Lately I have been so overwhelmed with the amount of cleaning/organizing this house needs. I've been somewhat concerned about the amount of attention I've been giving my kids though (or lack of). But it was something that I kind of put off in the back of my mind. Anyway, lately I've been really good at reading my scriptures and I've started being better at personal prayers. As I was praying the other day, a thought from the talk I gave on Sunday popped into my head and I kind of got distracted during my praying by it. In my talk, I urged people to discover what their "personal Liahona" was telling them to do, and I said to young parents, maybe it's that your house doesn't have to be perfectly clean. But that maybe you should play more with your kids. I used to follow that advice really well, almost to a fault, but lately I haven't been. And when that popped into my head, it really hit me.
But guess what? The house has been more clean since I've been focusing more on spending quality time with my kids. How does that work? Because God blessed me for following the spirit! It's been such a tender mercy these past few days!
So, I urge you guys to follow whatever prompting you have, and other aspects of your life that you don't think would be affected, probably will be. It's how the Lord works.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Progress
The primary program is coming up. I'm really excited, but also quite nervous. I'm the choirster, and the pressures are building, like did I teach them well enough to perform for the congregation? I told the pianist that I'd switch her in a heartbeat, but I had an awakening. If we were only doing callings that stayed in our comfort zones, we would never grow and progress. I'm so grateful to know that the things I'm learning through this will help me grow. I know the program is going to be wonderful, and I'm so excited for parents to see their children's testimonies through their parts and the songs. I love this gospel, and I love the children I get the priveledge to sing with every week.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Bondage
My favorite Book of Mormon story is the people of Limhi. I love that he eased their burdens before they were freed. And a phrase has stuck out to me. Zeniff talked about being "overzealous" to return to the land of their inheritance. And that is what got them into bondage in the first place.
Lately I have been reviewing our life, and realize that we were "overzealous" in achieving financial freedom and in the process, became more in debt - or bondage.
I'm so glad we have a prophet that knows what we need to do to achieve real freedom. I'm grateful to know that we can repent and be "eased" in our burdens before fully released. I think the biggest ease is paying our tithing. Like our last bishop said, "It's your first source of income."
What a blessing!
Lately I have been reviewing our life, and realize that we were "overzealous" in achieving financial freedom and in the process, became more in debt - or bondage.
I'm so glad we have a prophet that knows what we need to do to achieve real freedom. I'm grateful to know that we can repent and be "eased" in our burdens before fully released. I think the biggest ease is paying our tithing. Like our last bishop said, "It's your first source of income."
What a blessing!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Feel Good
I watched a movie yesterday that got me thinking...It's called "the secret" and it talks about the law of attraction. It states that if you are positive, you will attract positive things, and the same with negative. So start with your thoughts, and focus on the things that make you feel good. And it's OK to even want material things! The universe will align itself to give you what you desire as long as you feel good. I was relating it to the gospel, and it makes sense! Men are that they might have joy right? So why wouldn't God want to grant us our desires, as long as we are keeping the comandments and doing the things that bring us joy. They also talked about how sometimes it would take 2-3 months before things were fulfilled, but a thought would start to take hold to help people, and they would be open to that. Isn't that the spirit of inspiration? I thought the movie was cool, but even more amazing when we relate it to the gospel. We really have a God who wants the best for us. He listens to us, and grants us our deepest righteous desires, and only wants our happiness. What a priveledge to know that!
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Inspiration of Inspiration
This week has been an amazing week. I have a friend whom I've been friends with for at least 4 years (since high school). She is one of those people that you wonder if anything is ever going to go right for her. She has had so many struggles, and it's been hard on our friendship. She is not LDS and it's been really hard for me to watch her in her many trials and know that it could be made SO MUCH BETTER for her. During high school, I invited her to church, my friend and I gave her a Book of Mormon with our testimonies in it, she started reading it but it never really got anywhere.
Through the years, we've still kept in contact, even though it's been really difficult for me at times. I've always felt that whenever I talk to her, it almost always brings me down. She has made many bad decisions, and has become an even more negative person from it. Many of my friends that were also friends with her have just kind of lost contact, but for some reason, I never have.
While she has made some bad decisions, I must also say that she is one of the most giving, selfless people I know. She is VERY generous when she gives gifts, and she always remembers your birthday, or if you're having a bad day, she'll do whatever she can to make you feel better. I really admire her for her loyalty and generosity.
Then, a few months ago, tragedy struck her and her family. Her sister was killed in a car wreck because her husband who was drunk, was driving. This left behind her 2 (or 3) year old son. My friend has been through many difficult things, but this is one thing that she won't ever recover from. She hasn't had any idea how to deal with this kind of pain, and it's changed her life. Not only that, but she now is one of the primary caregivers to this little boy.
I'm sorry this is so sad, and I promise it gets better. I've always had this friend on my mind. She's about the only person I know personally who is not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Two weeks ago, the missionaries gave a lesson in our ward that was all about getting friends/aquaintances to take the lessons. I have always had the impression that my friend wouldn't be interested in learning this way. Her father has actually banned the missionaries from coming to their home. So I've always been afraid to ask her.
When they sent around a sheet where you put your name and the name of someone you know who might be interested, I almost just passed it on. But instead I wrote her name down, and kind of forgot about it. Well, we got a call last week from the missionaries asking if I had invited her to take the lessons, and I hadn't, but I told them a little more about the situation, and said I'd try. Saturday night, my friend started texting me, and I suddenly realized I hadn't asked her yet and I knew I had to that night. Our discussion got a little deeper, and I was telling her how the only person that can truly heal her is Jesus Christ, because He is the only one that knows exactly what she is going through. She could be truly happy through Him, and that's about the only way she can correct some of the mistakes she's made. The opportunity arose, and I asked her if she would be interested in learning more about our church, and if she wanted to talk with the missionaries. And she said yes! Our first lesson is going to be on Tuesday night!
I was so worried that she would take offense, because she has in the past. But this time was different. We've both changed a lot since the first time we met, and I know she's seen how happy I am, and knows that it's not just on the surface. I know that she has a deep yearning for something like that when she's been hurt so many times. So the fact that her heart was softened enough to listen to the missionaries makes me so extremely happy! This is a feeling I have never felt before, and I know the Spirit is guiding us both. Our conversation was inspiration. I'm not very articulate or good with words, but the words just came so naturally. I have had such an awesome feeling ever since, that I can not wait!
The best part is, since she accepted the offer, I can tell she's rather excited. She's told quite a few people, and has been inquiring as what to expect. We've got a few people that will be coming, and she doesn't mind it at all. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I really believe that our Heavenly Father takes a personal interest in every one of us.
One particular scripture has really been standing out to me lately. 1 Nephi 17:3 "And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them;. . ." I know there are other scriptures that say the same thing. But the Lord prepares the way. It is a commandment to preach the gospel, and the Lord has provided a way that I can help spread it. It is never an impossible task, because it is a commandment, and the Lord will not allow it to be impossible. I love how it says that He will nourish and strengthen us. When I think of nourish, I think of a mother feeding her child, not only food but with love. That it's nourishment on a personal level.
I'm sorry I'm not the best writer. But I hope my excitement at the whole situation showed. I really pray that I'll have more good news after Tuesday night!
Through the years, we've still kept in contact, even though it's been really difficult for me at times. I've always felt that whenever I talk to her, it almost always brings me down. She has made many bad decisions, and has become an even more negative person from it. Many of my friends that were also friends with her have just kind of lost contact, but for some reason, I never have.
While she has made some bad decisions, I must also say that she is one of the most giving, selfless people I know. She is VERY generous when she gives gifts, and she always remembers your birthday, or if you're having a bad day, she'll do whatever she can to make you feel better. I really admire her for her loyalty and generosity.
Then, a few months ago, tragedy struck her and her family. Her sister was killed in a car wreck because her husband who was drunk, was driving. This left behind her 2 (or 3) year old son. My friend has been through many difficult things, but this is one thing that she won't ever recover from. She hasn't had any idea how to deal with this kind of pain, and it's changed her life. Not only that, but she now is one of the primary caregivers to this little boy.
I'm sorry this is so sad, and I promise it gets better. I've always had this friend on my mind. She's about the only person I know personally who is not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Two weeks ago, the missionaries gave a lesson in our ward that was all about getting friends/aquaintances to take the lessons. I have always had the impression that my friend wouldn't be interested in learning this way. Her father has actually banned the missionaries from coming to their home. So I've always been afraid to ask her.
When they sent around a sheet where you put your name and the name of someone you know who might be interested, I almost just passed it on. But instead I wrote her name down, and kind of forgot about it. Well, we got a call last week from the missionaries asking if I had invited her to take the lessons, and I hadn't, but I told them a little more about the situation, and said I'd try. Saturday night, my friend started texting me, and I suddenly realized I hadn't asked her yet and I knew I had to that night. Our discussion got a little deeper, and I was telling her how the only person that can truly heal her is Jesus Christ, because He is the only one that knows exactly what she is going through. She could be truly happy through Him, and that's about the only way she can correct some of the mistakes she's made. The opportunity arose, and I asked her if she would be interested in learning more about our church, and if she wanted to talk with the missionaries. And she said yes! Our first lesson is going to be on Tuesday night!
I was so worried that she would take offense, because she has in the past. But this time was different. We've both changed a lot since the first time we met, and I know she's seen how happy I am, and knows that it's not just on the surface. I know that she has a deep yearning for something like that when she's been hurt so many times. So the fact that her heart was softened enough to listen to the missionaries makes me so extremely happy! This is a feeling I have never felt before, and I know the Spirit is guiding us both. Our conversation was inspiration. I'm not very articulate or good with words, but the words just came so naturally. I have had such an awesome feeling ever since, that I can not wait!
The best part is, since she accepted the offer, I can tell she's rather excited. She's told quite a few people, and has been inquiring as what to expect. We've got a few people that will be coming, and she doesn't mind it at all. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I really believe that our Heavenly Father takes a personal interest in every one of us.
One particular scripture has really been standing out to me lately. 1 Nephi 17:3 "And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them;. . ." I know there are other scriptures that say the same thing. But the Lord prepares the way. It is a commandment to preach the gospel, and the Lord has provided a way that I can help spread it. It is never an impossible task, because it is a commandment, and the Lord will not allow it to be impossible. I love how it says that He will nourish and strengthen us. When I think of nourish, I think of a mother feeding her child, not only food but with love. That it's nourishment on a personal level.
I'm sorry I'm not the best writer. But I hope my excitement at the whole situation showed. I really pray that I'll have more good news after Tuesday night!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
ChristMAS
The bishop had a thought in primary the other day. He gave the kids a "spanish lesson". He told them that Christmas in Spanish was Navidad. Then he asked the kids if they knew what "mas" meant in Spanish. It meant "more". He encouraged us to put More Christ in Christmas. To remember him. I really liked that.
It is a hard balance to draw between Santa and Jesus Christ. My son thinks that they are best friends. I liked that, but I told him that Jesus gave us a gift greater than Santa could ever give, and that is his life so that we could live with him forever. That is why we celebrate, and try a little harder to serve others at this time of year.
I am so grateful for that sacrifice. Being a mother, I think I have more appreciation of our Heavenly Father's gift. I can't imagine being able to offer my son or daughter to do what Christ had to do. I'm glad that as a perfect being, he was able to. Because I love my family more than anything else in this world. They give me the greatest joy possible, and that is why it is called the plan of happiness!
I hope the holidays are full of celebration. And I hope I can share that message to sink in a little deeper with my kids. I LOVE this time of year, and hope that it brings everyone joy.
It is a hard balance to draw between Santa and Jesus Christ. My son thinks that they are best friends. I liked that, but I told him that Jesus gave us a gift greater than Santa could ever give, and that is his life so that we could live with him forever. That is why we celebrate, and try a little harder to serve others at this time of year.
I am so grateful for that sacrifice. Being a mother, I think I have more appreciation of our Heavenly Father's gift. I can't imagine being able to offer my son or daughter to do what Christ had to do. I'm glad that as a perfect being, he was able to. Because I love my family more than anything else in this world. They give me the greatest joy possible, and that is why it is called the plan of happiness!
I hope the holidays are full of celebration. And I hope I can share that message to sink in a little deeper with my kids. I LOVE this time of year, and hope that it brings everyone joy.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Let Your Light Shine
I saw this quote on my cousin's blog and just loved it. So I thought I would share it with all of you.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
- Marriane Williamson
After reading this quote I felt empowered. We have been born with gifts and talents in order to share them with others. I loved how he said "there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you." We are supposed to stand out, we are to be a beacon on the hill, we are to let our light so shine before men, we are to be an example to everyone. It's okay to do all the things you are good at and it is okay to be good at many things. We don't need to apologize or make excuses for being wonderful. We ARE children of God and we are destined to become Gods one day. I hope this quote kind of picked you up like it did me. Now get out there and shine!
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
- Marriane Williamson
After reading this quote I felt empowered. We have been born with gifts and talents in order to share them with others. I loved how he said "there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you." We are supposed to stand out, we are to be a beacon on the hill, we are to let our light so shine before men, we are to be an example to everyone. It's okay to do all the things you are good at and it is okay to be good at many things. We don't need to apologize or make excuses for being wonderful. We ARE children of God and we are destined to become Gods one day. I hope this quote kind of picked you up like it did me. Now get out there and shine!
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