What do you do when you wake up one morning and suddenly your world is rocked? When you have such a horrible and wonderful day all in one? And in the days that follow it gets better and worse at the same time? You come closer to those you love but feel yourself edging closer and closer to that thing called depression? And what do you do when an emotion mostly unknown to you surfaces? How do you get past the anger? How do you forgive and move past the hurt and the bad feelings?
I don't know the answer but I do know what is getting me through these first few hard days. The love of my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and amazing family and friends, including my husband and 5 beautiful children. Also my desire not to sink and to not give into the blanket of depression I feel slowly creeping up over me. I make myself get out of bed. I make myself pray and I pour my heart out to my Heavenly Father. I read my scriptures and I read uplifting articles from my church leaders. By doing these most basic of things (even when I don't want to) I find answers to my prayers and the strength I need just to get through the day.
Articles like this one https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/05/how-to-obtain-revelation-and-inspiration-for-your-personal-life?lang=eng
I'll quote a little of it here:
"Truth, consistently lived, opens the door to inspiration to know what to do and, where needed, to have personal capacities enhance by divine power...an individual's capacity to conquer difficulty, doubt, and seemingly insurmountable challenges is strengthened by the Lord in time of need.
"And ye are to be taught from on high. [Keep my commandments] and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken."
One who is obedient to His commandments is trusted of the Lord. That individual has access to His inspiration to know what to do and, as needed, the divine power to do it.
There are some practical principles that enhance revelation. First, yielding to emotions such as anger or hurt or defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be eliminated, or our chance for receiving revelation is slight.
The more closely you follow divine guidance, the greater will be your happiness here and for eternity-moreover, the more abundant your progress and capacity to serve...that guidance in your life does not take away your agency.
Our Heavenly Father did not put us on earth to fail but to succeed gloriously."
I truly believe these things. I am happier when I follow the commandments and live truth consistently. I am better able to serve others and in serving others I am able to feel true joy. It doesn't mean that life won't be hard at times. It doesn't mean that I am not at the mercy of other people's agency. That gives me trials and opportunities for growth. This is what I am in the midst of. But I will push forward everyday. I will get out of bed. I will serve others, starting in my own home. Specifically in my own home. This is what brings me joy and helps me carry on. By praying and asking for help and studying the words of scripture from current prophets and leaders and those of old I am working through the anger and being able to forgive and love unconditionally.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Why Thank You Brother Romeny
I've taken the following from an address Mitt Romney gave at Liberty University commencement on May 12, 2012. I have bolded my most favorite parts.
"You leave.. with conviction and confidence as your armor. You know what you believe, you know who you are and you know whom you will serve... Moral certainty, clear standards and a commitment to spiritual ideal will set you apart in a world that is searching for meaning. That said, your values will not always be the object of public admiration. In fact, the more you live by your beliefs, the more you will endure the censure of the world. Christianity is not the faith of the complacent, the comfortable or of the timid. It demands and creates heroic soles..."
"What people believe and what they value central to America's rise to leadership is our Judeao Christian tradition with it's vision of the goodness and possibilities of every human life. The American culture promotes personal responsibility, the dignity of work, the value of education, the merit of service, devotion to a purpose greater than self, and at the foundation the preeminence of family...Culture! What you believe, what you value, how you live matters..."
"From the beginning, this nation has trusted in God not man. Religious liberty is the first freedom in our Constitution and whether the cause is justice for the persecuted, compassion for the needy and the sick, or mercy for the child waiting to be born. There is no greater force for good in the nation than Christian conscience in action..."
"Our relationship with our maker...[is] entirely in our control.. For He is always at the door and knocks for us. Our worldly success cannot be guaranteed. But our ability to achieve spiritual success is entirely up to us. Thanks to the grace of God..."
"Opportunities for you to serve in meaningful ways may come at inconvenient times, but that will make them all the more precious...The call to service is one of the fundamental elements of our national character and culture...How often the answer to our own problems is to help others with theirs."
"You leave.. with conviction and confidence as your armor. You know what you believe, you know who you are and you know whom you will serve... Moral certainty, clear standards and a commitment to spiritual ideal will set you apart in a world that is searching for meaning. That said, your values will not always be the object of public admiration. In fact, the more you live by your beliefs, the more you will endure the censure of the world. Christianity is not the faith of the complacent, the comfortable or of the timid. It demands and creates heroic soles..."
"What people believe and what they value central to America's rise to leadership is our Judeao Christian tradition with it's vision of the goodness and possibilities of every human life. The American culture promotes personal responsibility, the dignity of work, the value of education, the merit of service, devotion to a purpose greater than self, and at the foundation the preeminence of family...Culture! What you believe, what you value, how you live matters..."
"From the beginning, this nation has trusted in God not man. Religious liberty is the first freedom in our Constitution and whether the cause is justice for the persecuted, compassion for the needy and the sick, or mercy for the child waiting to be born. There is no greater force for good in the nation than Christian conscience in action..."
"Our relationship with our maker...[is] entirely in our control.. For He is always at the door and knocks for us. Our worldly success cannot be guaranteed. But our ability to achieve spiritual success is entirely up to us. Thanks to the grace of God..."
"Opportunities for you to serve in meaningful ways may come at inconvenient times, but that will make them all the more precious...The call to service is one of the fundamental elements of our national character and culture...How often the answer to our own problems is to help others with theirs."
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Just A Little Everyday...Easier Said Than Done
From my journal May 8, 2012
Today (and for the record, it's morning and I've just sent the kids off to school-which means it's not midnight like usual) I'm reading in Alma 37. Alma is talking to his son Helaman about being entrusted with the sacred plates of scripture and how they are being preserved for future generations and the wise purpose of the Lord. I've gleaned several new things in this read today.
1-In verse 12 it says "for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works,"--Over ALL his works. Not just big ones, the sick ones, the problem ones but all. This is a good reminder to me to turn to the Lord more frequently and counsel with him in all things...
2-Verses 13 and 16 "O remember, remember...how strict are the commandments of God. And he said: If ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land-but if you keep not his commandments ye shall be cut off from his presence. But if you keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all tings whatsoever ye must do...) behold no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words."
I have been commanded to read "these words" or the scriptures. As long as I am keeping all commandments (including this one) I will prosper in the land (meaning to me that I will have what I need and the power to choose happiness) and be allowed to have His presence (the Holy Spirit) with me always. If I read, study, and ponder the scriptures there is no power of earth or hell that can take the truths I learn from me. They will stay with me and be a source of truth I draw strength and answers from.
Why then is it so hard for me to make myself read? Just a little everyday? It's easy when I'm trying to read it fast or when I have given myself a deadline. But that pick-up and read a little each day is hard for me. I have to have a purpose. I suppose my goal for each day is to come up with a purpose for my study.
Today (and for the record, it's morning and I've just sent the kids off to school-which means it's not midnight like usual) I'm reading in Alma 37. Alma is talking to his son Helaman about being entrusted with the sacred plates of scripture and how they are being preserved for future generations and the wise purpose of the Lord. I've gleaned several new things in this read today.
1-In verse 12 it says "for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works,"--Over ALL his works. Not just big ones, the sick ones, the problem ones but all. This is a good reminder to me to turn to the Lord more frequently and counsel with him in all things...
2-Verses 13 and 16 "O remember, remember...how strict are the commandments of God. And he said: If ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land-but if you keep not his commandments ye shall be cut off from his presence. But if you keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all tings whatsoever ye must do...) behold no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words."
I have been commanded to read "these words" or the scriptures. As long as I am keeping all commandments (including this one) I will prosper in the land (meaning to me that I will have what I need and the power to choose happiness) and be allowed to have His presence (the Holy Spirit) with me always. If I read, study, and ponder the scriptures there is no power of earth or hell that can take the truths I learn from me. They will stay with me and be a source of truth I draw strength and answers from.
Why then is it so hard for me to make myself read? Just a little everyday? It's easy when I'm trying to read it fast or when I have given myself a deadline. But that pick-up and read a little each day is hard for me. I have to have a purpose. I suppose my goal for each day is to come up with a purpose for my study.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Be Not Weary! Zion Is All Around!
Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34
"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.
Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."
"Be not weary...out of small things" come great things. Right now my small things are named, Ashley, Jaden, BreeAnna, Wyatt and Josie. Man alive, I feel bone weary many days. But I hope I'm doing my part in laying the foundation of His great work. The Lord has my heart, He has my willing mind AND hands. I hope and pray that I will be blessed to "eat the good of the land...in these last days."
As I read this more I realize that it says "THESE last days." Which means right now. It also says "the land of Zion" and I again realize that I am partaking of this blessing now. I am in Zion, for Zion is where you make it.
I am surrounded by amazing people whom I love and cherish. First my family, my wonderful loving husband, Travis, and our 5 darling children. Then our close friends and family. I am thankful everyday of my life for Travis's sister and her husband that live near us. They are the best aunt and uncle any 5 kids could every ask for. AND the best sister and brother-in-law a woman could hope to have. They help keep me sane! We are blessed with other family members nearby. Travis came from a family of 9 kids and me 13 (but only if you count that mine was a his, mine and ours kind of family-which I definitely do). My mom and step-dad live a block away and one of Travis's other sisters and one of my step sister's lives within our small community. The rest are strung from Southeast Idaho to Southern Utah and one in Connecticut (temporarily). Zion is definitely about family and the people you love.
The people I love that make up my Zion are also my friends and neighbors. I am so blessed to live in the wonderful area I do. I love being able to drive down the street and wave to everyone I see and be able to think about all the amazing people I'm surrounded by. It's true. I live in Utah and most of my neighbors belong to the same church as me, The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, but even of those who aren't members or who don't come to church, I am so glad to have them in my life.
I am striving everyday to be not weary, to find joy in the moment and to celebrate the little things. That is the purpose of this blog.
"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.
Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."
"Be not weary...out of small things" come great things. Right now my small things are named, Ashley, Jaden, BreeAnna, Wyatt and Josie. Man alive, I feel bone weary many days. But I hope I'm doing my part in laying the foundation of His great work. The Lord has my heart, He has my willing mind AND hands. I hope and pray that I will be blessed to "eat the good of the land...in these last days."
As I read this more I realize that it says "THESE last days." Which means right now. It also says "the land of Zion" and I again realize that I am partaking of this blessing now. I am in Zion, for Zion is where you make it.
I am surrounded by amazing people whom I love and cherish. First my family, my wonderful loving husband, Travis, and our 5 darling children. Then our close friends and family. I am thankful everyday of my life for Travis's sister and her husband that live near us. They are the best aunt and uncle any 5 kids could every ask for. AND the best sister and brother-in-law a woman could hope to have. They help keep me sane! We are blessed with other family members nearby. Travis came from a family of 9 kids and me 13 (but only if you count that mine was a his, mine and ours kind of family-which I definitely do). My mom and step-dad live a block away and one of Travis's other sisters and one of my step sister's lives within our small community. The rest are strung from Southeast Idaho to Southern Utah and one in Connecticut (temporarily). Zion is definitely about family and the people you love.
The people I love that make up my Zion are also my friends and neighbors. I am so blessed to live in the wonderful area I do. I love being able to drive down the street and wave to everyone I see and be able to think about all the amazing people I'm surrounded by. It's true. I live in Utah and most of my neighbors belong to the same church as me, The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, but even of those who aren't members or who don't come to church, I am so glad to have them in my life.
I am striving everyday to be not weary, to find joy in the moment and to celebrate the little things. That is the purpose of this blog.
Why?
A new blog.
A new purpose.
Maybe I'm copying many others.
Maybe I'm not.
My purpose is to share Joy, my Thoughts and what brings me Happiness.
I am so blessed and I want to share and give to others a little (or a lot) of that light that keeps me going everyday.
I hope you enjoy what I have to say.
A new purpose.
Maybe I'm copying many others.
Maybe I'm not.
My purpose is to share Joy, my Thoughts and what brings me Happiness.
I am so blessed and I want to share and give to others a little (or a lot) of that light that keeps me going everyday.
I hope you enjoy what I have to say.
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