Thankful Day 6

I am grateful for this country, founded on the eternal principle of agency.  The battle for freedom has been waged countless times, beginning in the premortal world. Pride and the hunger for power are freedom's enemies. But Satan can be bound. Bound by righteousness. One description I read today of those that are able to withstand Satan's temptations are firm, steadfast and willing with all diligence to keep the commandments. I think the key words there are willing and diligence. I need to be firm and steadfast in being willing and diligent.

Multi-tasking

I just had a funny thought.

Right now I am cleaning my oven, doing dishes, cleaning my front door, working on the invitations for Young Women in Excellence (ywie) and enjoying some entertainment! What does that really translate too? The self-clean oven is doing its job, the dishwasher is swishing away, the bug man is here brushing out the cob webs and I am using my corner punch, listening to my playlist run on the computer.

Oh and I just scanned this in a few minutes ago...

Thankful Day 5

Miracles Happen.

Yesterday, Mariah texted this to her mom: "Tender mercies and miracles are still being enjoyed in this day and age. I am so grateful for all of our blessings and our Heavenly Father's guiding hand in our lives." Lynneah came out of surgery doing great. There is still a long recovery, but she truly is a miracle. They have been watched over from the very beginning of this. As I have been watching this miracle unfold in their lives it has made my heart swell with gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father. I cried as I prayed last night just because I am so grateful to know that He is really in the Heavens and more importantly that He is involved in our lives. And grateful for His Son, who performs a miracle every time we seek His divine gift

Then as I read this verse this morning-3 Nephi 5:4-I thought of the Atonement again. I wrote that the fact that they could teach those who had hurt them so badly and then let them go free is quite a testimony to their belief in the Savior and the power of the Atonement. I thought of the hurts that I have felt and I know that if they can forgive those robbers, I can forgive others too and myself. I also thought of Kelly and his service as the bishop and how many times he has borne his testimony of the power of the atonement. What a blessing to be able to be such an intimate part of that process.

Thankful Day 4

In my reading I wrote down: "Enemies" referred to in the scriptures can be physical and spiritual. We are saved from everlasting destruction through the Grace of Jesus Christ and our humility to accept that gift and repent of our sins.

That made me think of some lyrics from one of my favorite 100 songs right now--I love music.

Sometimes I feel as cold as steel
And broken like I'm never going to heal
I see a light
A little grace, a little faith unfurled
Hello world
All the empty disappears
I remember why I'm here
Just surrender and believe
I fall down on my knees
Oh hello world

I love music for how it makes you feel, but my favorite thing is that sometimes a song can say what your heart feels and you don't have the words for. This song says that, it ends with faith and a prayer to heaven for thanks that all is well. This world is a blessing and we are here for a purpose, but thank goodness this is not the end of the story or the whole picture. Sometimes this world is so cold, lonely, and just plain hard. The peace that comes from the Savior is truly the only thing that can break through the negative things that this world sometimes offers. I am grateful that there are moments where we can feel peace, true happiness and the sense of what life is all about. And I LOVE that there will be time after this life for more healing, no more tears or sorrows just an eternal "all is well".

Thankful-Day 2

The Nephites surely did need a prophet. With signs appearing in the skies Satan is still able to get many to believe that it was somehow manmade or....what could possibly be said to make you disbelieve? I can't help but wonder. But more importantly, what does their example teach me? I believe a prophet and apostles walk the earth today, but I think I may take that knowledge for granted. I want to make my actions in following the prophets more consistent with the love I feel for them. I want to be a better hearkener--is that a word?

Here is something I read from an apostle today-one of my favorites. Neal A Maxwell said that "temple work is not an escape from the world but a reinforcing of our need to better the world while preparing ourselves for another and far better world. Thus, being in the Lord's house can help us to be different from the world in order to make more difference in the world."

Maybe it was being in the mindset of the elections, but that statement really struck me. I often refer to the temple as an escape from the world and have heard that same feeling from many others. I am going to try to follow that council and look at the temple and the work that is done there in a different light. I will use that to inspire to me to make the world around me just a little bit better.

Thankful--Day 3

I miss my hubby and this is my lifeline. I am not endorsing verizon, but grateful for this modern way of communicating! Today in my reading I wrote down these things:

• We must have a foundation and work to keep that firm. Lachoneus didn't doubt or fear for one second. He was just appalled, and rightly so, at the gall of Giddianhi. He was able to do that because of a rock solid foundation that would not fail.
• There is a way to avoid being deceived
• This chapter is a great example of "Pray like it all depends on God and then work like it all depends on you" or (something like that).
• How would it be to choose a leader because of he had the spirit of prophecy? Gidgiddoni was chosen to be the chief captain of the army for that reason.

Thankful

Day 1--I am thankful for daughters who are good examples and who teach me. I talked to Kelsey today and she told me she was starting something new in her journal. Everyday she was going to write about something she learned in the scriptures, blessings that she used during the day and something that she was thankful for. What great things to focus on! I am going to do the same thing and add one more thing looking for ways that the Holy Ghost prompted me. My ultimate goal would be that I could list several examples in each category...but I doubt I will be able to here at the start. But that will come with the practice of looking for it. I know I can find at least one thing to be thankful for each day, and I will add the others as I can.

Today as I read in 3 Nephi, I couldn't believe how quickly then Nephites forgot the signs of Christ's' birth, only 15 years and they were ready to listen to Satan and make up reasons as to why those signs had appeared. I felt sorry for them, disappointed...and a little judgmental. Then I began to think of things that have happened in my life and how quick I have been to forget--prayers that were answered, promises I made and impressions that I meant to follow. Good thing the Nephites are there to remind me!