights to own and bless" His children "as they try and do what's right." It's important to just start where you are, because little efforts efforts, even in a weak, tired, and sorrowful condition, will help you feel God's love. As you feel yourself grow stronger, try to keep the commandments of God even better. No one grows stronger, if they don't flex, work and exercise their spiritual muscles.
My amazing bishop once taught me an important lesson, "Repentance encompasses more than repentance from sin.Repentance equates to progression, and it is rarely comfortable. " If you keep trying to improve yourself, you will see miracles in your life!
I can really relate to this video. I have faith that God will open up doors, for which my narrow vision had never seen before! I am thankful for His sweet and perfect assurances of love and peace in my life. I feel loved. :)
Today I was blessed by one of my friends. I feel so thankful. :)
I don't have a vehicle any more. Our transmission went out on the van. And there is no money to fix it.
Getting around is a challenge, but it has been a good learning lesson for me. It has reminded me to be grateful for what I do have. Especially for the healthy feet and body that can carry me around my community as I walk around to visit with various friends on any given day. I'm also especially thankful for the friends, who come to my rescue when I need help.
Today I really wanted to go to a nearby LDS temple. I needed solace after my feelings of last night. My friend, M. came to my aid and drove me. We both went to the temple together and renewed our friendship. Afterward, she stopped me at Staples to pick up two amazing BYU Speeches. And then she took me to Walmart for a few things. (Milk in specific. It's no fun to be without milk with so many children!)
I used to be the one to take a disabled family member around to various stores, because she doesn't have a vehicle. I tried to be cheerful, but occasionally I found it more of an annoyance to go to 5 places in one day. After this experience of being with my cheerful friend, I realized that when I have a car again some day, that I will remember this experience and try to treat her with greater care and compassion.
Mosiah 4:12-13 (Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ)
12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the alove of God, and always bretain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the cknowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.
13 And ye will not have a amind to injure one another, but to livebpeaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due.
I hope you are able to see things to be thankful for. I hope that you have friends to watch over you in
your hours of need. And that you will be the kind of friend to yourself and others that you most love.
I hope that if you are lonely that you will seek to know Heavenly Father better through prayer. Give him your loneliness and burdens, and pray for His guidance to teach you and reshape you, and restructure the life you are living. It is possible.
I have been blessed by Heavenly Father, through the powerful grace of Jesus Christ's atonement. I never knew that life could be so richly rewarding and happy. I never knew I could become someone more. I have become a new person through Christ, and so CAN YOU!
It's 12:24 am and I probably ought to get to bed, because the children want to get an early start out the door to see their cousins for Thanksgiving. I've spend the entire day cleaning the house to a sparkle.!! I scrubbed toilets and baseboards today, in a way I rarely do. I was sitting on the bathroom floor with knife and scrapers in hand and removing caulk everywhere...toilet, tub, walls!! Needless to say it looks so much better, but now I am going to need to hurry and re-caulk!! And, use a lot of "magic erasers" by Mr. Clean to clean the wall drawings off, which are so artistically rendered upon my walls and doors by my 4 year old! :P
I guess I'm kind of breaking my rules in how a while back I announced that I was going to stick to spiritual matters, so I will try and refocus here.
But, for the record, God is involved and aware of us in our everyday processes of life. So whether we're scrubbing toilets, making dinner, or reading a stories to our children (or nieces/nephews), our Heavenly Father is pleased when we work towards good goals. He knows that every little thing we do, adds to the bigger whole of our eternal well-being and progress.
I feel so blessed that Heavenly Father helps me to know I am loved and special. I realize that the angels are around us. I also know that they like to be around us when we have good things going on. I don't think they are too keen on hanging out with us while we whittle away hours in front of the t.v. or game cube. (What do I know, maybe they love a good movie!)
My personal opinion is that I feel we get special blessings when we take time each day to pray, study our scriptures, and (for those of you who are "LDS" or "Mormon") regularly attend the temple. I also think it's imperative to our well being to serve others in kindness, work hard, and play games and read stories with our children and family. Yes, making time for family is an absolute must!
I certainly believe there is a place for some t.v. or movies, but I think we would each benefit from being more selective about what we allow ourselves to use our precious time on. (Want some recommendations?! :) I personaly really enjoyed the movie series "Love Comes Softly." Good clean, and wholesome entertainment. Oh, and recently my husband took me to see "The Saratov Approach" definitely worth seeing (though I didn't love the violence--there is no swearing!). A couple of my other favorites are really "Ephraim's Rescue," or "17 Miracles." (Doesn't hurt that my husband is in one of those movies :)
Let me say this, and then I need to get to sleep... I have always struggled to love. I am sure that a good portion of that is due to the abuse and trauma I experienced as a child. In consequence, I have always tended to push people away, and act indifferently. In fact, I didn't think I'd ever really know how to love like everyone else seems to apt at doing.
This year has been a pivotal time for me, because as I have allowed Heavenly Father to shape my heart and life, I have grown in my ability to love!! Yes, I have truly grown to understand the depths of love in a way, I never thought possible. I love my children more deeply, and new friends more willingly, and toward strangers I often feel sincere love and compassion. I know this miracle is because of my increased love for my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. It's a miraculous phenomenon that I know only comes through the atonement and grace of Jesus Christ.
My heart is filled with so much more joy and love, than I ever thought possible. It's not that sad things don't happen to me, but those sad things do rule my life, because I have the peace and assurance that the spirit of God give's me that Heavenly Father will take care of me, as he seeth fit. I trust him completely.
Before I get to bed, I have a song for you to enjoy. It's one that I heard recently, I don't know how I ever missed it in the movie Pocahontas, but I did. This song speaks to me of how love can teach us so many beautiful and life altering things.
13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
To me that scripture means that if we are lazy (or sleeping! ;) and not working hard (in the many areas of need in our life) we will be emotionally bankrupt! However, if we open our eyes--meaning wake up and do things. Serve, love, look to God in all things.. then we shall be filled with love, and it will satisfy us. And the satisfaction and contentment will feed out spirits in a peaceful way. A way that we never imagined possible, because we decided to work for his love!
May you feel His peace and love in your heart, as you seek His will, above your own, in all things. Christine
