Showing posts with label Walk with Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walk with Christ. Show all posts
Saturday, December 13, 2008
"Walk" Day 12 Thoughts
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." -3Nephi 13:33
Priorities. Everyone has them. It's the order that is crucial. In theory I could place them in order of importance, but in practice...not so much. Often times I find myself out of balance.
I am always excited during this time of year. Not just for Christmas, but also for the coming of the new year. For me it is a great time for introspection. I evaluate the year that has just wrapped up...what worked for me and what could be changed. I feel an added measure of the Spirit in setting goals and making plans. I take the opportunity to counsel with the Lord to realign my path and start that leg of the journey fresh and optimistic. I am grateful for the above scripture because it helps to set the tone for prioritizing my life. Sure, as the year progresses the need for tweaks and adjustments arrise, but at least I know what should always come first.
Priorities. Everyone has them. It's the order that is crucial. In theory I could place them in order of importance, but in practice...not so much. Often times I find myself out of balance.
I am always excited during this time of year. Not just for Christmas, but also for the coming of the new year. For me it is a great time for introspection. I evaluate the year that has just wrapped up...what worked for me and what could be changed. I feel an added measure of the Spirit in setting goals and making plans. I take the opportunity to counsel with the Lord to realign my path and start that leg of the journey fresh and optimistic. I am grateful for the above scripture because it helps to set the tone for prioritizing my life. Sure, as the year progresses the need for tweaks and adjustments arrise, but at least I know what should always come first.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
"Walk" Day 11 Thoughts
My thought are these...the Holy Spirit ROCKS and I am lucky to occasionally feel a portion of it's influence. When things are going well and I am doing as I should, I think I must be crazy to ever let myself become past feeling. When I have allowed all the noise to drown out the still small voice, I guess mild amnesia sets in. I forget what a comfort and guide the Holy Spirit is. What a privilege it is to have the opportunity to have the HS as a constant companion. I must do better to be worthy of that blessing at all times. It's not like I don't know all of this...it's nice to have the reminder.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
"Walk" Day 10 Thoughts
My little sister came home from kindergarten one afternoon with a huge frown on her face. My mother inquired about her glum state and Alexis replied, "Mom, I have a 'bad attitude!' My butt's been itchin' all day and it gave me a bad attitude!"
I mention this story because service has a lot to do with attitude. It doesn't do you any good to do something for someone with a bad attitude...you forfeit the blessings. ("For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God." - Moroni 7:8) Elder Dallin H. Oaks gives a great talk on the reasons for service.
Today I went to work with Jeff to help do deliveries. I'll be the first to admit, my attitude could have been a lot better. Jeff totally called me on it. He warned, "you're gonna lose the blessings if you keep on like this." To that I replied, "I'm just in a bad mood, okay? I'm PMSing and I hate doing deliveries and that's alright! I do them because it's worth the money."
Well, well, well...Look who who just lost her blessings! Jeff just chuckled and we both had a good laugh at my expense. My hubby has a way with me. He turned my hostile mood right around. They say, "all's well that ends well." In this case it was certainly true. Jeff reminded me that I was not just working to earn extra money, but also to help and spend some time with him. I am one lucky girl. I could endure anything, as long as I have Jeff by my side...even deliveries. Look who was blessed after all!
I mention this story because service has a lot to do with attitude. It doesn't do you any good to do something for someone with a bad attitude...you forfeit the blessings. ("For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God." - Moroni 7:8) Elder Dallin H. Oaks gives a great talk on the reasons for service.
Today I went to work with Jeff to help do deliveries. I'll be the first to admit, my attitude could have been a lot better. Jeff totally called me on it. He warned, "you're gonna lose the blessings if you keep on like this." To that I replied, "I'm just in a bad mood, okay? I'm PMSing and I hate doing deliveries and that's alright! I do them because it's worth the money."
Well, well, well...Look who who just lost her blessings! Jeff just chuckled and we both had a good laugh at my expense. My hubby has a way with me. He turned my hostile mood right around. They say, "all's well that ends well." In this case it was certainly true. Jeff reminded me that I was not just working to earn extra money, but also to help and spend some time with him. I am one lucky girl. I could endure anything, as long as I have Jeff by my side...even deliveries. Look who was blessed after all!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
"Walk" Day 9 Thoughts
When I set out to begin this "Walk" activity one of my chief goals was to have an added measure of the Spirit in my life. I am so glad to report that the Lord has blessed me in that regard. I feel a softness in my heart where there had been resistance. Spirituality is truly like a muscle. If not used it begins to atrophy and weaken. If not worked and fed properly damage occurs. Luckily, with even just a little TLC it can get to working again. The key is consistency. The best results are had when spirituality is treated like a marathon and not a sprint.
"Is the Lord my light?" His life gives me a perfect, shining example. His gospel leads and directs me. His word is the iron rod that I must hold on to. His atonement puts me back on the right path. He is my guardian and I am his follower.
"Is the Lord my light?" His life gives me a perfect, shining example. His gospel leads and directs me. His word is the iron rod that I must hold on to. His atonement puts me back on the right path. He is my guardian and I am his follower.
"Walk" Day 8 Thoughts
No one is immune to exhibiting some form of pride. That's why it referred to as "the Great Stumbling Block." (That and medium size rocks, Jeff says.) It is the "go to" sin for Satan. He's not going to tempt most of us with drinking, doing drugs, or murder. We wouldn't fall for that! His plan is much more subtle: get us to find fault with those around us, compare everyone and everything, refuse to compliment someone, get jealous when someone else enjoys success...the list goes on and on.
The BEST talk I have ever read on the subject of pride was given by President Benson. I refer back to this talk whenever I feel like my pride has gotten a little out of hand. My head instantly is deflated and my heart aches for my sinful state. The plainness and truthfulness of his words cannot be denied. It leads me to humility and the desire to seek forgiveness.
I especially appreciate the advice found in Alma 32:16 concerning humility. (the antidote of pride) "Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble..." I use it more as a warning. "Mindy, you better repent and become humble OR I'll give you something to be humble about!"
I am just so grateful for the gospel and the instructions we have been given to guide us throughout life. I am grateful to be a part of a church that is lead by modern revelation. What a blessing it is to have "watchmen" in the tower of this world who look out for us and warn us of danger. It never ceases to amaze me how perfect the Lord's plan is.
The BEST talk I have ever read on the subject of pride was given by President Benson. I refer back to this talk whenever I feel like my pride has gotten a little out of hand. My head instantly is deflated and my heart aches for my sinful state. The plainness and truthfulness of his words cannot be denied. It leads me to humility and the desire to seek forgiveness.
I especially appreciate the advice found in Alma 32:16 concerning humility. (the antidote of pride) "Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble..." I use it more as a warning. "Mindy, you better repent and become humble OR I'll give you something to be humble about!"
I am just so grateful for the gospel and the instructions we have been given to guide us throughout life. I am grateful to be a part of a church that is lead by modern revelation. What a blessing it is to have "watchmen" in the tower of this world who look out for us and warn us of danger. It never ceases to amaze me how perfect the Lord's plan is.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
"Walk" Day 7 Thoughts
Sometimes I think I have a faulty filter in my head. You know, the one that keeps certain thoughts in instead of slipping out. I must get that from my mom.
I have sat here staring at my screen for what seems like forever and I really don't know what more to add to this post. This is one of those areas that I always have to be vigilant in. Thankfully for me, I have very forgiving friends and family!
I have sat here staring at my screen for what seems like forever and I really don't know what more to add to this post. This is one of those areas that I always have to be vigilant in. Thankfully for me, I have very forgiving friends and family!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
"Walk" Day 6 Thoughts
I know thoughts have power. The most significant proof I have of this is my conversion story. This story has so many details, so many examples of thought in action, but I am going to choose the most critical instance.
It was the beginning 2001, and like most people do I set about making goals for the year. What was different about these resolutions was the way I went about making them. Each night I would thank God in advance for the blessings I had in mind. My list was this: a new job that would give me financial breathing room, a car that was dependable, to meet and get to know my extended relatives, to get braces and to find peace and happiness. The key was to have total faith that these things would come about in the right way and time. It wasn't a matter of if, only when. I never expected my prayers to be answered so quickly.
Just before Valentine's Day I met a nice returned missionary. Two weeks later I became very sick. I called my Mom and told her how terrible I was feeling (she's a nurse) and she told me I needed to see a doctor. Not having insurance was an issue, so she called her uncle for a favor. (I need to share a little background here. Her uncle Charles is a doctor. He is the brother of her father, with whom there are some MAJOR ill feelings. It had been years since she had spoken to Charles, but a mother will go to extraordinary lengths for her sick child.) I went to his office where I was greeted by him, his wife, and children all of whom work there. It turned out that I actually had scarlet fever. (I know what you're thinking...who gets scarlet fever this day and age?) Upon chatting with my newly found family the subject of my employment came up. My cousin offered me a job right then and there. I was to get well and come back in to start work at a huge pay raise! New job...check! Getting to know my relatives...check! An unexpected bonus...I was falling in love.
A month later my car, Tootie, finally died. My family (the ones I was working for) offered to pay the down payment on a new car, and I would repay them with a deduction from my wages. It was only the beginning of April and I had 4 of my 5 goals reached. I thought I couldn't be happier. Surprisingly, I was wrong.
The GREATEST blessing of that year, and of my entire life, took place in August...when I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I had not asked for this specifically, but in a way I had asked for it. After all, one of my goals was to find peace and happiness.
The only thing that didn't happen that year was getting braces. Don't fret, today I wear Invisalign. The blessings of 2001 can be traced back to the power of thought, and of course, the "Man Upstairs."
It was the beginning 2001, and like most people do I set about making goals for the year. What was different about these resolutions was the way I went about making them. Each night I would thank God in advance for the blessings I had in mind. My list was this: a new job that would give me financial breathing room, a car that was dependable, to meet and get to know my extended relatives, to get braces and to find peace and happiness. The key was to have total faith that these things would come about in the right way and time. It wasn't a matter of if, only when. I never expected my prayers to be answered so quickly.
Just before Valentine's Day I met a nice returned missionary. Two weeks later I became very sick. I called my Mom and told her how terrible I was feeling (she's a nurse) and she told me I needed to see a doctor. Not having insurance was an issue, so she called her uncle for a favor. (I need to share a little background here. Her uncle Charles is a doctor. He is the brother of her father, with whom there are some MAJOR ill feelings. It had been years since she had spoken to Charles, but a mother will go to extraordinary lengths for her sick child.) I went to his office where I was greeted by him, his wife, and children all of whom work there. It turned out that I actually had scarlet fever. (I know what you're thinking...who gets scarlet fever this day and age?) Upon chatting with my newly found family the subject of my employment came up. My cousin offered me a job right then and there. I was to get well and come back in to start work at a huge pay raise! New job...check! Getting to know my relatives...check! An unexpected bonus...I was falling in love.
A month later my car, Tootie, finally died. My family (the ones I was working for) offered to pay the down payment on a new car, and I would repay them with a deduction from my wages. It was only the beginning of April and I had 4 of my 5 goals reached. I thought I couldn't be happier. Surprisingly, I was wrong.
The GREATEST blessing of that year, and of my entire life, took place in August...when I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I had not asked for this specifically, but in a way I had asked for it. After all, one of my goals was to find peace and happiness.
The only thing that didn't happen that year was getting braces. Don't fret, today I wear Invisalign. The blessings of 2001 can be traced back to the power of thought, and of course, the "Man Upstairs."
"Walk" Day 5 Thoughts
Am I a light to the world? I don't know, what do you think? I try to be. I sure hope I am, but sometimes I am an example of what not to do.
My example is really manifest in sweet Gracie. She is such a little copycat. I am so proud of her when we are saying prayers and I peak to see her with her arms folded. My heart melts when she repeats, "amen." I love that she recognizes any picture of "Sesus." It tickles me to hear her say, "Hemimee Fodder." She surprises me with her manners...always quick to say, "sorry, please, thank you, and welcome." (She is way into "thank you" and says it all the time. When she gives me a smooch and says it, I repeat "thank YOU! Then we giggle...) Those are a few of my good teachings.
On occasion I have slipped a naughty word and heard it echoed. Dang it! I really have to do better about that.
Being a righteous example takes effort. It takes introspection. Choosing the right isn't always easy, but it is always worth it.
My example is really manifest in sweet Gracie. She is such a little copycat. I am so proud of her when we are saying prayers and I peak to see her with her arms folded. My heart melts when she repeats, "amen." I love that she recognizes any picture of "Sesus." It tickles me to hear her say, "Hemimee Fodder." She surprises me with her manners...always quick to say, "sorry, please, thank you, and welcome." (She is way into "thank you" and says it all the time. When she gives me a smooch and says it, I repeat "thank YOU! Then we giggle...) Those are a few of my good teachings.
On occasion I have slipped a naughty word and heard it echoed. Dang it! I really have to do better about that.
Being a righteous example takes effort. It takes introspection. Choosing the right isn't always easy, but it is always worth it.
Friday, December 5, 2008
"Walk" Day 4 Thoughts (and Day 3-Part 2)
Boy am I glad that Heavenly Father will be our judge. We are just not cut out for that type of authority, yet. In my limited mind I sometimes judge forgiveness relative to the amount of suffering I endure. My sin was X grievous, so now I must feel Y amount of guilt in order to equal repentance. Why do I put myself through that? As if the sin isn't heavy enough, why not add a ton of guilt? Satan is a very crafty guy. He has made an art form out of tempting into sin (often in such a subtle way that we believe they are our own thoughts) and once he has tricked us....bring on the wallowing! Even when we wise up and feel like asking for help and forgiveness, he interjects and tells us things like: "What's the use...you'll do it again. You can handle this on your own. Changing this will be too hard. It's harmless, not that big of a deal as far as wrong goes." Yada, yada, yada...you get the point.
Jeff taught me something I'll never forget. I had been feeling really overwhelmed by everything... felt like I had accumulated so much sin (mostly of the omission variety) that to turn around and dig my way out of the whole seemed impossible. I felt like to find any relief there would be strings attached. I would have to do SO many good things before I could begin to feel better. That would take FOREVER! He showed me a verse in Alma that gave me comfort and hope.
"Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you." -Alma 34:31
Are you kidding me? Are you sure I don't have to suffer and feel guilty until I am old and grey?
Heavenly Father loves us. Christ atoned for our sins because He loves us. He felt every painful feeling we have ever endured. He knows how we feel. We are not alone. (And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. - Alma 7:11-12)
So, "do [I] understand what Christ did for me? Do I comprehend the great love He has for me?" The answer is yes and no. Yes, I know what He did for me and that he loves me. No, I cannot pretend to comprehend the complexity or depth of it all. I hope to one day. For now, it feels good to simply know that I am loved.
Jeff taught me something I'll never forget. I had been feeling really overwhelmed by everything... felt like I had accumulated so much sin (mostly of the omission variety) that to turn around and dig my way out of the whole seemed impossible. I felt like to find any relief there would be strings attached. I would have to do SO many good things before I could begin to feel better. That would take FOREVER! He showed me a verse in Alma that gave me comfort and hope.
"Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you." -Alma 34:31
Are you kidding me? Are you sure I don't have to suffer and feel guilty until I am old and grey?
Heavenly Father loves us. Christ atoned for our sins because He loves us. He felt every painful feeling we have ever endured. He knows how we feel. We are not alone. (And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. - Alma 7:11-12)
So, "do [I] understand what Christ did for me? Do I comprehend the great love He has for me?" The answer is yes and no. Yes, I know what He did for me and that he loves me. No, I cannot pretend to comprehend the complexity or depth of it all. I hope to one day. For now, it feels good to simply know that I am loved.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
"Walk" Day 3 - Part 1
I need to repent. I made poor choices today and instead of using the time when Grace was napping to study, I became enthralled in the On Demand function of our cable. This is a relatively new service offered and Jeff and I have hit the mother load. Today was just one of those days when I didn't want to do much of ANYTHING. I should have stopped and evaluated the "good, better, and best" choices of how to spend my time. I did however put together the craft we did for Young Women tonight...that's gotta count for somethin'? I'll ask for forgiveness and tomorrow I'll do better!
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