Parallels of The Ten Virgins --Then and Now

I think God is trying to teach me something about being prepared. Last night in my scripture study (which I was led to from two individual hymns that quietly played into my my thoughts during the day) I found a repeating theme in the scripture references-preparedness.

There is a variety of scriptural meaning within the story of the ten virgins, such as being prepared with our own testimony of the Savior, but I think this can also symbolically be related to our lives as it relates to the most difficult challenges we each be called to endure.

When we are called to face those moments of crisis WILL WE BE PREPARED to look to the Savior, Jesus Christ with wholehearted faith, or we will crumble under the despair of doubt and heartaches of confusion. I do not know the "day nor the hour (Matthew 25:13)" but I hope to be ready when I am called to my door of spiritual battles. I'm working really hard each day to try and improve, so that I can be prepared. It's been slow going, but a little change is better than no change at all. (See more commentary at the end:)
 
Here are the scriptures I read: Matthew 25:

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Paul Steven Grass, 1978

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps aare gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

































13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:

10 Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord.

11 Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.
=============

I have found several interesting analyses regarding the10 Virgins. Here are some quotes from each article in brief:

"As the wise virgins emphasized properly, each of us must “buy for ourselves.” These inspired women were not describing a business transaction; rather, they were emphasizing our individual responsibility to keep our lamp of testimony burning and to obtain an ample supply of the oil of conversion. This precious oil is acquired one drop at a time—“line upon line [and] precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30), patiently and persistently. No shortcut is available; no last-minute flurry of preparation is possible."

“Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom” (D&C 33:17)."

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/converted-unto-the-lord?lang=eng

"Being ready means preparing for whatever contingency arises in our lives and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus at all times while we eagerly await His coming. As seen in the fact that all the virgins were sleeping when the call came indicates that it doesn’t matter what we are doing when Christ returns. We may be working, eating, sleeping, or pursuing leisure activities. Whatever it is, we must be doing it in such a way that we don’t have to “make things right” (get more oil) when He comes.

They have saving faith and have determined that, whatever occurs, be it lengthy time or adverse circumstances, when Jesus returns, they will be looking with eagerness. The five virgins without the oil represent false believers who enjoy the benefits of the Christian community without true love for Christ. They are more concerned about the party than about longing to see the bridegroom. Their hope is that their association with true believers (“give us some of your oil” of verse 8) will bring them into the kingdom at the end. This, of course, is never the case. One person’s faith in Jesus cannot save another. The “Lord, lord” and “I do not know you” of verses 11 and 12 fit very well with Jesus’ condemnation of the false believers of Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter."

http://www.gotquestions.org/parable-ten-virgins.html

Our preparation comes by making daily choices---whether we are a man or woman, we must decide whether we are going to be "wise" or"foolish."

• Do we decide to wake up by getting down on our knees (or just sitting to pray if we don't have the health to kneel) to pray?  Or do we first get up and turn on the T.V. first, read the newspaper, or get on the computer, or start texting friends?

• Do we study the word of God through scriptures or articles, or do we watch the latest and funniest YouTube video or Netflix movie instead?

• Do we try to make choices that would make our loving Heavenly Father happy?  (Or if that's too big a concept for you right now, then think of someone who you love and respect, and want to please.  Someone who is tries to live a Godly life.)

Wherever you are, and no matter what conditions you find yourself living in, I hope you know that you can improve your life.  It's going to take work and effort on your part, but God is always there to help you along.  We are each loved and understood by our Maker.  Start out small, and you'll soon see that you will grow stronger and stronger, as you strengthen your spiritual muscles. 

I'm rooting for you!
Christine

Lost in an Amusement park

ME (Christine), when I was obviously feeling happy! Not upset.

There I was, walking aimlessly through through the swirling hoards of people at a large amusement park.  A young man, a "Carney" from a game booth calling out over his microphone to me, "Are you having fun?!" Feeling forlorn, lost, and upset I kept my glance downward and with my wide-brimmed hat  concealing part of my face I shook my head, "no" and I kept on walking.  In the nearby distance that seemed to engulf me like a black hole, he called back, "Aw come on!"  Unresponsive to his urging, I walked on.  He quickly turned his attention to a happy group of people behind me who replied to his question of whether they were having fun with a "Whoo-yeah!"  All I could feel was deeply unhappy.  A thick cloud of negativity and self induced misery hung around me.

It has been a long time since I've felt such negative and depressing emotions, but that's exactly how I felt this past Friday night, while at Lagoon (in Utah).  My husband and I had planned it all out, he would drive down with our four youngest children, and I would bring my son in the afternoon,when he was done with his summer sprinkling system job.  (A momentous occasion because it's his first ever job!:)

When I arrived though,  I learned that my husband had been alone for most of that day, and no one knew where he was, as he doesn't have a cell phone.  I was very upset by this, because I wanted my husband to have time with his siblings from all over the united states.  I wanted them to delight in each others company.  Instead, I felt upset and angry that they'd alienate him (or so I viewed it, initially).

Having such strong emotions I allowed my negative thoughts and worries to consume my perspectives and views.  The "old Christine" easily fell prey to such negative concepts.  But the "new Christine" rarely feels such strong negative emotions.  And because of that very reason, I felt sick at feeling such ugliness in myself. I found myself thinking how I wasn't worth much, nor could I ever be.  And why?  Because I felt exactly the way I believe a good Christian woman should never feel.  And in feeling this way,  it shows that I can't really be someone truly good or someone worth being loved.  Or so I told myself.  Talk about "all or nothing" thinking!

I wanted to feel differently.  I prayed frequently, but although I prayed and felt I was heard, I still couldn't, or perhaps, wouldn't shake the way I felt. I only wanted my husband and children.  I wanted to have my husband hug me and hold me close and reassure me that he was alright, and that I was alright.  I knew I should be smiling at people, but I didn't feel like it.  I knew I'd feel better if I tried to strike up conversations with people, and see how I could help them, but I just couldn't bring myself to care.  So there I was, not smiling.  Rarely looking into anyone's eyes, and feeling mad at my husband's siblings for letting him and my 3 youngest children, stay all by himself, without adult and sibling friendship.

At one point, I walked past a man sitting down leaning forward with his hands to his face, and his wife (or girlfriend) who was rubbing his shoulders.  They looked like a bigger picture of sadness than I felt.   I quietly prayed for them as I walked on.  But, there must be some human decency in me, because ended up walking back to them and asking if he was alright.  It turns out he was "fine" but that he had a neck cramp.  I suggested getting some pain medicine from first aide.  Then  I walked on.  Feeling a certain sense of relief for a few seconds, I still remained fairly apathetic.

In the end of that experience things looked up.  I found my daughter and some cousins, who could show me where to meet.  As all the family started to gather for dinner, I expressed my disappointment of having searched unsuccessfully for so long.  My husbands sisters each took different directions of the park and set out to find him. I made no attempt, I didn't know the park like they did.  Within about 20 minutes they'd found him, and brought him to family.  What relief.  I rushed up to him, and melted my head against his heart, and expressed my relief for him to be found and no longer alone!  And guess what?!  He didn't care.  He was fine, and didn't feel an ounce of irritation. (Yep, he's usually much lower key than I am!)

After our dinner of Pizza, fruit, and "Capri Suns," the family made sure that no one was separated.  We formed groups relating to interests of rides, and each group had a person with at least one cell phone.  Greater care was taken so that no one was lost.  It proved to be a much more enjoyable evening that I could have expected from that earlier time when I was very unreasonable in my emotions.

So you may wonder my point, after my LONG story!  Well, I have a few ;)

1.  Feeling negative emotions doesn't make us a bad or unlovable person, it just means we are human.  We need to always work against such overwhelming negativity within our thoughts though, or it will destroy our happiness in life,  and our relationships.   But, no matter how low we go, we can improve, and we are worthy of being loved.  That's God's glorious plan, to repent and improve, and feel joy, and learn how to give and receive love!


2.  Our families should be a priority.  In this world of distraction and chaos, family can be easy to lose sight of.  We must try each and every day to put our focus on our family.  And, on the days we fall short, we need to pray for God's direction and seek to do better the next day.  My husbands family tweaked the situation, and because of it there was a greater sense of unity.  We need to ask ourselves where we feel we are succeeding, and where we can improve within our individual and unique family circles.  Pray for direction, but also get feedback from family and friends on what they'd like to see improve,  or what works for them.  The ultimate goal should be that we are giving and receiving love, and making  happy and productive memories together. (And no---- television and video games and electronics should play only a very small roll in memory makers.)


3.  Keep Trying!  Don't give up on yourself or others.  Trust me, I know all about difficult people.(Heck, I'm apparently one of "them" sometimes!;)  But we need to remember, God never never gives up on us.  And if we are all his children, that makes us each heavenly brothers and sisters.  So whether those difficult people are in our immediate family, or extended earthly family, we need to keep working to have patience, kindness, and love for each other.
 





































Here's a little word art I put together.  It is particularly significant to me, because a friend of mine, while visiting with my husband and I, pointed out that Charity is a gift from God.  It is where the power and grace of the Savior's atonement is at work.  His grace is an enabling power, that gives us the strength to do things, that we ourselves could not do on our own strength.  Sheer will doesn't give us the power we need. 

I now pray for charity each day, and plead that God will help teach my spirit to love and accept others with the love and patience that I hope they will give to me!

I hope you will pray for charity too.  It's a miraculous gift
that can help heal struggling relationships.
Christine

an unproductive day

I have been feeling badly about myself today.  Questioning my worth and value. Feeling like I will never be the kind of person that Heavenly Father wants me to be.  I have so much to do to put my life in order, that I get overwhelmed and feel like I can't do it.  So, sometimes I sit back and figuratively chew my fingers wondering where to start.

I make a lot of comparisons of myself to others.  I especially study the women I go to church with.  I look at the order of their homes and the management of their time and I think, "How am I going to become that kind of woman?  I don't do half of what they do."

I went to bed too late last night (1am), but because of my worry and pleading of prayers to God through the night for assurance and comfort, I didn't exactly wake up refreshed.  I'm embarrassed to say it, but I didn't get out of bed until around 3pm or so.... I didn't sleep, because I felt too guilty to go back to sleep.

Instead I sat on the computer read some religious articles and scriptures, and researched how to make a living will and write up legal forms for having a health care proxy--should something befall me to the point I'm incapacitated, and I even researched how to make Guatemala worry dolls for my little

girls to make.  So, I certainly was doing some good things, but, I didn't read stories to my children, make meals, or do housework.  For that I felt badly.  (though I gave plenty of hugs, kisses, and words of praise and affection to my children, so that is good.)

I had set a goal to do one thing to clean in my home today, and I try to always keep my promises to myself and others, so I did end up cleaning the front room at around 5 pm.  It took me about 2 hours.  I rolled around the room on my pink sewing room/computer chair.  I cleaned slowly and lethargically.

As I worked, I realized that besides not getting enough sleep, I also haven't been taking my multi-vitamins, and other supplements.  Ah-ha!  So that has played into my fatigue of late!  It's hard to do good things in the world, and to serve God, if you aren't taking care of yourself.

It's important to get to bed at a reasonable time,  eat right, take vitamins, and set goals for ourselves (even if they are small and unassuming, like my goal to clean my front room ( which technically could have been cleaned in about 15 minutes had I exerted myself!  It really wasn't that bad.)

So, now I go to bed, and I think,  Tomorrow!  Tomorrow I will get up earlier and try a little harder.  I will pray or the strength of Heavenly Father, and just keep trying to be someone better.  I'm going to try and stop making comparisons of myself to others.  Instead, I am going to try and celebrate those small successes...no matter how small they are.  I am going to pray for the strength and power of the atonement to help me progress in my life.

I'm not a lousy human being.  I am worthy of being loved, and so are you.  It doesn't help us feel good, if we aren't taking steps to living a healthy way. So let's make some better choices.  And many of you will also understand how intensely hard it is to feel of worth, when you are around some people, who only tell you negative words.  Sometimes we can change those factors, other times they are to some extend beyond our control.

I hope you know that Heavenly Father is aware of each one of us individually.   He loves us with a love that's too indescribable for my mere words.  He feels a patience that is endlessly compassionate.  He feels a forgiveness for our weakness that is consistent and enduring.  Turn to him with all your heart and with your thoughts throughout the hours of your day.  He will help guide you to safety.  You ARE worth more than you know.  Your value is truly worth all the riches of this earth.

I'm inspired by these verses from the Bible.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

7 I have fought a good ^afight, I have ^bfinished my course, I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a ^acrown of ^brighteousness, which the Lord, the righteous ^cjudge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Let's try a little harder to be a little better tomorrow, shall we?! :)
Christine

Believe in God, Miracles, and angels!

www.framedlegacy.com

I had a wonderful day at church.  I felt so happy to be there, and my choir sang.  I may even upload that song...though  it's not an amazing recording, and not everyone is what you'd call a "singer."  But everyone sang with their heart, and that matters more to God.  When we sing with our heart and put forth what we feel is our best effort He is pleased.

I've told you I often feel comfort and messages from Heavenly Father through song.  This morning as I was still half asleep, and trying to wake up, I heard the words and melody in my head of "Miracle of miracles."  I couldn't place anymore than that.  The internet is amazing at help solve musical mysteries. 

Here's the mysterious song of sleep.  A lesser known one (I'd say) from the Fiddler on the Roof.


Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles-
God took up Daniel once again,
Stood by his and side and- miracle of miracles-
Walked him through the lions den!

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles-
I was afraid that God would frown,
But like he did so long ago, at Jericho,
God just made a wall fall down!

When Moses softened Pharaohs heart,
that was a miracle.
When God made the waters of the red sea part, that was a miracle too!
But of all God's miracles large and small,
The most miraculous one of all
Is that out of a worthless lump of clay,
God has made a man today.

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles-
God took the tailor by the hand
Turned him around and- miracle of miracles- Led him to the promised land!

When David slew Goliath (yes!), that was a miracle.
When God gave us manna in the wilderness, that was a miracle too.
But of all God's miracles large and small,
The most miraculous one of all
Is the one I thought could never be:
God has given you to me.




 Moroni 7:27-29 (click to read in full text of scriptures:)

 "27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have ^amiracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to ^bclaim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?

 28 For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will ^acleave unto every good thing; wherefore he ^badvocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens.

 29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have ^aangels ceased to minister unto the children of men."

----
God has NOT ceased being a God of miracles!!  He can perform miracles in your life too.  Trust Him!
Christine

friendship and kitty litter

Until I get a better picture to put her, I will use one
I took of my daughter being filmed for television. :)

Today I took a disabled and aging
family member to an
appointment.   When I took her
home she asked if  I'd come in
and get her television working
again.  I fiddled with it a few
minutes and resolved the issues.

Since I don't have a picture of me
cleaning, I"ll show you an old one of
my little naughty babies many years ago!

In the process of fixing the T.V., I looked into a nearby bathroom.  I call it the "cat's bathroom."  The floor was covered with shredded toilet paper, and bits of stray kitty litter sand, and had a disheveled (though not filthy) appearance from her crazy cat, "Zipper."

I was tired and hot and wanted to get home to my family, but I decided that I'd pick up the things around the bathroom floor.  I was a bit dismayed to look in the bathtub and discover several months worth of kitty litter boxes filled and overflowing with cat droppings.  The smell and sight caused me to recoil.

I understood why this family member had let it go so long.  She is having a lot of health problems, and struggles to move and walk doing the simplest of things.  She'd been mustering up the energy and strength to do it.

Zipper cat perched on a shelf, watching me work!

In the meantime, she had just purchased a new kitty litter box to make sure the cat was well taken care of.   It was a deciding moment for me.  Do I choose to ignore her need, or do I just get to work and help ease her burdens by cleaning out the bathtub contents?

Now, I should tell you that I'm a bit of a "germaphobe."  Meaning, I never have loved cleaning toilets, changing poopy diapers, etc.. Over the years God has helped me overcome much of my anxiety regarding such things, but it's taken effort--and latex gloves to see me through on occasion!    So, you see, deciding to clean up a foul cat mess, was not on the top of my "favorite things to do" list!

Cat my little girl and I made from vintage fabric

I didn't take long to decide, because all I had to do was remember that if a specific friend of mine were in a similar situation he'd do his best to help.  This friend of mine, exemplifies the kind of person I want to be like (hardworking, dedicated, a true friend in times of need).  Often when I'm faced with a choice that the "old Christine" wouldn't want to do, I think of him, and the solution to the situation is simple.  Serve with all my heart.  This man, who loves God shows it by diligently serving those who are blessed to know him.

It's kind of a interesting, but as I began to dump about 30 pounds of litter remains into black trash bags, and worked on cleaning out the tub, the melody and words of a song came to my mind.  This song always reminds me of this friend.  It speaks the truth of what he is teaching me--to rise up and become a more valiant and dedicated woman.  (I'm sure it will be familiar!  It's from the Disney movie, Mulan.)
"Somehow I'll make a (wo:)man
Out of you.

" [men] BE A MAN
We must be swift as a coursing river
[men] BE A MAN
With all the force of a great typhoon
[men] BE A MAN
With all the strength of a raging fire
Mysterious as the dark side of the moon"
(The rest of the lyrics can be found here.)

Speaking of men!...Perhaps some of you will relate to this, but I didn't grow up learning to trust men.  Quite the opposite in fact.  I viewed men as unsafe, unpredictable, and unreliable.  However, in my life I have been blessed to know many good men.  I thankfully married one too!

Despite my experiences with good men, it's still hard sometimes for me to understand just how infinitely loving that our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ are, because I didn't grow up with a father. And because of that, I didn't come to understand them.  (Gratefully, I was raised by my very brave, capable, and righteous Mom (who passed away 8 1/2 years ago).  But Dad's are different that Mom's, no matter how good the Mom is, they can't replace what a man offers a child.)

The one way I have gotten to know some of the characteristics of deity, is to look around and find examples of those willing to give their lives in the service of God.   You can identify them by their kindness, humility, acceptance, and service.  You can see it in their eyes, and countenance. This friend of mine, is one of those whom I look to and think,  "I want to be like him someday."

When I am tempted to choose the easier way, or the lazy way-- and just want to think of my own needs and wants--  I think of him.  In thinking of him, I am reminded that my ultimate example is Jesus Christ.  My friend is not perfect, but Jesus is.  (Remember that, when you choose your role models, because no matter how good they are--they'll let you down if you think they are perfect.)

Jesus Christ suffered, bled, and died for all of the sins of us here on earth.  It's quite hard to comprehend.  It's enough to know that he loves you with endless compassion, mercy, and grace.

Look for friends, and role models that emulate the teachings of Jesus and then work to pattern your lives after them.  But never lose sight on the fact that all that is good comes of God.  Don't let anything, or any person lead you any where but to things of God.

Pray to always keep your focus on Him who created you.  Know matter how good, people will sometimes fail you, but God never never will!  Look to God and live.

Here's a beautiful song to remind us to not only look for Godly friends to be around, but to be a friend to ourselves (and to others) with those same qualities.

"Well your friends know what's right 
and your friends know what's wrong
And your friends all know 
sometimes its hard to choose.
But the friend who helps you see 
where your choices will lead
Is the kind of friend you never want to lose.

"It's that friend who leads with love, 
doesn't push, doesn't shove
Just reminds you of the truth 
you've always known.
Then does more than just talk, 
takes your hand and starts to walk
By your side along the road 
that leads back home.

"And this friend seems to see 
all the great things you'll be
Even when some things you do would 
prove him wrong.
But he always believes that 
the real you he sees
Is a champion he's simply cheering on.

"And the love that you feel 
from a friend that is real
Is more powerful than anything on earth.
For it lifts and it grows 
and it strengthens and flows
It's what allows the soul 
to feel just what they're worth.
"So many lonely souls are calling
and the brightest stars would not be falling
if only they had a friend
a real friend

 
"Everyone hopes to find one true friend 
who's the kind They can count on 
for forever and a day.
Be that friend, be that kind 
that you prayed you might find
And you'll always have a best friend, 
come what may"

lyrics by Michael McLean

My prayers go out to you.  I hope that you will have some amazing, trustworthy, and "Christ-like" friends, to help you maneuver your way through the journey of life, so that you can make it back to our heavenly home safely.
Christine

Miniature Crisis

Tonight when my son got home from
Boys Scouts he decided to make Frito boats

His burn was soaked in water, dead skin scrubbed lightly then cut off,
treated with bactracin ointment, wrapped in gauze. Given pain medicine

.

(Made with Frito Lay Chips---you top it with Chili, diced tomatoes, onions, cheese, and olives. Yummy!).  He was feeling tired, so he decided to pull a chair up by the stove and instead kneel while he heated the chili.

I was standing nearby doing dishes, and heard a crashing sound.  I looked over to discover the chair he was kneeling on had broken into pieces (it's an antique of about 100 years old) and he fell through it.  As he feel he reached to grab hold of something....he touched the hot stove coils.  It seared one of his fingers and left charred skin.  I rushed him off to the emergency room at a nearby hospital.  It was cleaned, and dressed and bandaged.  He was fortunate to have not gotten worse damage to the skin tissue.

I couldn't help consider how life has a way of taking us by surprise.  One moment things are running smoothly, all seems well, and then --boom-- something symbolically explodes.  You are left to wonder if you could have done something differently to keep it from happening.  Or you wonder if things are going to be alright.  Depending on the severity of the unexpected, it is not uncommon to questions whether you have the strength and courage to survive the challenge that now lay before you.  The common thread with these unpleasant type of surprises is that they always alter our plans!

There is a song that I felt God helped bring to my mind a couple months back.  I think it helps to express this concept of how life changes without warning, but that it's all a learning experience.

Time of Your Life (by Green Day)

d
Another turning point a fork stuck in the road.
Time grabs you by the wrist directs you where to go
So make the best of this test and don't ask why
It's not a question but a lesson learned in time

[Chorus]
It's something unpredictable but in the end
Is right I hope you've had the time of your life

So take the photographs
and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos and memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth it was worth all the while  





IN life, we all find ourselves at symbolic stops, destinations, and forks in the road. But, with the help of our Heavenly Father, and faith in his infinite and eternal plan of happiness, we can make it through those trials, whether they are short or very long. 

I was reminded of this scripture as I awoke this morning. 

3 Nephi 27:33

33 And it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings 

he said unto his disciples: Enter ye in at the strait gate; 

for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, 

and few there be that find it; 

but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, 

and many there be that travel therein, 

until the night cometh, wherein no man can work.

          

I took this photo while hiking in Ohio with my sister.

To me, that scriptures teaches us to walk the narrow less traveled way of our Savior Jesus Christ toward our eternal destination.  It is often a lonelier path, and in order to stay safe you are required to walk within narrower margins that easy walk ways.

Imagine how beautiful it is to go hiking and see places where fewer people have walked or climbed.  It's often greener and more beautiful.

God's path is perhaps a more demanding and a steeper climb at times, but it makes us stronger and helps learn to experience a depth of emotions that teaches us to see with much more beauty and greater love than we ever would have imagined.  More love for ourselves, and more love for others.

The path with the wider gate and wider path is the one that too many people choose because they aren't brave enough to be different from those around them.   It is the path that leads us away from God, and distracts us from the real reason we came here to earth.(Learn more about this: http://mormon.org/faq/topic/purpose-of-life/question/purpose-of-life)

Symbolically, the easier path is where many of your fellow travelers tell you that it's alright to think about yourself and your needs first and foremost and All the time.  This wider path suggests that work is boring, and too hard.  This past motto goes something like this, "If it's not fun, it's not worth it."  People on this path don't encourage you to think of others, like they do on the path toward God.

My sister and her family take me on a beautiful hike.

I could go on with the differences of the choice of paths.  I will only add that the way of God is not the easiest way.  It requires a lot of faith and courage, time, and yes, even hard work.  Just like you might work to develop you physical muscles and strength through exercises, so do you also need to exercise and develop your spiritual and Godly muscles. 

Instead of taking the "easy way out," I hope you will each choose to face whatever challenges are in your life and the paths of which you each walk.  I hope you will take time to kneel down and ask your creator for help and direction and comfort and strength to bear all that you will face.   God, that supreme being, is aware of each one of us wherever you are.  We read in the last two lines of that scripture that the "night cometh" and that when that happens the time of preparation of finished.  When that time comes, the decisions of our path will be finalized through the clear decisions we chose to make along the way. Chose wisely!

 -----

My statistics for this blog let me know you are from many varied places...here are some of the places my visitors hail from ---Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, South Korea, Poland, Serbia, Sweden, and the United States of America.  The amazing thing is that no matter where you live in this world, a loving God waits with open arms for you to reach out to Him for help and direction.  And
whether you do look to Him, or  you don't,  He still loves each you!  

It's just easier to feel God's blessings upon your heart and to see His mighty and miraculous hands in your life, if you are looking for them. Remember it's never to late to turn to Him for help, no matter where you are or what path you stand upon, you are never lost to Him.  Let the good desires of your heart be reflected in the choices you make every day.

You are loved. You are special!  You are Remembered!

Christine

P.S.  If you'd like a FREE book with more scriptures like the one above, then you go go here and get one.  It really is free and easy!! :) http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

Keep Trying

I really need to get to bed, but I feel badly if I don't post anything.  Tonight will be short though!  Good for you! :)

I went out walking with a friend tonight. When I arrived she was out weeding in her strawberry patch.  Initially, I was just thinking she'd stop weeding and we'd go walking.  I watched her struggling on her knees to get the weeds out. 

Then I had a thought that dawned on me: "Help her weed."  I got right in there and started weeding.  Something the old lazy me would not have done.  It felt satisfying to yank and twist out those weeds, and see my hands become caked from the dark brown earth. 

I took this of my girl in Hawaii.  Talk about mud!

As we finished the job, and prepared to leave for the walk, I thoroughly washed my hands and cleaned the thick brown mud from under my fingertips, I felt a certain sense of accomplishment in the joy of labor and friendship.  I was glad to be there at the right time, doing the right thing.

I can't tell you I did much more to be productive today than weed and walk.  (I spent way too much time on the computer.  On good, but slightly wasteful hours.)  But, I will celebrate those small successes of my day, and work to be a better, harder working person tomorrow.  God is pleased when we keep trying, even when we think it would be easier to give up. 

I hope you are well, and that you look for the good in yourself.

Christine

P.S.  Sorry I don't have a better photo tonight of a strawberry patch, but hopefully you'll enjoy this mud!

Christimas in June (or: Celebrations)

I had an idea the other day.  I told my children we ought to celebrate Christmas this month.  They liked the idea, but had to make sure that we'd have Christmas in December too.  I assured them we would.

You may wonder why I suggested having a summer Christmas.  I wonder that too.  I thinks it's important to celebrate life.  By celebrating Christmas we will have some added fun summer plans.

My 12 year old kicked off our Christmas festivities by helping the younger children set up the tree, and then proceeded to make ornaments out of pine cones she and sister collected yesterday.  I helped find the glue gun and approved ribbons (we seamstresses won't allow some of our more special ribbons to be used!!).

I left the room during the process to finish something necessary, but returned a little while later to discover that they had cleverly begun decorating the Christmas tree.  There on the tree was a peanut butter smothered pine cone rolled in glitter!  I had told my 8 year old girl, earlier that day,l not to make pine cone and peanut butter treats for the birds.  Apparently she thought I really wanted one for the tree!

We generally are surprised by our tomorrows.  Sometimes they are shorter than planned.  I think it's explained here very well :

"None of us will be on earth very long. We have a number of precious years which, in the eternal perspective, barely amount to the blink of an eye."

"And then we depart. Our spirits “are taken home to that God who gave [us] life.”¹ We lay our bodies down and leave behind the things of this world as we move to the next realm of our existence."

"When we are young, it seems that we will live forever. We think there is a limitless supply of sunrises waiting just beyond the horizon, and the future looks to us like an unbroken road stretching endlessly before us."

"However, the older we get, the more we tend to look back and marvel at how short that road really is. We wonder how the years could have passed so quickly. And we begin to think about the choices we made and the things we have done. In the process, we remember many sweet moments that give warmth to our souls and joy to our hearts. But we also remember the regrets—the things we wish we could go back and change." 

Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Full article here: Of Regrets and Resolutions 

===

We will be celebrating Christmas soon.  We will read the story of Jesus found in the bible, and the children will act it out. (That's always fun!!  This Christmas both our little boys cried over wanting to play baby Jesus so we had two baby Jesus'--  a 3 year and a 5 year old Jesus---and I'll tell you , it's one of the funniest nativities we've ever had.  One of these days I may even post the video of it for you!) We will make Kouva (a secret family recipe of a special 3 layer German Coffee cake--sweet bread layer, sour cream, and buttery sweet crumble topping) and have hot chocolate.  We will give gifts and play games.

The fun began mounting today as we drew names for a special person for the week to do something nice for or to give a gift to.  I was surprised to see such interest. 

 

My 14 year old son was a hum-bug about it at first, but when he learned he'd get 1 homemade gift, and 1 store bought gift (maybe recycle:)  he decided he liked the sound of it.  My 14 year old started making his little sister (he drew her name from the bowl) a very cool wooden coin collecting gadget.  He cut it on  my table saw and then started nailing the foundation of hits already drafted out idea!  I was so happy to see him busy this way!

K's pop-up thank you card!

Later I discovered that my daughter had given her Dad a popup card she made him, which thanked him for taking her fishing Saturday.  Oh, how cute and sweet!

Many other things have been going on in the excitement of a summer Christmas.  I'll have to let you know how it goes!

For now, here are a few more words to consider from that amazing speaker, Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

"We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available—all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. “This is the day which the Lord hath made … ,” the Psalmist wrote. “Rejoice and be glad in it.”⁶

"Brothers and sisters, no matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it."

"Perhaps we should be looking less with our eyes and more with our hearts. I love the quote: “One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.”⁷

"We are commanded “to give thanks in all things.”⁸ So isn’t it better to see with our eyes and hearts even the small things we can be thankful for, rather than magnifying the negative in our current condition?"

"The Lord has promised, “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold.”⁹

"Brothers and sisters, with the bountiful blessings of our Heavenly Father, His generous plan of salvation, the supernal truths of the restored gospel, and the many beauties of this mortal journey, “have we not reason to rejoice?”¹⁰

"Let us resolve to be happy, regardless of our circumstances."

Of Resolutions

"One day we will take that unavoidable step and cross from this mortal sphere into the next estate. One day we will look back at our lives and wonder if we could have been better, made better decisions, or used our time more wisely."

"To avoid some of the deepest regrets of life, it would be wise to make some resolutions today. Therefore, let us:

• • Resolve to spend more time with those we love.
  
• • Resolve to strive more earnestly to become the person God wants us to be.
  
• • Resolve to find happiness, regardless of our circumstances."
  

"It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today. If we have sinned or made mistakes—if we have made choices that we now regret—there is the precious gift of Christ’s Atonement, through which we can be forgiven. We cannot go back in time and change the past, but we can repent. The Savior can wipe away our tears of regret¹¹ and remove the burden of our sins.¹² His Atonement allows us to leave the past behind and move forward with clean hands, a pure heart,¹³ and a determination to do better and especially to become better."

"Yes, this life is passing swiftly; our days seem to fade quickly; and death appears frightening at times. Nevertheless, our spirit will continue to live and will one day be united with our resurrected body to receive immortal glory. I bear solemn witness that because of the merciful Christ, we will all live again and forever. Because of our Savior and Redeemer, one day we will truly understand and rejoice in the meaning of the words “the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.”¹⁴

"The path toward fulfilling our divine destiny as sons and daughters of God is an eternal one. My dear brothers and sisters, dear friends, we must begin to walk that eternal path today; we cannot take for granted one single day. I pray that we will not wait until we are ready to die before we truly learn to live."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

I hope you will look for opportunities today to find reasons to feel grateful and to celebrate life, and make memories.  I close with a scripture that emphasizes that our choices and good works have long term results.

• Doctrine and Covenants 64:33
  33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
  

Look for ways to celebrate.  The possibilities are endless! 

Christine