Inspirations, Revelations, Guidance

As I've tried to be more in tuned with the Spirit and make my morning spiritual study/meditation more meaningful, I've felt the light of inspiration shine brightly in my life. Here are a few of my experiences in the months of September and October 2015.

1.For a  long time, I've been asking myself the question, what next? What do I want to do/be when I grow up? What is my mission? I wanted this answer to have something to do with an occupation, vocation, or education. This answer ought to be something that would bring in money and personal validation as to my own awesomeness. So, I'd been praying about it on and off for a couple of months. One morning, as I was reading (either in The God Who Weeps or You Can Heal Your Life) about relationships, I got a strong impression. My mission was to heal relationships within my family, particularly my birth family of siblings and parents.

This was not the answer I was looking for, nor that I wanted. Yet, it was exactly what I needed to know. It struck my soul and resonated throughout my body. I no longer have questions about my mission or the next step in my life. I recognize that healing relationships is the ultimate goal, the purpose of the Atonement. Our lives are about healing our relationships with God, our parents, our siblings, our children, our friends, our neighbors, our enemies, and even relationships between countries. It is the calling that can heal the world.

2. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted a better relationship with my Mom. I've wanted her to be someone different, the person I wanted her to be. With  the death of my sister, Melissa, that all changed. For the first time, I served her with love and without resentment.

With my children, I love them for who they are, their personalities, their quirks, their weaknesses. Due to that unconditional love, we have healthy relationships. With my Mom, I didn't love her unconditionally, instead, I wanted her to be someone else. This past year, I was finally able to let go of that conditional love. I loved her without wanting to change her, correct her, or tell her all the things that she was doing wrong. With my change of heart towards her, our relationship has changed. I've learned to just love her, pure and simple, no strings attached. I try not to change her or tell her what to do. With this approach, I've found much more peace, joy, and satisfaction in our relationship.


3. During General Conference, Elder Lawrence's talk impressed me to ask God the question, what is keeping me from progressing? So, this past Fast Sunday, I had that on my mind as I fasted. As I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting and thinking about the things I was fasting for, I received the following prompting: if you want your fasting to be efficacious, you need to have a complete/full fast.
 OKAY! I didn't usually fast the full 24 hours, so that very moment, I began the process of fasting for the complete 24 hours. I don't expect instantaneous blessings to fall upon me, but I know that exercising more self-control will benefit me. I hope it is also pleasing to God.

About 5 minutes after I had that thought, Anne passed me a note telling me about her experience regarding the same question (what is keeping me from progressing). She wrote to me that she felt the impression that she needed to spend less time on her computer. She also said it was the first time in a while that she had felt a direct answer to a personal question.

Later, in Family Home Evening, I shared my experience  and Anne's experience with the kids. Benjamin must have been impressed by this, because he had the following experience on October 13, 2015, " Last night I had a dream in which I heard a voice. That night I had prayed and asked God what was holding me back. While I was asleep, something popped into my mind. It was, "spend less time on the iPad." Later, I woke up and realized what had just happened. I had received an answer to my prayers."

Facebook Thoughts from September and early October

-3 pm, that time of the day when I throw my hands up in the air and yell, "I give up!" 
I swear that everyday at 3 pm, I should just be sent to my room for a nap.



-The German speaking world comes up with some of the best words, many of which are compound nouns. My newest favorite, "Mahlneid." That is, meal envy, something that often occurs when looking through Facebook.


-Ah, to have the energy and enthusiasm for life that my 12 year old son manifests!


-Today she is doing her thinking inside the box.



-Best and most correct statement of the day from my 15 year old daughter, "Waking up is lame."


-Watching LDS General Conference in 3 locations in our house. Setting up our tents to listen to the prophet. I love Conference weekend! 




-Good thing that I went on a walk this morning, it made it easier to deal with the stress of somebody using my debit card in Missouri and Minnesota! I just don't understand why people in this world choose to be mean.


-Trying to drink when half my face is numb is a brand new experience, but at least I can't feel the site of my gum graft... well not yet.

-When playing 20 questions, is a Lego considered an animal, a vegetable, or a mineral?

Late Anniversary Weekend, Sept. 18-19

Kayaking on the Columbia River

Poem

Reflections on a Rose from a Casket

For Melissa

Intricate veins

branching out through

withered petals.

A dull hue a poor

shadow of a once

vibrant color.

This reminder of you 

is but a poor imitation

of a vibrant life

of dewy petals,

potent fragrance.

You are not the flower,

nor is your life a rose.

You never dried, never

shrunk, never wrinkled.

You bloom continually 

within me.

 Your blossom unfurls 

in a fertile garden

of infinity.

Titanium Man

Joe participated in a local triathlon called, "The Titanium  Man" . It is an Olympic Distance race that took place here in the Tri-Cities.

Benjamin Got His Start Scout!

August 26th, 2015, Star Scout, Awarded by Jon Reynolds, Scout Master.

Happy Hebgen Times

Hebgen Hail:

When you are at Hebgen, just wait 5 minutes and you will get a different type of weather, whether it is snow, rain, sun, hail, wind, or lightning storm.

Singing, Dorothy Row Your Boat Ashore

Farewells