Children of God + Forgiveness

Hi, all! I know it's Saturday, but I had to read, re-read, and think about this week's talks because I felt the need to do so, as I have been struggling. It's the end of the school year, it's my first year of teaching, and I feel a mixture of emotions. If any of you are also teachers, and have had similar experiences, please let me know and give me advice below! :)

And now, on to the talks. I am going to do some bullet points on thoughts I had for both of them, plus I do have a print for each talk as a freebie for you! First up, "Am I a Child of God" by Elder Brian K. Taylor.

• I think it is normal and human to question where we come from. Even if we know our royal origin as children of God, we all wonder if it is true at times. This is nothing to be ashamed about! It is an opportunity for us to come closer to our Father and Savior, should we choose that route.
• In a world where many question who/what they are, we can always find peace as we strive to understand our eternal potential and learn from the Spirit the answers to these questions. The gifts of prayer, priesthood blessings (especially patriarchal blessings), and scripture study can lead to answers we seek.
• Service to others help us to strengthen our belief of our divine nature, as well as see others' divine heritage. It also helps us to come together as brothers and sisters.
• When we put the belief of our religion into practice, we will come to have a perfect understanding of our Father's and Savior's perfect qualities, and perfect them in ourselves.

Next up, "Even as Christ Forgives You, So Also Do Ye" by Elder Larry J. Echo Hawk. This one was particularly difficult for me, because I struggle to forgive myself and those I feel should know better, especially when a sincere apology has not been forthcoming. Therefore, I am only going to share a few thoughts, and keep the rest to ponder on.

• Repentance is a personal responsibility. This means that nobody else can do this for us. I believe that forgiving is also a personal responsibility, which is difficult for me to admit.
• When we seek the Holy Ghost and always remember our Savior's Atonement, we can forgive anything. 
• I loved the example of extending love to the family of someone who has offended us/done us wrong. I have often wondered about the families of those who commit heinous crimes and how they feel. While most of us (myself included) are quick to judge and say they are probably partially to blame, I feel there are times when this is not the case. Each of us has the ability to choose, no matter what our parentage or upbringing.
• Forgiveness brings peace. We all need more peace. I've decided that when my anxiety starts to increase, I am going to do some self-reflection to see if it is because I need to forgive. I had the opportunity to do that this past week, and it really helped!

That's all I have for today, friends! I will be back (hopefully tomorrow) with another General Conference talk to share my thoughts on. Until then, have a wonderful and blessed day!

Love When Least Deserved

Wow.  It has been far too long since I posted here!  I was browsing Pinterest (yeah...you know what I REALLY mean) and I saw a beautiful clay tag someone had posted with an AMAZING quote on it.

Fate.  

I had to create a printable for my home.  

I need this reminder.  

We all need this reminder.

Here's my print~

We ALL have good days and bad days.  Some of us seem to have more of one or the other based on our brain's chemistry and our choices.  BUT, we all need love.  And as someone who has been having more bad than good days lately, I know it has impacted relationships.  So, my plea is in the print above.  Try to be a little kinder to those around you today--you never know what they are going through.

Thanks for stopping by today!  If you'd like a copy of this print without a watermark, please email me!  Feel free to print this FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.  For more disclaimers and policies, see the tab up top!  HUGS to you all!

Forgiveness: The World vs. The Lord

"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace 

of them that make peace."

~James 3:18

This past week in Sunday School we were having a discussion about Joseph in Egypt (one of my all time favorite stories) in the book of Genesis and an interesting thing happened to me.  This question was raised: How does the worlds belief about forgiveness differ from the Lord's belief about forgiveness?

I raised my hand.  I thought I knew what to say.  Instead, I said something completely different.  It was like I was just saying things that were there and I hadn't realized it.  I'd like to share it with you and then, at the end, I've included the information as a table for study. :)

I had three points from each side that contrast each other come spilling out of my mouth.  I didn't go in depth, I just stated, "The world says that someone has to ask forgiveness.  The Lord tells us they do not need to in order for you to forgive.  The world tells you that someone has to make things perfectly whole and right again.  The Lords invites us to see that He already has.  The world tells you if the offense is committed again, you don't have to forgive them a second time.  The Lord tells us seventy times seven."  I'd like to delve a bit deeper into these points.

1)  The world says that someone has to ask forgiveness before you can forgive.  The Lord does not agree.  He says you can forgive even without an apology.  Let's take a look at some examples of this in the scriptures.  In Doctrine & Covenants 64:10, the Lord tell us, "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (emphasis added)  There is not qualifier in that statement from the Lord.  All literally means all, whether they have apologized or not.  Another example of this can be found at the end of our Savior's life.  As Jesus was hanging on the cross, suffering for each one of us and the sins that we so frequently commit, He spoke these words to His Father (who is our Father as well), "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:24).  If you read prior to this statement, you will find no apology, either sincere or snide, from those who harmed Him.  The Savior expects us to live by His example.  This means that we are held to a higher standard.  We must forgive all men, as He did, no matter what they do and whether or not there is an apology.

2)  The world says that the person has to make things right.  It tells us that if things aren't made right, we will never be whole and will be unable to find peace.  The Lord tells us He already has made things right and that we can find complete peace in a world that rarely feels a moment of it.  Some scriptural back up for my point--in Doctrine & Covenants 50:41-42 reads, "Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost."  A powerful promise. Christ teaches in Matthew 11:29-30, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  And in John 14:27 we learn this from the Savior, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  When we follow Christ's example of ready forgiveness, all is right.  Our burdens are lifted. We find peace.

3)  The world would tell us that if we forgive once, and the offense is committed against us again, it is unforgivable.  The Lord has very different math.  Peter asked this of the Lord in Matthew 18:21, "Then came Peter unto him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?"  I think we all know the response.  Matthew 18:22, "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."  I will put a short disclaimer in here and say that we are agents to act and not be acted upon (see HERE, especially under Component Number Three: Inviting Children to Act for more on that subject).  Whenever we are in a situation where we are being continually hurt, we must shoulder some of the blame and work to not put ourselves in that situation.  This may be radical thinking, but even those who are in serious abusive situations have the power to leave.  Christ will bolster you.  He will carry you.  Take action.  The only instance I feel this does not apply to is when a child or some other frail person who is unable to care for themselves and is completely dependent upon another for life is being abused.

I'm not here to say that I am the perfect example of forgiveness or the perfect example of righteous living.  I am just here to share with you a little knowledge that I learned in Sunday School this past Sabbath.  I personally have had experiences with each of these three items of concern.  I also have come to know that the Savior's Atonement will make up for all that I lack and for all that is done to me in error.  

I also believe what we are taught about judgement and forgiveness (see HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.)  When we forgive freely and without malice, frankly as Nephi did, we are becoming more like our Savior and more fit for the Kingdom of God.  I know that forgiveness is part of Christ like charity.

May we ever forgive those around us so that our lives may be filled with peace is my humble desire and wish.  God bless you all!

You can find the chart I told you about HERE.  Feel free to download it and use it for your personal use.  If you find any other wonderful scriptures, I would LOVE to have you share them here in the comments!

I'm offended!

I'm not really, I just wanted a catchy title.  Plus, I really want to have this discussion.  So I hope you will comment--constructively!

I've been thinking A LOT lately about different choice that can be made.  I do that sometimes...ok, all the time.  I analyze things and try to become better.  I really do.  I pray each day to know what Heavenly Father would like me to change and do differently and better.  It works.  I LOVE it.  I highly recommend it.

I feel like I'm digressing, let me get back to my point.  I find it interesting to observe how people react to each other.  I know that everyone is different but have you noticed that there are a few major personality types that emerge when people become offended? This has lead me to analyze myself when I become offended.

These are the four main reactions I see when someone is offended (for whatever reason):

1. The easy goer: This person just lets it roll off their back and continues to do the best they can.  They wonder if maybe there is truth in what was said.  If not, they just take it with a grain of salt for later use if needed.  They like to give people the benefit of the doubt and they are confident in their abilities as a child of God.  Sometimes they ask advice about situations from others, but people aren't mentioned, just situations and ideas.

2. The ignorer: This person ignores everything that offends them, but it bugs them in the back of their brain.  They try to come up with a solution, but when nothing comes, they shove their feelings down deep and ignore those, too.  Ignoring it usually ends in a huge blow up at some point.  Sometimes at someone who has nothing to do with the situation.

3. The whiner: This person just has to tell everyone and their dog about what happened.  The goal isn't to find a constructive solution, just to get everyone as miserable as they are.  While it is necessary to sometimes talk things out, to do so without a goal of finding a constructive fix is painfully pointless.  And sad.  And eventually lonely.

4. The destroyer: This person not only whines about what they feel is offensive, they actively seek to destroy other people.  Usually the person that offended them at first, but then they slowly section themselves off and do not see a need for change in themselves.  They want everyone to hate the offender--and if someone doesn't, everyone needs to hate that person, too.  This is the most vicious cycle.  And the destroyer is never happy and will never succeed because having that type of negative influence around is too much for anyone to handle all the time.

Ok, so after I had defined these ways of handling "offenses", I took a good hard look at myself.  I decided that any time I think I'm offended, I need to ask myself a few questions and then come to conclusions that logically follow the questions.  It turned into a flow chart thingy...

What do you think?  The one thing I didn't add was "difference of opinion" but I think that kinda goes along with "The person didn't mean it..." one because most people don't mean to have their opinions be offensive, and each is entitled to their own! Differences make us stronger, not weaker!

I also put the "I am doing something wrong" one at the top because I usually am not offended by a ton of stuff so if it's because I'm in the wrong, I need to change ASAP!

So, what are your thoughts on the subject?  How do you deal with being offended?  I really want to know--I want to learn more strategies to become better at handling it and becoming a happier person! :)  Comment below--I can't wait to read your ideas!

Getting Our BUTs in Gear 2014

Hi, friends!  I'm back and I'm hoping the share this post so much and get so many people on board with this idea that I've had that there will be no print, just words and an invitation today. :)

This year has started less than stellar.  My goal has been to focus more on the positive in 2014 and I think God is trying me mightily--He wants to see if I am serious.  And since I am, I've had an idea growing inside of me.  I hope that it is something that each of you will consider doing along with me so that we can strengthen one another as women.  And I guess men are more than welcome to join as well. ;)

So, as I've struggled the last week through the second illness of the year, I had a thought come to my mind.  I had been watching this video about girls who were participants, along with their mothers, in a study of what beauty is.  I was incredibly saddened as I listened to girls talk about things that had been said to them and women talk about issues they didn't want to perpetuate in their daughters.  The end up having this amazing photo gallery where people come and write nice things on their undoctored "selfie" shots. It was nice.  Why can't we be like that all the time?  Genuinely kind in our comments?

Then I watched this video about women who have overcome different life trials and want to seek the good.  Could I be the same as woman #2 who really couldn't brag about myself for a minute?  Hmmm...

Lastly, I watched the video below.  I love the message and I knew I needed to be reclaimed...



I started thinking about how I self talk.  You know, what you say about yourself.  I am really proud of some of the things I accomplish, but I don't always admit it to myself and I rarely share good news with anyone beside my husband.  Sometimes my family and a few close friends, but now very many people.  Isn't that a shame?!  What an opportunity to share with others how good God is to me and how He has blessed my life!  What a selfish way to thank Him.  I also thought about all the unkind things I internalize on a daily, hourly, sometimes minute by minute basis and realized that it was the same selfishness.  I am a daughter of God.  He made me.  He loves me.  And I am enough as I try daily to better myself.  I need to share that more, too!

After that, I started thinking about how my attitude towards myself is reflected in how I view others.  I realized that I will grudgingly allow certain people their "one good quality" and then list in my mind all the things I dislike about them at times.  I'm sure you've done it, too.  If not, good for you!  PLEASE JOIN THIS--I need your help!  It's time for me to get my BUTs in gear.

Here's an example of what I'm talking about.  I don't particularly like everything that everyone around me does all the time.  But guess what, we're human, right?  Well, I've gotten into this habit of saying things like, "Well I know she helps in such and such a way, BUT ALL THESE BAD THINGS SHE DID (to me or others) DON'T BALANCE THAT 'one good quality' OUT."

Hmmm...judging.  Yep.  THAT IS JUDGING.  And it is NOT ok.  What if, instead, when someone did something HUMAN (like I do, right), I said, "She did this bad thing that I don't like, BUT she does all these good things!"  That sounds so much nicer.  And so much more positive!

My goal is to eventually get rid of BUTs and only see the good.  It will be hard.  If this month has proven anything to me, IT WILL BE HARD.  BUT (this is a good one of those), I think it will be worth it.  I've learned that the hardest things I've done have been the most rewarding.

So, here's my invitation to you.  Join me!  Each Friday, I'll add a linky to my BUTs post where you can add a story or short post, or whatever you like from anywhere you can link from that will encourage us to get our BUTs in gear.  It could be a story on how you learned to love yourself that week.  Or you child(ren), or someone around you.  Husband love!  Neighbor love!  EVERYONE love!  Let's get our lives reclaimed by God so that His love can shine through us and we can be a power for GOOD in a world that so desperately needs it!

I hope you join me!  If you'd like to, please add a link to your blog or other online presence below so that I can leave you some love!  I want to make this HUGE, so please grab the blog badge up top and add it to your blog--it should be linked back to here, but if not, let me know  Let's get our BUTs in gear in 2014, all!

I'll be back on Friday with by first BIG (BUTs in Gear) post!  Hope you join me again then! :)

I'm linking this up with: Time Warp Wife, Growing Home: Teach Me Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesday, Wise Woman Link Up.

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Doing Things the Lord's Way

It's a sad fact that people just don't always get along.  The thing that really bothers me personally is when people cannot look past what they think should be done in a situation and see the good that others do.

When we tear others down and only see bad, we are not acting like Christians.  Everyone does good but doing good doesn't necessarily mean doing is the way you would have done it.

When someone does something a different way than you would do it, that's okay.  We are all different.  BUT, when you can't look past the way YOU want things done and/or you criticize others, you are not on the Lord's side.

Here is the difference between the natural man 

and the Lord when it comes to this issue~

In conclusion, let's stop judging others.  Let's stop telling people how they should do things.  Let's stop telling people they need to change.

Let's judge ourselves and repent.  Let's focus on the callings we have and magnify them instead of wasting time judging the way other's do their callings.  Let's change ourselves.

I know that when we do this, we will see the good in others and become more Christian Christians.  We will find unity in each other and all will feel happy, loved, needed, and wanted.  Isn't that what we all want?

Please feel free to use this printable for PERSONAL USE ONLY.  For more disclaimers and policies, please see the tab up top.