Gratitude - The Gift of Silence

 

The gift of silence is an invitation to intentionally seek out quiet moments for yourself. Check out the sounds that are around you right at this moment. What do you hear? Is the TV or radio on? Can you detect the sounds of traffic outside or the hum of a computer at your desk?  Are the children yelling in the background?  Are the chickens clucking and the ducks quacking and the goats yelling to be milked?  Oh, that would be my life!  Sorry about that!  
We are constantly surrounded by sounds and I am learning that the cumulative effect of noise can lead to increased stress and overstimulation.

Remember that there can be noise on the outside and noise on the inside. While we can turn off a TV, it is not always easy to turn down the volume of the thoughts inside our own heads. Sometimes it is especially hard to let go of the noise of worry and concern that surrounds us.  I know it is something I really have to struggle with. 

The noise on the inside can keep me from finding peace.  It can keep me from prayer, from scriptures, from meditation, from relaxing.  I get so involved with the noise that I can't handle everything that I need to do.  And so, I have learned to walk.  To get up and go outside.  To listen to the sounds of the birds and the squirrels.  To let go of the hum of business that I am caught up in and to just take a breath and enjoy the silence of a moment.  This month, I choose to give myself this amazing gift.  10 minutes or more of silence each day, so that I can get back on track. 
So that I can breath. 
So that I can find myself amongst the noise and confusion that surrounds me. 
So that I can find Him.

 

Sabbath Day Scribblings - Every Man is given a gift

D&C 46:11- 26 
11  For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is  given a gift by the Spirit of God.

 12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.

 13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

 14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.

 15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.

 16 And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.

 17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.

 18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.

 19 And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;

 20 And to others it is given to have faith to heal.

 21 And again, to some is given the working of miracles;

 22 And to others it is given to prophesy;

 23 And to others the discerning of spirits.

 24 And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;

 25 And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.

 26 And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.