Thursday, March 28, 2013

Pain In LIfe.....


I have come to understand that during His mortal life Christ chose to experience pains and afflictions in order to understand us. Perhaps we also need to experience the depths of mortality in order to understand Him and our eternal purposes.  
President Henry B. Eyring taught: “It will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the Savior’s promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal and help us. … And faith in that power will give us patience as we pray and work and wait for help. He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience.

I have felt the encircling arms of His love.  Tears have watered my pillow in gratitude.  As I was reading in Matthew about Christ’s mortal ministry, I made another discovery: “When the even was come, they brought unto him many … and he … healed all that were sick.”  He healed all that came to Him. None were turned away.

Kent F. Richards Of the Seventy, Ensign, May, 2011

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Can You Go One More Day.....


Generally it is good to try to anticipate what is coming and prepare to deal with it. At times, however, this captain’s counsel is wise: “Take it one day at a time. . . . Don’t look ahead to the pain. Just get through the day.” To worry about what is or may be coming can be debilitating. It can paralyze us and make us quit.
In the 1950s my mother survived radical cancer surgery, but difficult as that was, the surgery was followed with dozens of painful radiation treatments in what would now be considered rather primitive medical conditions. She recalls that her mother taught her something during that time that has helped her ever since:
I was so sick and weak, and I said to her one day, “Oh, Mother, I can’t stand having 16 more of those treatments.”
She said, “Can you go today?”
“Yes.”
“Well, honey, that’s all you have to do today.”
It has helped me many times when I remember to take one day or one thing at a time.
D. Todd Christofferson was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this fireside address was given on 9 January 2011.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

God Requires Us To Do Our Best......


In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26), and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances. This is in part the meaning of the scripture that declares, “Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45).
As you appropriately seek for and apply unto the spirit of revelation, I promise you will “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5; 2 Nephi 12:5). Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it. But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding (see Alma 5:7; 32:28), and direct and protect you and your family.

David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Ensign, May, 2011

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Bearing Your Burdens.....


When my heart and mind were filled with discouragement, there was no room for concern for others and no room for God’s love for me in my heart. Daily I tormented myself, thinking in circles, deciding first on one desperate measure, then another.  There was no air, no breathing space, between me and my problem; I was entangled and confused.  I could see nothing straight and clear, nothing was revealed in its true colors, only the flaming red of constant hysteria and apprehension.  To have found a way out of this kind of thinking is a miracle in itself; I found that miracle in my ARP groups.  My own problems were brought into focus by relating them to those of others.  I found I could give some thought and compassion to them, and then I began to have peace of mind. 

Today’s reminder:

It is the sharing of experience and hope that makes ARP contacts so important to us.  Every time I read the ARP Guide or the Scriptures, every time I attend a meeting or talk with a fellow member by telephone, we grow in serenity and strength.  Let me accept all the rich comfort available to me in this way of life, for I know it can help me in all life’s trials.   (Paraphrased from ODAT, March 8)

12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.
  13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
  14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
  15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did  strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.  (Mosiah 24: 12-15)

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

I WIll Made This Day A Happy One....



I will keep always in mind that today is my sole concern, and that I will make it as good a day as I can.  This one small span of time is mine, and I will use it to do the things that need doing, and have a little time over for enjoyment and reflection.  

Living one day at a time, and consciously dividing my time into useful and satisfying activities, can give me the variety that is said to be the spice of life. This has the added benefit of keeping my mind off my problems which often proves the easiest and most logical way to solve them!

“I will make this day a happy one, for I alone can determine what kind of a day it will be. Let not my thought fantasies (vain imaginations) lead me into anticipating trouble, since I cannot know what the future may bring.” (One Day at a Time in Alonon).

I read the following today:  Love it.

                                                “I AM NOBODY
                                                 NOBODY IS PERFECT
                                                 THEREFORE, I AM PERFECT

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Setting Boundaries......Loving......


As loved ones of those in addiction we often struggle with boundaries. We probably started out thinking we had certain limits, but slowly we found ourselves tolerating much more than we ever thought we would. We allowed ourselves to be manipulated, hurt, and used. It is common to complain about these injustices and yet allow them to continue. Our complaining, whining, and anger are clues that we have weak boundaries or no boundaries at all.

It may take awhile for us to arrive at the point where we are ready to set boundaries. As we listen to the stories and experiences of others we often find the strength and understanding we need to move forward. We may be hesitant because we feel that setting limits on others may be hurtful or selfish. It helps to remember that we are not showing love when we ignore behavior that directly impacts our own serenity and spirituality. When we take care of ourselves by setting reasonable boundaries, we teach others by example the blessing of having boundaries in their own lives. In setting and maintaining boundaries we create and allow room for others to see the reality of their own behavior and the choices that are before them.

From Family Support Guide additional materials p 26

Friday, March 8, 2013

Forgiveness To Heal.......


“We need to recognize and acknowledge angry feelings. It will take humility to do this, but if we will get on our knees and ask Heavenly Father for a feeling of forgiveness, He will help us. The Lord requires us “to forgive all men” 15 for our own good because “hatred (for ourselves or others) retards spiritual growth.” 16 Only as we rid ourselves of hatred and bitterness can the Lord put comfort into our hearts.”
Bishop Williams addressed this concept so well when he said, “Forgiveness is a source of power. But it does not relieve us of consequences.” 18 When tragedy strikes, we should not respond by seeking personal revenge but rather let justice take its course and then let go. It is not easy to let go and empty our hearts of festering resentment. The Savior has offered to all of us a precious peace through His Atonement, but this can come only as we are willing to cast out negative feelings of anger, spite, or revenge. For all of us who forgive “those who trespass against us,” or our willingness to forgive ourselves) 19 even those who have committed serious crimes, the Atonement brings a measure of peace and comfort.

Let us remember that we need to forgive to be forgiven.”

President James E. Faust
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
Ensign, May, 2007

Thursday, March 7, 2013

God Knows What We Do Not Know..........


All of us suffer some injuries from experiences that seem to have no rhyme or reason. We cannot understand or explain them. We may never know why some things happen in this life. The reason for some of our suffering is known only to the Lord. But because it happens, it must be endured. President Howard W. Hunter said that “God knows what we do not know and sees what we do not see.” 7
President Brigham Young offered this profound insight that at least some of our suffering has a purpose when he said: “Every calamity that can come upon mortal beings will be suffered to come upon the few, to prepare them to enjoy the presence of the Lord. … Every trial and experience you have passed through is necessary for your salvation.”

If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being. Some recent studies show that people who are taught to forgive become “less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed,” which leads to greater physical well-being. Another of these studies concludes “that forgiveness … is a liberating gift [that] people can give to themselves.”

President James E. Faust
Second Counselor in the First Presidency Ensign, May, 2007
Remember – Not for giving is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

It Is Called Forgiveness.....


Some frustrations we must endure without really solving the problem. Some things that ought to be put in order are not put in order because we cannot control them. Things we cannot solve, we must survive.

If you resent someone for something he has done—or failed to do—forget it.

Too often the things we carry are petty, even stupid. If you are still upset after all these years because Aunt Clara didn’t come to your wedding reception, why don’t you grow up and forget it?

If you brood constantly over a loss or a past mistake, look ahead—settle it.

We call that forgiveness. Forgiveness is powerful spiritual medicine. To extend forgiveness, that soothing balm, to those who have offended you is to heal. And, more difficult yet, when the need is there, forgive yourself!

I repeat, “John, leave it alone. Mary, leave it alone.”

Purge and cleanse and soothe your soul and your heart and your mind and that of others.

A cloud will then be lifted, a beam cast from your eye. There will come that peace which surpasseth understanding.

The Lord said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

Balm of Gilead, Elder Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Nov., 1987