There But For the Grace of God, Go I

I am an unusual character, no doubt about it. Unique, that's how I prefer to identify myself but I am enough of a realist to know many others would use other descriptive expressions. Some nice, others maybe not so nice. I hope the majority in the end would choose something nice.

Life is good. It isn't easy at times but it is good. I try hard to always look for the good. A short while ago, a long-time friend invited me to her special Facebook page. It is a page documenting her trials and tribulation, fears and strengths, and her tremendous courage as she faces yet another battle against ovarian cancer. Sheree has always been such a kind and confident woman with a smile that would brighten your entire day. It is still there, her smile, her sparkling eyes, her enthusiasm for life, and her testimony. Sheree has a testimony that has not been shaken by the challenges she faces. She shared a message about Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's conference message, "Come What May, and Love It" and how it has changed her outlook. She has changed my outlook. My struggles seem so small in comparison to her trials. I love this special lady and my heart goes out to her and those close to her. I pray for her continued ability to face these hardships and conquer this horrible disease.

Earlier I watched a television show and at the end of the show I was overcome with emotion. Emotion and thoughts that events in my life could have gone as sadly as they'd gone for the character in that show...a mom, scared and isolated. Someone asked me recently what my thoughts and feelings were about religions prior to becoming a member of the church. I had related that I don't really recall what my total thoughts and feelings had been but I did know that I have always had the sense that I do not walk this life alone. I believe I've always had a sense of being guided, being led...although I made plenty of mistakes along the way. My life, too, like the character in the show, could have been so totally different if I didn't have that internal hope of something different, a better path for my life.

"In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold to the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited. . . When these moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes."
—Jeffrey R. Holland

I am grateful for the love our Heavenly Father has extended to me, the grace that has been gifted to me by way of the Atonement in forgiving the mistakes along my journey. I am grateful for the redeeming love and sacrifice of our savior, Jesus Christ. I know all things are made possible through Him

Lifting Burdens

Inspiration

A few words of wisdom...

Our own mistakes and shortcomings produce many of our problems and can place heavy burdens on our own shoulders. The most onerous burden we impose upon ourselves is the burden of sin. We have all known the remorse and pain which inevitably follow our failure to keep the commandments.

No matter the burdens we face in life as a consequence of natural conditions, the misconduct of others, or our own mistakes and shortcomings, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, who sent us to earth as part of His eternal plan for our growth and progress. Our unique individual experiences can help us prepare to return to Him. The adversity and afflictions that are ours, however difficult to bear, last, from heaven’s perspective, for “but a small moment; and then, if [we] endure it well, God shall exalt [us] on high.” We must do everything we can to bear our burdens “well” for however long our “small moment” carrying them lasts.

L. Whitney Clayton
Ensign November 2009

MormonMessages

When looking for brief inspirational messages as a quick perk-me-up. turn to MormonMessages. How cool is that? The Church now has a YouTube Channel (found this on the homepage of lds.org so I'm not spreading inaccurate info) with captivating, motivating messages. I ♥♥♥♥♥ this! I'll be visiting often!

Visit MormonMessages on You Tube.

An Amazing Weekend

It has been an amazing weekend. This picture was actually taken yesterday, but I used a different picture yesterday and this one is still valid for today. :-)

Yesterday morning the SJ and Eagar Stakes came together for a Women's Conference and it was an extraordinary event. There is an overview/update on the SJ Stake blog page but I would like to add my own testimony of the spirit that prevailed at that meeting. Sis. Burgess told of her escape as a young child from Berlin. Her words touched upon the souls of her listeners as she described joining the church, being baptized in the North Sea and then the long, lonely months waiting to join her "Muddy" who had emmigrated to Utah to work and save money for her daughter's journey. Even Jodie commented after, "Mom, this has been a really good day. She talked almost an hour but I could have listened to her [Sis. Burgess] for four hours."

Sis. Okazaki did more than talk to us, she taught us. She taught us to seek answers ... in all the right places, using all the right tools, in the right state of mind and for the right reasons. She is an amzingly soft-spoken woman with tremendous impact in her words. When she was funny, she was real fully. When serious, she was very serious. When she spoke of Pres. Hinckley it was as though he was there, right there before us. It was the same for the Savior. She spoke of Him and I could feel His presence, I could feel His approving smile over the meeting and her words advising us to seek Jesus; "Jesus is seeking us!"

Now, how is the picture from yesterday still valid today? Well, Sis. Okazaki also spoke at a Fireside (a talk, a gathering together) for adults this evening and Mike and I attended the meeting together. This talk was targeted to married couples but open for all adults. Sis. Okazaki posed the question, "Would you do it again?" She was asking each of us to determine internally whether we would marry our spouse again.

Yes, Michael. I would. I love you more today than I ever have and will love you still more tomorrow.

Have you ever heard an entire chapel of couples - old, young, middle-age - turn to one another and declare "I love you" to their spouse, all at the same time? I have and it was a joyful sound.

Reading literacy was another topic Sis. Okazaki spoke about. She talked of the importance for families to read together, for individuals to read and of our responsibility to teach others to read. She spoke softly of her young grandson and the quiet times they have had together as she reads to him. On the ride home Mike & I talked about that meaning us, too ... we need to read to our grandchildren.

An Example of Service

Our home teacher came by last evening with a message and plate of treats. There isn't anything monumental in that unless you take into consideration all that Pete has endured in recent months. He has gone through chemo tratements and been so sick and weak he couldn't hold his newborn baby girl. He is such an amazing example of doing all you can to fulfill your calling. He is an inspiration to me and others.

Passing of a Prophet

There really aren't words. It is a sad day, but also a hopeful day. President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away last evening. His passing was peaceful and his family was at his bedside. He has been such an inspiration to so very many. His calm, confident and reassuring demeanor has led us through so many tumultuous times in these recent years - the terrorist attacks of 9/11, our nation's involvement in different wars, devastating earthquakes in all corners of the world, a horrific Tsunami that killed multiple thousands, hurricanes that ravaged our coasts, wildfires and many other acts of nature or man. Always, he propped us up. He restored our confidence in mankind and he led us ... led us to seek knowledge of the Savior Jesus Christ through scripture, prayer, and study. And, he led us to direct our time, energy and resources into helping others through humanitarian efforts and good works. He has been strength and inspiration for many. I am so grateful to have heard his words and read his messages. I am grateful for the lessons he has taught and the life he has led. The words have never held such meaning before, We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.

You Are the New Day