Day 7 of 365 days of Solace- Sabbath day

Every Sunday we go to church. Today was no exception.  And, as he does just about every Sunday, my 8 year old son, on the autism spectrum resisted the idea!  (He doesn't like to have to sit still!)

• He hid from us when it came time to leave.
• He resisted getting out of the van, when we arrived at church.
• He began crying and screaming during sacrament. (I had to carry him out!)

A kind brother followed us out a few minutes later, and asked if my son could have gum. I was reluctant to give him that privilege, but Brother T. was so kind, and I didn't want to disappoint his generosity.  My son had to use "please" and "thank you" (at my encouragement!), and happily he took the gum.  I felt appreciation to watch how kind he was with my special needs son, and how he tousled my son's hair, and gave him kind and encouraging words.  My heart was truly warmed by this mans goodness.

The gum turned out to be very helpful, because my son is very sensory, and having something to chew was great stimuli!  After sitting with him in the mother's lounge, and listening quietly to the speakers as he rocked and spun on the soft chairs, he was out of his mood, cooperatively went back in to the last 10 minutes of sacrament.

The flower bouquet I made for my front room.

In sacrament my dear son quietly drew a picture in his sketch book. When sacrament was over,  he went off to class without his shoes (though I made him carry them, even if he didn't wear them!), but battles have to be picked carefully.  And, as promised, he earned some tablet game time when we got home, because he went to class the next 2 hours, without any problem!  (Primary is more fun than sacrament. There is one hour of class time- with pictures, stories, coloring,etc. And one hour of singing and activities.:)









I was in very happy spirits, unlike last Sunday. I felt like my old self again. I was smiling, hugging, visiting (not avoiding), and trying to welcome everyone I came in contact with.  I stayed after church for choir practice, and enjoyed visiting afterward.  And then I walked home afterward, and prayerfully talked to God about life, and my feelings.  It was so nice to have time to reflect on my blessings, and peace of where I live!

On another note, I had a friend feeling upset about herself.  Though very beautiful, she is feeling ugly. I wrote these words to her...

I've worried about this more as I've gotten older, gained weight, and wrinkles! But the truth is that beauty is not something determined by your outward appearance it comes from within....that may sound trite, but I don't mean it that way. 

While you are beautiful inside- focus on what you are inside! Focus on the love and kindness you show others, and the respect you give God. Everything else will fall into place, and you will have angelic reassurance that you are beautiful where it matters most- the heart! 

There are many beautiful people in this world, who are miserable. And there are happy people, who aren't all that attractive. And then there are some people, who are both---but either way, I hope you will decide to fit into the category that makes choices for happiness-whatever the outer appearance may look like at any given time in your life. 

I'm sorry that you are feeling sad, I will pray for you. Hugs!
P.S. I like to watch this sometimes to remind myself of the concept I've written above. She struggled with her appearance too...especially after she her physical beauty was burned away in the fire of her helicopter crash. (I recommend the whole thing, but there is an excerpt of her video: https://youtu.be/KHDvxPjsm8E?t=4m41s

I'm not sure she appreciate them-- but that is the crux of life-- beauty stems from an inward source from within each one of us. Our beauty is shaped by our ability to love, give, and keep a perspective of God's pure love.  

I hope that you will worry less about physical beauty (though there is nothing wrong in taking care of our selves, and showering, dressing in clean clothing, and even wearing makeup and jewelry (for the women, of course!:) , but we should not worry about being valued for that appearance. People will love us if we are treating them with love, and acting and speaking in loving ways That comes from sacrificing ourselves, for the will of the Savior. It is no easy task to give up our will of personal comforts, but it is the way to have a lot of joy.

Stop looking at those tawdry magazines in the checkout line. Keep your head forward, and visit with the people around you and the checker. Those cruddy magazines (not like I have an opinion on this,, or anything!) will never give you a sense of self-confidence. Those magazines distort reality. Most women don't look like that in real life.

1 Samuel 16:7But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

This is what really matters-- "pure heart and clean hands"-- can we say that about ourselves?  

Alma 5:19I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?

And, if not, what do we need to improve in our life?  --Choose one thing, and pray daily and seek Heavenly Father's help to change, and to overcome your struggles.  

Seek help, where help is needed (especially referring to addictions-

pornography, drugs, alcohol, etc..) --Here's a place for FREE addiction recovery: 

https://addictionrecovery.lds.org/?lang=eng

https://addictionrecovery.lds.org/?lang=eng

Well, thus end my journaling for the day.  If you'll notice, my ideas, are a little more random lately.  The truth is that I go to school, and am a Mom of 5 children. Blogging takes time, especially if I try to form my words "perfectly!" I don't have that time...so more often than not, on this 365 day journey, I am just going to share a few of my insights and experiences of the day.  And, if it's a reallygood day-- they might have great cohesion and order! 

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have some things to considers, as you make your own journey through this life.  

Remember to always have a prayer in your heart!

Christine