Gratitude

I have had a busy, busy last couple of weeks. Slowing down to focus on my blog has been difficult so I tried to figure out why. I think it has more to do with really dealing with what has been going on and less with finding the time. I have spent several days in California with my parents as my dad has been dealing with heart problems and health issues. I think it is at these times when our reality is shaken and what we know to have always been and is shaken that I struggle to stay on task and focus on anything other than the life issue. We are a week from Thanksgiving and this has really had me thinking about what I am grateful for and am I truly showing my gratitude for these things. I chose to spend time in prayer determining if I knew what I am thankful for and do I realize how important these things are.

It saddens me that sometimes critical events are what bring focus to us on what is most important. My family, my parents and siblings, are not the center focus in my life very often anymore. As I have gotten married and had children that focus has really shifted. We get busy with our lives and drift apart. My children are now at places in their lives where they will begin to experience this and I have wondered if I am prepared to experience this at this time. It’s not as though I can say, “I'm not ready”, and then it doesn’t happen. So, I am as ready as I can be and we will see. 

Image retrieved from the glorious and lovely pinterest

The importance of gratitude...

I have been studying like crazy and have conquered the storm of mid-terms well. I was surprised at how well things went but then I thought about how many times I have prayed for help or guidance or to just be able to finish what I have started. I know these things have not happened because I have done something spectacular. They have happened because I have prayed, prayed and prayed some more. I have done all I can and then have asked for guidance getting through this ordeal of school. I love what I am doing and I know that there are great blessings for me and my family as I strive to do all that I need to do to finish this choice of school that I have made. I know that every time I turn to the Lord whether it’s for guidance in a decision, making a choice about a class or giving thanks for the help I have received, I know my prayers are heard and I know that is how I am getting through this trying time. It is very important that we give credit where it is due. I am grateful for my family and all of the support they are giving me as I have made it half way through my first of many semesters. They have done everything from laundry to cooking to anything I think to ask for help with. WE have made it through the first half of the first semester. Thank you!!

I recently came across a beautiful talk by President Monson entitled, “The Divine Gift of Gratitude” from October 2010. There is an incredible quote that reads, “My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.” It is so easy to drop to our knees and ask for help in times of crisis but we MUST also remember to give thanks for all that we are given. This is an incredible article and I would urge everyone to read it.

Here is a link to the article:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-divine-gift-of-gratitude?lang=eng

Making The Right Choice

I have sat down several times and typed up several posts. I wanted to be sure to start in a perfect place, I wanted to have my words perfect. I have decided it doesn't matter so much where you start on the path, it matters that you are on the path and headed in the right direction.

Recently I read an article by Dallin H Oaks, titled "No Other Gods" and "As He thinketh". There were several points in this particular article that really stood out to me to help me know where my focus in life should be. We should be aware of the God we serve and be aware of things like power, material possessions, careers, politics and family traditions. These things are but a few things that can get in our way of being on the right path. These things can keep us from worshiping in the manner God truly wants us to. The article goes on to remind us of the ultimate treasure that is placed for us - "marriage and the bearing and nurturing of children as part of God's plan". How often do we feel that we "need" something that later is tossed by the wayside. We need to remember why we are here on this earth and focus on who/what we worship and is our family getting our attention, not just have some of our attention but our undivided attention.

 I find myself in a place in my life where my time raising my children is nearing its end. My girls are beginning to find their path in life and begin to take that path with their significant other. I take some pride in watching their choices when they are what they have been taught at home, I cringe a little when they veer off the path in a direction I don't agree with. I find myself hoping and praying that they will hear me whispering in their ear the best choice when they come to a fork in the road. In this same article, President Thomas S Monson reminds us, "Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, bu as the determination to live decently." It is not always an easy path to take the right path, but it is always worth it.

Here is a link to this article: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/no-other-gods?lang=eng