In college I took a women's health class that has made a huge impact on my life. As we studied all about the body, I was amazed by how actually getting pregnant is such a one in a thousand chance, yet it happens often!
Once I was pregnant with William, and even a bit before, I studied up on all the possible things that could happen to a baby: birth defects, spina bifida, cleft lip/pallet, down syndrome, autism, the list goes on and on. I thought to myself then, "wow! It's a wonder that so many babies are born without major defects impacting their lives!"
After William was born, I became obsessed with keeping him healthy, happy, and thriving. I think to myself now, "man! It's a wonder our kids aren't sick all the time! It's a miracle they live to be adults!"
Yet some how women get pregnant, children are born without defects, and they by pass illnesses which allow them to grow up to become healthy adults. Wow!
As I have thought so much about the physical development of my boys, I also think often of their spiritual development.
When I remember all the things I have been exposed to, I often wonder how I am where I am today spiritually. Early on in elementary school I began hearing things that should be saved for adult audiences, and even then very sparingly! I think about my boys and wonder, "Lord, how will they make it?"
I am given courage by the account of the two thousand stripling warriors (found in Alma 53 and on). Here this group of young men were confronted with losing their liberty and freedom as a people. Their fathers had changed their ways so much that they had covenanted with God to never touch their weapons of war ever again. And they hadn't. Their plan was to simply die or allow themselves and their families to be taken captive before they broke their promise to God.
Just as there seemed to be no hope, these valiant young men gathered themselves together. They then entered a covenant that they would protect their land "unto the laying down of their lives" (Alma 53:17). They said that they would, "...fight in all cases to protect the Nephites [their people] and themselves from bondage."
Now, my sons may or may not have to fight a physical battle for their freedoms, but I know they will be daily fighting a spiritual battle for their souls. There will be luring detours on their path of life. There will be an onslaught of distractions, stimulations, and temptations they will face. So how do I arm my boys with the faith these young men had to assemble themselves together and make this choice to defend themselves and their people?
Verses 20 and 21 read, "And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.
"Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk up rightly before him."
As a mother, I can do all I can to teach my children truth. This past weekend we were at the park as a family, enjoying watching William giggle down the slides. As we were sending William down one slide, a group of 6th grade (looking) girls and boys caught our attention. The girls were loudly talking about a very inappropriate subject trying to get a rise out of the boys. My blood pressure went up and I thought, "oh my word!!! What are you talking about?! That is not appropriate EVER!" Just as I thought to approach them and tell them their conversation was completely inappropriate, another mother took the reigns and let the girls hear it. I was glad to be off the hook, but my soul was troubled after that.
In my evening prayers I talked to my Heavenly Father about it. Wondering how I can possibly raise successful boys. As I laid down, the thought came to me, "surround them with truth."
I know my boys will make their own choices in life. I know not all of them will be good and that they will have to repent a few hundred thousand times. But I hope they do. I hope they work and work at finding the truth and leaving anything and everything behind them that doesn't add to it. I hope that they can look to my faith as an anchor to them until their personal faith is sufficient to guide them in all things, times, and places. I hope they will be young men of faith, hope, and courage, and can be counted on to be valiant and true in all things- no matter where they are or who they are with.
When I was pregnant with William, a sweet friend of mine from my college soccer team gave me the most helpful, real "pre-motherhood" advice. She told me to qualify for the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. It was simple but dead on. With the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, I can qualify for inspiration on how to best help my children reach their full potential spiritually and physically. I can know exactly how to reach my child to teach them what they need to know. I can be given the words when I have none of my own, and I can be given the direction to protect them from harm neither they nor I can immediately see.
I pray that beyond the influence of Richard and myself, that my boys will have amazing leaders who strengthen them and care for them as they would their own sons, just like Helaman cared for and protected the two thousand stripling warriors (Alma 56:10). I pray that they will have friends who defend them in their faith and moral values, just as the two thousand stripling warriors did (Alma 53:17-18, 20-21). And I hope that they will have the personal conviction to be true at all times because of the many truths they have been taught from their boyhood, just like the two thousand stripling warriors (Alma 56:45, 47-48).
I believe God can make rough stones smooth, and uneven paths even. I believe God cares for all of us. I know He will help us on our course if we have faith to endure. I am grateful for all of the daily small choices I have made in my life to spiritually be where I am today. And I am especially grateful for parents who held to the truth and never stopped trying to help me find it too.
There is work to be done ahead, and many, many prayers to be said. I know that God will lead me as I try to both physically and spiritually protect and prepare my boys for the future.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Stand Ye In Holy Places
I am always amazed at how I am led to things I directly need to hear and learn.
On Saturday I was working on my very, very belated Christmas gift for my parents, and decided to listen to some past General Conference talks while I quietly worked. I tried selecting a few different talks, but they wouldn't play. So I thumbed through the list for a different talk thinking, "I guess those ones aren't what I need to hear." I landed on, "Stand Ye In Holy Places" by Elder Faust. As I listened to the talk, my heart was full of gratitude. I was especially excited as he spoke about the temple, because that night I had plans to attend a session with a few friends from my ward.
I went about my day, attended the temple session- loving every second, and then returned home to my sweet hubby who had sacrificed time with me so I could go out with friends to the best place on earth!
I shared with Richard one of the thoughts I had while in the temple. As I looked around at all the small details of the temple the thought came to me, "God is in the details." Every action we make either increases or diminishes His presence in our lives. It's the details that count: what movie am I going to watch? What language am I going to use? What friends will I hang out with? What clothes am I going to wear? It's the little details that help us see Him.
At church yesterday, it was a full on workout just to keep up with William. I'm not sure why I haven't learned to simply wear flats or wedge heels, but I inevitably end up chasing Will around in my high heels and knee length skirts, trying to not show the world my undercarriage as I go up and down picking up Will, toys, food, etc. I finally gave up and took William to a contained environment: the car. We sat in the car for the last 45 minutes of church.
While sitting there, I thought to myself, "what is the point of this? Why don't I just stay home until he's 18 months and can go to nursery? It would be so much easier." I knew this wasn't really the right thing to do, but the thought sounded pretty convincing in my mind. I said a little prayer then continued waiting for Rich to come out.
Once Rich came out to the car, I exploded like a pressure cooker on him. I told him the thought I had to just stay home. He was a good listener, and said some sort of compassionate understanding sentiment (clearly I was listening well ;)). During a quiet lull on the way home, the words, "stand ye in holy places" came to mind. It was my answer.
Even though there are Sundays where I get little out of church and I am participating in an athletic event in Sunday clothes, it's a holy place to stand. If I were to be anywhere else during that three hour block of time, it wouldn't be the right place, no matter how justified it sounded. The decision to be at church is a little detail that magnifies God in my life. It gets me to refocus and remember that He is the source of my many blessings.
I feel very grateful that God cares enough about me, especially when I am struggling, to send me answers piece by piece. I am grateful that He doesn't leave me wanting, but adequately fills my life with little experiences that testify of His reality and His compassion. I am aware that He knows my imperfections, and am increasingly aware that He is willing to work with me through those exact imperfections. I feel so very blessed to be guided by Him.
On Saturday I was working on my very, very belated Christmas gift for my parents, and decided to listen to some past General Conference talks while I quietly worked. I tried selecting a few different talks, but they wouldn't play. So I thumbed through the list for a different talk thinking, "I guess those ones aren't what I need to hear." I landed on, "Stand Ye In Holy Places" by Elder Faust. As I listened to the talk, my heart was full of gratitude. I was especially excited as he spoke about the temple, because that night I had plans to attend a session with a few friends from my ward.
I went about my day, attended the temple session- loving every second, and then returned home to my sweet hubby who had sacrificed time with me so I could go out with friends to the best place on earth!
I shared with Richard one of the thoughts I had while in the temple. As I looked around at all the small details of the temple the thought came to me, "God is in the details." Every action we make either increases or diminishes His presence in our lives. It's the details that count: what movie am I going to watch? What language am I going to use? What friends will I hang out with? What clothes am I going to wear? It's the little details that help us see Him.
At church yesterday, it was a full on workout just to keep up with William. I'm not sure why I haven't learned to simply wear flats or wedge heels, but I inevitably end up chasing Will around in my high heels and knee length skirts, trying to not show the world my undercarriage as I go up and down picking up Will, toys, food, etc. I finally gave up and took William to a contained environment: the car. We sat in the car for the last 45 minutes of church.
While sitting there, I thought to myself, "what is the point of this? Why don't I just stay home until he's 18 months and can go to nursery? It would be so much easier." I knew this wasn't really the right thing to do, but the thought sounded pretty convincing in my mind. I said a little prayer then continued waiting for Rich to come out.
Once Rich came out to the car, I exploded like a pressure cooker on him. I told him the thought I had to just stay home. He was a good listener, and said some sort of compassionate understanding sentiment (clearly I was listening well ;)). During a quiet lull on the way home, the words, "stand ye in holy places" came to mind. It was my answer.
Even though there are Sundays where I get little out of church and I am participating in an athletic event in Sunday clothes, it's a holy place to stand. If I were to be anywhere else during that three hour block of time, it wouldn't be the right place, no matter how justified it sounded. The decision to be at church is a little detail that magnifies God in my life. It gets me to refocus and remember that He is the source of my many blessings.
I feel very grateful that God cares enough about me, especially when I am struggling, to send me answers piece by piece. I am grateful that He doesn't leave me wanting, but adequately fills my life with little experiences that testify of His reality and His compassion. I am aware that He knows my imperfections, and am increasingly aware that He is willing to work with me through those exact imperfections. I feel so very blessed to be guided by Him.
Friday, January 18, 2013
My Mormon Faith: Something to Sacrifice For
My little brother, Travis, is currently serving a mission for our church. He's far away in Canada, learning to speak French, and searching for people who desire to know more about Christ and the LDS (Mormon) doctrine. In his letters he tells us about the people he's teaching, the success, and the failures they (he and his teaching companion) experience. He describes the good and a little of the bad (to spare my parent's nerves most likely!) And he shares the testimony he has in God and His work.
I've met many people who are baffled about why we send our young boys (brothers, boyfriends, sons, friends, etc) and young women (who are also sisters, girlfriends, daughters, friends, etc) out to different parts of the world, all with the hope that someone might listen to their message. It seems rather forward if you think about it; Two missionaries knocking on your door to present you with the chance to lean more about Mormonism. But I think it's one of the greatest parts of my religion.
The doctrine of Christ is a message of pure, genuine joy. It is a message that empowers you to act rather than be acted upon, to be apart of a great cause that lifts people to be the best they can be, and it perpetually teaches of forgiveness, repentance, and sanctification. It is a religion that brings such purpose to your life that it is difficult to not want to share it with others. I've felt this way a lot, and I'd like to describe it more.
As I have mentioned before, when I was younger and still discovering my "self identity" I was insanely insecure. I sought popular attention, boyfriends, starvation, and whatever else I could think of to make me look pretty, be popular, and have worth. It never worked. The whole time I was obsessing over those things, I just got worse. They weren't real answers and they weren't helping me be a better person. I think back on all the stupid things I did that hurt people's feelings, and it is more than embarrassing.
When I started to dabble with religion, slowly starting to pray, slowly starting to read my scriptures I began to feel better about myself. I began to see the good qualities I had (even if they weren't perfect), I felt genuinely happy, and I stopped feeling like I needed to put others down to be worth something; I already was.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has empowered me to know my potential. I see the value in putting time and energy into what I learn, the skills I develop, and the people I associate with. I have opportunities to serve people I go to church with, and I play a role in the unity that is felt at church. I play a role in looking after people who might be struggling, I play a role in freely giving back to the Lord, and I play a role in my spiritual progression. It is all things that uplift and edify myself and others.
The programs/ classes we have set up in church are for a very wise purpose. The children attend primary where they are taught by faithful members about God, faith, baptism, repentance, and kindness. The youth are taught in young men's and young women's about those same principles, and additional things like safe dating, the word of wisdom, and the power of the atonement. The men and women are taught in Priesthood and Relief Society the same principles as the children, as well as self-reliance, staying out of debt, service, and our divine roles as men and women. All that is taught is to make a powerful difference in each individual life to help them work to be the best person they can be. It is little wonder why we place such emphasis on our religion being taught and shared by these young missionaries all over the world.
My Mormon faith does require sacrifice. It has excluded me from parties and certain types of friends. It has prevented passion/lust from taking over my relationships. I could keep on writing the list of things it has kept me from doing, but to write about it in a seemingly negative way seems to mock all the good things it has given me; the best being protection. Do you want to know what happened because I didn't party or have sex with whatever boyfriend I "loved"? I have been blessed with the most genuine group of friends this world has to offer. I have been trusted by my peers and adults to tell the truth and to be in good places. I avoided the detrimental emotional roller coaster of giving my self completely to someone who would cherish it only for the physical high it gave them. And have I met and married an incredible man who I now fully invest myself in and who loves me with intensity and purity matched. I say that's more than compensation for the meager sacrifices I made to be in good places with good people doing good things.
There are sacrifices to be made, no matter how young or old LDS members are. We, as Mormons, will continue to be asked to sacrifice the temporary pleasures of today for the everlasting joys of eternity. We will continue to be "different" from those around us as we choose to stand by our faith, but we will forever receive great tender mercies that adequately compensate for the sacrifice of being "different." We have a faith worth sacrificing for. We have a faith worth sharing.
I've met many people who are baffled about why we send our young boys (brothers, boyfriends, sons, friends, etc) and young women (who are also sisters, girlfriends, daughters, friends, etc) out to different parts of the world, all with the hope that someone might listen to their message. It seems rather forward if you think about it; Two missionaries knocking on your door to present you with the chance to lean more about Mormonism. But I think it's one of the greatest parts of my religion.
The doctrine of Christ is a message of pure, genuine joy. It is a message that empowers you to act rather than be acted upon, to be apart of a great cause that lifts people to be the best they can be, and it perpetually teaches of forgiveness, repentance, and sanctification. It is a religion that brings such purpose to your life that it is difficult to not want to share it with others. I've felt this way a lot, and I'd like to describe it more.
As I have mentioned before, when I was younger and still discovering my "self identity" I was insanely insecure. I sought popular attention, boyfriends, starvation, and whatever else I could think of to make me look pretty, be popular, and have worth. It never worked. The whole time I was obsessing over those things, I just got worse. They weren't real answers and they weren't helping me be a better person. I think back on all the stupid things I did that hurt people's feelings, and it is more than embarrassing.
When I started to dabble with religion, slowly starting to pray, slowly starting to read my scriptures I began to feel better about myself. I began to see the good qualities I had (even if they weren't perfect), I felt genuinely happy, and I stopped feeling like I needed to put others down to be worth something; I already was.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has empowered me to know my potential. I see the value in putting time and energy into what I learn, the skills I develop, and the people I associate with. I have opportunities to serve people I go to church with, and I play a role in the unity that is felt at church. I play a role in looking after people who might be struggling, I play a role in freely giving back to the Lord, and I play a role in my spiritual progression. It is all things that uplift and edify myself and others.
The programs/ classes we have set up in church are for a very wise purpose. The children attend primary where they are taught by faithful members about God, faith, baptism, repentance, and kindness. The youth are taught in young men's and young women's about those same principles, and additional things like safe dating, the word of wisdom, and the power of the atonement. The men and women are taught in Priesthood and Relief Society the same principles as the children, as well as self-reliance, staying out of debt, service, and our divine roles as men and women. All that is taught is to make a powerful difference in each individual life to help them work to be the best person they can be. It is little wonder why we place such emphasis on our religion being taught and shared by these young missionaries all over the world.
My Mormon faith does require sacrifice. It has excluded me from parties and certain types of friends. It has prevented passion/lust from taking over my relationships. I could keep on writing the list of things it has kept me from doing, but to write about it in a seemingly negative way seems to mock all the good things it has given me; the best being protection. Do you want to know what happened because I didn't party or have sex with whatever boyfriend I "loved"? I have been blessed with the most genuine group of friends this world has to offer. I have been trusted by my peers and adults to tell the truth and to be in good places. I avoided the detrimental emotional roller coaster of giving my self completely to someone who would cherish it only for the physical high it gave them. And have I met and married an incredible man who I now fully invest myself in and who loves me with intensity and purity matched. I say that's more than compensation for the meager sacrifices I made to be in good places with good people doing good things.
There are sacrifices to be made, no matter how young or old LDS members are. We, as Mormons, will continue to be asked to sacrifice the temporary pleasures of today for the everlasting joys of eternity. We will continue to be "different" from those around us as we choose to stand by our faith, but we will forever receive great tender mercies that adequately compensate for the sacrifice of being "different." We have a faith worth sacrificing for. We have a faith worth sharing.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Charity
I came across this quote the other day and can't get it out of my mind, "I consider charity-or 'the pure love of Christ'-to be the opposite of criticism and judging. In speaking of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient” (“Charity Never Faileth,” general Relief Society meeting, Sept. 25, 2010).
My heart feels full when I read that. This type of charity is so needed. I think of all the times we as humans make mistakes; they're not all done privately. Sadly our shortcomings and imperfect understanding of concepts and situations is displayed to a wide audience of family, friends, colleagues, and peers. It is a beautiful quality to be able to see these shortcomings in ourselves and others and have the charity to forgive them. Think of the unity this provides. Think of the comfort this offers. It is truly magnificent!
Working in Relief Society (women's organization of my church), we rub shoulders with a wide array of sisters. Some we easily agree with, some we easily disagree with. When charity is cultivated- the type that forgives and withholds judgement- we can work together in harmony, and can produce lessons, activities, and service where we feel that we are of one heart and one mind. That is something truly extraordinary!
Popular shows encourage women to be harsh and vulgar with each other, always looking for the shortcoming in the "competition." They show women who have no self control and spread hurtful facts or lies about another woman just to have something to talk about and to make themselves look better. This type of behavior is heart sickening. It removes all class from being a woman and degrades us to being self absorbed brats. When I hear of things like this, I think about how different their lives could be if they practiced the charity mentioned above. If they learned their identity as daughters of God, and then chose to act accordingly; in respect to who thy divinely are, controlling their words and putting their efforts towards the strengthening and building up of the people around them. The world at large could use more role models like that.
Sadly, I don't see these shows going off the air any time soon (shucks!), but what I do see is women of God rising to the call to be a standard for the nations. Women who truly understand their identity, who love their Father in Heaven and Savior, and who beautifully exemplify this love through pure charity towards themselves and all others they associate with. You don't have to know a woman like this super personally to be able to recognize her. She radiates goodness and kindness, and others are drawn to her because of it.
Our days our filled with opportunities to choose. The choice to be more like a daughter of God is consciously made and accomplished as we make the choice to abandon bad behaviors (like talking about the negative stuff in another person) and replacing it with something better (mentioning something they did well, or talking about an event you were apart of). Women of God set themselves apart as unique and different. There are prices to pay but all come with ample compensation.
Today I am choosing charity; the charity that forgives myself and others, the charity that withholds judgement.
My heart feels full when I read that. This type of charity is so needed. I think of all the times we as humans make mistakes; they're not all done privately. Sadly our shortcomings and imperfect understanding of concepts and situations is displayed to a wide audience of family, friends, colleagues, and peers. It is a beautiful quality to be able to see these shortcomings in ourselves and others and have the charity to forgive them. Think of the unity this provides. Think of the comfort this offers. It is truly magnificent!
Working in Relief Society (women's organization of my church), we rub shoulders with a wide array of sisters. Some we easily agree with, some we easily disagree with. When charity is cultivated- the type that forgives and withholds judgement- we can work together in harmony, and can produce lessons, activities, and service where we feel that we are of one heart and one mind. That is something truly extraordinary!
Popular shows encourage women to be harsh and vulgar with each other, always looking for the shortcoming in the "competition." They show women who have no self control and spread hurtful facts or lies about another woman just to have something to talk about and to make themselves look better. This type of behavior is heart sickening. It removes all class from being a woman and degrades us to being self absorbed brats. When I hear of things like this, I think about how different their lives could be if they practiced the charity mentioned above. If they learned their identity as daughters of God, and then chose to act accordingly; in respect to who thy divinely are, controlling their words and putting their efforts towards the strengthening and building up of the people around them. The world at large could use more role models like that.
Sadly, I don't see these shows going off the air any time soon (shucks!), but what I do see is women of God rising to the call to be a standard for the nations. Women who truly understand their identity, who love their Father in Heaven and Savior, and who beautifully exemplify this love through pure charity towards themselves and all others they associate with. You don't have to know a woman like this super personally to be able to recognize her. She radiates goodness and kindness, and others are drawn to her because of it.
Our days our filled with opportunities to choose. The choice to be more like a daughter of God is consciously made and accomplished as we make the choice to abandon bad behaviors (like talking about the negative stuff in another person) and replacing it with something better (mentioning something they did well, or talking about an event you were apart of). Women of God set themselves apart as unique and different. There are prices to pay but all come with ample compensation.
Today I am choosing charity; the charity that forgives myself and others, the charity that withholds judgement.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Little Answers, Little Moments
I often laugh to myself because, at times I feel like church is a joke these days. Since William learned to crawl he is squirmy and on the go constantly. It's great, most of the time... But church is a three hour marathon of chasing Will and making sure he isn't tearing apart things or distracting people. Which leaves Rich or myself a hot mess (and not the good kind!)
I've thought about this "joke," but surprisingly I haven't ever had the desire to not go. Something about being at church- whether or not I am getting anything special out of the talks/lessons- calls me to be there, and I feel like it is right where I belong. There are small moments where I hear something that hits home and faces that I meet and greet that fill me with renewed sense of purpose and hope. If anything, it reassures me that I really am doing the best I can, and that He understands that.
While helping Richard with his deacons lesson for this past Sunday, I got to look up a bunch of different scriptures on the Godhead. As I read about the roles of the Holy Ghost, I was impressed by how often the scriptures explain it as being a teacher of truth. This made me think about how often I've had little moments where I have been taught by the Holy Ghost. Most of them have been simple- just little things to get me by or broaden my understanding of a certain subject. But they have all been very real and what I personally needed.
As I thought about the Holy Ghost, I realized how grateful I am in my heart that church isn't the only place I can be spiritually taught. I can be taught by the Holy Ghost in my home (cozy in my PJ's!), at the store, while I'm driving, and even while I work out. The places and opportunities are endless.
This Sunday, I so happened to be taught while sitting in Sunday School while Rich wrestled Will in the hall. In my mind I was saying some desperate prayer to the effect, "Heavenly Father, I really would love to be apart of Relief Society today. I could really use being around my sisters and learning today. Would thou be willing to help me? I know you have before." And the simple thought entered my mind, "Some days there are sacrifices to pay." I knew my answer for the day was, "no," but somehow I felt better about it. I did desperately want to be apart of Relief Society, and my Father in Heaven told me He knew that. What a blessing! How wonderful that He cares enough to reply to my heartfelt prayer.
There are so many times where my emotions get the better of me. Where I feel like for every one thing I do right I do 10 wrong. There are moments where I feel so overwhelmed by the tasks at hand, the projects to complete, and the house to clean that my body feels fatigued before the day begins. But the really beautiful thing about feeling that way is that every time I include it in my prayers, I am blessed to see that one good thing, and He cancels out all the other 10 wrong things about the day. I am filled with great peace and a pure sense of joy for the good in my life; joy and peace that I know come from the companionship of the Holy Ghost and a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who said they would make themselves manifest to me through the Spirit.
My problems may be trivial, my questions not very deep but my prayers always matter, and when I ask to be taught I am filled with the Light of His love, the hope of His word, and the beauty of His creations. I am grateful that He can teach me in so many places, not just on Sunday at church.
I've thought about this "joke," but surprisingly I haven't ever had the desire to not go. Something about being at church- whether or not I am getting anything special out of the talks/lessons- calls me to be there, and I feel like it is right where I belong. There are small moments where I hear something that hits home and faces that I meet and greet that fill me with renewed sense of purpose and hope. If anything, it reassures me that I really am doing the best I can, and that He understands that.
While helping Richard with his deacons lesson for this past Sunday, I got to look up a bunch of different scriptures on the Godhead. As I read about the roles of the Holy Ghost, I was impressed by how often the scriptures explain it as being a teacher of truth. This made me think about how often I've had little moments where I have been taught by the Holy Ghost. Most of them have been simple- just little things to get me by or broaden my understanding of a certain subject. But they have all been very real and what I personally needed.
As I thought about the Holy Ghost, I realized how grateful I am in my heart that church isn't the only place I can be spiritually taught. I can be taught by the Holy Ghost in my home (cozy in my PJ's!), at the store, while I'm driving, and even while I work out. The places and opportunities are endless.
This Sunday, I so happened to be taught while sitting in Sunday School while Rich wrestled Will in the hall. In my mind I was saying some desperate prayer to the effect, "Heavenly Father, I really would love to be apart of Relief Society today. I could really use being around my sisters and learning today. Would thou be willing to help me? I know you have before." And the simple thought entered my mind, "Some days there are sacrifices to pay." I knew my answer for the day was, "no," but somehow I felt better about it. I did desperately want to be apart of Relief Society, and my Father in Heaven told me He knew that. What a blessing! How wonderful that He cares enough to reply to my heartfelt prayer.
There are so many times where my emotions get the better of me. Where I feel like for every one thing I do right I do 10 wrong. There are moments where I feel so overwhelmed by the tasks at hand, the projects to complete, and the house to clean that my body feels fatigued before the day begins. But the really beautiful thing about feeling that way is that every time I include it in my prayers, I am blessed to see that one good thing, and He cancels out all the other 10 wrong things about the day. I am filled with great peace and a pure sense of joy for the good in my life; joy and peace that I know come from the companionship of the Holy Ghost and a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who said they would make themselves manifest to me through the Spirit.
My problems may be trivial, my questions not very deep but my prayers always matter, and when I ask to be taught I am filled with the Light of His love, the hope of His word, and the beauty of His creations. I am grateful that He can teach me in so many places, not just on Sunday at church.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Welcome 2013!
True confessions... I get annoyed when people say things like, "I'm going to make 2013 the best year ever!" because in my mind I'm thinking, "you realize you have little control over that, and things that happened in the last year to make it bite will still happen..." That's my cynical confession.
On the other hand, I really do admire people for their optimistic hope that as a new year rounds the corner they are going to try their best to accomplish goals that will make them a better person.
I Facebook blabbed a comment made in church that struck me in a good way. The speaker started out by saying, "let's make 2013 the best year..." and in my mind I rolled my eyes thinking, "not you too..." but then he continued by explaining, "some people choose to focus on material things like a fancy house, car, or clothes, other people fixate on their bodies and their image..." Then here is what hit me, he said, "but let's you and me make 2013 the best year for choosing Him." It was one of those moments where a flood of emotion hit me and I had to look down to keep the tears from stinging my eyes too badly. It was a simple phrase that I directly needed to hear for my new year.
I think I could aptly describe myself as being a person of faith for my whole life. The last several years I've really tried to take it to a personal level; not just the exterior motions like attending church and church functions, but really developing a relationship with God and studying His word. It has made a beautiful difference.
When I think about all the "important" things in life, I realize the most important thing of all is who I allow myself to become. There are a lot of distractions and detours along the way, and plenty of people rooting for your gradual demise (misery loves company, right?) But I want to be able to be quietly known as a person who held to the right stuff, if only for my kids and husband to recognize and benefit from.
This new year, I realize the best goal I can make is to know Christ better. Then all my other goals (like being an involved mom and wife, staying fit and healthy through good nutrition and exercise) will fall into their proper place.
Here's to a new year and to the best year for choosing Him!
On the other hand, I really do admire people for their optimistic hope that as a new year rounds the corner they are going to try their best to accomplish goals that will make them a better person.
I Facebook blabbed a comment made in church that struck me in a good way. The speaker started out by saying, "let's make 2013 the best year..." and in my mind I rolled my eyes thinking, "not you too..." but then he continued by explaining, "some people choose to focus on material things like a fancy house, car, or clothes, other people fixate on their bodies and their image..." Then here is what hit me, he said, "but let's you and me make 2013 the best year for choosing Him." It was one of those moments where a flood of emotion hit me and I had to look down to keep the tears from stinging my eyes too badly. It was a simple phrase that I directly needed to hear for my new year.
I think I could aptly describe myself as being a person of faith for my whole life. The last several years I've really tried to take it to a personal level; not just the exterior motions like attending church and church functions, but really developing a relationship with God and studying His word. It has made a beautiful difference.
When I think about all the "important" things in life, I realize the most important thing of all is who I allow myself to become. There are a lot of distractions and detours along the way, and plenty of people rooting for your gradual demise (misery loves company, right?) But I want to be able to be quietly known as a person who held to the right stuff, if only for my kids and husband to recognize and benefit from.
This new year, I realize the best goal I can make is to know Christ better. Then all my other goals (like being an involved mom and wife, staying fit and healthy through good nutrition and exercise) will fall into their proper place.
Here's to a new year and to the best year for choosing Him!
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