Sunday Scribblings - The Details

 

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.   Luke 12:6-7

What I learned - Fourth Floor, Last Door

God “rewards those who earnestly seek him,” so we need to keep knocking. Sisters, don’t give up. Seek God with all your heart.

Oh how I loved this talk by President Uchtdorf.  He reminded me of the importance of faith. He reminded me that we might not see or know our own worth.  

"Faith is a strong conviction about something we believe—a conviction so strong that it moves us to do things that we otherwise might not do. “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

While this makes sense to believing people, it is often confusing to nonbelievers. They shake their heads and ask, “How can anyone be certain of what they cannot see?” To them, this is evidence of the irrationality of religion.

What they fail to understand is that there are more ways to see than with our eyes, more ways to feel than with our hands, more ways to hear than with our ears.

It’s something like the experience of a young girl who was walking with her grandmother. The song of the birds was glorious to the little girl, and she pointed out every sound to her grandmother.

“Do you hear that?” the little girl asked again and again. But her grandmother was hard of hearing and could not make out the sounds.

Finally, the grandmother knelt down and said, “I’m sorry, dear. Grandma doesn’t hear so well.”

Exasperated, the little girl took her grandmother’s face in her hands, looked intently into her eyes, and said, “Grandma, listen harder!”

Oh, if it were only as easy as listening a little bit harder!  Faith for me is something that is necessary.  It is something that I feel and that I think and that I believe.  It is a natural to me a breathing.  It doesn't mean that I don't doubt things every once in a while.  But it does mean that I trust where to get my answers.  

I loved that President Uchtdorf talked about how faith will not violate the free agency of another.  That was a lesson hard learned in my own life.  Sometimes, what we want feels so right!  And if someone else could just see what we see, they would want the same things.  But I have learned to pray for my own understanding.  I have learned to pray for the love and compassion I need to help them through their trials.  I have learned to pray for His blessing to be upon me as I learn to accept His will.  That is a hard prayer to mean.  

Faith is trust.  Trust that God sees what we cannot.  That He knows what we do not yet know.  That He will bring things to pass in His own time.  Trust is that even though something we want right now doesn't work out, there will be something else in our lives that will.  Faith is to believe that all things will work together for our good, no matter how we feel right this minute.  

Faith is believing, that if we just keep knocking, the door WILL be answered, even if it is not quite the way we imagined.  

He can make us whole

 

 

We are all broken.  No matter if it "appears" like we come from perfect families.  No matter if others know our burdens.  No matter what people think of us, or how they judge us.  No matter what sins or mistakes we have made in our messy, mixed up lives.  We are still broken.
Life is messy!  No matter what we do, things will go wrong.  Sometimes it is because of someone else's choices, sometimes it is because of our own choices, and sometimes, it is just a part of living life.  It is easy to play the blame game and look for someone else to be at fault for our problems. 
I think most of us really WANT to be good people.  We want to make the right decisions and do the right things.  We really want to live a good life and make things better for ourselves and our families.  But no matter how hard we try, things invariably go wrong.  And just like our children's play toys, we become broken in the process. 
One of the biggest reasons that I am so very grateful that there will only be one person who judges me.  He knows my life story.  He knows the wrinkles on the paper and the tears in the book.  He knows that I am doing the best I can with what I have been given.  To me, it isn't always enough, but in Him, I find hope that it can be. 
And so, I turn my life over to the Master Carpenter of us all.  He can shape me, mold me and even build me to be the person I was meant to become.  He can take my trials and turn them into blessings.  It is still hard.  But I believe He doesn't just make a difference in my life, He makes ALL the difference. 

He can overcome our individual and collective broken-ness. He can mead our hearts and heal our pain.  He can bring blessings out of sorrow.  He is the Good Shepherd, and the Divine Redeemer. 
He can and will make each one of us whole. 

The Lord's Trust

Oh, do I wish He didn't trust me quite so much! 

Seriously though, life is full of challenges.  The things that I struggle with daily, you might find to be a piece of cake.  The things you struggle with, might be harder or easier for me.  I have learned that every single one of us have trials.  And whatever they might be, they are hard!

But as I look at this, I am thinking how much He must trust us.  He allows us to endure those trials.  He doesn't step in and take them from us, even when we wish Him to.  He allows us to experience life, in all it's joys and sorrows.  He allows us to learn and to grow and to become.

As hard as that can be, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and change.  I would not learn near as much without the trials that I have experienced.  As much as I don't like them when I am going through them, I must admit that I learn. Oh how much I learn. 

I also must admit, I appreciate the joys so much more than I used to.  It is easier to feel them intensely after I have gone through the trials. I am better able to see the blessings among the sorrows.  I am better able to see His hand in my life.  I cherish every single moment of joy in my life.  I also have learned to recognize them.  I know that He does send blessings along our way to help us in our journey.  I know that He loves me.  I know that He cares.  And for now, that will be enough.

Saved From Lions

This is my new favorite quote.  I use it to remind myself that, no matter what I am going through or how bad life seems, the Lord still loves me.  We all have trials.  That doesn't mean that He isn't aware of us any more.  It doesn't mean that there is not something else in store. 

I have been to way too many Lion's dens in my life.  Times when I thought there was no way out.  Times when I was sure that I was unlovable and forgotten.  There was danger all around, but even though He didn't rescue me from the Lion's den, he did rescue me from the lions. 

I have learned that life is full of trials.  There are times when I really am not sure if I am going to make it from day to day.  I see "the lions" and  I don't realize yet that the Lord has "shut the lions mouths".  I can't see beyond the darkness of the den.  I know that danger is near.  I am afraid.  I am filled with sorrow.  I love the story of Daniel, but my favorite part is that the king went and fasted in his chamber.  He could not sleep because he was so worried about Daniel inside the Lions Den.  I love that an angel of the Lord came and closed the mouths of the lions so that they could not hurt Daniel.

In my life, I have found living angels as well as spiritual ones.  Those who are there for me in my moments of darkness.  Those who keep the lions from destroying me.  Those who reach out their hands and their hearts in my hour of need.  Those who fast and pray for my protection.  Those who truly teach me of His love and mercy.  Because, although He saves me from the Lions, he does not save me from having to enter the Lions den. 

Restored

 

Oh how I love listening to this man speak.  He really gives me hope.  I know that I have felt like my own life is shattered, especially lately.  I have even had times when I couldn't see how I would make it to tomorrow.  Not because of my own sins, although they are more than I would wish, but mostly because of others that affect me. 

This quote is my new mantra.  There will be better days ahead.  There will be cause for rejoicing.  All that is lost will someday, somehow be restored.  I won't miss out on it forever, just for this moment.  No matter what is happening in each of our lives, we need to know and believe that Heavenly Father knows exactly what we are going through.  He knows our heartaches, He knows our suffering, He knows what we need. 

We can all have hope in His love and His mercy.  We can all rejoice in the knowledge that He wants to bless us.  Somehow, in ways that we probably can't understand right now, everything will work out for our good.  The shattered windows of our life, will all be made whole.  I wish I could explain how I know that, but I do.  I absolutely believe in the truth of that marvelous teaching.  We will all be made whole.  All the wrongs will be made right.  All will be restored. 

What I learned - Be Thou Humble

One of my all time favorite Hymns is Be thou humble.  It reminds me of who I would like to be and what I am really working on.  This talk was also amazing.  I learned so much listening.  I love the idea that "some of the greatest sermons are preached by listening to the hymns." 
The hymn Be Thou humble is based on a scripture in Ether and one in the Doctrine and Covenants. 
Ether 12:27. The verse in Ether reads: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; … for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”
I really need the weak things in my life to become strengths.  I know that I need to not worry so much.  That I need to trust more and try and take care of it all myself, less.  Trusting is hard for me.  I never quite correlated trusting God with the ability to humble myself.  I am just trying to bother Him less and take care of my own problems. 
This talk has reminded me that those problems are not necessarily mine to take care of.  Sometimes, we all need to trust in a higher power and allow Him to bear the burden.  Humility is the willingness to admit that I can't possibly do it all.
I have had many experiences to try myself and make me more humble.  I have walked through the shadows and  tears.  I have felt my soul ache and my heart break.  Humility keeps it all real for me.  I know that there is nothing that I could possibly suffer, that Christ himself isn't aware of.  I know that He is willing to walk with me. 
As Elder Snow shared the story of His son, my heart ached with him and I could not help but remember my own experiences with my children.  There is so much uncertainty in knowing what will happen.  Whether they sin, or someone else does, whether life is fair, or it isn't.  I believe that we never stop worrying about their welfare and their spiritual well-being.  No matter what happens, they are my children, grown or small, it doesn't really matter.  I love them.  I know that Heavenly Father loves them and that He desires they may learn how to be humble and loving here upon the earth.
He desires to lead us safely Home. 

Lyrics to Be Thou Humble

1. 1. Be thou humble in thy weakness, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee,
   Shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers.
   Be thou humble in thy pleading, and the Lord thy God shall bless thee,
   Shall bless thee with a sweet and calm assurance that he cares.
2. 2. Be thou humble in thy calling, and the Lord thy God shall teach thee
   To serve his children gladly with a pure and gentle love.
   Be thou humble in thy longing, and the Lord thy God shall take thee,
   Shall take thee home at last to ever dwell with him above.
   
   Text and music: Grietje Terburg Rowley, b. 1927
3. (c) 1985 IRI

Into our hearts!

I think it is easy to struggle with this one.  I have watched so many others try and reconcile their heads and their hearts.  Sometimes, we think we know something with out heads, but we just can't feel it in our hearts.  But I don't think belief is something that we find in our heads.  It is something that grows in our hearts. 
I have had people that I love ask me how I can have faith in spite of this or that being "proven".  I really feel like science is all about theories.  Anything that science finds as fact will show there is a God.  People who don't believe in God spend too much time in their own heads and not enough time in their hearts.  All good things, and I really do mean all good things, bear witness of Him. 
Evolution is a theory, it is not a fact.  Man coming out of fish, or apes or anything else is a theory.  You can't find a single thing in recent history that proves beyond any doubt that evolution is currently happening across species. 
In order for us to believe anything, we have to think about it, then take it to heart.  I believe because my heart and my head bear witness to me.  I don't have to see all the facts in order to accept it.  There was a time in my life when I wanted someone to tell me what was true.  I wanted to understand all the mysteries.  I wanted to know all the answers.  And I wanted answers that could be irrevocably proven. 
Here's the problem with that, faith can not be proven.  That is why it is faith first.  As things change, I believe that faith can become knowledge.  But first, you have to believe.  As I have gotten older, it is easier for me not to need all the proof that the world requires.  I have learned the value of prayer and that answers do come with a still small voice and a burning in my heart.  That is enough for me to keep the fire of belief kindled even when I don't know all the answers.  Even when I lack certain proof. 
As you struggle with your own questions and concerns, remember that faith in something comes long before knowledge.  Just because we can't see in the darkness doesn't mean something isn't really there.  I wish that I had the words to explain how deep the feelings run in my heart.
Instead of looking for reasons why you shouldn't have faith, maybe we should look for reasons why we should, maybe as we strengthen our faith we can overcome our unbelief.  I love that Heavenly Father knew we would struggle with belief.  He knew that it would sometimes, be seemingly impossible for us.  And so He councils us to turn to Him.  He shows us how to gain belief in our hearts. 
Or, as the scriptures word it:

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

I Am A Light

We forget this simple truth.  We forget that there is nothing the dark can do to us without our consent.  We let the dark in, we choose to give it a foothold.  We forget the power that we have within us.  The light that shines brighter than any darkness.  We forget to let ourselves shine as a beacon on a hill. 

“I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.”

Doctrine and Covenants 6:21

So, how to we walk away from the darkness?  How do we find the light?  First, we start where we are, right now.  Isn't it wonderful that we don't have to be perfect to enjoy the blessings that He has promised us?  Isn't it wonderful that He wants to help us change?  Heavenly Father doesn't expect us to be perfect all in one afternoon.  We need to start one step at a time.  Start today to make the changes that lead you into the light.  Prepare yourself spiritually for His feast.  He is waiting to welcome you in. 

Second, turn your heart toward God.  If you are like me, you probably already know the changes that you have to make to have that happen.  One of the things I have found that helps me the most is to start looking at the positive side of life.  Find the blessings instead of the trials.  As I acknowledge the blessings that I do have, I find my heart softening and turning even more toward my Savior.  The more blessings I find, the more I acknowledge and the more my eyes see.  It has been a great way to draw my heart toward my Heavenly Father.  When we seek the good, we will find it. 

Third, walk in the light.  Don't let your mistakes discourage you from trying again.  Heavenly Father knew that we would all fail.  He knew that we would need encouragement.  He has given us the gift of repentance so that we can turn aside from our mistakes and walk again with Him.  He wants us there.  He is waiting with arms outstretched to help us in our journey. 

Light overcomes darkness, little by little, ray by ray, moment by moment, until at last we see that there is no need to be afraid.  That in all reality, the darkness is overcome by the light that burns within us.  Yes, sometimes life can appear to be surrounded by darkness.  Our hopes can be extinguished, our hearts can be wounded, our life can be filled with oppression.  But, with Christ, darkness can not succeed.  It cannot win.  With Christ, you are protected and held safe in the arms of His love.  Hold on, just hold on.  I promise the light will come. 

He Can Make Us Whole

The reality of the Resurrection of the Savior overwhelms our heartbreak with hope, because with the assurance of that truth, comes the assurance that all the other promises of the gospel are just as real. 
We know that He has the power to cleanse our sins.  We know that He has borne our pain, our infirmities, our hurts and our anguish.  He knows about the injustices that we have suffered. 
In Alma we read:

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

We know that He has risen from the dead and that He has healing in His winds.  We know that He can make us whole no matter what is broken within us.  So today, in all our sorrow, I hope it helps to remember that He really does know.  ‬

Standing With God

 

It is so easy to stand with the world.  I can look at my own life and see all my mistakes.  I can see the things that I don't do enough of (or maybe even at all!)  I can see the need to pray more, read my scriptures more, study more.  In short, I see all my faults and failings.  Sometimes, it is easier to focus on those things than on the things I may actually be doing right.  We have as story in the Book of Mormon about Lehi.  It is called Lehi's dream.  In the story, there is a large and spacious building that calls out to those who are living and partaking of God's word and love.  Many people are led astray by the others in that building.  They feel ashamed that they are partaking of the fruit of the tree.  The wonder away from the straight and narrow path and are either lost, or join those in the great and spacious building. 

In todays world, that building is probably bigger than it has ever been.  There are so many people who are willing to lead us away from following the Lord.  There are so many conflicting ways and so many good things we can do.  We don't even have to be doing bad things, we just don't have to be doing the best we can do. 

God is not dead.  He never has been.  I know that He doesn't always answer the way that I would like Him too, but if I wait long enough, He always answers in a way that is best for me.  He allows me trials, that I might find joy in the overcoming of them.  He shows me people who hate, that I might learn not to behave in the same way.  He shows me forgiveness and mercy, that I might give those to others around me. 

In short, He gives me blessings each and every day and all things testify of Him.  I would so much rather be found standing with Him, that against Him.  As easy as it is to walk away, the only thing that prevents us from coming home to Him is our own pride.  His arms have always been opened wide to welcome us back. 

May we all be found partaking of the fruit of His love.

Just Because We Cannot See

We live in a world where seeing, is believing.  A world that would have us cast aside those things we cannot see, understand or explain.  However, I have learned that just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there. 

The sun sets every night and rises in the morning.  It isn't visible to the naked eye in the darkness.  The storms will come.  The wind will blow.  The raccoons will eat my chickens!  Just because I don't see it right now, doesn't mean it is not going to happen.  So many people are so caught up in needing proof.  They need physical evidence to understand and believe. 

However, there are so many things around us that bear testimony of Him.  So many things to see and hear and recognize.  Just because you can't explain it, doesn't mean it isn't so.  I believe that when science is proven, it too will speak of God and all the creations that He has made.  I believe in choosing the best things for me. 

I can't see love either, but I know it is there.  My husband is amazing to me.  He is willing to work through things with me that are hard to deal with.  He can't see those things, but he can totally see the results in my own attitude and willingness to change.  You can't see a voice either, but you can hear the meaning in the words.  Ask any mother and she can tell you when her children are happy or unhappy, just by the tone of their voice when they speak. 

I can tell my daughter hates to do dishes, by the way she stomps her feet.  I don't have to see them.  I can feel the vibrations all the way to my room.  God speaks to our hearts.  He touches our minds.  He allows us to see through the spirit.  I Feel when something is right. 

I don't have to see in this world, I know that there will be other times and places in which to ask my questions and receive the answers.  It doesn't have to be right this moment.  I know that everything will be explained and we will finally understand the wonder and grace that are such a part of this wonderful earth upon which we live. 

I can't always see the why's, but I can see the consequences of the why not's.  I can see the difference that kindness makes in the life of a struggling child.  I can see His love in the actions of others.  I can receive answers to prayer in the words of his teachings.  I can find His gifts all around me.  I just need to open my heart and really see. 

Elder Charles W. Penrose said: “Some people will not believe anything they cannot grasp with their human reason or cannot see with their natural eyes. But blessed is the man of faith, blessed is the woman of faith! For by faith they can see into things that cannot be discerned by the natural eyes. They can reach out to the regions of immortality, grasp eternal realities and lay hold upon the things of God!”

Sabbath Day Scribblings - Learn of Me

Matthew 11:29 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Leave the Past Behind

My past haunts me.  Some days even more than others.  I can't get the pictures out of my brain, no matter how hard I try.  The little girl that I used to be, still lives here inside of me.  There are days that I still feel her pain. 

I believe that life is hard.  I believe that Heaven weeps for our despairs.  I also have learned that, no matter how hard I try, the past is going to keep coming up in my present.  So, no matter how much I long to forget, I know it is not going to happen.  What I am seeking to do, is to learn from it and not make the same mistakes again, or go through those same experiences.  I am hoping that sharing bits and pieces of myself through my writing will help me to heal and let it go. 

I know that living for today brings joy.  When I am in the moment, I am happy, I am content.  When I think of the past, I am conflicted, I feel hopeless and helpless.  I can see why it is so important to learn to be in the present. 

The past is hopeless, we can't change it.  No matter what our dreams were, they are probably not our reality today.  When I live in the past, I find myself depressed and anxious.  I also find myself worrying more, agonizing over the smallest things, and believing that the very worst will happen.

The future isn't here yet.  It is ever changing and fluid.  Our thoughts and actions today will impact the tomorrow that we will see.  There is always hope in the future.  There is always the promise of becoming who we want to be, or even better, who we were meant to be. 

Jesus Christ Lives Again.  That is the promise of Easter.  The promise of hope.  The promise of becoming.  In my beliefs, I don't focus on His death, I focus on His life.  Both the life He lived and especially the fact that He lives again.  He provides the way to hope.  He is my light and my life.  Because of Him, I know that the past will be overcome.  I may not be there yet, but it will happen.  Because of Him I know that I am loved beyond measure and that the future is absolutely as bright as my faith. 

  

He Will Wipe Away Our Tears

Oh how I love this quote from President Uchtdorf.  I am learning to truly love the atonement of Jesus Christ, not that I didn't love it before, but in my younger years, I used to believe that He only atoned for my sins.  It took me so much longer (and way more experience) to discover that He also atoned for my sorrows, my anxieties, and my aching heart. 

The atonement means to literally become "at one with" Jesus Christ.  How could we become one with Him if He did not understand us?  If He did not know our deepest hurts and anguish.  If He did not rejoice in our overcoming.  If He did know love us in spite of our faults and failings.  As I have struggled to understand the atonement, I have grown closer to my Savior and my Redeemer.  I depend on Him more.  I want to please Him more.  I love Him even more. 

The best thing about all this for me is that we truly can go forth with clean hands and a pure heart.  The past is not and never has been our future.  It is a path, and we get to choose the turnings in it.  If we spend too much time looking backward on our journey, we will stumble even more over the current obstacles.    We can leave every part of our past behind.  We don't have to forget it, but we do need to learn from it and then let it go. 

I am not trying to sound like that will be the easy thing to do.  I know from my own experience, that it is one of the hardest things any of us can do.  I am so much harder on myself than anyone else will ever me.  I judge me at my worst, and compare myself with you at your best.  I am hopelessly lost some days, yet seem to have it all together on others.   It brings me comfort to know and understand that I don't have to have it all together in order to be close to Him.  He loves me in my weakness and my messiness.  He loves me in my weeping and my uncertainty.  He loves me with my wild morning hair and my stubbornness.  He loves me just as I am. 

By myself, I would never make it, but with Him, I am starting to realize the potential in me to become just a little better each and everyday.  With Him, I am enough.

Gratitude to Embrace

This is the path

God has made for you.

Embrace It!

Too often, we look at something that someone else has and wish for it.  We don't see the things are our own path that make it wonderful.  We see the mud and the rocks and the trials and the difficulties.  We don't see the vistas and the views and the mountain tops and the miracles.  This is my path, in all its craziness.  This is my opportunity to grow and to become.  This, right here and right now, is my very own chance to shine.  

Don't minimize your dreams because of what you wish.  Find a way to embrace who and what you are.  Remember that the Father loved the prodigal.  He forgave him and never gave up on him.  I don't believe He gives up on any one of us either.  

So embrace your path, embrace yourself.  Take a little bit of joy in the spot where you are right this minute.  I am betting, as you do, you will find the amazing blessings that He has given you.  I know that I have.

Five Minute Friday - STILL

“Be still, and know that I am God” 

(Psalm 46:10).

Today is one of my favorite days of the week.   It is Friday.  It is a day when a bunch of people link up together over at Kate's Place for a Five-Minute Friday.  The rules are simple;  write for five minutes on the prompt, no editing - no worries, link up over at Heading Home with Kate, leave a comment for at least one of the people who linked up before you.  See, no problem at all.  

The prompt this week is:

STILL

START

My head pounds, my heart races, the what's, where's, when's, how's and what if's race through my mind in a loud cacophony of sound that I can't seem to still.  I can't slow down the beating of my heart.  I can't stop all the thoughts from racing around (like the ferris wheel at the State Fair), in my mind.  I can't stop thinking and I can't seem to just be still.  

I feel anxiety and depression like a dark stain on my heart.  Every waking moment, I fight to feel peace.  I fight for the still moments.  Sometimes, it is hard to focus on His words with all the noise in my head.  It is hard to find His peace in the chaos.  

The world races around me.  Everything seems to be moving way too fast.  Where can I turn for peace?  Where is my solace?  I open the books with His words.  I find one of my favorite stories.  I start to read.  I breath in and muscles start to relax, and breath out the tension of the day, then breath once again.  

Slowly, I start to calm.  

I find my center.  

I seek His words.  

I feel His peace.  

I am still.  

STOP

Now it is your turn.  What can your write in your own five minutes?  Don't forget to link back up with the rest of us over at Kate's place!

Five Minute Friday - Turn

Today is Five minute Friday, we really, I have been gone this weekend, so for me Friday has become Sunday, but I decided to participate anyway.  This is the day when a group of us get together over at Kate's Place and share our own stories in just five short minutes.  The rules are easy:  Write in five minutes flat without caring about whether it is just right or not.  Go over to Heading Home and link up your post.  And visit the person who linked up before you to share a comment about their writing.  See, easy.

Today the prompt is:

TURN

START

Inevitable Light
by Patricia A. Pitterle

Every way I turn
There's a path to take
And each step becomes
A choice I make.

As each road beckons me
From the right to stray,
I look to His light
To guide my way.

Seeking His inevitable light.
Searching for His peace.
Knowing that He loves me
And His love will never cease.

As I turn from path to path
Some grey, some light, some dim,
Some look right and call to me,
Only one leads to Him.

As I turn to make my choice
Along life's stormy ways,
I find His light within myself
To brighten all my days.

Seeking His inevitable light.
Searching for His peace.
Knowing that He loves me
And His love will never cease.

My feet step out upon the path
Of bumps and pain and strife
Knowing that He walks with me
And guides me through this life.

When darkness comes and I can't see
He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the hardest times
Through all life's shifting sands.

Seeking His inevitable light.
Searching for His peace.
Knowing that He loves me
And His love will never cease.

STOP

So, now it is your turn,  What can you write for your own five minute Friday?

Becoming Like Him - Day 29 - Unite

For my 31 days of writing, I am linking up over at Heading Home and over at the Nester. There are several of us that are taking the 31 day writing challenge. Kate has suggested that we spend 31 days of Five minute writing. You can use the prompts or write about anything you would like, you just need to write.

I am sharing my journey for 31 days as I strive to become more like Him. My prayer is that you can find hope and peace in my words.

10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

The Prompt today is:

UNITE

START

How hard is it to unite our hearts?  I have a rather large family.  We blended two families together and had a few more children to form a large blended family.  It was not an easy journey.  Sometimes, my children thought that they should be loved best, and sometimes his did.  One of the hardest things to teach them was that they are all our children.  They are each loved individually for themselves.  They are needed and wanted and each a blessing in our lives.  
Uniting together is one of the best things we have ever done.  It was a rough journey at times with a lot of potholes along the way.  Yet, it has been so rewarding and I would not change it for the world.  
Uniting our hearts together to God is not easy either.  There are so many things that would interfere with our relationship.  The world would have us believe that the Sabbath is just another part of the weekend.  It is a time to have fun and forget about everything else.  I know that the sabbath is a day of worship.  As I used to tell my children, Heavenly Father has given us everything and right now He is only asking for a little bit of your time.  
Uniting ourselves for His purpose is such a blessing.  Gathering together helps each of us to strengthen our own testimonies as well as the testimonies of others.  It helps us to find ways to remain strong and faithful.  For me, going to church, fulfills a need that is deep inside my heart.  A need to be more like Him.  It is a chance to teach, learn, listen and love. It is a choice that places my feet in the right direction for the rest of the week.  
Uniting my heart in His glory.  
I can't think of a better place to be.

STOP

Becoming Like Him - Day 28 - Wake

For my 31 days of writing, I am linking up over at Heading Home and over at the Nester. There are several of us that are taking the 31 day writing challenge. Kate has suggested that we spend 31 days of Five minute writing. You can use the prompts or write about anything you would like, you just need to write.

I am sharing my journey for 31 days as I strive to become more like Him. My prayer is that you can find hope and peace in my words.

One day, someone is going to hug you so tight, 

that all the broken pieces will stick back together.

Today the prompt is:

WAKE

START

When my older children were teenagers, they often had a hard time waking up in the morning.  Every single one of them did not like getting out of bed, getting ready for school, or eating a decent breakfast.  I usually made oatmeal or grits or even rice breakfast.  Those ones were filling and I could make a lot, but I really got a little grouchy when the teens would not listen to me and wake up and rise out of those beds.  

As a matter of fact, several mornings saw them pull covers tightly over heads and snuggle back down for more sleep.  It probably wouldn't have been so bad, except they kept missing the buses and making me late for work.  I could not afford to lose a job because they didn't care whether or not they made it to school on time.  

I tried everything I could think of to make it easier for them to get up, they all had their own alarm clocks, I would turn the lights on, we made everyone go to bed earlier and we even went to bed ourselves.  

It never seemed to matter.  When it came to sleeping in, those kids were right on top of it.  Finally, in desperation, I threw a glass of water on the heads of two of the biggest culprits.  The boy, leaped out of bed and shouted "MOM!  What are you doing?"  The girl cried big alligator tears because she just knew that I ruined her bed.  

However, they do joke about it today.  They could both swear that I took a garden hose to the beds and nearly drowned them in ice cold freezing water, (in reality, it was about 4 oz of water, lukewarm out of the tap and not even cold).  They have told all the younger siblings, so I have never again had difficulty getting anyone else out of bed in the mornings.  The youngest girls get themselves up even if we don't do it for them.

I really wasn't trying to be mean, I just needed those teens to respect what I was doing for them.  As much as they complained at the time, they never made me late to work in the rest of the years they lived at home.  They have grown into responsible adults who wake themselves every single day.  

It makes me wonder if Heavenly Father ever gets tired of telling us to wake up and look at what is going on around us.  The scriptures tell us many of the same things over and over again.  I am guessing, that the reason we have to hear things more than once, is because we too can be just like my sleeping teens.  We don't always want to open our eyes and wake to reality.  We don't always listen when we should.  Sometimes we have to be reminded.  We need that startling wake up call that makes us remember those things that are most important.  

STOP