"Spiritual submissiveness is not accomplished in an instant, but by the incremental improvements and by the successive use of stepping-stones. Stepping stones are meant to be taken one at a time anyway. Eventually our wills can be 'swallowedup in the will of the Father' as we are 'willing to submit...even as a child doth submit to his father' (Mosiah 15:7; 3:19). Otherwise, though striving, we will continue to feel the world's prop wash and be partially diverted."
Neal A. Maxwell
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A quote from Pres. Ezra taft Benson
This quote has been a great source of strength for me. It reminds me to strive to be worthy of the Holy Ghost, that God can make more out of me than I can, and to keep fighting the good fight.
“Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can:
◈ deepen their joys,
◈ expand their vision,
◈ quicken their mind
◈ strengthen their muscles
◈ lift their spirits
◈ multiply their blessings
◈ increase their opportunities
◈ comfort their souls
◈ raise up friends
◈ pour out peace
Whoever will lose out his life in the service of God will find eternal life.”
“Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can:
◈ deepen their joys,
◈ expand their vision,
◈ quicken their mind
◈ strengthen their muscles
◈ lift their spirits
◈ multiply their blessings
◈ increase their opportunities
◈ comfort their souls
◈ raise up friends
◈ pour out peace
Whoever will lose out his life in the service of God will find eternal life.”
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Plans that go all amuck and reveal new obstacles
This morning I was contemplating all that I am juggling on my plate, knowing it is only through divine intervention that I will be able to accomplish it all. I just kept thinking that things will be tough, but doable and I just have to keep plowing through and everything will work out.
Of course that was before finding out about the problems registering for 17 credits of math classes at Golden West College next semester, which i thought would be a snap, only to find out the hoops I have to jump through to make it a possibility. I needs these classes to move over on the pay scale to make up for the pay cuts i have and continue to endure this year. I cannot and will not give up. God gave me a brain and I am going to use it to the best of my ability. I am going to exhaust all my resources to make it happen, and supplicate to my God for the miracles I need right now to make all this happen.
Not only did I find out about the difficulty registering, but I come to find out sweet little Suzy Q was the most likely culprit of wetting my new roommates bed. Great. And she is frustrated, with a capital F! Yes, good ol' Suzy is stubborn and does not like the cold wet grass, and we have been blessed with lots and lots of rain as of late. Oh dear, now I have a frustrated new roommate, a potentially crazy schedule, a stubborn little dog who doesn't want to go potty on the cold wet grass on her own. I just hope I don't have to walk on egg shells in this new place I am living.
When it rains it pours.
I got a call from my good friend Rebecca who just gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She told me all about the delivery, and I was shocked to find out she had to have an emergency C-section. Wow. I did not see that coming, but I guess neither did she. I know that she was working on hyono-birthing her whole pregancy, and was planning on delivering sans drugs or epidural. Well, she got the drugs, and the epidural, and definately a c-section. Nothing as she planned, but she is just grateful that her son is healthy and happy. I know that Rebecca is a planner, major Red-Blue planner, but this is a big start in the un-planned and rolling with the punches with a grateful heart.
It reminds me that I am not the only one to go through upset plans, or craziness. I never thought i was, but it is nice to share the struggles friends endure. It doesn't seem so lonely then.
I am grateful for friends who call at the exact right moment. I was feeling so bad about Suzy wetting my roomie's bed and feeling overwhelmed at getting these classes taken. I was really down. It made such a difference to talk to a good friend and share her joy of her newborn son, and that she thought of me to call so soon after such a life enriching event, and then listening to my struggles and trials and worries from today. What a heaven sent blessing.
I love my friends.
Of course that was before finding out about the problems registering for 17 credits of math classes at Golden West College next semester, which i thought would be a snap, only to find out the hoops I have to jump through to make it a possibility. I needs these classes to move over on the pay scale to make up for the pay cuts i have and continue to endure this year. I cannot and will not give up. God gave me a brain and I am going to use it to the best of my ability. I am going to exhaust all my resources to make it happen, and supplicate to my God for the miracles I need right now to make all this happen.
Not only did I find out about the difficulty registering, but I come to find out sweet little Suzy Q was the most likely culprit of wetting my new roommates bed. Great. And she is frustrated, with a capital F! Yes, good ol' Suzy is stubborn and does not like the cold wet grass, and we have been blessed with lots and lots of rain as of late. Oh dear, now I have a frustrated new roommate, a potentially crazy schedule, a stubborn little dog who doesn't want to go potty on the cold wet grass on her own. I just hope I don't have to walk on egg shells in this new place I am living.
When it rains it pours.
I got a call from my good friend Rebecca who just gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She told me all about the delivery, and I was shocked to find out she had to have an emergency C-section. Wow. I did not see that coming, but I guess neither did she. I know that she was working on hyono-birthing her whole pregancy, and was planning on delivering sans drugs or epidural. Well, she got the drugs, and the epidural, and definately a c-section. Nothing as she planned, but she is just grateful that her son is healthy and happy. I know that Rebecca is a planner, major Red-Blue planner, but this is a big start in the un-planned and rolling with the punches with a grateful heart.
It reminds me that I am not the only one to go through upset plans, or craziness. I never thought i was, but it is nice to share the struggles friends endure. It doesn't seem so lonely then.
I am grateful for friends who call at the exact right moment. I was feeling so bad about Suzy wetting my roomie's bed and feeling overwhelmed at getting these classes taken. I was really down. It made such a difference to talk to a good friend and share her joy of her newborn son, and that she thought of me to call so soon after such a life enriching event, and then listening to my struggles and trials and worries from today. What a heaven sent blessing.
I love my friends.
The passing of a servant of God, Elder Jeseph B. Wirthlin
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died last night, December 2, 2008, age 91.
Elder Wirthlin had gone to bed at his Salt Lake City home, and died peacefully at about 11:30 pm of causes incident to age. His oldest daughter, Jane Wirthlin Parker, was present. A member of the family had been staying and caring for Elder Wirthlin, whose wife, Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, died in 2006.
He had continued to work at his office right up until the Thanksgiving holiday.
Elder Wirthlin had gone to bed at his Salt Lake City home, and died peacefully at about 11:30 pm of causes incident to age. His oldest daughter, Jane Wirthlin Parker, was present. A member of the family had been staying and caring for Elder Wirthlin, whose wife, Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, died in 2006.
He had continued to work at his office right up until the Thanksgiving holiday.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God
Do you ever just catch yourself dreaming or imagining what life would be like married and a few little tots running around?
I do.
Maybe its my age, or the fact that that age keeps on changing but life seems to stay about the same, except for the details like what you eat for dinner, who you talked to, what you did over the weekend.
I remember when I was a younger version of me, I just took for granted that kids followed marriage and alla that stuff that gets you there, but I never really thought about the life that comes with kids. Heck, I think I took marriage for granted too.
Now I find myself dreaming of running on errands, dressing little bodies, cleaning little fingures and toes, going to the park, being more tired and frusterated and scared but oh so happy that my efforts would produce little giggles and little curious souls. I imagine family trips, holding hands with the love of my life and the father of my little ones while the childrens see things I take for granted for the first time, making it new for me.
This is what I look forward to. This is what I find myself dreaming about or imagining.
Yes, I know it will be harder than I can imagine, and it will be more joyous than I can imagine...and nothing can really prepare you for it.
I just look forward to this.
I am constantly told to hang in there. I don't feel desprate in any way shape or form because I want to be in the right relationship with the right person at the right time; it seems so cliche. I already tasted what an unhappy marriage is, and thankfully that ended 7 yrs ago, but I also tasted what it is like to start sharing a life with someone. I am sure I will look back one day and see that this whole time was necessary, but I have to say that if it were my will I would not choose to be single. BUT, at the same time it is my will to be in the right situation for time and all eternity this time, and I know this is God's will too...I guess it will just take longer that's all.
I am gratefull for this time to do things and have the freedom that singlehood gives me. I do, however, still feel the ache for a husband and a family. I know these are righteous desires, and I know I have a loving Heavenly Father that allows each of us to taste of the bitter to better savour the exquisite nature of the sweet, no matter how un-fun it is at the time. I also know that I will continue to feel this ache and desire until it does come to pass. I accept that, I may not like it, but I accept it. This is part of why we all chose the great Plan of Salvation and to experience the tests and trials of this life.
God's ways are not my ways. I have no idea what the BIG picture is. I know I am not God's only child and thus I know my experiences will not only benefit me, but other's. I also know that there is a refiner's fire at work not only in my life, but in the life of the one God is preparing for me, that our children may be more fully blessed. I am utterly grateful for that.
I have a strong testimony of marriage. I have said it many times before, but I think that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God because there is no other place that we can develope Christ like attributes anywhere else. No wonder we are told neither a man is not complete without a woman and a woman is not complete without a man. Marriage takes work, sacrifice, selflessness, forgiveness, meekness, love, charity, long suffering, patience...and when any of those attributes are missing the marriage will begin to unravel, and unless both are striving to develope those attributes, the marriage will not reach its eternal potential, and neither will each partner.
Not only do we develope these qualities for ourselves, for our marriages, but also our children. Yes, others around us, but I would venture to say that there is no greater impact on one's life, and one's salvation that that of the family and children.
There are no guarantees in life except one: the Atonement is enough. No matter what happends. Too often I hear divorcees in the church complain that they did it right. They were worthy. Sought out a worthy parther. Got sealed in the temple. And now they are divorced, perhaps with children. Some get angry at God, and feel they deserved better or use it as a justification to fornicate or what ever else they get themselves into. There is one eternal principal they are forgetting. Free Agency! We all have our free agency. We knew that choosing God's plan. We knew how wonderful things could be if every one chose righteously. We also knew that not everyone would, and that we might suffer because of other's choices. There are no victims in this world. We all made a choice before we came. But, as I said before, the Atonement is enough, no matter what happens. All we can do is choose to live righteously and seek for progression, and we will be blessed.
I know this to be true with all of my being.
I look forward to being a wife, and a mother. I know it will happen, and I choose God's will this time.
I rejoice in friends who have found a worthy eternal companion and are now starting a family. I love seeing people I've met getting married like Dan and Jaime, Rebecca and Bryce, Ana and Allen, Roman and his wife (sorry I forgot). I love seeing good men I have known like Mike to meet Bethany who was prepared to love him and he her. I love it. It makes me happy. These are such good examples to me and their diligence in finding their eternal companion, and in nurturing their marriage.
Marriage is a miracle. A blessing from God.
I wish it for everyone. I know it will happen with faith and patience. I also know that if we are not willing to follow God will, as tough as it may seem right now, it will be a tougher lesson if we choose our own will over His.
I do.
Maybe its my age, or the fact that that age keeps on changing but life seems to stay about the same, except for the details like what you eat for dinner, who you talked to, what you did over the weekend.
I remember when I was a younger version of me, I just took for granted that kids followed marriage and alla that stuff that gets you there, but I never really thought about the life that comes with kids. Heck, I think I took marriage for granted too.
Now I find myself dreaming of running on errands, dressing little bodies, cleaning little fingures and toes, going to the park, being more tired and frusterated and scared but oh so happy that my efforts would produce little giggles and little curious souls. I imagine family trips, holding hands with the love of my life and the father of my little ones while the childrens see things I take for granted for the first time, making it new for me.
This is what I look forward to. This is what I find myself dreaming about or imagining.
Yes, I know it will be harder than I can imagine, and it will be more joyous than I can imagine...and nothing can really prepare you for it.
I just look forward to this.
I am constantly told to hang in there. I don't feel desprate in any way shape or form because I want to be in the right relationship with the right person at the right time; it seems so cliche. I already tasted what an unhappy marriage is, and thankfully that ended 7 yrs ago, but I also tasted what it is like to start sharing a life with someone. I am sure I will look back one day and see that this whole time was necessary, but I have to say that if it were my will I would not choose to be single. BUT, at the same time it is my will to be in the right situation for time and all eternity this time, and I know this is God's will too...I guess it will just take longer that's all.
I am gratefull for this time to do things and have the freedom that singlehood gives me. I do, however, still feel the ache for a husband and a family. I know these are righteous desires, and I know I have a loving Heavenly Father that allows each of us to taste of the bitter to better savour the exquisite nature of the sweet, no matter how un-fun it is at the time. I also know that I will continue to feel this ache and desire until it does come to pass. I accept that, I may not like it, but I accept it. This is part of why we all chose the great Plan of Salvation and to experience the tests and trials of this life.
God's ways are not my ways. I have no idea what the BIG picture is. I know I am not God's only child and thus I know my experiences will not only benefit me, but other's. I also know that there is a refiner's fire at work not only in my life, but in the life of the one God is preparing for me, that our children may be more fully blessed. I am utterly grateful for that.
I have a strong testimony of marriage. I have said it many times before, but I think that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God because there is no other place that we can develope Christ like attributes anywhere else. No wonder we are told neither a man is not complete without a woman and a woman is not complete without a man. Marriage takes work, sacrifice, selflessness, forgiveness, meekness, love, charity, long suffering, patience...and when any of those attributes are missing the marriage will begin to unravel, and unless both are striving to develope those attributes, the marriage will not reach its eternal potential, and neither will each partner.
Not only do we develope these qualities for ourselves, for our marriages, but also our children. Yes, others around us, but I would venture to say that there is no greater impact on one's life, and one's salvation that that of the family and children.
There are no guarantees in life except one: the Atonement is enough. No matter what happends. Too often I hear divorcees in the church complain that they did it right. They were worthy. Sought out a worthy parther. Got sealed in the temple. And now they are divorced, perhaps with children. Some get angry at God, and feel they deserved better or use it as a justification to fornicate or what ever else they get themselves into. There is one eternal principal they are forgetting. Free Agency! We all have our free agency. We knew that choosing God's plan. We knew how wonderful things could be if every one chose righteously. We also knew that not everyone would, and that we might suffer because of other's choices. There are no victims in this world. We all made a choice before we came. But, as I said before, the Atonement is enough, no matter what happens. All we can do is choose to live righteously and seek for progression, and we will be blessed.
I know this to be true with all of my being.
I look forward to being a wife, and a mother. I know it will happen, and I choose God's will this time.
I rejoice in friends who have found a worthy eternal companion and are now starting a family. I love seeing people I've met getting married like Dan and Jaime, Rebecca and Bryce, Ana and Allen, Roman and his wife (sorry I forgot). I love seeing good men I have known like Mike to meet Bethany who was prepared to love him and he her. I love it. It makes me happy. These are such good examples to me and their diligence in finding their eternal companion, and in nurturing their marriage.
Marriage is a miracle. A blessing from God.
I wish it for everyone. I know it will happen with faith and patience. I also know that if we are not willing to follow God will, as tough as it may seem right now, it will be a tougher lesson if we choose our own will over His.
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