No one is alone

This song played into my mind this morning- in timely fashion to the thoughts and feelings of my heart. There are intricate messages to this song. But my semi- simple interpretation is a message that people are going to make mistakes, which affect and hurt me, but that I am ultimately the one in charge of my destiny.

In my process of learning, growing, and overcoming, I may feel very alone at times, but despite any loneliness- the reality is that we are all encompassed about by angels! We are also surrounded by a world of others, who are, at one moment or another, experiencing their own sorrows, or who are willing to help us through our experiences. Thus, we are never alone.

These moments of darkness can become hingepoints for good in our lives, if we allow. Our choices will make all the difference to our happiness or sorrow. I am choosing to look to God, because He has a greater vision for my life, than I am able to see from my vantage point!

I know God has a plan to help each one of through whatever challenges we face, and I'm thankful for the power of prayer, scripture, and honest, righteous men and women on this earth- who help direct me through their examples, and friendship.

Thank you to those of you, who genuinely love me, and accept me (and forgive me!) even with my imperfections. Thank you for your patience, generosity, and loving hands of kindness and mercy that help move me forward in faith. I can't name you all, nor shall I try- but I am truly blessed to also have angels that I can see! smile emoticon

I hope that you will also be able to identify loving hands of friendship that are near you, and want to help encourage you forward with courage and faith! There is always a rainbow of promise waiting somewhere on the horizon! You have everything within your grasp to help get through challenges you face in life!

(No One Is Alone- lyrics)

Cinderella:

Mother cannot guide you.
Now you're on your own.
Only me beside you.
Still, you're not alone.
No one is alone. Truly.
No one is alone.

Sometimes people leave you.
Halfway through the wood.
Others may deceive you.
You decide whats good.
You decide alone.
But no one is alone.

LRRH:
I wish..

Cinderella:
I know.
Mother isn't here now

Baker:
Wrong things, right things

Cinderella:
Who knows what she'd say?

Baker:
Who can say what's true?

Cinderella:
Nothings quite so clear now.

Baker:
Do things, fight things,

Cinderella:
Feel you've lost your way?

Baker:
You decide, but

Both:
You are not alone

Cinderella:
Believe me,
No one is alone

Baker:
No one is alone.
Believe me.

Cinderella:
Truly

Both:
You move just a finger,
Say the slightest word,
Somethings bound to linger
Be heard

Baker:
No acts alone.
Careful.
No one is alone.

Both:
People make mistakes.

Baker:
Fathers,

Cinderella:
Mothers,

Both:
People make mistakes,
Holding to their own,
Thinking their alone.

Cinderella:
Honor their mistakes

Cinderella:
Everybody makes

Baker:
Fight for their mistakes

Both:
One another's terrible mistakes.
Witches can be right, Giants can be good.
You decide what's right you decide what's good

Cinderella:
Just remember:

Baker:
[Echo] Just remember:

Both:
Someone is on your side

Jack, LRRH:
OUR side

Baker, Cinderella:
Our side--
Someone else is not
While we're seeing our side

Jack, LRRH:
Our side..

Baker, Cinderella:
Our side--

All:
Maybe we forgot: they are not alone.
No one is alone.

Cinderella:
Hard to see the light now.

Baker:
Just don't let it go

Both:
Things will come out right now.
We can make it so.
Someone is on your side-- [interrupted]

++++

I like both these versions of the song!

Stage Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHPDEDSo5XI

Movie Version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYI4UyPTxjA

Romans 8: 35-39


35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the daylong; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present,nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Let us have faith in our Heavenly Father, and in the power of Jesus Christ to help heal us and make it through times of sorrow.

Prayerful Regards,

Christine

UPDATE:

I've been concerned that some of my talk below, about being "alone," could be misunderstood. So, I'd like to clarify that I do not believe for one instant that we are "alone" in a spiritual sense. Even though we may find ourselves "alone" in a physical or emotional sense.

I speak of the term "alone" more in a way that means "I, alone" am in charge of my life and my decisions. Even when impacted by others, I still decide. Try as a person might, they are still making decisions every second of every day; Even if that decision is to let someone else control your life (Which I hope you don't do!).

God can and does help direct our lives- especially when we seek His guidance. (So we are never alone.) But, it is up to the individual to first make the decision to even ask Him for His direction and help. Again to clarify, I alone make this decision, because it is my personal choice. I hope that this helps clarify some of my feelings regarding what I've written here- and doesn't just add to the confusion of my already voluminous writing! wink emoticon

My point is.... Make sure you are making your own decisions, and not just letting "the chips fall as they may." We each have a say in how we live our lives, and it is important we seize such a wonderful blessing for change and growth for our good!

===Original post below===

Love Letters

ile emotico

I like to email my husband on occasion, whether to encourage him on, or share something that I can't seem to express in the spoken word. Recently, I wrote my husband (yes, we do live in the same house!) and explained something that's been troubling me (not relating to him!)

I would like to share just a portion of the words my husband and I exchanged on this matter.

=====beginning of email excerpts====

ME:

(I first explained my feelings about what is hurt me (Again, nothing to do with any words or actions on his part.). Sorry folks, you don't get to read what I wrote him there!!)

"Let's just move forward in faith. Trusting that Heavenly Father has a plan in all things. I know he does."

I gave him a haircut.  My training-- compliments of Youtube! :)

"You have really been making wonderful changes. You are a good man, and Heavenly Father is really in charge- especially where you are working so hard to give your will to Him, and to treat the children and I so kindly. Your efforts do not go unnoticed."

BRIANT:

"Christine,

"Thanks for sharing! I won't bother

you about it anymore. I love you and

hope you can feel the warm calming

embrace of the savior telling you how

special you are."

Briant

ME:

"Sweet Briant,

"I almost can't believe those are your words! It shows all the beautiful changes within you. I am thankful I have you to speak those words, and that you have taken up, in a figurative way, His words and His arms to help teach me of my value."

=====end of email excerpts====

Marriage has it's ups and downs, but I can honestly tell you that through our righteous desires and and daily efforts and actions, Heavenly Father has granted us special blessing in trying to follow Him with exactness.

If you think your marriage needs any help, first start in trying to make yourself a better, kinder person, who is dedicated to Heavenly Father (i.e. daily prayer (especially asking for His gift of charity), scriptures, softer words and humility (always being quick to say sorry when you don't act or speak your best!), and show forth a lot of extra love and affection to your spouse. Overtime, you will see the affect it has on your spouse and children, and you will be amazed at the miracles God can perform.

Our marriage and home is not perfect, by any means! But over time, I have begun to see that our relationship experiences can be little pieces of heaven- as seen in my husbands precious words to me!

Kind of reminds me of this Broadway song, from Beauty and the Beast. Beauty understands that home is where the heart is, and over time changes within her help alter her perspective of the situation she is in-- from one of discontent to feelings of love. Of course, we must always remember that our true home will only be found in the peaceful presence of our loving Father in heaven! Thankfully, we can have glimpses of that home through the choices and words of others!

What's amazing is this version is song by a high school girl!

I am further reminded of the talk that affected the way I perceived my role in the life of others. Here is an excerpt from the entirety of that beautiful talk...

==talk excerpt

"We may not know when or how the Lord’s answers will be given, but in His time and His way, I testify, His answers will come. For some answers we may have to wait until the hereafter. This may be true for some promises in our patriarchal blessings and for some blessings for family members. Let us not give up on the Lord. His blessings are eternal, not temporary."

"Waiting upon the Lord gives us a priceless opportunity to discover that there are many who wait upon us. Our children wait upon us to show patience, love, and understanding toward them. Our parents wait upon us to show gratitude and compassion. Our brothers and sisters wait upon us to be tolerant, merciful, and forgiving. Our spouses wait upon us to love them as the Savior has loved each one of us."

"As we endure physical suffering, we are increasingly aware of how many wait upon each of us. To all the Marys and Marthas, to all of the good Samaritans who minister to the sick, succor the weak, and care for the mentally and physically infirm, I feel the gratitude of a loving Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son. In your daily Christlike ministry, you are waiting upon the Lord and doing your Heavenly Father’s will. His assurance to you is clear: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” He knows your sacrifices and your sorrows. He hears your prayers. His peace and rest will be yours as you continue to wait upon Him in faith."

"Every one of us is more beloved to the Lord than we can possibly understand or imagine. Let us therefore be kinder to one another and kinder toward ourselves. Let us remember that as we wait upon the Lord, we are becoming “saint[s] through [His] atonement, … submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to his father.”"

"Such was the submission of our Savior to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. He implored His disciples, “Watch with me,” yet three times He returned to them to find their eyes heavy with sleep. Without the companionship of these disciples and ultimately without the presence of His Father, the Savior chose to suffer our “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.” With an angel sent to strengthen Him, He “shrank not to drink the bitter cup.” He waited upon His Father, saying, “Thy will be done,” and He humbly trod the winepress alone. Now, as one of His Twelve Apostles in these latter days, I pray that we will be strengthened to watch with Him and wait upon Him through all our days."

On this Sabbath morning, I express gratitude that “in my Gethsemane” and yours, we are not alone. He that watches over us “shall neither slumber nor sleep.” His angels here and beyond the veil are “round about [us], to bear [us] up.” I bear my special witness that our Savior’s promise is true, for He says, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” May we wait upon Him by pressing forward in faith, that we may say in our prayers, “Thy will be done,” and return to Him with honor. In the holy name of our Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, amen."

Elder Robert D. Hales 

 https://www.lds.org/…/waiting-upon-the-lord-thy-will-be-don…

Psalms 43:5

5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

My friends, Trust in God.  Look to Him in everything, and He will take care of you!
Christine 

A song of solace

While feeling some hurt and rejection a few minutes ago, I got a sweet heavenly message, that came as a gift of song into my thoughts. 

There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover
Tomorrow
Just you wait and see

There'll be love and laughter
And peace ever after
Tomorrow
When the world is free

The shepherd will tend his sheep
The valley will bloom again
And Jimmy will go to sleep
In his own little room again

There'll be bluebirds over
The white cliffs of Dover
Tomorrow
Just you wait and see

Just you wait and see
When the world is free
Just you wait and see
When the world is free

When the world is free
Come on and wait and see
When the world is free
You gotta wait and see

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqtaoz4QFX8

I am thankful for God's tender mercies, which have a way of soothing a troubles heart.

Deauteronomy 6:

 17 Ye shall ^adiligently keep the ^bcommandments of theLord your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.

 18 And thou shalt do that which is ^aright and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which theLord ^bsware unto thy fathers,

May you face the sorrows of life, with faith and hope in a Heavenly Father who loves you. Prayerfully listen for his voice in the quiet thoughts that come to you throughout your day, and you will hear Him.

I wish you every happiness through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.
Christine

Science versus God

Just now, as I was brushing my teeth (and feeling some slight pain), I silently and prayerfully asked Heavenly Father is He still wants me to wait on a medical procedure that I have been advised to go under surgery for.  While my condition does not necessarily pose serious risks, currently, many doctors and concerned friends and family have told me that I should take care of the matter, so that it doesn't result in unforeseen problems.  

I admit, logically it makes no sense that I should wait.  Financially, I can afford it.  I also have a large network of family and friends that would gladly step in to help my family and I- as well as to make meals. So why wait? I'm not sure- exactly.  I do know that when I've taken it to God in prayer, I feel that now is not the time to have surgery.

This has been going on for months.  No, years.  Initially, I asked about this issue in prayer a lot-- but that last time (before tonight) that I asked Him, was last July.  I remember I was up camping in the high uintahs. I was sleeping in the front seat of the van, because the pain of sleeping on the ground is accentuated by my condition.  It was in the dark hours of night and I was restless over another matter of concern.  I said a prayer very much like this... "Heavenly Father, You tell me to wait on this, but the doctors and medical science tell me to take care of it now so nothing bad happens from it.  Family and friends doubt my wisdom in waiting.  If I'm really supposed to continue at this time without surgery, would thou please let me know that it's going to be alright." Immediately I heard a very specific line from the Frozen song, Let it Go... I heard,

"It's funny how some distance
Makes everything seem small
And the fears that once controlled me
Can't get to me at all!."



In that moment, I knew that the distance of time would help make the reason clear, and that I need to let this go, and trust in His wisdom- over that of science.  That moment was profound for me, and indeed I did leave it to Him to know all things- even where there are no real explanations,except spiritual ones.

Tonight, as I walked uncomfortably and mildly painfully I asked in prayer again,.. "Please let me know that I'm doing the right thing in waiting on this surgery."  Within seconds this song played into my thoughts, "Walk tall you're a daughter.  A daughter of God."  I smiled and said, "Okay then, I guess it means to wait on it. Thank you."  And then the title of an LDS hymn came to my mind, "When Faith Endures."  (Interesting in itself, because usually I would hear the words and the melody of the first line-- but I think the emphasis from the Spirit of God, is that I need to keep my FAITH.



When Faith Endures (lyrics)

I will not doubt, I will not fear;
God's love and strength are always near.
His promised gift helps me to find
An inner strength and peace of mind.
I give the Father willingly
My trust, my prayers, humility.
His Spirit guides; his love assures
That fear departs when faith endures.

Text: Naomi W. Randall, 1908-2001. (c) 1985 IRI
Music: Stephen M. Jones, b. 1960. (c) 1985 IRI
The peaks and valleys of life are fascinating.  When we were young, we felt so intelligent and capable. Often we felt invincible- as though nothing could stop us.  Most of us hadn't experienced the depth and range of feelings and emotions possible within the walls of spirit.  We couldn't fathom where life would lead.    It is the same with experiences, the perplexities of influence, choice, and direction are generally unnoticeable until after we reach certain destinations.  And, at those times, we can look back and say things like, "How thankful I am my sweet band teacher Mr. Moglia was to give me that vocal solo- it was my first real experience with performing, and was a boost to my self confidence."  Or, "Who knew that my introducing myself the day she walked passed my house, would lead to a dear friendship."  Life is just like that, and we usually don't understand the why's and wherefore's of most things.

So I will continue to hold off on surgery.  I will continue to lightheartedly tell people that I don't recover well from surgery, and that I can wait for the pain of the experience.  I have told 2-4 people that I feel impressed to wait to take care of this condition, but I have not explained much-- other than I feel I should wait.  I do have a few ideas why.  I don't understand completely, but I've had thoughts and impressions that seem to give me some insight-- though not remotely all the reasons. If I am truly in tune with the Spirit of God- and oh, I hope I am. (though sometimes I doubt myself), then waiting will be the best thing for me.

I am not saying to rebel from having surgery, not put off taking care of important medical needs.  What I am saying is this:  Heavenly Father sees the complete picture of dynamics in our lives.  His vision is clear and comprehensive.  If He tells me to wait, then I will!  After all, braces used to be the method in which teeth and jaws were straightened and corrected!  Who knew clear, removable plastic "invisalign" trays would be an option.  Who knew they'd be removable, and that you could brush, floss and eat with them off.  Who knew that a computer could calculate how to straighten the teeth in this technique, how many trays would be needed, and how long the process would take by computer calculation!  Amazing!

I will wait to have this surgery.  I will have faith that Heavenly Faith will go before me to prepare the way.  I will listen to His voice, far above the cacophony of the world.  I will find peace and direction by hearkening to His will

2 Timothy 1: 

 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of ^afear; but of^bpower, and of ^clove, and of a sound mind. 

 8 Be not thou therefore ^aashamed of the ^btestimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 

 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy ^acalling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and ^bgrace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 

  12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ^aashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Live righteously.  Deny the bad habits that displease God, and turn to Him in faith.  He will lead you with a special protection and peace, if you keep His commandments.

All the best,
Christine

Scarred Face

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:

 "Saints walk by faith and seek tabernacles of immortal glory"

1 Corinthians 5

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

DARE

I discovered this song yesterday. It's by a male singing group: Gentri.  I was so moved by the song that I typed up the lyrics.

Each of us face challenges in life, and we must muster all our courage to face what challenges are before us.  Sometimes it requires a literal leap of faith.
====

I see the past staring me down.

I take a deep breath-feet firm on the ground.

My heart's racing fast-beating me down.

Counting down

I scream at the voice inside of my head,

that whispers my dreams are gone and dead. 

But the harder they push,

the stronger I fight- for what's ahead

I'm charting my course to answer the call

I'll fight till I win.

Proud of the cost of my battle scars

I'll never cave in,

no question or pause

I'll climb to the ledge, jump off the edge 

defy the odd

and Dare to dream

I'll push through the pain, 

and claim what i earn

Ready to take the lessons I learn.

And pass the along, 

taking my turn to make my mark.

I'm charting my course

to answer the call.

I'll fight till I win.

Proud of the cost of my battle scars

I'll never cave in -

No question or pause

I'll climb to the ledge- 

jump off the edge and defy the odds

and dare to dream

Dare to dream

Dare to dream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiTwY1nQjCE

If you are looking toward Heavenly Father, and seeking His will (above your own), you will find you have the courage to face anything.


Philippians 4:13
New Testament

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I testify of this truth.  I am truly blessed as I learned to rely on the power of Jesus Christ in my life.

I wish you all the best in your personal journeys to know Him.
Christine

Happy New Year 2015! :)

Last night at nearly midnight (I'm a bit of a night owl!!), I finished painting my bathroom a beautiful When I began painting I was feeling so happy and productive. As I worked, the little angel on my shoulder whispered happy songs in my ear of how great I was doing at working so hard today, and finishing up almost everything I can, for now, in the basement!) But, somewhere between the happy songs and productive, satisfied feeling, I started listening to the other voice on the other shoulder!! (I speak purely metaphorically! Not literally!) And the other voice wasn't an angel! 

shade of blue.

Indeed, I found myself mulling over unsettling situations in various corners of my life and circles of contacts. Regarding one such situation, I found myself deciding I wouldn't go to my church next Sunday. Then I decided, "No, I won't go for at least 2 weeks." I wanted to prove a point! As I painted, I prayed and asked Heavenly Father if it would be alright if I were to skip my ward. After all, I pointed out to him, "Isn't there room for just a little harmless pride." I just knew that such a behavior really wouldn't affect anyone but me. Right? And Besides, I continued to express to Him, "I'll still go to another church time--- just not my own."

Well, for the record, God did not speak back. He just listened to me express the hurts of my heart. I asked myself, why I should let 1 or a few people cause me to question my value for even a moment, or cause me to feel flustered by certain dynamics.) 

I really didn't need God to say, "Hey look, Christine-- just let it go (insert music outburst here... "Let it Gol! Let it Go!!  For as I silently continue to pray I already knew my answers. I knew that the most important opinion I need to worry about is Him--and not anyone else.

And though I didn't hear any audible replies, I did find myself recalling the scripture which says:

Philippians 4:12

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: 

every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry,

both to abound and to suffer need. 

Well, I don't happen to like being "abased." I much favor feeling at peace, contently thankful, and happy! Being abased, by definition means to be humiliated, dishonored, defamed, belittled. I've never handled those things too well! 

Somehow, as my mind was drawn to the scripture, I also found that my thoughts were able to move past the sting, rejections, and hurt, which to that time I'd been allowing myself to focus on. I also found that I was able to move past the sour taste of this particular topic. Instead, I found myself considering just how blessed I was to be able to have the strength to paint, work with energy, and cumulatively change my life. I felt thankful for divine direction, and the grace- which truly enables and affords me so many blessings. Yes, there in the unlikely confines of my small bathroom, my heart felt full as I considered how I have reached a place in my life that I never imagined possible for the likes of me.

In truth, I used to imagine, and pray, that Oprah would step in and save me and my family with one of her big dreams come true shows. Now I see that I needed to give my life and will to God, and become humbled and hard working. He has given me all the tools I needed to change FROM WITHIN- and it turns out I did not need to be an Oprah success story!

My bathroom is now painted and I'm amazed to realize that my greatest satisfaction didn't come from a sense of accomplishment in finally getting the bathroom painted-- but in the knowledge that I was able to face that battle against my unseen opponent of pride and vain imagination, and come out a victor! A champion against my weaknesses.

Here we all are, on the verge of a new year. You may face, as did I, unseen enemies, or you may face very real and very strong opponents in your daily battles. Whatever you face, please understand that a very loving Heavenly Father is ready to stand at the front of your battle line, and help to fight your battles with you, and for you.

The amount of help God gives us is, in large part, determined by us. It's not so simple as saying, "Please fight my battles for me and with me." It requires our personal discomfort, sacrifice, and self-discipline. We have to decide that we want to improve and change our lives. We have to want to give our troubles, stubbornness, and rebellions to Him, and allow Him to teach us how to be peaceable in all the scenarios we face in life--be they sweet and pleasant, or humiliating and degrading.

I hope that you will remember that you are loved perfectly by Heavenly Father. He sees you in everything you do, and he knows you better than your dearest friend. The feelings of His heart extend beyond our limited understanding. He is filled with tenderness, love, longing, and mercy for each one of us. Heavenly Father has a special plan for your life. Dreams waiting to be written, and songs yet to sing. No matter what darkness some of you may be facing, or will yet face, there is a beautiful sunrise waiting for you. Sunrises of a new day, filled with new beginnings.

I know those colorfully painted words of mine may sound too flowery for you. You may even doubt what I say. But, I cannot deny that I have seen of God's goodness, and felt of His love. I have had glimpses into the capacity of His almighty hand. Through Jesus Christ, I am redeemed, and through His all encompassing atonement I have the capacity and potential to co-author marvelous dreams of a personal paradise here on earth. I never dreamed I would be able to do so, but now I can't help but sing a song of His redeeming love. I am truly blessed, and grateful for my testimony of God's love for me, and for each one of us, individually.

In closing, let me share some of the words from a BYU speech I listened today, given by an amazing man in 1973. Some of you know Him! Gordon B. Hinckley!

"It is so easy to get discouraged while you’re here. It seems so natural a thing to drop out or to give in. The way seems so long, the road so steep, that we are prone to think it not worth the candle. The story is told of the Irish peddler who wished to go to Dublin, which was so far away and he had no money. But he got there by placing one foot in front of the other."

"My dear young friends, never lose faith in yourselves or in your capacity to do worthwhile things. And call upon the Lord for help that your minds may be enlightened and your understanding quickened. Then go to work with that assurance inside of you that somehow you can do it."

".... for “if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). Such is the promise of the Lord Jesus Christ. This, my brethren and sisters, is what our presence ... is all about: that faith might increase and be manifest and reflected in our lives..."

You are loved! Keep firm in faith, and take the necessary steps forward to meet your goals. Happy New Year!
Christine