"Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it by word and example with a family, a member, neighbor, or the stranger? Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it?" - Marvin J. Ashton
I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am. I know God's plan. I'll follow him in faith. I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll honor his name. I'll do what is right; I'll follow his light. His truth I will proclaim.
A hymn not often sung in our congregations. A fairly simple melody and only two verses. Seems like an obvious choice to me, but, well..... Yeah. Part of the praising songs. The first verse works especially well for the close of a meeting because, at least for me, that is how I feel after being fed by the Spirit--longing to raise my heart in prayer and praise.
From the history book
It points out that the hymn unites two thoughts--prayer of gratitude and then our realization that the wonders of nature also praise God. This connects with Psalm 145:10--"All they works shall praise thee, O Lord." She also quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson when he said "Therefore is Nature ever the ally of Religion: lends all her pomp and riches to the religious sentiment." So true!
Lyrics
1. Great King of heav'n, our hearts we raise
To thee in prayer, to thee in praise.
The vales exult, the hills acclaim,
And all thy works revere thy name.
2. O Israel's God! Thine arm is strong.
To thee all earth and skies belong,
And with one voice in one glad chord,
With myriad echoes, praise the Lord.
Text: Carrie Stockdale Thomas, 1848-1931. (c) 1948 IRI
Music: Leroy J. Robertson, 1896-1971. (c) 1948 IRI
This song is both ridiculously hard and absolutely delightful to play. And was almost impossible on the organ--thank heavens my teacher did not ask me to learn pedal on it.
NO.
WAY.
This is as far from the chord-chord-chord set up as you can get, including an incredible part for bass singers (quite rare). The tune goes perfectly with the text about arising and shining into a world of darkness, with nothing to fear in spite of trials and temptations because this is God's work and we are His people.
Favorite lines:
*Arise and shine in splendor Amid the world's deep night, For God thy sure defender, Is now they life and light.
*With the redeemed shall, singing, To Zion come again
*All of Verse 3, especially But patient, firm endurance, With glory in our view
*Oh, grant, Eternal Father, That we may faithful be
*To him be glory given Whose blood did us redeem
So much joy and hope and determination in the words. How can you not want to sing it exuberantly as the music indicates? It is so fun and beautiful, we'll even ignore the Utah reference in Verse 2. :-)
From the history book
This hymn was written 2 years after the Saints came to Utah. So, yes, the author was referring to Utah as Zion. The 1985 hymnbook committee decided to make this more applicable to all the Church, since Zion is worldwide. So they deleted 3 of the 4 verses that were "within the rows" in the 1950 hymnal and substituted 3 of the little-used "extra" verses printed below the hymn. Ah--those poor, unsung verses. See how amazing they can be? :-) The removed verses are really good, too, but definitely Utah-centric. Would be nice to be sung in a DUP meeting or some celebration of Utah history. Nothing said about the marvelous tune. :-( But it is by George Careless--who has written nine of our hymns' tunes.
(Posted on another blog. Felt it belonged here, too.)
Today I still have
My mom and dad My beloved sister My brothers My amazing in-laws My "niephews" My home My job My patrons who love me My co-workers who love and support me My neighbors and ward members My testimony My health My car My legs and feet My arms and hands My hair (yes, I'm going to put that in there :-) ) My eyes My friends and very best friends My aunts, uncles, and cousins My blogs My games My Happy Now list My memories My love My heart My beliefs My freedoms My voice My Church leaders My tissues My books My blankets My joy My ability to serve My temple recommend My smile My sense of humor My food My sense of security My experiences My desires My Lord's Gospel My scriptures My journals My gift of the Holy Ghost My Redeemer My Heavenly Father My future
Today, I am overwhelmed. Today I am mourning. Today I am tired. Today I am crying. But Today, I am grateful. Today, I am fortunate. Today, I am blessed.
My Conference talk today was Pres. Uchtdorf's "A Summer with Great-Aunt Rose." I had to share the talk, and then my response in my Gospel Study journal. It was too wonderful not to share.
This talk is PERCECT! I was getting ready for my bday party at the time. I was listening, but the karaoke guy wouldn't stop talking. Pretty much missed it all. So this was entirely new to me; and it didn't hit close to home. Ithithome. When Aunt Rose tells Eva of her dark days, of the realization that her dreams would not come true as she'd hoped and the despair which followed--I know those feelings. That was me. It happened in small pieces here and there after I finished undergraduate school until a huge wave crashed into me one day after finishing graduate school and I'd moved to a new state and begun my first "professional" job. I sat on the floor of my own apartment, weeping into my unfinished baby Superman quilt as every unfulfilled dream burned into ashes. I spent a couple of years trying to deal with the disenchantment as even more things crumbled around me. The negativity from hopelessness and sorrow started to affect every aspect of my life. I am grateful for my church leaders, my best friend, co-workers, and my long-distance mother and close friends for buoying me up during what has been the darkest abyss of my life.
And in that time, like Rose, I realized I needed to rely on faith again. I needed to build it up. As I did, it built the hope. I started to focus on the bright, happy things in life. I tried to be more obedient and focus on what I could change in life: me!
Exactly as Rose said: "God didn't design us to be sad. He created us to have joy! So if we trust Him, He will help us to notice the good, bright, hopeful things of life. And sure enough, the world will become brighter. No, it doesn't happen instantly, but honestly how many good things do? Seems to me that the best things...take patience and work."
And I can testify of that. It took me about 3 years of work and patience. Like Rose, "I had some dark days.... Faith in the Savior taught me that no matter what happened in the past, my story could have a happy ending." But one day I looked at my life and realized I wasn't just happy. I was full of joy! My life was amazing and I loved it.
No, I haven't reached my ending. But Rose said, "Now is part of eternity." And I am living happiness in my eternity now for "faith and hope will open your eyes to the happiness that is placed before you.... Faith gave me the hope I needed to live joyfully now!"
Why do I like to be in musicals?
Why do I dance and sing around my house?
Why did I start to learn West Coast Swing?
Why will I be starting up Pottery classes?
Why do I love to dress up for formal balls?
Why do I love to dance even if I'm terrible at it?
Why did I sing in Sterling Singers for the last 2 years?
Why did I go to Harry Potter World, and swim with dolphins?
Why did I travel so much in the last couple of years to see family and the beautiful country we are blessed with?
Why do I get blamed for being "over-dressed" at church and sometimes work?
Why do I love to attend temples?
Why do I read?
Why do I create costumes?
Why do I love my job?
Why do I work so hard at the dating/social life?
Why do I participate in service projects?
WHY?
Because "I could have a little faith, put on a bright dress, slip on my dancing shoes, and skip down the path of life, singing as I went" (emphasis added). I can have "a spring in [my] step" because I am "moving forward and upward."
What a perfect talk for me, because I can testify with my entire being that I know it teaches truths. I have experienced and now live those truths. And I love it!
(Adding this here, since I can't in my study journal):
I thought it very awesome that when I only had 4 topic slips left, one of them had this topic. I felt it would be perfect and fitting to have it as my last topic. Over this last year I have mentioned my Savior quite a bit. It would be silly not to. After all, this is His Gospel. I have been doing this "exercise" to be a better mouthpiece for Him. A better missionary. A better servant. A better disciple of Him. It makes sense that He and His deeds and works and teachings and Atonement and Resurrection and more have come up over and over again.
I've written of how Jesus redeemed us from the Fall. How He has atoned for our sins and pains. All of that is part of how He saved us from the grasp of the devil. Without the Atonement and Resurrection, we would have been lost. We would never have been able to return to Heavenly Father, and we would have been stuck in misery and damnation with no ability to grow or experience more. Christ saved us from such an awful end and gave us the chance to choose a better ending for ourselves--a never ending epilogue full of joy and excitement that will go on in to eternity.
I have spent all my life making sure I refer to my Heavenly Father and to His Son in as reverent ways as possible. About 90% of the time, I will refer to Jesus the Christ as my Savior, because I am forever indebted and forever grateful for that role of His. He saved me. I'm pretty sure I will never deserve such an act. Yet He still did it. For me and for every single one of God's children.
After the last couple of weeks, I have had my head put back on straight. I have so much to be grateful for, and I am ashamed of the petty worries and concerns I've been fretting over the last month or more. Thus I have chosen to focus outside of myself--to look outward. It's how the Savior lived, it's how I should.
So I've been trying to seek out more ways to serve to show my gratitude for all the Lord has blessed me with, and to share it with God's other children. Today I went to a service project I enjoy. I found myself going to "the background"--over the years I think that's where I'm most comfortable because I have often found myself there. (Possibly hiding from a video crew, too....) But today I was able to do the second 1/2 of the service, which I've never been able to before because of choir obligations. The second part truly is the best, because it immediately brings everything back in to perspective and focus. On my way home, I had to sing a prayer to my Father, because I have never felt this song to be more true and fitting and applicable and right.
But two other songs also came to mind this evening as I think on tonight and very much look forward to next week's service project.
First, there is this hymn arrangement which I first sang in Junior High choir:
Then there is, of course, Josh's fabulous song. I wish I could post my own music video of it. But copyright for his song, etc. So this will have to do. (Someone else posting it!)
One more day on this topic. I've been talking about some of the greater trials I've had to face, and what I have been able to find to be grateful for. Can't ignore the elephant in the room--every reader of the blog knows it is there. One of my greatest trials is being single much longer than I expected or anticipated.
I don't think I need to go in to particulars. The loneliness, sorrow, disappointment, discouragement, hurt, frustration, and lowered self-esteem have abounded in this blog. There's no need to keep hashing that out. What I am to do today is tell what I'm grateful for as to my single situation, and years of unsuccessful dating.
*I am grateful I have not married the wrong person.
*I am grateful I've had a lot of time to learn more about myself. I hope it will make me a better wife.
*I am grateful I have had time to be single. I hope it will make me more grateful when I am sealed to my best friend and will inspire me to work even harder at our marriage.
*I am grateful I have had time to learn how to date. While it still hasn't led to the desired outcome, it has helped me learn more generally about relationships, human nature, kindness, and selflessness--all things that I can use in y every day life, single or no.
*I am grateful I have met many men who are also trying to find their best friend. There may have been many awkward, embarrassing, and frustrating encounters and experiences with them, but they are God's sons and I trust they are/were doing the best that they know/knew how.
*I am grateful I have made many friends and acquaintances who are also in the single state of life. They are the only ones I know who have an inkling of what I'm going through, whom I can fully count on for sympathy, support, and understanding.
*I am grateful I have had my eyes opened in regards to so many things. There are many aspects of life that I had no idea about, and no experience in. I would not have learned about them if I had not remained in the single life.
*I am grateful I have been able to maintain a sense of humor throughout.
*I am grateful that I know the Lord cares about me as well as about this (and every!) situation of my life, and that if I listen He will continue to guide me throughout all of it.
*I am grateful that in spite of it all, I find exquisite and genuine fulness of joy and happiness.
I've been thinking all day about various things, and I've felt that I really need to try more to look outward. I read a couple of Conference talks to get me some ideas of where to get started. And I came across this paragraph, which was so pertinent to my current topic:
"[S]ervice is the principal way of showing gratitude to the Savior. We need to fill ourselves up with gratitude for His redeeming love, His infinite atoning sacrifice, His obedience to the will of the Father. As we become full of gratitude, it overflows into service, and “inasmuch as [we] have done it unto one of the least of these [his] brethren, [we] have done it unto [Him].” (Matt. 25:40.)
I love that. We can show gratitude to so many in so many ways. And one would think that being obedient was a way to show gratitude. But it isn't so much. Obedience reflects our desire and efforts to return to our Heavenly Father. But service goes beyond that. Service is a reflection of our gratitude. "Because I have been given much, I too must give" is the perfect hymn to illustrate that.
Another trial I have been blessed with: crooked knees! Went about 4 or 5 years with the diagnosis of arthritis. But then my true, wonderful doctor (not a school nurse) said my knees were crooked and even took x-rays to verify. This ailment has manifested itself in burning, throbbing knees when they have reached their limit. The pain was much worse when I was a teen, especially when I was running a lot. Cross Country brought out significant pain. The last few weeks of the season were so painful. I remember after a dance in my senior year, I was spending the night at a friend's. My knees were shaking from their throbbing and I was close to tears.
I believe my knees have gotten stronger over the years, and more used to the work I put them to--something to be grateful there!
But though the pain has eased much over time, they still manifest effects. I cannot sit still for very long without the knees having to shift position. I'm sure I annoy people when I sit near them on a couch. Constantly stretching, bending, twisting. It's the only way to keep them comfortable.
I think the biggest thing I have to be grateful for is that though the knees can hurt, they work! Though there is pain there is also strength, functionality, and capability--which is worth any pain considering the alternative.
I am grateful that there are so many "knees scriptures" that I can find reassurance in and great symbolism from.
Isaiah 35: 3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
Job 4:4 Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.
Doctrine and Covenants 81:5 Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.
Another, larger trial that has been a part of my life has been with me all my life, though it was not (and honestly could not be) diagnosed until I was 17. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). There are many different symptoms to this and not every woman who suffers from it has the same ones (hence syndrome). For me, my symptoms have included:
*major mood swings (my doctor called them violent)
*acne on my face (which is so annoying, since I really didn't have much of it as a teen)
*areas of excess weight that are nigh on impossible to get rid of
*other unfortunate visible effects that I'm too embarrassed to admit even to the 2 or 3 readers of this blog
And those are just the outward effects that people can easily see and observe. One of those is the higher risk of cancer, and an extremely high risk of diabetes. But the main one is my ability to have children, which I can't know the full extent of the difficulty until I'm married. Within a year of my diagnosis, I was in college and dating someone with whom I was beginning to contemplate marriage. Obviously, we did not go that route. But from that time on I have always felt like a walking false advertisement. I want children, and I want to marry a man who wants children. But I've gone years not knowing if I'll be able to have them. And then as years keep going by, my chances grow less because of time as well as capability.
It has been a trial of many, many years that brings pain, emotions, visible defects (again), and sorrow and disappointment. So what is my gratitude in all of that?
I am grateful that I was diagnosed so young. Most women are misdiagnosed because of the symptoms mirroring other diseases. Some don't even know to get tested to receive a diagnosis. Because we caught it young, my being medicated may make children easier than it otherwise would have been.
I am grateful that I was able to start considering adoption and welcoming it much sooner than many people in life. It is a difficult thing to face the fact that adoption may be your only answer, because it is a different way to achieve a dream. It isn't a bad way, but it takes some time to wrap one's head and especially one's heart around it. I've had 15 years to face it. To learn from others who have walked that road. I have gained such great knowledge and feelings from that.
I am grateful that I have had time to get to know myself over these years. And by that, I mean I have gotten to know my emotions. I don't know why or when the roller coaster will takes its plunges, but I have been able to recognize them when they come on. And I know to remove myself from others and to do what I need to in order to assist the highs in coming back.
I am grateful I know. I see many women who exhibit symptoms of PCOS and do not know. Most have never even heard of the disease. 1 in 10 women is affected by it, and most do not know. I can't imagine going about life not knowing and being able to treat things.
I am grateful that my medication has helped with some of the more visible aspects and made life for me (and my family and my roommates and anyone else who comes in to contact with me!) so much more pleasant.
I am grateful it's not something worse.
I am grateful that I know what to beware of so I can go about prevention.
I am grateful I have a challenge. I don't always love to have challenges, but wouldn't life be so boring without them? So, this one is mine.
I am grateful that one day my best friend will be with me to support me through having this trial, especially when the worst part of it will finally be able to be faced. I won't ever have to physically face it alone.
"'What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.'
...'What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough!'"
- A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
I've always liked that quote. And I think it very applicable to what I'm going to write of today. For though I am poor, I have great reason to be merry--because I am so very rich!
I have truly been greatly blessed in my life, in big things and especially in the little things. It is not difficult for me to look around and immediately see the glaringly wonderful and amazing blessings such as my home, my job, my health, my family, my food, my clothes, my ability to take care of my every need, my opportunity to work with children, my proximity to temples, my knowledge, and my testimony.
But I think the greater challenge and thus the greater joy is trying to find what there is to be grateful for in my trials. Today I'm going to speak about one of those.
As a young teen, I had really awful dandruff. To the point that I scratched my head raw most nights as I slept. I would wake with scalp filling my fingernails. I tried all kinds and brands of dandruff shampoo. I still find a little seam of humor that when I was trying Selsun Blue, I would wake with blue scalp in my fingernails.
I finally came across T-Gel, which was from a brand name that I liked for other hygiene products. It stopped the itching. But after a few weeks, when Mom was playing with my hair, she noticed the oddest build up on my scalp. And the warnings on the bottle and the fact that it smelled like my grandfather's pipe had me start questioning the product. But I didn't think much until friends at school started to comment (with intent to help) that my make up was not blended in well at my hairline. Upon closer inspection, they realized that it wasn't make up (especially considering I wasn't allowed to wear it, yet), but there was discoloration at my hairline. I made a guess that the T-Gel was chemically burning my scalp. The build up was the scalp trying to recover. And the discoloration I assumed to be a scar.
A year or so later, the scar was still prominent and I was tired of explaining to others. So I cut my own bangs. Oh, what a horrible phase of hair that was in my life. When I felt the scar was not as noticeable, I began to grow the bangs out--just before college. But during my freshman year, I noticed the scar reappear. But it had grown! That's when I knew it couldn't be a scar. I finally pointed it out to my doctor. One quick look and she diagnosed me with psoriasis. But she didn't really give my much information. I have had to experience and research this disease as the years have gone on and the area affected has spread.
I have found a shampoo that works fairly well and keeps the burning, itching scalp at bay for a week's time. I used to blame the T-Gel for being the cause. I can't prove it, and considering the itching for the few years before that shampoo, it's possible the psoriasis was manifesting itself earlier. I'll never know for sure. However I ended up with it, it is my trial and there is no cure. Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease where my body thinks it is being attacked. In reality, it is only attacking itself. It thinks that it needs to reproduce skin cells to replace those it has lost, only it hasn't actually lost them. So the skin builds up and begins to flake off. Huge flakes. Noticeable and embarrassing flakes that just fall off my face or stick in my hair if they come off my scalp.
But that isn't the worst part. The burning and itching can be rather painful at times. Without even noticing I am often scratching at burning patches of skin, which of course makes it worse. I have to be careful in the sun (which my darker complexion didn't have to worry about too much before) because a sunburn on the patches of psoriasis is a whole different kind of horrible pain. It's also rather unsightly. I have to cater all my face wash to the psoriasis--which likes to adapt to almost everything I try. If I find something that cleans the face and actually keeps the psoriasis calm, that is what I stick with, even if it does nothing for the lovely acne I have to fight against (a different trial to talk of on another day).
Some days my face needs to breathe, which means I have to go make-up free. This can lead to some days when I just can't look at my face in the mirror with its blotches and patches and redness and every single imperfection made worse by the aforesaid acne and the psoriasis. It leads to very self-conscious embarrassment when I see a nice, single young man and know I do not look my best. Indeed, I probably look my least attractive.
I never know if there are flakes of skin stuck in my hair or hanging off my face. I never know if the patches have decided to be visible in their red, bumpy nature. Even with the marvelous prescription cream my doctor has prescribed for me, there are still days that flare ups will succeed before a few days' application will calm it down. I always have to be mindful in a change of climate or a change of elevation or in a change of stress, as all cause flare-ups.
That's a brief synopsis of my history and experience with the trial of psoriasis. Where are the blessings in it? What have I to be grateful for? Well, in my research, I have come to see that others who suffer with psoriasis have a much more painful experience, with patches much larger and perhaps even more noticeable that what I have. I have been greatly blessed that my psoriasis has stayed mostly contained, that the patches are small and thus the pain not as bad.
I am grateful that in time I learned how to apply make up, so that on days I can wear it, I have been able to cover it up fairly well.
I am grateful that, in truth, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And I believe, or at least I have faith, that I will find an amazing man who will see beyond the psoriasis and find beauty in my personality, my testimony, my intellect, my interests, my passion, and perhaps somewhere in my face. For even though there are times when all I see or feel is the disease manifested on my face, I believe there is a man who will not care if he notices it, and will know that it is not who I am.
I am grateful that so much of me works and functions and does so well.
I am grateful that I have learned and am still learning compassion for others with any obvious visual "defect" and the pain it can be to have to face the world, not just endure the pain from the defect itself.
7/3/15 Update:
I just watched this video.
And there is great irony on it coming with what I blogged of last night and what I will be blogging of tonight. Some of my loved ones think that I over-react over what saddens me about my face. They say no one notices. But videos like this remind me that they do notice. The difference is that Christ-like people don't say cruel, hurtful things like in the video.
So perhaps what I am most grateful for in all of this:
I am grateful that I have such loving family and friends who if they notice my psoriasis now, generally have ignored it or not commented about it.
And I am grateful that I still have nice eyes, and a beautiful smile (Elder Richard G. Scott has told me so!) and that I have so many things to smile about.
So, I was going to write about some personal experiences. But I should have known Institute would put other things in my head that want to be shared as well. We read Elder Andersen's recent Conference talk. There was so much hope and beauty in it, but one huge thing stood out to me, probably because I've been blogging about it the last few days! And then Sister A. had us write down a principle, how the principle has affected our lives in the past, and how we would apply it in future.
Since I already took the time to write that down, I thought I'd just copy what I wrote. It goes fairly well with the gratitude topic.
*Principle: Look around to see the hand of God in your life and you will have no need to fear.
*Experience in past: I often find myself wondering what I am doing in certain places and situations in my life. I doubt if I'm in the right place, doing the right thing, and in those doubts I feel loneliness creep in. At the most difficult time in my life for this, I knew I needed to fix something. Though I already loved God and had seen His blessings in my life, I needed to develop a habit and mindset to see His blessings in everything. (A talk by President Eyring helped spur this on.)
So, I started to look around and see where His hand was. It started to become natural over time. I have especially relied on this when life is a little tougher to get through, but overall the last ~4 years have been the most joyful and fulfilling that I can remember. They feel like they're more blessed, too, but I think that's because the Lord has opened my eyes to see those blessings more.
*Future application: I want to be like Elder Eyring and daily record in a book (not a blog--no offense, blog) how I've seen the hand of the Lord in my life.
As I thought on more particular experiences in trying to learn this habit, I came to realize something. Readers of this blog as well as my personal journal blog saw me frequently talk about finding the Pollyanna Positive Points in what life brought me. On occasion I still do it here when I know I need to adjust my attitude and find what there is to be glad or happy about. All these years, as I've been looking for the Pollyanna Positive Points in what comes at me, what I've really been doing is trying to find God's hand in my life. Because there is always something positive to be found in life's situations and experiences, both the good and the not-so-good. It's just more difficult to find them in the not-so-good times. Yet I believe the positive points are the blessings the Lord is sending me among the trying times. And I just need to see them around me and express my gratitude for them.
Why is gratitude such a favorite subject of mine? Over my few years I have had my own tailored-to-me sufferings. And there were (and still are) often times when I felt low, discouraged, and wanting to give up from frustration, tiredness, and sorrow. But such a state will not help anybody, especially me in my progression. With time, scripture study, and many talks from Church leaders, I came to learn the importance of gratitude. But it took many years to cultivate that habit/skill. It's how my Pollyanna way of life came about! Tomorrow, with (hopefully) more time, I want to explain some of the trials I've had to face, and the ways I've discovered gratitude in each case. Then you can see the Pollyanna-ing in more specific action.
The root of the word gratitude is grat, which comes from the Latin word gratus which means "pleasing" or "thankful." I like the connection that can be made in the knowledge that our being thankful is pleasing unto our Father in Heaven. I also think it is a perfect correlation that those who are grateful have a pleasing demeanor about them. They are pleasing to be around because grateful people generally are not selfish or full of pride. I would like to be such a pleasing person to be around.
I haven't drawn this topic, yet? Really? I know I've blogged about it during this challenge and many times before the challenge. It has become a natural and regular topic of my life as it was one of the greatest lessons I learned while in Virginia. I suppose the positive on that is that I never run out of things to say on this topic!
So I'll begin with the Gospel portion of this by quoting scriptures that let us know gratitude is not just a good trait to have--it is a commandment.
Leviticus 22:29 - And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, offer it at your own will.
Alma 34:38 - That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.
Doctrine & Covenants 46:7 - But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me,considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.
Doctrine & Covenants 59:21 - And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrathkindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.
The last one, to me, is the most direct about gratitude and the Gospel--because it offends our Havenly Father to not acknowledge where all we have comes from.
I'm sure I've already mentioned the importance of a Gospel-living follower of Christ to be grateful. I'm sure I have. But then, maybe I haven't but I think I have because this blog has been huge about being grateful and finding the positive in anything.
So, I thought it would be a good thing right now to Pollyanna my most recent trial.
I can be glad and grateful and thus joyful because
*it was the fence, which was vinyl and not wood
*it was not the brick house
*it was not done in any malice toward me specifically
*it is taking time to clean, but it is coming off SO much more easily than I would have expected
*it have given me time to have thoughts to myself as I clean
*it reminded me of how much I am loved and watched over by those here and those beyond
*the rain has held off both times I've been cleaning the fence (and started right after I've finished for the day)
*the police are only two blocks away
*so many people care when they hear and offer their concern and condolences
*it happened on a weekend that I was able to start taking care of it immediately
*this has helped me see in a new light all the other trials and stresses I'm dealing with, and thus help me re-adjust how I'm handling them and attitude and courage I am facing them with
*I remember that my home is dedicated and I trust in the protection that a Priesthood holder pronounced upon me and my home
Some days are just rough. Some times it is weeks. Or longer. For me, it is often an accumulation of many small, rough things that lead to a very rocky road. Those small things by themselves seem silly that they should be causing any trouble. But it you put enough small rocks in the road, that road will be bumpy and difficult to pass. But pass it I will because the Lord has reassured me that there will be smoother spots along the way, and that the rough spots will be worth it, and that the end of the road will be a most glorious and joyful destination. In the mean time, how my spiritual vehicle is doing on that rough road is up to me. Am I giving it the fuel, care, and maintenance it needs? Do I have spiritual spare tires available to use if those rough patches cause a moment of flat tire?
I'm used to this road of mine. I love the smooth patches. I've gotten used to the fact that there are rough patches. Though I'll admit that there are occasions when I cry or complain over those rough patches. Yet I know it's a part of my road and I'll get through.
But today I was reminded of something that is absolutely wonderful about this trip along my journey on this road. I am not alone. I know that Christ is my navigator--holding the map and telling me the directions. But there are others. Brothers and sisters (physically and spiritually) who are with me. And once in a while I remember that they can help. And that help, support, kindness, reassurance, and encouragement along the road--both in the smooth and in the rough places--is one of the best parts about the journey.
Fought a migraine all day. Not really up to thinking on a new topic. So today is going to be a gratitude post.
I am grateful for:
-the body's ability to heal itself
-the Spirit impressing me about what to do to allow for my body to heal itself
-co-workers who can take over my responsibilities at work
-a home to be sick in
-my fabulous bed--not a bad place to be confined to all day
-the migraine not being so bad that I was able to get extra sleep
-being able to put off all non-work responsibilities for a day and not have to worry about any one being affected by it
-already prepared meals so that it was easy to consume something even though I didn't feel like eating
-rain! And being home to hear it
-more sleep to come tonight
-a new social discovery
-hearing the recording of my ward choir singing my hymn arrangement and being able to share it with my parents
-finding another positive of short hair--still looks pretty decent even after being sick in bed all day
-water--especially Kangen water
-leftover Oreo Lasagna--can't hurt to have a sweet treat on hand when the stomach is ready for food again
-Netflix and BBC to entertain during the times I couldn't sleep
-the idea of books even though the actual reading of them would have hurt the head more
-caring friends
-a new day tomorrow with the hopes that I'll feel much better and can get back to the regular routine of my life
-a simple reminder of how much I am grateful for overall good health, and my job, and my home, and the many wonderful blessings the Lord has given undeserving me
I got to have a nap today. I meant it to only be 1/2 an hour. It ended up being 3. Oops. But it was needed. Doctrine & Covenants 88:67 (which was our scripture last night) says to "Cease to sleep longer than is needful." One would think that a 3 hour nap is indulgent or selfish. And it can be. If I were to do that every day, yes. That would be excessive. However, I don't do that every day. I don't have the time for it! Occasionally, though, it is a nice luxury. And for me and some of my health issues, it is needful. I had a sister when I worked in the temple who reminded me that it says "is needful" (emphasis added). If I'm sick, and I need that time to sleep to help me recover and be serviceable to others and to just basically function, then yes it is needful. Looking forward to a couple more days of rest before I head back to life again.
Sad thing is, though, I'm heading back home tomorrow. I miss home, but I am always missing family. I'm so grateful that my family is eternal because one day, beyond the veil, I will no longer always be missing them.
Other little things today: I started a new book that has hooked my interest. Always love that feeling!
We went grave hunting today. Didn't find the graves we were looking for, but as I walked among the graves I was reminded--as I always am in cemeteries--that every one has a story. And the people buried there all had lives, and loved ones, and ancestries, and descendants, and laughs, and tears, and everything! Such a respect for life in a place of buried dead. Interesting that.
Had some amazing food not just today, but my whole trip here. And so nice that I haven't had to plan my own meals, or do my own shopping for a few days. My sister can cook! :-) And I've loved enjoying the yummy benefits from that.
The bishopric visited the family, and we had a lot of fun during that visit. Reminded me of all the times growing up when we had people come visit us. Definite fun times.
Lots of happiness. Such a good thing that even though the vacation is winding down, the happiness will not be forgotten, nor will it end. Much more to come!
I got to have a lot of nostalgia today, which is a blessing in its own way. Because it brings back memories. My memories remind me of what a great life I had growing up. Of all the fun and beautiful things that filled my days and helped me become who I am.
*We went to my niece's Cross Country meet. It reminded me of my Cross Country season, as well as my 3 years in Track, and even my 2 years with Field Hockey. I loved my sports days in school. I loved being with my teammates. I loved the excitement and nervousness of game days--and even practices! I loved the physical challenge it was to myself, and being able to succeed. But I also loved it when my family would come and support me, so I was very happy that I was able be that part today.
*We took what I would call "back roads" where I'm from. It was such a gorgeous drive. Interesting how everything I saw reminded me of places I've lived (like Nauvoo) and places I've visited, but how it was also its own place. I've never seen this part of the country at this time of year, and I certainly don't remember going among the back roads areas whenever I've visited this area before. So I was creating memories for Autumn in this place while remembering different seasons among other states (and countries for that matter).
*I watched the end of a movie with the part of the fam that was from my teenage days. And I remembered what it was like having crushes on some of the movie stars, and loving certain scenes, and quoting from it. But overall, what it was like to watch movies with my original fam. I miss those days. I think one of the main reasons I love to watch movies so much is how it brought so many of us together when I was younger. We rarely watched movies silently. We talked. We laughed. We quoted. We found the similar things we liked and the things we didn't.
You know, there are times when I really miss my childhood. And my teenage years. I miss growing up. I miss being with my family. I miss being a kid with my parents and my siblings around me. But I am blessed with memories that I can re-live, and most of them are happy and good. And I am blessed to still have family around that remind me and help me re-live those memories when I am with them. And all of it is a reminder that overall I have had a very good life, and it still continues good to this day.
This is a blog where I share inspirational/explanatory quotes, pieces of my testimony, and various things/events/experiences that have strengthened and will continue to increase that testimony. I am not officially called of my church to keep this blog. I share these things because they are the core of my very existence. And every part of me wants to proclaim it to all the world. So, I'll start here. I hope all who read my "spiritual ramblings" may know with a surety that I know and believe these things with all of my heart and with complete assurance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I would love to talk more with readers, though I do reserve the right to not discuss or respond to anything inappropriate or that I am not comfortable with.
