I love this section of the Doctrine and Covenants. Joseph has received a
revelation for his wife, Emma.
I read it often- because it reminds me of who I can become.
"Be faithful and walk in the paths of virtue"
President Hinckley once said that the Lord was referring to our being "faithful to ourselves, to the very best that is within us! No woman can afford to demean or belittle herself, or to downgrade her abilities or capabilities."
GULP! It's as if he knows I am guilty of this!
"Be faithful to the great, divine attributes that are within you!"
"and thou shall receive the Holy Ghost"
What a beautiful gift- to comfort us, prompt us, teach us, testify to us. With the help of the Holy Ghost, I believe that we can be successful at all that is expected of us.
"And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things if this world and seek for the things of a better"
To paraphrase Pres. Hinckley- It is not by accident that we are here- right now- at this time- in our own particular circumstances. Each of us has been uniquely positioned to participate in specific, significant ways in building the Lords kingdom.
I also LOVE this from Elder Holland-
"Asking every member to be a missionary is not nearly as crucial as asking every member to be a member!"
This is why I love this section of D&C. It reminds me to be a member! - to have faith in my ability to be the best I can be, to realize the divine attributes that can be mine, to seek to have the consistent guidance of the Holy Ghost, to lay aside the things if this world and strive for better.
Amazing- right?
Friday, February 22, 2013
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
The truth is........
I guess its time I fessed up and told the awful truth about my goal.
I did give away the earrings- but I struggled- things didnt go as planned for me.
The problems started when I personally addressed envelopes for everyone I know and love. If you know me- you were about to be the recipient of a fine new pair of earrings. (unless your a man:)
Thats when my brain started second guessing every thing- maybe she wont like these- or maybe the other pair are better for her, or are her ears even pierced, or she could really hates these, I should buy cuter beads. Maybe they will think I am weird or stupid or untalented, she could be ungrateful, she might not even know who I am. Do I mail or deliver, send one pair or more because she might not like what I think she will like-
Soon, the giving was turning into a nightmare- LITERALLY!
This is how the nightmare went-
There was a snake in my ear- the head in my ear canal and the little body hanging out. At first I didn't mind it because it kind of made sense in a weird way- it blended with my hair and it wasn't really bothering me.
People said "Shelli, you need to get that out of your ear right now- don't let it become comfortable there."
I didnt listen and as time went by the snake was quite comfortable hanging out of my ear. It began to weigh more and soon I couldnt hear well and it didnt blend so well with my hair as it became longer and fatter. (I dont remember worrying about what the snake might have been eating in there- obviously my brains! DUH!)
Back to the dream- it took some very professional surgeons to remove that snake- and I felt so free once it had left me!
I thought about this in relation to the earrings- I let the snake get in my ear- the doubt, the fears, the concerns of what others would think- and then I let it get good and comfy- I wouldnt let anyone sway me! I was sure that my friends and family members deserved better than what I had to give and nothing could change my mind. In the end- I took the earrings to a family party and just let them take what they liked- but I left quickly so as to not hear their comments. Stupid snake in my ear!
IF I decide to something like this again- I will watch for that snake and maybe get it outta there before it requires professional help!
For now- that's the way the story ended!
On to the next learning experience!
Bring it- but be nice and lets leave the snakes out of it this time okay??
I did give away the earrings- but I struggled- things didnt go as planned for me.
The problems started when I personally addressed envelopes for everyone I know and love. If you know me- you were about to be the recipient of a fine new pair of earrings. (unless your a man:)
Thats when my brain started second guessing every thing- maybe she wont like these- or maybe the other pair are better for her, or are her ears even pierced, or she could really hates these, I should buy cuter beads. Maybe they will think I am weird or stupid or untalented, she could be ungrateful, she might not even know who I am. Do I mail or deliver, send one pair or more because she might not like what I think she will like-
Soon, the giving was turning into a nightmare- LITERALLY!
This is how the nightmare went-
There was a snake in my ear- the head in my ear canal and the little body hanging out. At first I didn't mind it because it kind of made sense in a weird way- it blended with my hair and it wasn't really bothering me.
People said "Shelli, you need to get that out of your ear right now- don't let it become comfortable there."
I didnt listen and as time went by the snake was quite comfortable hanging out of my ear. It began to weigh more and soon I couldnt hear well and it didnt blend so well with my hair as it became longer and fatter. (I dont remember worrying about what the snake might have been eating in there- obviously my brains! DUH!)
Back to the dream- it took some very professional surgeons to remove that snake- and I felt so free once it had left me!
I thought about this in relation to the earrings- I let the snake get in my ear- the doubt, the fears, the concerns of what others would think- and then I let it get good and comfy- I wouldnt let anyone sway me! I was sure that my friends and family members deserved better than what I had to give and nothing could change my mind. In the end- I took the earrings to a family party and just let them take what they liked- but I left quickly so as to not hear their comments. Stupid snake in my ear!
IF I decide to something like this again- I will watch for that snake and maybe get it outta there before it requires professional help!
For now- that's the way the story ended!
On to the next learning experience!
Bring it- but be nice and lets leave the snakes out of it this time okay??
Friday, August 3, 2012
170---
Previously I vowed to personally make and give away 170 pairs of earrings.
Here's a quick update on my goal.
I have given away a little over 90 pair so far- and I have had a few experiences that have made me stop and think about the gift of giving!
I have learned that it is really hard to give something to someone that will not appreciate the gift. Obviously you don't know that they will not appreciate it until you give the gift- and then the deed is done. Lesson learned- Some people just don't like to receive gifts. Sad, but true!
It is really fun to give something to someone when they are not expecting it- and they love it! It makes giving easier. I learned this when my earrings went on a journey to a retirement home. I did not personally know these ladies, but I LOVE the elderly, wise women of this world! I LOVE learning from them and laughing with them. These were the most grateful women that I have encountered so far, and a great experience for me! My mom also took some to the Retirement home she works at and the ladies there were so sweet!
And I have saved the best for last. I will soon be sending out the remainder of the earrings to family, friends and some ward members.
I hope it goes well!
As far as making the earrings, I have completed the task.
The work is really in the giving!
Here's a quick update on my goal.
I have given away a little over 90 pair so far- and I have had a few experiences that have made me stop and think about the gift of giving!
I have learned that it is really hard to give something to someone that will not appreciate the gift. Obviously you don't know that they will not appreciate it until you give the gift- and then the deed is done. Lesson learned- Some people just don't like to receive gifts. Sad, but true!
It is really fun to give something to someone when they are not expecting it- and they love it! It makes giving easier. I learned this when my earrings went on a journey to a retirement home. I did not personally know these ladies, but I LOVE the elderly, wise women of this world! I LOVE learning from them and laughing with them. These were the most grateful women that I have encountered so far, and a great experience for me! My mom also took some to the Retirement home she works at and the ladies there were so sweet!
And I have saved the best for last. I will soon be sending out the remainder of the earrings to family, friends and some ward members.
I hope it goes well!
As far as making the earrings, I have completed the task.
The work is really in the giving!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
170 years=170 good deeds
I haven't posted for awhile for a few reasons.
Mainly because I have been stewing over a challenge that was informally issued by one of the beautiful ladies that I serve with in my calling.
She is talented, amazing, loving and always does whats right- and since the Relief Society is CELEBRATING our 170th YEAR as an organization, she is knitting 170 hats to donate to the homeless shelter. She is awesome. And I want to be like her.
So I have been stewing over this. I have talked to her because I needed a little pep chat- a little boost to give me ideas. She said "Do something that you enjoy doing- that's why I chose hats. I like doing it and I would probably do it anyway- so why not donate them?"
Great.
I cant think of anything that I enjoy doing that would benefit anyone but me- jogging, cleaning, camping, reading-
So- "Do what you do naturally, only do it more often- and keep track- do it 170 times."
Now that's EASY! That is something I can do ladies!
My hair is naturally messy-easily 170 days in a row!
I naturally freckle in the sun- I bet I could get 170 new freckles in no time!
I am naturally VERY clumsy. I have taken a few good tumbles already this year- But if I set a goal to increase that, Ross will make me wear a helmet whenever I leave the house (and probably around the house too)- so I say NO to this one!
The mom in me naturally tells Jayce to zip up his pants AT LEAST 4 times a day- that could work!
Things like "Don't sit on the furniture with food! Pick this up! Have you finished your chores? Is your piano done? Why is this dirty when I just finished cleaning it? Are you kidding me? What were you thinking? Where are you going? When will you be home? Who let the dogs out? Why is your scooter in the house?" These things are part of my daily routine- and I could easily pump it up to 170 times- no problem!
So- you can see why I am having a problem with this.
Doing things that would benefit me spiritually- like reading my scriptures daily, praying, fasting, reading the Ensign- these are things that I should do already- I must do! I love these things and I need these things in my daily life- and for some reason they seem so sacred and personal that I can't even place them into a goal that is meant to be shared with/ or uplift others.
I want my goal to be something from my heart and real and also challenging.
And its a strange one but it is truly from my heart- and real- and challenging!
I am making 170 pair of earrings and giving them away!
The challenge is that I will NOT purchase new beads or supplies- I WONT I WONT I WONT! (its a bit embarrassing to admit that I actually have enough of both to do this- but I just love buying new supplies! Its going to be hard to keep myself away from the bead store!)
Each pair will challenge my creativity and take some time- (giving up some TV time and Facebook time for this!)
Each pair will be a gift of thanks to the women that inspire me to be a better person! I know there are at least 170 of them out there.
I will let you know I am doing as I go. And I hope that you can find 170 Somethings that you can do for others before the year ends!
(Just as a side note- My cute Kelcey was underwhelmed by my choice of service- her comment was "Great, I guess I will be getting 170 new pairs of earrings!" But I may surprise you, my dear- I have given away 20 pair's already. Now I just hope those same 20 women like earrings cuz a few more pairs could be coming your way:)
Mainly because I have been stewing over a challenge that was informally issued by one of the beautiful ladies that I serve with in my calling.
She is talented, amazing, loving and always does whats right- and since the Relief Society is CELEBRATING our 170th YEAR as an organization, she is knitting 170 hats to donate to the homeless shelter. She is awesome. And I want to be like her.
So I have been stewing over this. I have talked to her because I needed a little pep chat- a little boost to give me ideas. She said "Do something that you enjoy doing- that's why I chose hats. I like doing it and I would probably do it anyway- so why not donate them?"
Great.
I cant think of anything that I enjoy doing that would benefit anyone but me- jogging, cleaning, camping, reading-
So- "Do what you do naturally, only do it more often- and keep track- do it 170 times."
Now that's EASY! That is something I can do ladies!
My hair is naturally messy-easily 170 days in a row!
I naturally freckle in the sun- I bet I could get 170 new freckles in no time!
I am naturally VERY clumsy. I have taken a few good tumbles already this year- But if I set a goal to increase that, Ross will make me wear a helmet whenever I leave the house (and probably around the house too)- so I say NO to this one!
The mom in me naturally tells Jayce to zip up his pants AT LEAST 4 times a day- that could work!
Things like "Don't sit on the furniture with food! Pick this up! Have you finished your chores? Is your piano done? Why is this dirty when I just finished cleaning it? Are you kidding me? What were you thinking? Where are you going? When will you be home? Who let the dogs out? Why is your scooter in the house?" These things are part of my daily routine- and I could easily pump it up to 170 times- no problem!
So- you can see why I am having a problem with this.
Doing things that would benefit me spiritually- like reading my scriptures daily, praying, fasting, reading the Ensign- these are things that I should do already- I must do! I love these things and I need these things in my daily life- and for some reason they seem so sacred and personal that I can't even place them into a goal that is meant to be shared with/ or uplift others.
I want my goal to be something from my heart and real and also challenging.
And its a strange one but it is truly from my heart- and real- and challenging!
I am making 170 pair of earrings and giving them away!
The challenge is that I will NOT purchase new beads or supplies- I WONT I WONT I WONT! (its a bit embarrassing to admit that I actually have enough of both to do this- but I just love buying new supplies! Its going to be hard to keep myself away from the bead store!)
Each pair will challenge my creativity and take some time- (giving up some TV time and Facebook time for this!)
Each pair will be a gift of thanks to the women that inspire me to be a better person! I know there are at least 170 of them out there.
I will let you know I am doing as I go. And I hope that you can find 170 Somethings that you can do for others before the year ends!
(Just as a side note- My cute Kelcey was underwhelmed by my choice of service- her comment was "Great, I guess I will be getting 170 new pairs of earrings!" But I may surprise you, my dear- I have given away 20 pair's already. Now I just hope those same 20 women like earrings cuz a few more pairs could be coming your way:)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
2 Nephi 2:11
"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so...
righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness or misery, neither good nor bad...."
If not for opposition, agency could not exist. We are often reminded that agency is not free. Agency allows me to participate in the testing process that is a fundamental part of this earthly life. There is a cost associated with agency- the cost is personal- it is damnation or salvation, depending on how I choose to use my agency. My choice is clear, but I often ponder as to why a person would choose to become an enemy to righteousness.
Satan himself was endowed with this beautiful gift of agency, yet he stands today as an enemy, an adversary to all that is good and right.
I love this reminder from Peter, stating
"Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Peter 5:8
So, I find myself feeling amazed at the right that I have to agency, overwhelmed at the thought of all that I am capable of gaining if I use that agency properly-
and- because I am human- and also because I happen to be in the process of raising children- I often find myself wondering how my Father in Heaven could trust me with this gift of agency-
as a mom, I want to believe that my children will always make great choices- and then there are days when I wonder WHY that is an option for them- I would rather make that choice for them, because I believe I can see the consequences much more clearly than they can, or because I don't want them to suffer, or hurt, or feel sadness.
Surely my Father feels the same with me as I wander through this life of opposition- as I use my agency, as I succeed and fail and learn.
He must trust me immensely, and see more in me than I see in myself- and with that example in mind I will try to be a better person, and a better parent!
righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness or misery, neither good nor bad...."
If not for opposition, agency could not exist. We are often reminded that agency is not free. Agency allows me to participate in the testing process that is a fundamental part of this earthly life. There is a cost associated with agency- the cost is personal- it is damnation or salvation, depending on how I choose to use my agency. My choice is clear, but I often ponder as to why a person would choose to become an enemy to righteousness.
Satan himself was endowed with this beautiful gift of agency, yet he stands today as an enemy, an adversary to all that is good and right.
I love this reminder from Peter, stating
"Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Peter 5:8
So, I find myself feeling amazed at the right that I have to agency, overwhelmed at the thought of all that I am capable of gaining if I use that agency properly-
and- because I am human- and also because I happen to be in the process of raising children- I often find myself wondering how my Father in Heaven could trust me with this gift of agency-
as a mom, I want to believe that my children will always make great choices- and then there are days when I wonder WHY that is an option for them- I would rather make that choice for them, because I believe I can see the consequences much more clearly than they can, or because I don't want them to suffer, or hurt, or feel sadness.
Surely my Father feels the same with me as I wander through this life of opposition- as I use my agency, as I succeed and fail and learn.
He must trust me immensely, and see more in me than I see in myself- and with that example in mind I will try to be a better person, and a better parent!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
The Worth of Souls
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!
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)