Yes- the topic is having a repeat visit- for 2 reasons.
1) I have been assigned to talk specifically about self-worth at an upcoming leadership meeting. (I have complained plenty about this- WHY give me this topic- nothing could be more difficult for me than self-worth)
2) After my original post on "the worth of souls", a sweet friend thanked me for reminding her of her worth, and invited me to not forget my own worth. (Dang- I had not thought of that- I was basking in the worth of others!)
I have been considering this, my own worth- since then.
If I had to come up with a list of things that I cannot do well, I could manage to have a pretty lengthy list. But to consider myself worthwhile? HMM
It is so easy to find worth in others. Not so easy to find it in ourselves.
This speaking assignment is beginning to feel impossible! SERIOUSLY!
I have a thought that I am trying to put into words- let me know what you think, PLEASE!
Suppose I handed you a piece of cloth. It is paper sack brown and corse (think of one of those old potato bags)- and if we had the responsibility of making this cloth into something beautiful, say an evening gown- what would come to your mind. I'll start- just in way of cutting out a pattern and sewing- this cloth would be
DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH
and wearing it- some descriptive words that come to mind-
IRRITATING
PRICKLY
UNCOMFORTABLE
The gown itself, as a finished project, may be considered
PLAIN
NO PERSONALITY
UGLY
Basically, using this type of cloth for something it was not intended to be used for can make the cloth itself seem unsuccessful.
BUT- If I were to use it as it was intended, say, for a potato sack, the words to describe it would change- the cloth would then become
STRONG
DURABLE, or capable of enduring
PERFECT, really-
And on the other hand- if I were to take a beautiful piece of satin or silk- and try to make a pair of winter stockings out of it- that cloth would be-
UNWILLING TO STRETCH
it could SNAG, or RUN EASILY
it would be COLD,
SLIPPERY,
Unworthy of winter sock wear- but in the event that I used that cloth to make something beautiful- a dress, frilly pajamas even, that cloth would be
COMFORTING
SOFT
DELIGHTFUL
So my thought is this- aren't we all somewhere in the process of becoming what we were intended to become. When all is said and done- I believe that my Father in Heaven intends for me to be Strong, capable of enduring, Comfortable with who I am, Delightful even- but for today, I am caught somewhere in the process of trying to become what he intended for me to be. Some of those descriptive words, whether I like it or not, may be who I am. Prickly, irritating, hard to work with, plain, ugly, cold, slippery- I suppose I even run into a snag here and there. These descriptive words are harsh- hurtful even- which makes me wonder if I ever used one of these words to describe another of my Fathers children.
If so, I have been so wrong- they too are in the process of becoming what they were intended to become- maybe they are in the prickly part, or the unwilling to stretch part. We must remember that we are all working to become what we were intended to be .... BEAUTIFUL!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
2 Nephi 26:32
"And again the Lord commanded man........................ That they should not envy......"
Oh, there is much more to this scripture that I should not do- But I recently found myself in need of this commandment- "They should not envy."
I was sitting in Cafe Rio in St. George at lunch time- carefully guarding a table for my little family. The previous night had been one of those sleepless nights that I often have, so I was tired. My family had been enjoying the warm sunshine and the beautiful scenery filled with two days of long hikes. I also knew that my sweet sisters would be meeting today for lunch in Salt Lake to plan a very important event. I had been invited, but was out of town and couldn't attend.
So as I looked around, I began to envy the three year old little girl who was still dressed in her purple footie pajamas. I doubt that one person looked at this beautiful little girl and thought "Why is she still in her pajamas?" She was smiling and happy and completely enjoying her food and family. Envy came creeping in- and I thought- I wish I were in my purple footie pajamas (and yes, I do have a pair)- my hair a mess and a huge smile on my face- I envy this little girl.
My envy was disrupted by loud laughter- and I looked at another table where three older women sat- all laughing. It was obvious from their matching white hair and their lipsticked smiles that they were sisters. I envy you three cute women, I am missing my sisters.
That's when my own eight year old nearly knocked me off my chair- he had been talking and I obviously was not listening.
But this little moment of envy threw me off a bit. I am not usually one to want what others have. I have always thought it a sweet blessing that my nature is to be very content with where I am- with what I have. I felt even more concerned for my soul when I found little to no direction on the subject of envy- does this mean I am hopeless? Helpless?
Coveting seems a bit dramatic of an explanation and I don't feel that the description of coveting really applies here- " to have an eager, extreme or ungodly desire for something."
In fact, the desire to be comfortable, surrounded by the people that I love and admire- it doesn't seem such a bad thing to wish for. And when i finally snapped out it, I realized that is exactly what I had at my little table at Cafe Rio- My cute family, whom I love and admire!
Oh, there is much more to this scripture that I should not do- But I recently found myself in need of this commandment- "They should not envy."
I was sitting in Cafe Rio in St. George at lunch time- carefully guarding a table for my little family. The previous night had been one of those sleepless nights that I often have, so I was tired. My family had been enjoying the warm sunshine and the beautiful scenery filled with two days of long hikes. I also knew that my sweet sisters would be meeting today for lunch in Salt Lake to plan a very important event. I had been invited, but was out of town and couldn't attend.
So as I looked around, I began to envy the three year old little girl who was still dressed in her purple footie pajamas. I doubt that one person looked at this beautiful little girl and thought "Why is she still in her pajamas?" She was smiling and happy and completely enjoying her food and family. Envy came creeping in- and I thought- I wish I were in my purple footie pajamas (and yes, I do have a pair)- my hair a mess and a huge smile on my face- I envy this little girl.
My envy was disrupted by loud laughter- and I looked at another table where three older women sat- all laughing. It was obvious from their matching white hair and their lipsticked smiles that they were sisters. I envy you three cute women, I am missing my sisters.
That's when my own eight year old nearly knocked me off my chair- he had been talking and I obviously was not listening.
But this little moment of envy threw me off a bit. I am not usually one to want what others have. I have always thought it a sweet blessing that my nature is to be very content with where I am- with what I have. I felt even more concerned for my soul when I found little to no direction on the subject of envy- does this mean I am hopeless? Helpless?
Coveting seems a bit dramatic of an explanation and I don't feel that the description of coveting really applies here- " to have an eager, extreme or ungodly desire for something."
In fact, the desire to be comfortable, surrounded by the people that I love and admire- it doesn't seem such a bad thing to wish for. And when i finally snapped out it, I realized that is exactly what I had at my little table at Cafe Rio- My cute family, whom I love and admire!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
D&C 18:10
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."
My focus right now is completing the Book of Mormon- but along the way my Father in Heaven has found opportunities to teach me and to remind me that his work is being done today, in my life and in the lives of others. I told you that I get caught up in the history of the BOM- I try not to- but it happens and I have been wandering around in a BOM haze- I have the Jaradites on my mind one day and then the destruction, wars and contention rattling around in my head the next day, and then comes the admonitions of righteous fathers to wayward sons- Oh I love this book. But I love also that we are taught today by a Prophet and by good and righteous men and women- who are called to lift us and admonish us.
Last Sunday I was lifted out of my BOM land as I was reminded of Elder Cooks conference address on "Looking Up"- and I needed this- and I am going to tell you why- and I am NOT proud of myself!! My sweet sister came to stay over night on Saturday. She was struggling with some things and because I love her- I was happy to help. Only I didn't really help. Sure, I entertained her with stories from my own life experiences, which in no way compare to what she is going through- we laughed and made cookies and played with the kiddos- and then I went to church and was reminded of this great talk from Elder Cook- And I wanted to just slap myself.
WHY, when my sweet sister needed encouragement, didn't I remind her to look up- why didn't I encourage her to find peace and comfort from her Father, who loves her so much. When I returned from church, I took a moment to tell her that I felt bad that I had not given her this encouragement. And we giggled, because that's what we do- but I want her to know that no matter what, looking up is the best thing to do. I know from personal experience that my Father in Heaven understands us, loves us, and wants us to know that we are of great worth to him. ALWAYS. He loves you! So, now that I have that off my chest, one more experience from this week that reiterated the "Worth of Souls" to me.
With my calling I have the opportunity to visit with the sisters at the Metro Jail for their week day R.S. meeting. This week our lesson was about abuse- tough subject for many of these woman- and I planned on shedding many tears- which I did- but not for the reasons that I had expected. I knew their stories would be difficult to hear- the circumstances (being in jail- awaiting sentencing) are certainly difficult- but to my surprise the sisters shared very little about themselves and how the subject of abuse related to them. And when they did share- they spoke of their "worth"-
I sat in the corner and cried.
What else could I do?
These sisters whose lives to you or I would seem complicated at best- chose to focus on the fact that they are worthwhile daughters of God. Not that they were- or that they could become worthwhile- but that they ARE! And they are so right! Our Father doesn't say that I am more worthwhile than another- or that another has greater worth than I- but that each soul is of GREAT worth. WOW! What a great week for learning it has been for me!
My focus right now is completing the Book of Mormon- but along the way my Father in Heaven has found opportunities to teach me and to remind me that his work is being done today, in my life and in the lives of others. I told you that I get caught up in the history of the BOM- I try not to- but it happens and I have been wandering around in a BOM haze- I have the Jaradites on my mind one day and then the destruction, wars and contention rattling around in my head the next day, and then comes the admonitions of righteous fathers to wayward sons- Oh I love this book. But I love also that we are taught today by a Prophet and by good and righteous men and women- who are called to lift us and admonish us.
Last Sunday I was lifted out of my BOM land as I was reminded of Elder Cooks conference address on "Looking Up"- and I needed this- and I am going to tell you why- and I am NOT proud of myself!! My sweet sister came to stay over night on Saturday. She was struggling with some things and because I love her- I was happy to help. Only I didn't really help. Sure, I entertained her with stories from my own life experiences, which in no way compare to what she is going through- we laughed and made cookies and played with the kiddos- and then I went to church and was reminded of this great talk from Elder Cook- And I wanted to just slap myself.
WHY, when my sweet sister needed encouragement, didn't I remind her to look up- why didn't I encourage her to find peace and comfort from her Father, who loves her so much. When I returned from church, I took a moment to tell her that I felt bad that I had not given her this encouragement. And we giggled, because that's what we do- but I want her to know that no matter what, looking up is the best thing to do. I know from personal experience that my Father in Heaven understands us, loves us, and wants us to know that we are of great worth to him. ALWAYS. He loves you! So, now that I have that off my chest, one more experience from this week that reiterated the "Worth of Souls" to me.
With my calling I have the opportunity to visit with the sisters at the Metro Jail for their week day R.S. meeting. This week our lesson was about abuse- tough subject for many of these woman- and I planned on shedding many tears- which I did- but not for the reasons that I had expected. I knew their stories would be difficult to hear- the circumstances (being in jail- awaiting sentencing) are certainly difficult- but to my surprise the sisters shared very little about themselves and how the subject of abuse related to them. And when they did share- they spoke of their "worth"-
I sat in the corner and cried.
What else could I do?
These sisters whose lives to you or I would seem complicated at best- chose to focus on the fact that they are worthwhile daughters of God. Not that they were- or that they could become worthwhile- but that they ARE! And they are so right! Our Father doesn't say that I am more worthwhile than another- or that another has greater worth than I- but that each soul is of GREAT worth. WOW! What a great week for learning it has been for me!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Becoming humble-
This may seem like a strange post- but, the truth is that sometimes life is strange. Its been a few very busy months since I wrote- and I have plenty of excuses, trust me! But the real truth of the matter is this. I just wanted to read my Book of Mormon! It was weird- I love choosing a topic and studying it, but I was really having a bad day one day- and when I went to bed I just didn't want to study- plain and simple- it didn't sound fun, AT ALL. So I just picked up my scriptures and started to read. And I couldn't stop! Normally I cant do this because my brain wants to timeline everything and I get really caught up in the history of it all and I tend to miss the spiritual teachings- so studying a topic works best for me- I thought--
and then this bad day hit and I picked up the scripture and read- I don't know when the lightning struck me- but somewhere in ALMA- and after the lightning came the peace and the stillness and the knowledge that all will be well in my world.
When i think back on the day- I cant recall what it was that had turned the day bad- but I absolutely know what set it right!
so with out further explanation from me---
The scriptures teach us that "becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love,and all long suffering." Alma 13:28 are essential- especially if we would like to qualify for celestial blessings.
In learning of humility I found that "humility is REQUIRED of all engaged in gospel service- it is an essential attribute for all that serve the Lord."
Meekness and patience run right along side of humility-
We might think of a meek person as one who is weak- but the truth is that our Savior was meek and lowly, yet he forcefully and dynamically drove the money changers from the temple. Being meek does not mean we are weak, rather that we are willing to do the will of our Father. We are not fearful, timid and spiritless. Not us!
In latter day scripture, D&C 67:13 we are told that we must ......."continue in patience until ye are perfected." I know that I was sent here to suffer, overcome, be tested, tried- all of that good stuff, and, even better is that there will be rewards for enduring without complaint- and even through enduring will come humility and meekness- those traits that I long for.
Its beautiful how these traits (or virtues) work together, building upon one another to form us into the Saints that we need to be.
It's not surprising that being "full of love" would make us more charitable, more willing to serve, more reverent, tender and kind, compassionate.
And to be long-suffering would closely mimic patience in all things.
Now for the hard part- applying this to my life today!
and then this bad day hit and I picked up the scripture and read- I don't know when the lightning struck me- but somewhere in ALMA- and after the lightning came the peace and the stillness and the knowledge that all will be well in my world.
When i think back on the day- I cant recall what it was that had turned the day bad- but I absolutely know what set it right!
so with out further explanation from me---
The scriptures teach us that "becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love,and all long suffering." Alma 13:28 are essential- especially if we would like to qualify for celestial blessings.
In learning of humility I found that "humility is REQUIRED of all engaged in gospel service- it is an essential attribute for all that serve the Lord."
Meekness and patience run right along side of humility-
We might think of a meek person as one who is weak- but the truth is that our Savior was meek and lowly, yet he forcefully and dynamically drove the money changers from the temple. Being meek does not mean we are weak, rather that we are willing to do the will of our Father. We are not fearful, timid and spiritless. Not us!
In latter day scripture, D&C 67:13 we are told that we must ......."continue in patience until ye are perfected." I know that I was sent here to suffer, overcome, be tested, tried- all of that good stuff, and, even better is that there will be rewards for enduring without complaint- and even through enduring will come humility and meekness- those traits that I long for.
Its beautiful how these traits (or virtues) work together, building upon one another to form us into the Saints that we need to be.
It's not surprising that being "full of love" would make us more charitable, more willing to serve, more reverent, tender and kind, compassionate.
And to be long-suffering would closely mimic patience in all things.
Now for the hard part- applying this to my life today!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Gifts
I have had this subject on my mind ever since I was asked to speak at a baptism about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. As I prepared I ran across an article that stated "most of us do not understand the gifts that we have been given, and we therefor do not fully utilize these gifts." This is not referring to "talents"- but specifically to spiritual gifts (or gifts of the spirit).
I know that in my own life, my own world- I do not take time to ponder on these gifts. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is quite amazing. To know that if I choose to be obedient, I can have this comforter, testifier, and teacher near me always- that's not a bad gift to have. As I searched further into the gifts of the spirit I made note that the common denominator for each (spiritual) gift is OBEDIENCE. Mormon Doctrine states "Certain special spiritual blessings called gifts of the spirit are bestowed upon men. Their receipt is always predicated upon obedience to law "
Obedience is possible because of two things.
1)Laws- ordained by Deity so that his children by conforming to laws might progress and become like Him.
2)Agency- God endowed each child with the ability to obey or disobey the divine will of our father. Agency has existed from the beginning.
Our Savior demonstrated the perfect formula for obedience when he stated "Father, thy will be done and the glory be thine forever." Moses 2:4
So, knowing that obedience is the gateway to which I can receive spiritual gifts- gifts that are purposely provided to enlighten me, encourage me, to edify me, to guide me toward eternal life, to bring me peace- I should without doubt always chose obedience.
And when I review the list of gifts that my father can bless me with- I feel even more encouraged to obey.
Please note that each person does not receive the same gifts- life would be so boring if we were all the same. Nevertheless, these gifts are beautiful. Each gift alone is precious.
The gift of Faith, including the gift to heal and/or be healed
The gift of Testimony
Knowledge, revelation, wisdom, the gift of teaching, ministry, the working of miracles, prophecy, visions, beholding of angels and ministering spirits, the gift of discernment, tongues, interpretation of tongues, translation--
These are in no way all of the gifts available to the obedient. We have been told that the gifts are infinite in number and endless in their manifestations.
I know that in my own life, my own world- I do not take time to ponder on these gifts. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is quite amazing. To know that if I choose to be obedient, I can have this comforter, testifier, and teacher near me always- that's not a bad gift to have. As I searched further into the gifts of the spirit I made note that the common denominator for each (spiritual) gift is OBEDIENCE. Mormon Doctrine states "Certain special spiritual blessings called gifts of the spirit are bestowed upon men. Their receipt is always predicated upon obedience to law "
Obedience is possible because of two things.
1)Laws- ordained by Deity so that his children by conforming to laws might progress and become like Him.
2)Agency- God endowed each child with the ability to obey or disobey the divine will of our father. Agency has existed from the beginning.
Our Savior demonstrated the perfect formula for obedience when he stated "Father, thy will be done and the glory be thine forever." Moses 2:4
So, knowing that obedience is the gateway to which I can receive spiritual gifts- gifts that are purposely provided to enlighten me, encourage me, to edify me, to guide me toward eternal life, to bring me peace- I should without doubt always chose obedience.
And when I review the list of gifts that my father can bless me with- I feel even more encouraged to obey.
Please note that each person does not receive the same gifts- life would be so boring if we were all the same. Nevertheless, these gifts are beautiful. Each gift alone is precious.
The gift of Faith, including the gift to heal and/or be healed
The gift of Testimony
Knowledge, revelation, wisdom, the gift of teaching, ministry, the working of miracles, prophecy, visions, beholding of angels and ministering spirits, the gift of discernment, tongues, interpretation of tongues, translation--
These are in no way all of the gifts available to the obedient. We have been told that the gifts are infinite in number and endless in their manifestations.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
JOY
I wondered if I would find time during this life time to just sit down and type a few words- life feels so busy, and I can only assume with the holidays fast approaching, the busy-ness will only increase- which means that the free time will decrease- but I wanted my sweet daughter (who is the most important reader) to know that I have continued my studies of the scriptures and good books through this busy time- and I am not bragging- I have continued because I have had to- first there was that stake leadership meeting that I had to prepare a 30 minute talk for- YIKES- and then the baptism that, purely by default, I had the privilege of speaking at. So what I am trying to say is this- there is such joy that comes from serving our Father in Heaven.
And in my world, I sometimes let the stress of fulfilling that responsibility overwhelm me and then I honestly over look the joy. I have tried to calm myself (which is no easy task) and truly look at the joys-
the JOY of learning (Like when I am forced to prepare talks)
the JOY in listening (this month I am turning off the radio in the car- and just listening. To Jayce. While he talks up a blue streak. And I am loving it. Mostly. But I am also leaving the radio off when I am alone and just listening. To the spirit. or to myself sing a hymn. or to myself talking to myself. Its surprisingly relaxing.
the JOY in being a daughter! I Love my mother. I tell her this often. Even when she doesn't know who I am. I know her and love her. (Funny story- when I call my mother and say HI this is Shelli- she goes into this "Shelli who? I don't know any Shelli's" I feel that I have to positively identify myself- birth certificate, Social Security #, Drivers License- Before she says- "OH SHELLI!" Funny Lady!
Only it doesn't always seem so funny- but still I love her. I love being a daughter!
And that brings me to this-
Being a Daughter of God!
There is such JOY in knowing that I am a daughter of GOD! He knows me, loves me- and he NEEDS me to be the best daughter that I can be!
When I read the words "Are you living up to your privilege?" I wonder to myself- Do I really understand what that privilege is- DO I completely understand what it is that I have the potential to become? I realize that I have a lot to learn- much to do- much to accomplish. And it can be overwhelming. It IS overwhelming! But it is also AMAZING!
So it may be obvious that I have received and have been reading "DAUGHTERS IN MY KINGDOM"
I hope you have your copy! I hope you read it and LOVE it! It is a sweet blessing!
And in my world, I sometimes let the stress of fulfilling that responsibility overwhelm me and then I honestly over look the joy. I have tried to calm myself (which is no easy task) and truly look at the joys-
the JOY of learning (Like when I am forced to prepare talks)
the JOY in listening (this month I am turning off the radio in the car- and just listening. To Jayce. While he talks up a blue streak. And I am loving it. Mostly. But I am also leaving the radio off when I am alone and just listening. To the spirit. or to myself sing a hymn. or to myself talking to myself. Its surprisingly relaxing.
the JOY in being a daughter! I Love my mother. I tell her this often. Even when she doesn't know who I am. I know her and love her. (Funny story- when I call my mother and say HI this is Shelli- she goes into this "Shelli who? I don't know any Shelli's" I feel that I have to positively identify myself- birth certificate, Social Security #, Drivers License- Before she says- "OH SHELLI!" Funny Lady!
Only it doesn't always seem so funny- but still I love her. I love being a daughter!
And that brings me to this-
Being a Daughter of God!
There is such JOY in knowing that I am a daughter of GOD! He knows me, loves me- and he NEEDS me to be the best daughter that I can be!
When I read the words "Are you living up to your privilege?" I wonder to myself- Do I really understand what that privilege is- DO I completely understand what it is that I have the potential to become? I realize that I have a lot to learn- much to do- much to accomplish. And it can be overwhelming. It IS overwhelming! But it is also AMAZING!
So it may be obvious that I have received and have been reading "DAUGHTERS IN MY KINGDOM"
I hope you have your copy! I hope you read it and LOVE it! It is a sweet blessing!
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