Gratitude for Myself

 

I recently had a fun assignment to do for a class called "mind mapping."  You make a symbol in the middle of a piece of paper that has to do with your life and you write words and draw pictures of things to go along with your life right now branching off of it.  It's a good way to work with both sides of your brain, the logical side and artistic side. :) 

Anyway, I first started out by drawing a symbol of music.  That was something I have really loved to do for most of my life, but I realized that that is not me right now.  So I changed it to another aspect of my life.  The point to this story is that I realized something important.  I realized that I am starting to understand who I am.

Let me explain, so a while ago I learned about this system called Energy Profiling or Dressing Your Truth.  At first I was skeptical and wasn't so sure about it, but I found myself beginning to understand more and feel better about myself as I learned more.  So I continued exploring.  It came to the point where I couldn't stop learning and finally got the actual course so I could learn more.

In my journey with DYT I have recognized that I have hidden so much of myself from myself.  I have convinced myself of things that I wanted to be rather than who I was and not being true to myself.  As we were driving in our car on our way home one night, it finally clicked.  Yes, I have a great love for music and for a long time I thought, "this is who I am."  But in reality it's not.  Music is a big part of me, but my love and passion is for people.  It's hard to explain, but on that drive home I recognized that I am starting to really understand who I am.  My true self is finally coming out.  I am finally putting the pieces together and understanding who I want to be in my life. 

Satan doesn't want us to feel good about ourselves or understand who we are. We have great talents and gifts to offer and as we grow and develop those talents and gifts we are able to do so much good.  But the adversary tries to keep us from learning and growing by telling us that we aren't good enough and discouraging us from learning and progressing.   That is why we probably spend so much of our time trying to figure out who we are. 

I watched a video just recently talking about women  and how we are trained to put ourselves down when we receive a compliment.  What would happen if you decided to change that thinking and just say thank you?  I loved this video, because it helped me to realize, that I should be grateful for my beauty, and for my gifts as well as be grateful for the beauty and gifts of others. We always look at others and compare ourselves, but we should take a moment to remember to be grateful for ourselves and for our abilities and our beauty.

Love yourself, accept yourself, because you are beautiful inside and out!



This is the video I mentioned if you are curious. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-BPVgKUVYA

I Am Thankful

We have made some big decisions in the last few months that I wanted to share with you.  We
decided back in August that we were going to be moving to Guatemala for a year.  My brother-in-law is building a hotel there and is in need of a lot of help.  We had no idea that this was what we would be doing.  In fact we had no intention of going. We thought we had it all figured out.  But one day, the subject of Guatemala came up in casual conversation and we both felt that it was right for us to go. Since we've made that decision, we have had many trials or "adventures," (as we've started calling them).  They just keep coming. 

I've been really having a hard time with the idea of moving to a country that I know nothing about.  I don't know much about the culture or the people or the language and just to make a long story short, there is a lot of anxiety that has come with it.  It doesn't help that there is so much negativity about us moving from people around us. We've had a lot of people tell us what to do and what we need to be careful of, etc., etc. I understand the worry and fear that they may have, we have them too. Trust me! But it's an opportunity that we feel is worth while and will be for the best.  It's a leap of faith that we are taking and instead of negativity, though I know there will still be some, a person can't just run on that a lone, there needs to be a little encouragement.

I was thinking today about all of these things on my way home from the grocery store.  I broke down crying in my car, just wishing and hoping for some encouragement especially from those that I love.  Then I had a thought, I decided I needed to look at all of these things that have been weighing me down in a different light and find those things that I can be thankful for in it all. 

1.  I'm thankful for my trials! 

          Why?  It may sound silly, but it's true.  I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't have to go through challenges.  Those challenges are what make us better.  They make us stronger.  This challenge of feeling lonely and unsure and needing encouragement is a trial, but a great one.  It's one that will help me gain certain skills and abilities that I never thought possible.  It is one step to becoming more like my Father in Heaven. 

2.  I'm thankful for my Journal. 

          Being able to share my thoughts and achievements in my little book has  been a great motivator and a great stress reliever for me.  I love to write.  I only hope that future generations read these journals/blog with an open mind. ;)


3.  I am grateful to be where I am right now. 
        
          It would be easy to give up after learning about moving so far away and say, "well I'm not going to be here much longer so why continue trying."  Despite everything going on, I try to serve faithfully in my callings, and will do so until we go.  I'm thankful for the friends I have made here, for the callings I have, for my ward, my home, for the furniture we have.  I am grateful just to be here to serve and love the people around me until it's time for me to move on.

4.  I am grateful for a home. 

        It's really hard right now with us having to sell most of our things.  The other day we sold our couch.  I can't tell you how hard that was for me.  I never thought I would ever have grown an attachment to such an object, but it's hard.  That night after it was gone, I sat in the living room just thinking.  I thought about the early saints and how they were driven from their homes and had to leave everything behind.  It might sound crazy, but that's how I feel right now with all the trials we've been facing.  I feel like I am a pioneer.  It started from the moment we decided to move. Those saints had a lot to worry about and probably knew far less than what I know now.  They were going off of faith and what they knew was right.  It's a blessing to have a home no matter how much we have in it right now.  It's a blessing to be here.

5.  I'm thankful for a loving Husband and Daughter.

       Everyday as I am looking at all the struggles and things we have to worry about, these are the two most important people in my life.  I draw great strength from them.  Travis always reminds me that this too shall pass.  That we will be okay and as long as we are doing our best and all we can, the lord with help us with the rest.  He always knows how to cheer me up.

 Little Emree, well she has always been our strength.  She has been our miracle baby.  She has been a really easy baby and I believe it's because of these adventures we have had to face.  She reminds me of what is most important.  My family is a great blessing!

6.  I'm grateful to be in school.

       I've learned a lot this semester. It has been a great blessing to be able to move forward and learn alongside my husband and daughter.   We've been so blessed! I am loving learning every single day. 

7.  I'm thankful for a car.

         Yes, our car is not the greatest car in the world.  We often times call it "the rolling trash can," but it gets us around and that's all we can ask for. :)

8.  I'm thankful for my sister Nicole.
 
           I've prayed and prayed for quite some time to have a good friend to talk to. I finally realized while I was in search of someone to come to me, that my friend was already there.  She has really helped me through some tough times whether she knows it or not.  Just being able to talk to her and have her listen and understand me, is exactly what I have needed. 

9.  I'm thankful for the Book of Mormon. 

         It has been a great comfort to me when I really have felt down.  I have learned some great lessons and some great blessings have come from that wonderful book. 

10.  I am thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who let's things happen to me to help me grow.

          I know he loves me so very much.  I often am reminded of his love through the tender mercies he shares with me each day.  It's taken a lot of faith for me and my husband to make these decisions and with that faith, the lord has shown us many great tender mercies even when we make mistakes. 


These are just a few of the many things that I am thankful for and trust me there are many.

I challenge you to look at the many blessings in your life as you go about your day and through all of your "adventures!" :)

Otherwise Ye Could Not Abound

School has started up and there is already work to be done. Schedules are crammed full of things to do. Dirty dishes are starting to pile up and the stresses of life are just beginning to set in.  But through it all I've had many thoughts throughout this week, but one in particular has meant so much to me.

My family has seen me as a musician for a long time and I don't think they quite grasp the idea of me changing my goals and moving on with something new.  Stress management is my goal. Why is this my goal? Why I am studying to be a stress management consultant? Where is this headed?

 I love people and I want to help in any way that I can and for me, the lord has shown me that this is what I have a passion for and how I can do that is by working towards this goal. I can honestly say that I don't know where this path is going to lead me, but I know who is guiding me in every step.

Yesterday I was reading in D&C 88:49-50 it says:

"The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him.

Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise ye could not abound."

As I read this scripture I thought about my life and what I have accomplished. Why have I accomplished the things that I have? Because the lord has been with me every step of the way.  Without the lord and that understanding that the lord is in all things, including me and I am in him, I would not be able to become what he wants me to become. I would not be able to reach my full potential. To be everything I can be.

For me this is what the lord is saying when he says "then shall ye know that ye have seen me... and that I am the true light that is in you... otherwise ye could not abound."

My family and I have made many big decisions recently and I know without a doubt in my mind that the lord is leading us where we need to go and he will take care of us.  And so it is with my stress management goals. I know that this is what I need to be doing and the lord is helping me accomplish my goals as I pray to him and keep him uppermost in my mind always.

Fear vs. Faith

Last weekend I had the opportunity to see Glenn Beck's production "Man in the Moon." It was a show that really impacted me! Recently, I have felt a lot of worry and stress in my life about the future and what will happen to us as a country and a people. From things shown on Facebook to hearing stories and things from neighbors and family, I found myself fearing. I knew that everything would alright in the back of my mind, but that fear remained, until that night. I felt peace and comfort. I was reminded that as long I am doing what is right and following what the lord asks of me, that I have no need to fear. Fear does not come from God and the only way to replace that fear is through faith. All I need to do is put that faith and trust in him and he will lead me through, he will lead us through.  President Thomas S. Monson puts it perfectly in his message for July:

For many, the pioneer trek of 1847 didn’t begin at Nauvoo, Kirtland, Far West, or New York but rather in distant England, Scotland, Scandinavia, or Germany. Tiny children could not fully comprehend the dynamic faith that motivated their parents to leave behind family, friends, comfort, and security.

A little one might ask, “Mommy, why are we leaving home? Where are we going?”

“Come along, precious one; we’re going to Zion, the city of our God.”

Between the safety of home and the promise of Zion stood the angry and treacherous waters of the mighty Atlantic. Who can recount the fear that gripped the human heart during those perilous crossings? Prompted by the silent whisperings of the Spirit, sustained by a simple yet abiding faith, those pioneer Saints trusted in God and set sail on their journey.

They finally reached Nauvoo only to set out again to face hardships on the trail. Tombstones of sage and rock marked graves the entire route from Nauvoo to Salt Lake City. Such was the price some pioneers paid. Their bodies are buried in peace, but their names live on evermore.

Tired oxen lumbered, wagon wheels squeaked, brave men toiled, war drums sounded, and coyotes howled. But the faith-inspired and storm-driven pioneers pressed on. Often they sang:

Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way.

Though hard to you this journey may appear,

Grace shall be as your day. …

All is well! All is well!¹

These pioneers remembered the words of the Lord: “My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion.”²

The passage of time dims our memories and diminishes our appreciation for those who walked the path of pain, leaving behind a tear-marked trail of nameless graves. But what of today’s challenges? Are there no rocky roads to travel, no rugged mountains to climb, no chasms to cross, no trails to blaze, no rivers to ford? Or is there a very present need for that pioneer spirit to guide us away from the dangers that threaten to engulf us and to lead us to a Zion of safety?

In the decades since the end of World War II, standards of morality have lowered again and again. Crime spirals upward; decency careens downward. Many are on a giant roller coaster of disaster, seeking the thrills of the moment while sacrificing the joys of eternity. Thus we forfeit peace.

We forget how the Greeks and Romans prevailed magnificently in a barbaric world and how that triumph ended—how a slackness and softness finally overcame them to their ruin. In the end, more than they wanted freedom, they wanted security and a comfortable life; and they lost all—comfort and security and freedom.

Do not yield to Satan’s enticements; rather, stand firm for truth. The unsatisfied yearnings of the soul will not be met by a never-ending quest for joy amidst the thrills of sensation and vice. Vice never leads to virtue. Hate never promotes love. Cowardice never gives courage. Doubt never inspires faith.

Some find it difficult to withstand the mockings and unsavory remarks of foolish ones who ridicule chastity, honesty, and obedience to God’s commands. But the world has ever belittled adherence to principle. When Noah was instructed to build an ark, the foolish populace looked at the cloudless sky and then scoffed and jeered—until the rain came.

Must we learn such costly lessons over and over again? Times change, but truth persists. When we fail to profit from the experiences of the past, we are doomed to repeat them with all their heartache, suffering, and anguish. Haven’t we the wisdom to obey Him who knows the beginning from the end—our Lord, who designed the plan of salvation—rather than that serpent, who despised its beauty?

A dictionary defines a pioneer as “one who goes before to prepare or open up the way for others to follow.”³ Can we somehow muster the courage and steadfastness of purpose that characterized the pioneers of a former generation? Can you and I, in actual fact, be pioneers?

I know we can be. Oh, how the world needs pioneers today!

I hope that we can always keep this message in our hearts and minds, always remembering that we are strong and that this is the way that we defend our freedoms, through faith and trust in the Lord and following and obeying his word.  We have a light within each of us which is the light of Chirst.  We have the power to strengthen one another and help each other come to know him. We are brothers and sisters. We are children of God. 

Happy Independence Day!

"When we safe guard the heavenly virtue of freedom, when we honor it, when we protect it, we will walk with washington, we will pray with patriots, and we shall peace on earth, good will to men." 

-Thomas S. Monson

May we never forget those who fought for the freedoms we have today and may we rise up and continue to defend our country despite the trials we may face! God Bless America! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q65KZIqay4E

Building Up

Glenn Beck shared a powerful video this week that I hope all of you will take the time to watch. He has lost his voice due to paralyzed vocal chords and has shared some inspirational words through his silence.

http://now.msn.com/glenn-beck-loses-voice-makes-tearful-announcement#scpshrjwfbs


Something I really liked about what he says in this video is that when you begin to change and to grow the people around you don't like it and begin to bash on you for trying to better yourself. I have always wondered why that is? Why would anyone want to criticize someone for trying to become a better person, to become more like Christ?

Satan seems to think he can bombard our minds with thoughts that bring anger, confusion,  hold grudges, jealousy, etc.  If we let him he will cause us to feel feelings towards even our closest friends and loved ones to tear us a part and to keep us from lifting one another.

I've noticed this same pattern in my life, the more I try to become like Christ the more people, even my closest family, seeks to tear me down and make themselves feel better. When they see me growing and stating my own opinion, trying to be better, they feel they have to defend themselves. What kind of happiness does that bring...NONE! It only brings tension. We are all striving to become better. We all have changes and goals we are trying to reach. So why not help each other and cheer on one another.

Glenn Beck has found his path and has decided to make a change in his life that will bring him great joy as he continues to do so despite what others think. I am reminded often of how Christ was treated throughout his life. He was perfect and did everything he could to serve and to love and yet he too was bombarded with people trying to tear him down. I'm sure there were many nights or days when Christ took time to be a lone so he could get away from the persecution thrown at him.

We shouldn't tear others apart because of the changes they are determined to make and will make. You can make changes too! If you strive to build others up, you will find that they in turn will build you up.

Loving Yourself

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?...The temple of God is holy, which temple are ye?"
 1Corinthians 3:16-17

Each of us has the spirit of God within us. Our bodies are a temple, a temple that we are to take care of. If we defile it in any way we are not able to have the holy ghost with us always. Imagine that you were inside a beautiful temple. Ready to serve and ready to grow. Think of that feeling of cleanliness and peace. That is how are bodies need to be. We need to fill our minds with good...more good then bad. The more good we fill inside of us, the more we grow and the happier we become. Something really important in keeping a clean body is taking care of the outside of our bodies.

In today's world we see women dressed in bikini's walking around almost naked on the beach, women wearing short shorts that barely cover the butt, women with cleavage pouring out, etc.(I think you get the idea.) When we dress immodestly showing off our bodies to the world we are telling people that we do not respect ourselves. We don't care if someone thinks of us as a toy to play with. We don't care that we are setting ourselves up to get a man who only lusts after us rather then being loved. It's too hard to look around for something that will be modest. We are telling the world that we are not important. We don't have values and we absolutely don't have any standards.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtzIcz7MOkc&feature=youtu.be

Now, I know what you are thinking. It's not fair to judge everyone who dresses immodestly...that's not their intention. But that is exactly my point. You may not see yourself as trying to receive attention and such, but take a minute to think about it. Wouldn't you want to feel like you are in power of yourself? Dressing modestly brings happiness and joy. You are seen as a strong and confident woman when you dress appropriately. You will find that people like to be around you and feel comfortable in your presence.

When you start with just the simplest change in your values you will feel more and more self conscious and unhappy and will begin to think 'where did I go wrong and how can I get back?"

The good news is you can get back! Our Heavenly father did not intend for us to stray forever. There is no line where he says 'no way." That is what the atonement of Jesus Christ is all about. Coming closer to him and becoming like him. We will stray and we will struggle, but the lord will always find a way to lead you back to him...even in your darkest hour!

When you dress modestly you are baring testimony that you respect and honor yourself and your savior. Although you may feel it is hard, it is so worth it to keep your standards and values high!


https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/dress-and-appearance?lang=eng

If We Could See

If you could look inside a persons heart and mind what do you think you would see? We all have trials and things we are struggling with. There are times when I walk down the street and I wonder what the person next to me is thinking about me. While I am out and about running errands, I like to look at the person who seems to be having a hard day and think, what is it that has made their day so bad? They could have just lost a loved one, lost a job, broken a bone or failed a test.
 I'm not perfect, no one is, but each day I try my best to look at everyone in such a way that they feel loved.  It's not fair of us to judge someone, because they are having a bad day, if they are famous and stuck up or just cut you off in traffic.  I ran into a woman this morning who looked tired and ready to go home already and it was only 8:30 in the morning.  What could be going on in her life that makes her so tired of the daily grime?

President Gordon B. Hinckley told of a story of a handcart company in 1856 that I want to share with you. He words what I am thinking perfectly!

I take you back to the general conference of October 1856. On Saturday of that conference Franklin D. Richards and a handful of associates arrived in the valley. They had traveled from Winter Quarters with strong teams and light wagons and had been able to make good time. Brother Richards immediately sought out President Young. He reported that there were hundreds of men, women, and children scattered over the long trail from Scottsbluff to this valley. Most of them were pulling handcarts. They were accompanied by two wagon trains which had been assigned to assist them. They had reached the area of the last crossing of the North Platte River. Ahead of them lay a trail that was uphill all the way to the Continental Divide with many, many miles beyond that. They were in desperate trouble. Winter had come early. Snow-laden winds were howling across the highlands of what is now western Nebraska and Wyoming. Our people were hungry, their carts and their wagons were breaking down, their oxen dying. The people themselves were dying. All of them would perish unless they were rescued.

I think President Young did not sleep that night. I think visions of those destitute, freezing, dying people paraded through his mind.

The next morning he came to the old Tabernacle which stood on this square. He said to the people:

“I will now give this people the subject and the text for the Elders who may speak. … It is this. … Many of our brethren and sisters are on the plains with handcarts, and probably many are now seven hundred miles from this place, and they must be brought here, we must send assistance to them. The text will be, ‘to get them here.’

“That is my religion; that is the dictation of the Holy Ghost that I possess. It is to save the people.

“I shall call upon the Bishops this day. I shall not wait until tomorrow, nor until the next day, for 60 good mule teams and 12 or 15 wagons. I do not want to send oxen. I want good horses and mules. They are in this Territory, and we must have them. Also 12 tons of flour and 40 good teamsters, besides those that drive the teams.

“I will tell you all that your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never save one soul of you in the Celestial Kingdom of our God, unless you carry out just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now on the plains” (in LeRoy R. Hafen and Ann W. Hafen,Handcarts to Zion [1960], 120–21).

That afternoon food, bedding, and clothing in great quantities were assembled by the women.

The next morning, horses were shod and wagons were repaired and loaded.

The following morning, Tuesday, 16 mule teams pulled out and headed eastward. By the end of October there were 250 teams on the road to give relief.

Wonderful sermons have been preached from this pulpit, my brethren and sisters. But none has been more eloquent than that spoken by President Young in those circumstances.

Stories of the beleaguered Saints and of their suffering and death will be repeated again and again next year. Stories of their rescue need to be repeated again and again. They speak of the very essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am grateful that those days of pioneering are behind us. I am thankful that we do not have brethren and sisters stranded in the snow, freezing and dying, while trying to get to this, their Zion in the mountains. But there are people, not a few, whose circumstances are desperate and who cry out for help and relief.

There are so many who are hungry and destitute across this world who need help. I am grateful to be able to say that we are assisting many who are not of our faith but whose needs are serious and whom we have the resources to help. But we need not go so far afield. We have some of our own who cry out in pain and suffering and loneliness and fear. Ours is a great and solemn duty to reach out and help them, to lift them, to feed them if they are hungry, to nurture their spirits if they thirst for truth and righteousness.

There are so many young people who wander aimlessly and walk the tragic trail of drugs, gangs, immorality, and the whole brood of ills that accompany these things. There are widows who long for friendly voices and that spirit of anxious concern which speaks of love. There are those who were once warm in the faith, but whose faith has grown cold. Many of them wish to come back but do not know quite how to do it. They need friendly hands reaching out to them. With a little effort, many of them can be brought back to feast again at the table of the Lord.

Sometimes we just need to set our own ideas and thoughts about people aside and show a little compassion and love towards the person next to us. The next time you find yourself saying "Wow what was that person thinking?" and get upset, take a minute and stop to think "How can I make a difference in this person's life today?"

This video goes along with the thoughts I had today:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=447028668722073

Homeless

As I walk down the streets of downtown Salt Lake City, I see many homeless people on the streets. Many of whom stand on the same corner everyday and ask for money.  I realized that I have grown up with this idea that homeless people are ALL lazy, dirty, smelly people who don't try to make it in life by finding a job.  Once I noticed this, I decided I needed to fix this idea and put it into a different perspective.

 Society has taught us to hate and look down upon people who are different then us. But this is not what the Savior has taught us. He taught us to love one another despite our differences.  We are all unique and we all have trials we are facing. Who are we to judge a person by the way their life "seems" to be.  We have to look under the surface to really see the person they really are.

I am one who notices pretty much everything. I'm an observer and I know when a person is looking down on me. When I was pregnant, I would go shopping in the grocery store and noticed almost everyone looking at my tummy and never at my face. I became self conscience about wearing my wedding ring so that no one would assume I got pregnant out of wedlock. Every where I went I felt like I was being judged. As a pregnant woman you become very self conscious of what others are thinking of you and it just makes you feel worse about yourself.

President Dieter  F. Uchtdorf has said a phrase that has stuck everyday as I see and meet other people. He said : "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you do."
We tend to judge people immediately, whether it is a negative or a positive thought we judge them as we see them.  When I meet someone new or if someone cuts me off on the road or whatever, I try to look at the positive and give them the benefit of the doubt.

For these homeless people more often than not they are people who are struggling emotionally, mentally and physically.  One person may have a disability in which case their family didn't want to take care of them any more and they ended up on the street. In other cases they may have been abused as a teenager and struggling to find a way to learn principles that will help them make it through life.  You never know the circumstance of a person.  It is not our place to judge whether a person is lazy and just won't try in life or not.  Give them the benefit of the doubt. In deciding who to help and who to not I try to listen to the spirit.  If I feel the need to give some money to someone I do it, if not I leave it to fast offerings and tithing.

Yesterday I saw a homeless man with a sign that said "You are beautiful." That put a smile on my face and made me feel so good. Like this man, many homeless people are just looking for love and a friendly smile.   You never know the difference you can make. Share a smile or a friendly wave.  You will brighten someones day...trust me! :)

More Precious Than Rubies

In our world today we are bombarded everywhere we go with people, thoughts, words, Television, Music, etc. who think that all that is important is looks.  I have felt so overwhelmed with the things I see and hear from people about makeup, hair or whatever it is just to make themselves "more beautiful."
I went to California this last week and we went shopping in the outlet mall. The stores were far more expensive then I had ever seen before and I felt so out of place with my simple, non-fancy attire  As I was leaving one of the stores I turned and noticed that the woman right behind me stared me up and down with a look of disgust. In my head I wanted to say to this lady "I'm sorry I don't look like you, but I'm afraid I don't have the money to afford a one hundred dollar T-shirt."
This woman was an example of what each one of us tends to do at some point or another in our lives.  We judge a persons hair style, clothing style, eyes, make up or whatever. With this experience I shied away the rest of the trip from shopping so I wouldn't feel so self conscience of my body shape and style.

I tell myself almost everyday that I am not pretty enough or beautiful enough. But I have officially decided that I have had enough of this idea that I am not beautiful, because of the way I look on the outside.  When feeling that stare of someone behind me looking me up and down judging me for my body type or what I am wearing on the outside I begin to feel so small and insignificant. But then I remember that there is someone whose opinion of me is far more important then the rest of of the world. This person is my Father in Heaven. He loves me and knows me better then anyone and doesn't care so much about the way I look, but rather he cares far more about what I am learning and how I am growing.
 I have great potential and I try to remember that each day through all of my ups and downs. Who cares what others think of me because "I sin differently then they do." Who cares if my clothes don't match at least one day out of the week. Who cares about perfection of the body on the outside, all I need to care about is perfecting myself and becoming more like Christ on the inside. As Elder Holland has said:

"I plead with you young women to please be more accepting of yourselves, including your body shape and style, with a little less longing to look like someone else.  We are all different. Some are tall, and some are short. Some are round, and some are thin...in the Kingdom of God the real you is more precious than rubies."
-Jeffery R. Holland

A Billion Clicks

Have you ever had a day where you were so down on yourself and so negative about anything and everything that day?  I think we all have at one point or another.  We tend to look at ourselves so negatively and when we look at ourselves negatively we look at others negatively as well.  It gets so tiresome to be so negative all the time. Don't you want to be happier with yourself and others and just enjoy life? I know I do!
Hilary Weeks, has started a challenge for the month of May called a Billion Clicks.  This is where we count all the positive thoughts and actions we do or have each day with just one click. Your click could be by using a clicker, a notebook, your phone or whatever just as long as you are counting those positive thoughts everyday. Her story is amazing and I encourage you to take a look:

http://www.billionclicks.org/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7sJfqEf9kw

I believe in positive thinking! It brings joy and happiness rather than darkness.  I have been looking for some way to lighten my thoughts about myself and I think this is just the way to do that. I have gotten myself a clicker and I am on my way. It doesn't matter if you start at the beginning, middle or end of May I know it will make all the difference no matter when you start. I truly believe that taking the time to record your positive thoughts with just one click can make all the difference! It has changed my life so far and I know it will change yours!  So take a minute and start clicking! :)

Zion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVHhcHOj7NI

As sisters in Zion, We'll all work together,

The blessings of God on our labors we'll seek.

We'll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor,

We'll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us and we love him. Yes, we love him.

As sisters in Zion, We'll all work together,

The blessing of God on our labors we'll seek.

As sisters in zion, As daughters of God.

We have been born as Nephi of old to goodly parents who love the Lord.

We have been taught and we understand that we must do as the Lord commands.

We are as the army of Helaman. 

We have been taught in our youth.

We will be the lords missionaries to bring the world his truth. 

As sisters in Zion,

A marked generation,

As children of God.

-EFY Medley "As sisters in Zion/ We'll bring the world his truth"

This song gives me the chills every time I listen or sing it and brings me to tears.  The spirit is so strong every time.  It is a great blessing to know that we are all sisters and that we are to work together to lighten the load of each other.

We are sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven. We are here to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and help others who do not know come to know and love him. We are to help others to come to know of the truthfulness of this gospel and to help them to come to Christ.

We are children of God and no matter our race, our size, shape, beauty, beliefs we are as the army of Helamen and we are to share this light and knowledge with everyone and love everyone!! We are Childern of God...We are sons and daughters of a loving Father who wants us to learn and grow in this life so we can return to him! What an incredible mission we have here to share on this earth! I know these things are true with all of my heart and I hope you can feel the love Heavenly Father has for you through this wonderful song! This Gospel is true there is no doubt in my mind!  Our Savior lives!! 

Youth

 The "For The Strength Of Youth" is not only a set of principles for the youth, but it is a set of principles that we should all live by throughout our whole life.  This is something that has been very important to me ever since I first entered the young womens program. We tend to think that since it says "youth" on the cover, it means that being an adult it doesn't apply anymore.  Why is it any different now that you are an adult then it was when you learned it as a youth?

These principles are here to strengthen all of us beginning when we are a youth and should be a part of us throughout our whole lives. An example of this is Modesty.  I have always made it a point to dress appropriately in such a way that I did not draw negative attention to myself.  It has always been very important to me to dress modestly. In doing so I express respect for myself.  I show that I respect my body and who I am.  Living this principle has blessed me in numerous ways. In living these principles I have been able to make it to the temple and make sacred covenants.

 I want to tell you that I know as we live these principles the lord has asked of us that we will be able to become more like him and someday return home to him. I know that living the principles of the gospel brings happiness to all who will follow them.  I know this church is true and I know my Savior lives!

https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/ForTheStrengthOfYouth-eng.pdf

Xhosa

Xhosa is one of the languages spoken in South Africa. It is a really neat language. Travis, my husband, went on his mission to South Africa and learned a fun tongue twister.  Here is a video of a man from South Africa speaking this tongue twister.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvlN13NH0tc

Travis really loved his mission to this land. It holds a very special place in his heart. He loves the people and he learned so much from these wonderful people! Even though he was white, to Travis he will always be a black man!

Walk Tall

Right Now I have a prayer deep within my heart.
a prayer for each of you there is a special part,
that you remember who you are and he would lives above.
Please seek for him and live his way you'll feel his love.

Walk Tall you're a daughter a child of God.
Be strong please remember who you are.
Try to understand, your part of his great plan.
He's closer then you know, reach up he'll take your hand.

Long Before the time you can remember,
Our father held you in his arms so tender.
Those loving arms released you as he sent you down to earth.
He said my child I love you don't forget your great worth.


Walk Tall you're a daughter a child of God.
Be strong please remember who you are.
Try to understand, your part of his great plan.
He's closer then you know, reach up he'll take your hand.

This life on earth we knew would not be easy.

At times we loose our way his path we may not see.

But please remember always, please that you are not alone.

He'll take your hand he loves you he will guide you home.

Walk Tall you're a daughter a child of God.
Be strong please remember who you are.
Try to understand, your part of his great plan.
He's closer then you know, reach up he'll take your hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHANOO2vq3E

This song holds a very special place in my heart.  Every year at girls camp, when I was in young womens, we would sing this song.  It meant a lot to me then, but now it means so much more.

In listening to this song I remind myself that I am a daughter of a Heavenly who loves me and I love him. I will stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places. I will strive to live the young women values, throughout my whole life, which are Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue. I believe as I accept and act upon these values that I will strengthen home and family, I will keep the sacred convents I have made and received in the temple and I will enjoy the blessings of exaltation. As long as I am doing these things I will receive those blessings.

https://www.lds.org/young-women/personal-progress/young-women-theme?lang=eng

To this day this song means so much to me. I sing it often to myself and to my daughter, because I want us to remember who we are often.  These principles we learn when we are young do not end once we are older. They are true throughout our whole lives.  I hope this song brings meaning to you as much as it has brought so much meaning to me! Remember who you are!! 

Vision Of Who You Want To Be

As young kid you have a vision of who you want to be. You think of yourself as a doctor, a teacher, an astronaut, a vet, a painter, a singer...a singer painter :) pretty much anything possible that you could be.  We feel invincible   We feel confident that we can do anything we set our minds to. But there comes a point somewhere down the line, when we suddenly have a change of mind.  We begin to think "there is no way I can become an artist I can hardly draw a simple stick figure," and other similar thoughts.  We begin to compare ourselves with others who may be talented in other areas that we are weaker in. Instead of building ourselves up we tear ourselves down.  Instead of being our greatest hero, we become our greatest enemy.


Why should we give up a vision of something that we have always wanted to accomplish just because someone else can do it better. Who cares if it will take you twice as long to learn the material and get through school.  Who cares how old your are, how pretty you are on the outside or how much better someone else is at the talent you have.  We are all different and that difference shouldn't stop you from reaching your dreams.

After having my daughter, for me life seemed to be put on hold for a time.  I didn't feel like I could accomplish anything that I wanted to do.  My life was revolved totally around my husband and my daughter and I thought that what I wanted wasn't important, it's taking care of my family that is most important.  But I learned that this was simply not true.  Yes, I needed to take care of my family, but I also needed to take care of myself.

I have dreams and things that I want to accomplish and I found something that I am very passionate about and I felt so excited and so happy with myself when I decided to make some changes in my life. I made a vision board and on that board I have put pictures and goals of things that I want to accomplish. In doing this I am going to make these possible for myself no matter how hard or simple they may be.  For example, I want to be certified as a Stress Management Consultant. So to accomplish this I am doing some training as well as going back to school to major in Human Development and Family Studies, so I can understand and help people a lot better.

I have changed the way I think about myself and have moved forward and will continue to move forward to reach my vision. Each one of us has a vision of who we want to be. So why not look at yourself in a different light and take those opportunities to become that person, your greatest hero! :)

Unique You

So U was a tough one for me to come up with, but the other day I ran into a quote that I thought was absolutely wonderful! It was by Jeffery R. Holland.  He was speaking to the young women, but I believe that this quote applies to ALL women young and old.  He says:

"I plead with you young "women" to please be more accepting of yourselves, including your body shape and style, with a little less longing to look like someone else.  We are all different. Some are tall, and some are short. Some are round, and some are thin...in the Kingdom of God the real you is more precious than rubies." 
-Jeffery R. Holland

I was really touched by this quote when I first read it and still am.  This is something that every woman struggles with at some point in life and often times through all of her life.  I know I struggle with these same thoughts.  I took a long hard look at myself and thought about all of the good that I have to offer.  I thought about all the beauty that is inside and outside of me.  In doing so, I felt so good about myself. 

Realizing the good and the beauty that I have, was a wonderful blessing to me. I have made it a goal to tell myself each day at least 10 things I love about myself. It builds self confidence and reminds me of my self worth. I challenge you to do the same. 

I was also reminded of a blog post one blogger talked about.  She titled it "Drops of Awesome." I'm sure many of you have read it, but I suggest taking time to read it often.  It's a good reminder to not be so hard on yourself.   http://www.daringyoungmom.com/2012/12/19/drops-of-awesome/

We are unique daughters and sons of a loving father in heaven.  We are each so precious to him.  He loves us more than we could ever imagine.  I have had moments where I have felt his love.  What a blessing that is.  So let us remember what Elder Holland has said, to be more accepting of yourself and in doing so we are able to accept others and help others in a more useful manner.  




This video is also one that puts a smile on my face! I hope you enjoy. (Also, this video is not of me :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg

Thoughts

Every good thing comes from God. This includes your thoughts, words and deeds.  Last night my husband and I starting talking about this subject and how important it is to act on your good thoughts.  We each have so many thoughts that go through our heads and at times we may feel lost and unsure what path to take. We are blessed with the spirit, the holy ghost when we are baptized.  I would ask myself this question often, how do I know that the spirit is helping me choose which way to go? I have always been told that it was just a good feeling or a warm feeling or just some sort of feeling, that would tell me that this is from the spirit. I have realized that yes this is true, but the spirit does not just come from a good feeling all the time. Sometimes the spirit comes through a simple thought.  Every good thing we think is from God and is the spirit helping us make good choices.  So if you have a good thought why wouldn't you want to take every chance you get to act on that thought?  We often hesitate and postpone these good thoughts, but if they come from the lord why not do everything you can to help yourself as well as others grow and learn. What a great blessing the holy ghost is in our lives and to know that he is always by our side is so incredible!!

Sealed For Time and All Eternity

Ever since I was a little girl, I was taught that marriage in the temple is one of the greatest blessings we can receive   This blessing was one that I really wanted to receive in my life so it became my goal to make it to the temple and to be sealed for time and all eternity to my husband and family.

The opportunity came and I was sealed to my sweet husband in 2011 in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. It is one of the greatest blessings I have received.  As long as I am living up to the covenants that I make with the lord, I will be with my best friend forever. It is and incredible blessing. This sealing ordinance is for everyone.  It is for those who are willing to make and keep sacred covenants with the lord.  In doing so we are happier beyond anything we could ever imagine.  The lord has blessed each of us, no matter who we are to be able to have the opportunity to be sealed together as families.  What a blessing!

River Rafting

When I was about  fourteen, my family went to Lava Hot Springs for a family reunion.  We decided to go tubing down the river nearby.  When we got to the place we wanted to be, I noticed there were two little waterfalls.  They seemed harmless enough and I thought "I could do that without flipping over," as I watched everyone else flip and rush for their tubes.  I thought I was way more skilled and could control my tube.  So I got in the water and floated towards the rushing waterfalls.

As I got closer I started to get nervous, I was going a lot faster then I thought.  I made it past the first waterfall, but on the second I flipped over and hit my head on a rock just under the current.  I felt like I was drowning.  I struggled to reach the top to breathe and once I was able to take a breath I panicked while rushing and searching for my tube.  My brother saw my struggle and came to my rescue.  I eventually got my tube and struggled again to get on top. My legs were scrapped up from the rocks below and my head was pounding. After the struggle of getting on top of my tube, I found my heart still pounding hard and I was a little shakin' up.  I couldn't believe I had done that. I almost drowned in those rapid waterfalls.  What was I thinking?

I learned a great lesson from this experience and one I will never forget. First of all, when you want to go down a waterfall thinking you can do it without flipping over...if everyone else is flipping, chances are you will too. :) Second of all, I learned a great lesson of the importance of listening.  My cousin warned me and told me that it was a little dangerous  but I ignored the warning and went ahead anyway.
This is just like the spirit.  When we are headed into dangerous waters, the spirit always warns us, but if we ignore those warnings we may get caught in a trap.  We may get sucked under the current unable to breathe. It is important that we listen to the holy ghost and his promptings especially when headed into dangerous waters.  He will lead us and help us make right decisions.  Decisions that will make all the difference in our lives.  What a blessing it is to have the holy ghost by our side if we will do those things the lord has asked of us!

Quiet Time

In a busy world where it seems like time just flies by, we can get so caught up in our day to day routines that we almost seem to get lost.  Lost in working, lost in running errands, lost in worry or fear, etc.  We get so caught up in the worldly things that we forget the things that are most important.  We forget about those moments that matter most.  We forget to take the time to ponder. As Dieter F. Uchtdorf has said "we would do well to slow down a little."  Taking time for those things that matter most make all the difference in our lives.

I have learned that it is really important to take time each day and ponder in a quite place.  Whether it be reading your scriptures, praying or just sitting and thinking, taking time to be alone is important. In having some quite time for myself I find that I am able to organize my thoughts and feelings and I am able to know what I need to do next in my life. As well as taking time for myself, taking time to make memories and do those things that are most important in life are a far greater blessing to me than any other thing in this life.  Taking time to learn and grow and to love one another is a far greater treasure than any worldly possession.

http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?cid=HP000016&lang=eng#moments-that-matter-most

Prayer

"When life gets too hard to stand, kneel."

We all have hard times in our lives, but sometimes no matter how many hugs you recieve, no matter how many people tell you everything is going to be okay, you just need someone to talk to who really understands.  Our Father in heaven is always there waiting for us to take the time to kneel in prayer and talk to him.  He is waiting to here your troubles, your thoughts and desires. He is there waiting to give you that hug you have been in so much need of.
Within the past few months there was a day where all I wanted was a hug and someone to talk to. I wanted to know that I was loved and so I knelt down and prayed to my Heavenly Father and asked him if he would show me that he loved me.  I felt a warm feeling come over me as I prayed and I knew that my father loved me. I felt his warm arms wrap around me reminding me that I am loved and that I am his daughter.  It was a great blessing for me to be able to have that reminder.
 I know that as we pray to our Heavenly Father he will answer our prayers! He is there and is watching over us.  He knows the desires of our hearts and he is waiting for you to talk to him.  What a blessing it is to have this knowledge of knowing we have a father who loves us more than we ever thought possible!

Optimisim

There is quote I often remind myself almost daily:

"Everyday may not be good, but there is something good in everyday!"

When I am having a hard time or a hard day I remember this quote and think to myself that it is much better to look at life with a positive outlook than always tearing myself down and looking at the bad in the world and in my life.  There is much more good then there is bad!  Never is there a day where there isn't a bit of good! It's all about how we look at it.  We can live our lives feeling sorry for ourselves and live in darkness or we can be optimistic and look at the good that surrounds us! The lord has blessed us with joy in the sorrow that overcomes us.  There is always something good in any situation.  We just have to look up! :) 

Nature

Every Summer we go up to my grandpa's cabin, away from the city and into the mountains.  I am always amazed each time by the beauty up there.  There a birds chirping, chipmunks, deer, beautiful flowers and the sound of running water.  It is so peaceful and so quite.  You can't help, but feel so good and so happy.  It is so nice to be able to get away from the things of the world and to see the beauty that Heavenly Father has created.  There is so much beauty in the nature around us.  What a blessing it is!  Going up to the cabin for me is a good reminder of all of the beautiful creations and the blessings that the lord has given to me.  I am so grateful for this time of year and to be able to see the plants and gardens starting to sprout up after a long winter.

Music

Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
thought it scarcely worth his while
to waste much time on the old violin,
but held  it up with a smile;

"What am I bidden, good folks." he cried
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar"; then two!"
"Only two? Two dollars, and who'll make it three?
Three dollars once; three dollars twice; going for three.."

But no, form the room, far back,
a gray-haired man came forward and picked up the bow;
then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
and tightening the  loose strings,
he played a melody pure and sweet
as caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
with a voice that was quiet and low,
said; "What am I bid for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand once, three thousand, twice,
and going and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand,
 what changed it's worth?" Swift came the reply:
"The touch of the master's hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughless crowd,
much like the old violin,

"A mess of pottage," a glass of wine;
a game-and he travels on.
"he is going" once, and "going twice,
He's going and almost gone."

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
never can quite understand the worth of a soul
and the change that's wrought by the touch of the Master's hand.

Myra Brooks Welch


Music is such a big part of my life and this poem shares a special message about how music can touch the lives of people around us. It shares not only the power of music, but shares a little about our Savior and what he has done for us.  Music is a powerful tool that the lord has placed on this earth for us to explore, enjoy and use to express ourselves.  Music is that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible.  It is an incredible gift we have been given!

Love Of My Life

My husband is the love of my life! He is so loving and so kind. He is confident and works hard.  He always takes the time to listen to me and to spend time with me.  He has a wonderful smile and because of that smile he brightens my day! He glows with the light of Christ.  He is funny and will make anyone laugh even when they are having a bad day.  He encourages me to accomplish all that I have ever wanted to accomplish.  He inspires me to be more like Christ.  He is strong in the gospel and has an incredible amount of faith.  He is strong and courageous.  He brings me flowers, especially on days when I am not feeling good.  He tells me I'm beautiful about 50 times a day.  He is a good friend to all.  He loves to serve. He has a good heart and wants to make everyone feel that they are loved.  He makes me warm milk when I am in need of a little warmth. His laugh will make any person smile.  He loves me more then words can say. He is my strength and my joy in in my life! These are only a few things about my husband that make him so special to me and there are so many more things I could say. He is an incredible man and I am truly blessed to have him in my life!

Kindness

We are a people who like to help others, but sometimes we forget that even the people closest to us need our help.  Whether it be our neighbors or a family member, we all are in need of a friend and someone who truly cares, especially when we are struggling.  I believe it is important to take every opportunity to help those around us whether you may think they need help or not and whether you know them or not.  It takes a simple act of kindness without hesitation that can make all of the difference in the lives around us.

When I was pregnant with my little girl, I was struggling being in a new place where I had no friends. I felt incredibly alone and felt that no one really cared about me. After having my daughter I became very sick and it has been a consistent event ever since.  The whole time I just needed to know someone cared.There were times where I wished that someone, anyone would take the time to just stop by and talk to me or come by and show me they really cared.  All I wanted was a friend and though I was trying my best to be a friend to others, it was hard to make friends feeling the way that I did.  Being in a place that I didn't know too many people and they didn't really know me, really made things difficult. Even the people who tried to come in contact with me, I felt that they didn't really show much interest in getting to know me.

It was a hard trial for me, but I learned a great lesson from it all.  I have always been one to take the initiative and talk to others and make sure they feel loved, but there came a point where I wished someone would do that for me.  I just wanted someone to show me kindness the way that I try to show them, but I found that that was not going to happen. In showing kindness people tend to hesitate and wait for someone else, but waiting does nothing. That was hard for me to realize, especially when I needed a friend most through a lot of sickness and loneliness.

I challenge you all to come out of your box and find someone in your neighborhood and show a bit of kindness no matter how big or small that kindness may be and no matter how well you know the person. You have no idea how much a little kindness can make all the difference to one person!!  We all need a friend, someone who understands and will listen! I hope you can be that kind of person!

Journals

I can't tell you how much I love my journal.  I started writing in a journal when I was 12 years old and have written ever since.  It has been something that is very important to me.  It has been a strength to me when I have been weak and has helped me overcome challenges that I may not have otherwise been able to overcome. I was reading some of my entries from this past year.  I have had so many challenges and so many trials that I have faced.  It has been incredible to read the things that I have gone through and then see the blessings and the things that I have learned from each of those experiences.

 My journal is a place where I can go to vent without hurting anyone.  It's a place I can go to express my feelings, to express out loud those things I have trouble expressing in any other way. It is a place that encourages and inspires me.  My journal is a great motivator to me and I hope one day it can be a great motivator for someone generations from now.  Writing personal history, thoughts and feelings not only can help yourself  but can help and strengthen family somewhere down the road.  It is an incredible gift to be able to write a journal and to be able to learn and grow from your thoughts and feelings.  What a blessing it is!

Inch by Inch

My husband and I have a quote that we keep in mind often from President Thomas S. Monson.
"Life is hard by the yard, but by the inch it's a cinch!"
There is so much in this world that overwhelms and stresses us.  At times we tend to look at everything all at once as a whole rather then taking it one step at a time.
For my husband and I this is a struggle at times. It's hard when you have so much thrown at you all at once that it is hard to focus. But when we keep in mind each task one at a time, then we are able to accomplish more and we are a lot happier. I am so grateful for this reminder daily to take things "inch by inch."

Home, A Place For Joy

"As you create a home, don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family.  Don't dwell on your failures, but think of your successes.  Have joy in your home. Have joy in your children. Have joy in your husband. Be grateful for the journey.
-Marjorie Pay Hinckley

This woman has really been someone that I have admired. She lived a great life and was so faithful and her words still ring true today.
I believe it is so important to have time together as a family without distractions. During General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, one of the speakers mentioned putting aside the things of the world, the technology of the world and have a time each day where all distractions are put aside for time together as a family.
This is something I want in my family. It is so important to me to be able to have quality time together where we can learn and grow together as a family. In doing so we are able to, not only strengthen our relationships with one another, but we are able to have the spirit in our home and are able to enjoy the journey of life together. Our home is a place where love dwells and will always dwell.

Graditude for Our Gardener

I have thought long and hard about what I wanted to share with this subject.  I expected to share a list of things I am grateful for, but I think I have found the most appropriate way to share with you this subject of Gratitude.
I was really sick last week with a horrible flu/strep throat.  Being sick, it was easy to feel sorry for myself and feel like this would never pass.  I was in so much pain and there were times I wanted to cry all through the night, but I couldn't.  It would only make it worse if I did.  I asked my husband for a blessing and in it he said that there were things to be learned and that it was a symbol.  I thought and thought about those two things and decided I was not going to figure it out on my own.  I decided I would let the lord teach me what I needed to learn.  I don't know if this was what I was suppose to learn from this experience, but it was something that really touched my heart and strengthened my testimony!
As I laid in bed for almost a week, I felt like this would never pass.  I felt alone and unsure if I would make it through this sickness.  I even wondered at times if the lord even cared for me to get better (Illness can really test your faith).  But through all of that I realized that my pain was nothing compared to the lord's when he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane. Nothing compared to the walk he had to take alone. Nothing compared to the pain on the cross.
I can't even imagine the pain he went through and to think that he did that for me...That is the most incredible thing of all!  He suffered for me! He died for me! He did everything he did for me!  He did that for each one of us individually!  He loved us so much that he would give everything he had for us! I don't see how we can't get down on our hands and knees and give thanks for the incredible gift he has given.  Because of him we don't have to suffer, we don't have to go it alone!  He is there by our side through it all.  Through all the struggle, through all the heart ache and pain...he is there! He is our Gardener.  He takes care of each of us and our needs.  He provides the sunlight, the water, the good soil, building us up so we can become like him. Gratitude for our Savior is one of the greatest gifts we can give to him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWLXep0IVqM

Forget-Me-Not

As a young boy Elder Uchtdorf had a connection with the small forget-me-not flowers.  He would look at the little forget-me-not's and sometimes feel a lot like that flower...small and insignificant.  He states "I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father. Years later I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now- I was never forgotten."
He reminds each of us that we are not forgotten and in doing so he tells us five things we should not forget.

 Forget not to be patient with youself.

 Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

 Forget not to be happy now.

Forget not the "why" of the Gospel.

 Forget not that the lord loves you.

These five points have reminded me to stop and look at myself and to remember that I am not alone, that I am not perfect and it takes time to become perfect.  I have been reminded not to sacrifice more then is needed, to live life with a good attitude and light and rather then waiting to be happy sometime in the future, to be happy now. I need to remember why I am here and where I am going.  But the most important thing I have been reminded of is that I am loved!

There have been times where I have felt so alone and I have felt that no one cares.  There has even been a time when I wondered if my Heavenly Father loves me.  But I know that he does! I have felt it!  And even though I may ask him often he never stops reminding me of his love!

This talk has a special place in my heart and I hope that it can brighten up your day and remind you to Forget not who you are!
http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-relief-society-meeting/2011/09/forget-me-not?lang=eng