False Prophets, Sometimes Known as Friends

There was an interesting conversation going on recently about false prophets and our need to stay away from them.  I understand that many people in leadership positions can lead people astray, but I think that in order to avoid false prophets, we need to know what the term really means.  I believe it's more than those in power leading their followers astray.  I think it happens on a daily basis in our lives if we are not careful.

I find the verse I used in my header very insightful.  It comes from The Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi 14:15.  The full verse reads, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." If we think about this verse, a false prophet is just someone who really doesn't want what is best for you.  Do you let these people into your life?  Are you one of these people?

There are a few ways that people act as false prophets in our lives and we allow it, as well as ways we act as false prophets to others.  This is something that I am working on now ever since I had this thought.  Here are some ways I believe we or other people act as false prophets that we might not consider:

1. Supporting each other in unkind feelings.
2. Telling someone they would be justified in abusive acts, whether emotional, verbal, or physical.
3. Laughing at actions that are not funny.  I'm not talking about someone tripping and they start the laughing, I'm talking laughing at a sarcastic comment that was made after someone tried to bear their soul.  Or laughing at a joke that was told in bad taste.  You get the drift.
4. Expressing blanket statements as if they are truth for everyone.  We all have our own journey, worry about yours more than others.
5. Refusing to see the other side of a story.

I could go on, but these are the things I've been thinking of lately.  There is a reason why these constitute actions of false prophets.  It's because they are perpetuating false doctrines and are not Christlike.  False prophets speak false principles.

Now, I'm not sitting here judging others from some castle where I feel that I am better than others.  I fall into these same issues at times in my life as well.  The question is, what can we do about it?  I think the answer is simple to state, but hard to truly put into action.  The answer is this: Love One Another.

That's all for me today.  I've disabled comments again because this post is meant for reflection.  If you'd like to email me your thoughts, you may do so.  I'll be back soon with another post!

Love & Loyalty

I'm a pretty visual learner.  Sometimes things are told to me, and I just forget them.  When I see something, though, it usually sticks.  There are times when I'm scrolling through social media and something screams to me, "PAY ATTENTION TO ME!  I'M IMPORTANT!"  That's what happened with the graphic below.  Read it and then think about it for just a little bit.  Then read my feelings about this quote...

Loyalty is a tricky thing to accomplish sometimes.  Sometimes someone we are loyal towards has disappointed us. OUCH.  That really hurts, doesn't it?  But I think that loyalty overcomes that disappointment.  I want to break down loyalty that should occur in our daily lives.  Hopefully I say something that makes you think! :)

Firstly, we should be loyal to God. This means keeping all covenants that we have made with Him.  It also means trusting His wisdom as we go through life.  This is difficult at times due to the fact that life is HARD.  Now, don't tell me you're life is all lollipops and rainbows.  I will not believe you.  Life is HARD.  Life is MESSY.  Life throws MAJOR curve-balls at us.  But, if we are working on becoming our best selves and keeping the commandments, we should be loyal to God and His plan for us.

Next, we should be loyal to ourselves.  This can be the hardest thing to do, especially for us women.  The truth of the matter, though, is that you cannot truly love someone and be loyal to them unless you love yourself and are loyal to yourself first.  You have to know that, as you are keeping commandments and trying your best, you will be guided in your life.  Nobody should make you question your motives if you know they are done for good.  Nobody can make you feel worthless without your permission.  DO NOT GIVE IT TO THEM.

Third of all, let's talk about loyalty to our spouse.  It is very tempting at times to complain about what your significant other does.  I believe that if you share a concern with your spouse, it strengthens the relationship.  Sometimes your spouse is not willing to work on the issue.  Give them time.  Continually lift them up and speak kindly about them to others.  If the issue at hand is vitally important, seek guidance from one confidential source.  Do not spread your heartbreak and disappointment around.  This can lead to so many more problems.  When you were married, you made promises.  Be the person who keeps them, even when it is hard.  

In addition to our spouse, we should be loyal to our entire family.  You carry a name that has been passed down for generations.  What do other people think about that name?  Do your actions make them want to be a part of your family?  Does your behavior set a good example for others?  Do you speak kindly about and to your children?  Your parents?  Your siblings?  Your other family members?  If not, consider making a change.  Families are meant to help and lift each other.  If you don't have this in your family, YOU be the change you want to see!  As you become more loyal to your family name, others in your family will follow suit.

Our friends are also people who deserve our loyalty.  A true friendship is a rare find.  It's like tripping over a giant diamond when you were out for your daily walking of the dog.  If you want to build friendships that are based in loyalty, they have to begin with positive ground.  You cannot have a genuine friendship over a mutual dislike of something or someone.  When you show your negative side first, that is what will stick in the mind of the person with whom you are acquainting yourself.  They will remember this the first time they do something remotely annoying and flee in fear that your judgment will turn on them.  Don't be that person.  Be the person who is kind and loving, who sees the good in all.  Be loyal to those you call friend.  Do not allow others to speak unkindly about them.  Stand up for them and be true.

Finally, I want to talk about something that you may not have thought of.  If you work, it is necessary to be loyal to your employer.  This doesn't mean you have to agree with everything they do, but it does mean keeping your commitments.  Being on time, only taking time off when it is necessary, having a good attitude, and being a good follower are ways to be loyal to your employer.  When you hear someone complaining about the boss, either walk away or say something positive!  Don't get dragged down by the office gossip that happens all too frequently.  Be loyal to the person you work for.  It always pays off!

I know that we could spend time talking about each and every relationship that we have and the role that loyalty plays, but we won't take that time today.  I know that I'll be spending more time pondering this topic and I hope you will, too!  Leave me a comment to let me know your thoughts--I love to learn and grow from you all! Until next time, please remember that:

YOU ARE LOVED.

YOU MATTER.

YOU ARE WORTH IT.

YOU CAN BE LOYAL IN ALL YOUR RELATIONSHIPS.

Spiritual Awakening: Taking Back My Blog

Hi, everyone. I'm not sure how many people this post will reach, but that's ok because this post is for me.  I've been on a journey of self-discovery the past few months since I had my last miscarriage last summer.  We won't go there, I am in a place where rehashing would undo everything good that I've worked through.  But as I contemplated how far I've come in the last few months and the blessings I've received, I realized that I haven't been true to myself.  This spiritual awakening came to me in a few ways.  Let me go into detail...

Firstly, I realized that I was putting far too much weight on the opinions and actions of people that do not have my best interests at heart.  That was toxic.  I ended many connections because of this.  These people are not bad people, I just had to get away from certain ideals and ways of thinking that were not helping me grow.  I believe that when a person can see that it's time to move on, they should do so or else they will be stunted in their personal growth.  I have never really been one of those people.  I have a few amazing friends that I have had my whole life, but usually I don't keep many people close to me.  That only ends up bringing more misery because large groups tend to be competing with each other and I have never felt the need to compete in order to prove that I am worthy of being and of love.  I also feel that you should never buy into that way of thinking, too.

Secondly, I have an amazing husband.  He is forever trying to better himself to reach his full potential.  I am extremely lucky that I am the beneficiary of this desire a lot of the time.  He recently received two awards at work because of his training and I am so proud of him.  I am so grateful that he takes the time to share what he learns with me.  This is where we truly connect in our homes--learning and growing together and not just separately.  He shared with me some TED talks that changed my life.  Watch these in order for the biggest impact.

Here's the first video.~

Here's the second video.~

And here's one that's not a TED talk, 

but I found on my own at a time I truly needed to hear this information.~

Thirdly, as all this was going on, I increased my daily scripture study.  The more time I spend in God's word, the more I feel His influence in His life.  All answers I have needed have come from reading the scriptures, especially in The Book Of Mormon.  I have come to learn more about my Savior and His true character as I've read The New Testament.  I feel that He is a person, that He loves me, and that He is our perfect example.  Reading along with daily prayer has made me realize that I can do hard things.  But I don't always want to do them.

This is what my day usually looks like, can you relate?~

For some of you, just doing the dishes right now be a "hard thing", so please fill out your own mental "TO DO" list and follow along with me as I give myself, and YOU, a pep talk.  We know that our Savior suffered for us.  We know that He took upon Himself our pains, sorrows, and griefs as well.  He knows us perfectly.  Unfortunately, there is another who knows us from the beginning, too.  That is Satan.  He knew us before we came to Earth, just as the Savior did.  While the Savior uses this information to tell us that in spite of our weaknesses, hard things are possible, Satan would have us believe that because of our weakness, hard things are not possible.  Who gets to choose which is the truth?  We do.  Who will we listen to?

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." ~John 14:18

"Yea, verily I say unto you,
if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life.
Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you,
and whosoever will come, him will I receive;
and blessed are those who come unto me." ~3 Nephi 9:14

"Behold, the kingdom is yours.
And behold, and lo, I am with the faithful always.
Even so. Amen." ~Doctrine & Covenants 62:9

God has given us all gifts.  He expects us to use them for good.  Today, I am pledging to do more hard things each day.  You can do this, too!  Just make a choice, and let's work together.  The more hard things we do, the easier it will become.  I can promise this, because the Savior promised it first, and He keeps His promises.

And so, with that, I declare that I am taking back THIS blog.  It will be my place to journal my journey.  I will share things and be open and vulnerable.  The one thing I will not do at this time is allow comments.  If you would like to share with me, please feel free to email me.  If the reason for emailing me is to tell me that you disagree, please know that I will not engage.  I am taking back my blog, I am taking back the power to say "no" when things are inappropriate in my life.  I hope that you can respect that wish.  Until next time, please remember that:

YOU ARE LOVED.

YOU MATTER.

YOU ARE WORTH IT.

YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS.