"...but care for the soul, and the life of the soul" (D&C 101:37)

#LightTheWorld #day21

I have to confess that I really love good food...all sorts of food. Like Thai yellow chicken curry (or pretty much any curry), mmmm hamburgers! Good bread! or candy, and most definitely chocolate...(I ate a whole pound of See's chocolate all by myself the other week- man that was so gooood!), and sweet breads. I love a good omelette, sausage, bacon, all kinds of cheese! And I haven't even begun to talk about fruits and vegetables! Ok, now I'm just making myself hungry...and I have only just started on good food. If I don't eat when I am hungry, I get "hangry". My family is well aware of this affect upon my body and mind when I haven't eaten enough or when I am hungry (to speak nothing of being tired, cold, and wet). So, I try and eat before that hangriness hits- sometimes I can do it, but other times not so well.

And there is another kind of food that I also love. It's food for the soul. Sometimes the easiest thing to do is to feed the body and neglect the soul. I love this scripture that teaches me to keep these things in perspective: "Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and the life of the soul" (D&C 101:37). When I focus on only feeding my body and do nothing for my spirit, I get out of balance...perhaps it's a form of being spiritually hangry?

To feed the soul is to care more about the whole person, and not just the body. As I follow the example of the Savior in forgiving others (see Matthew 9:2; D&C 62:3), letting go of anger (see Psalms 37:8), in serving others (see Luke 10:25-37, Mosiah 2:17), in doing good (see D&C 6:8; Matthew 7:12), then I am fed (see Psalms 37:3). And I am also feeding His sheep..."for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat" (Matthew 25:35; see also John 21:16). This is when the hangriness goes away because I am fed physically and spiritually.

Spending time with loved ones is "doing good"! Feed their souls!

My mom enjoying her ice cream. Caring for others is serving, and feeds souls!

"I was in prison, and ye came unto me." (Matthew 25:36)

#LightTheWorld #day23

As I read the scripture for today, "I was in prison, and ye came unto me" (Matthew 25:36), I couldn't help but think of how we are all "in prison" at times. This means that we are held captive by our fears, by hanging onto the hurts, or pains that we have experienced intentionally or unintentionally afflicted upon us. Being unforgiving is one way of being spiritually in prison. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body" (Hebrews 13:3). Prison can be physical captivity, as well as spiritual captivity.

I have come to notice that when I am unforgiving I tend to see others through the eyes at the age in which I was wounded. I am "unable to break out of the prison of [myself]" (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland). As I think about how I have changed over the years, I do hope that people see the "new me", even the me that has changed, and been "born again in Christ" (conversion). As I offer this same compassion to others, as I hope they will give to me, I have felt like I am free, even released from this self made prison that has held me captive.

Sometimes that prison is the prison of envy, hate, fear, not forgiving others or myself, resentment, pain, loss of faith or hope. Sometimes we get locked into prison of not being compassionate. President Monson gives us a wonderful solution that helps us free ourselves and others from these prisons. He said, "We must develop the capacity to see men not as they are at the present but as they may become when they receive testimonies of the gospel of Christ" (Pres. Thomas S. Monson). As we continually strive to have this perspective, to see the truth of what really is, then we can be made free. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (see John 8:32).

Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life"(John 14:6). He is the One that can and will set us free. This I testify.

#LightTheWorld #day20

I love spending time with my family! They are what matters to me!

Today, I spent time with my mom. I am so grateful for her and her example of enduring. "Her children and husband rise up and call her blessed and her husband praises her" (Proverbs 31:28). 

As I watched this little video today, the Spirit confirmed to me that family is what matters. "A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15). "Things" are not what matters. The family, God's family (which is us!) is what His whole plan is about. "Behold, this is my work and my glory to being to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39).

Just so you know, God truly is aware of you and what you are enduring. Hang in there. I often tell myself, "Today is not forever", which helps keep things in perspective. And I tell myself: It's worth the effort to keep enduring.

Me with my mom and sister, Linda. I am so blessed!

(A little flashback..) I love these people more than words can express! 

"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad." (Matthew 5:12)

#LightTheWorld #day19

I absolutely love the video for #day19 for many reasons (I may be a little biased as I too have a child that has autism). One of the biggest reasons is that in the video Aaron's challenge is not taken away, but he is given the strength, the insight, and the tools to endure it. Elder Bednar said, "Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness. Because our individual load needs to generate spiritual traction, we should be careful to not haul around in our lives so many nice but unnecessary things that we are distracted and diverted from the things that truly matter most" (Elder Bednar).

Another thing I loved about this video is how Aaron says, "My life has purpose and is meant to be full of service and love. To share the light of Jesus Christ with everyone". I want everyone to feel and receive that wonderful light, too. I know that it makes all the difference for me as I go about doing the daily routine that's part of life.

I know that to "be of good cheer" (John 16:33) is one of the best things I can do for my family. So, like Aaron, "in the face of adversity [I] choose happiness". Sometimes I may need some time and space to get to where I can "see" that happiness. But it's there for me and for you in the light of Jesus Christ. As we "seek Him" (1 Nephi 10:17) we can truly "rejoice, and be exceeding glad" (Matthew 5:12). This is how I am able to be happy as I bear my load. This I testify.

This is my son Ethan standing next to my mother- his grandma. How I love these two people!
(...there are not words enough to explain it.)

"Forgive men their trespasses." (Matthew 6:14)

#LightTheWorld #day18

Forgive: "to cease to feel resentment against" (Merriam-Webster).

Forgive: "As used in the scriptures, to forgive generally means one of two things: (1) When God forgives men, He cancels or sets aside a required punishment for sin. Through the Atonement of Christ, forgiveness of sins is available to all who repent, except those guilty of murder or the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost. (2) As people forgive each other, they treat one another with Christlike love and have no bad feelings toward those who have offended them" (Guide to the Scriptures).

Typing those words was easy, the application is much harder. I think the hardest part for me when I decide/choose to forgive someone is to have no bad feelings toward them...Sometimes, forgiving someone doesn't come quickly. At times, it's only through Christ that I have the ability to forgive.

There have been times when I think I have forgiven and I have moved on, and suddenly I am faced with a similar situation and all those feelings of resentment and hurt rush right back. I then must choose again to let all of that go, to forgive once more. Perhaps this is what is meant when Christ answered Peter's question about how often he should forgive: "I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:21-22).

All I know is that it takes effort to forgive. It's an effort of the heart, to "Forgive men their trespasses" (Matthew 6:14). Sometimes those "men" are my father, my brothers, my sisters, my husband, my children, or perhaps my mother. In the big, big, big picture it's these people that I want to be with forever. Forgiveness makes that a source of joy and the atonement of Christ makes it a very real possibility. This I testify.

This sister of mine...I am so grateful she chooses to forgive me and me her over and over again. Honestly, she's very easy to forgive... 

"Ye shall meet together oft." (3 Nephi 18:22)

#LightTheWorld #day17

I love having my family together! As a mother I gather our children together often to have Family Home Evening, for dinner (I love that time of day!), for praying, for having fun together, to enjoy one another. I believe when we gather as family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones, we are doing what God is asking us to do. "Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places" (D&C 101:22).

I am often asked what I do for my career. I have finally come up with a good explanation for what I do. I am a homemaker. Which is someone who creates a sacred space for loved ones to gather. I like how Elder Bednar describes gathering in our homes and the importances of it. He says, "Importantly, a home should be the ultimate combination of time and space wherein individuals and families remember most effectively God's great and precious promises....Only as we bring the spirit and strength derived from [our temple and sabbath day experiences] back with us into our homes can we sustain our focus upon the great purposes of mortal like and overcome the corruption that is in the world" (Exceeding Great and Precious Promises).

Our Savior, Jesus Christ told the Nephites to "...meet together oft" (3 Nephi 18:22). We can meet as family, as well as neighbors, ward family members, friends, and as children of God. Meeting together often in Relief Society is a source of strength for me. Each sister has had to endure and go through some very serious and heavy challenges, - divorce, cancer treatment, loss of a loved one, infertility, infidelity, health challenges, pain...to just name a few of the burdens that these faithful sisters have dealt with. As I meet with these sisters at church each week, and knowing what some of them have had to go through, I stand in awe of them, as well as my faith is strengthened by their faith. We each support and lift each other. I am so grateful for the blessing of meeting together often. It is good. This I testify.

Gathering as family is part of meeting together often

It's so fun to watch my children gather often with my parents, their grandparents.

"And above all these things put on charity..." (Colossians 3:14)

#LightTheWorld #day16

Just a quick thought on fashion/clothing. Paul said, to the Corinthians: "If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked" (2 Corinthians 5:3). He's right. When we have clothes on, we aren't naked. But what about symbolically?

Adam and Eve were naked in the garden of Eden. When their eyes were opened after partaking of the fruit, "they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons" (see Genesis 3:7-8). This made me ponder about what I am putting on, what do I wear when I "feel" naked? For me, feeling naked is a feeling of vulnerability, and insecurity. When I feel this way what do I choose to wear? Do I wear impatience, or anger? Or do I follow the admonition of Paul written to the Colossians, which says:

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and 

forgiving one another, as if any man have a quarrel against any: 

even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, 

to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." 

(Colossians 3:12-15).

What shall I wear today? What will I help others wear? I know that when I was baptized, I "put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Do I "clothe the naked" by expressing love, compassion, honesty, or perhaps patience (see Matthew 25:36)? Today can be a day of amazing "fashion" as I help others be clothed in the love of Christ. It makes all the difference when I "clothe [myself and others] with the bond of charity, as with a mantle which is the bond of perfectness and peace" (D&C 88:125). This I testify.

When the pain persists but others can't see it on the outside, I can choose to clothe myself with all that is "wrong" with my life, or I can "put on Christ", and wear "charity". That kind of fashion makes a world of difference.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7; 3 Nephi 12:7)

#LightTheWorld #day15 Merciful/Mercy: "The spirit of compassion, tenderness, and forgiveness. Mercy is one of the attributes of God. Jesus Christ offers mercy to us through His atoning sacrifice." (Guide to the Scriptures)

I have to confess something about myself. For years I was very cruel, unforgiving, talked badly about, and behaved shamefully towards someone. There was no mercy given to them for small mistakes, or unintended hurts, or anything that was less than perfect. I was unaware of this behavior until I was ready to hear the truth about how I was treating them. I didn't recognize the need for change until I learned that, honestly, I would never ever treat anyone else so deplorably. The person I was so cruel to was myself.

In that moment of understanding I wanted to change, to truly repent of how cruel to myself I had been, for pretty much all my life. I needed clear understanding and knowledge about the commandment, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mark 12:31,33). And the application of the teaching, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7; 3 Nephi 12:7).

As I have been more compassionate and forgiving of myself, I have been able to be even moreso to others. It feels so good to truly love and not feel the need to "compete". I continue to work on this, to repent daily- which really means to turn towards God. I love that "...mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles [me] in the arms of safety... [as I] have faith unto repentance" (Alma 34:16).

If there was one thing I could tell you today it is that God is a just God and a merciful God. He wants the very best for you. He would tell you: "Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself. Love yourself as I do." Because when we do offer ourselves these gifts of mercy, love, and compassion; they are easier to give them to others. And we all need mercy. That is one of the gifts Jesus offers us every day as we turn our hearts to Him. This I testify. 

God is merciful and just.

God wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Offering mercy to ourselves and others goes a long way!

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21)

#LightTheWorld #Day14

I looked up "treasure" in the scriptures. Here are a couple of verses that jumped out at me.

We are warned as to how we use the riches of the world, and if we place our hearts and focus on them: "But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also." (2 Nephi 9:30)

We are taught that worldly treasure is not considered wealth before God: "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:21).

In this next verse we are given guidance and a promise, even to be a "peculiar treasure": "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: (Exodus 19:5).

I like this next one because I am given guidance as to what is a great treasure indeed: "Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds" (D&C 43:34).

One last thought about what the greatest treasure is: "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"  (Matthew 6:21). This is truly where the "rubber hits the road". As I heard so many times growing up: "Actions speak louder than words". I know that as we serve and care for others as Christ serves us, we are showing what our hearts really want.

Knowledge of Christ, for me, is the greatest treasure I could ever find. As I have sought Him more and more, I have found great treasures of life. He makes me rich beyond anything I can imagine. I am so grateful for this gift.

This past week my mom was admitted into hospice. I am so grateful I am able to spend time with her.  I love that she will take pictures with me...we are making family history. 

She is a rock in my life. I have learned so much from her! I love her so very much. She is definitely a treasure in my life. 

"All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." (Matthew 7:12)

#LightTheWorld #day13

Today, a day behind, I just want to express gratitude for those who are patient with me. I make so many mistakes. I too frequently speak before my mind is engaged and unintentionally I hurt other peoples feelings. I am grateful for those who love me anyway, for those who know my heart and quickly forgive me. I believe this is how to live this principle of the gospel: "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them" (Matthew 7:12). I know they are lighting the world, even my small little world, by their offering me this simple kindness.  Thank you for living the golden rule! Many hugs!

"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matt. 5:4)

#LightTheWorld #day12 Just a couple of thoughts about mourning...

Mourn = to feel or express sorrow or grief

I generally think of mourning as related to by the death of a loved one. That is sorrow that I can't find words to express all that comes with that kind of loss.

I have also been pondering the sorrow or grief for anything lost or even regretted. I love the idea of being comforted at the loss of health, or the loss of a relationship, or the loss that comes when I sin. The mourning that comes from sinning is replaced by the comfort that comes through repentance.

Christ said, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matt. 5:4). God wants us be comforted when we experience any kind of loss because He loves us. Isaiah says it beautifully: "For the Lord shall comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody (Isaiah 51:3; 2 Nephi 8:3). I find these words to be beautiful in describing the comfort we will experience from our Heavenly Father when we mourn.

We are indeed loved.

My mother's feet shown on the left are as she is declining in health.
My feet on the right as I endure CRPS and it's effects.

We can take comfort in the knowledge that this day is but a moment...and God will comfort us when we mourn.

"I was a stranger, and ye took me in" (Matthew 25:35)

#LightTheWorld #day11
The phrase "she was no stranger to pain" keeps going through my head. Perhaps it's because every single one of us has experienced pain of some sort, be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual pain. Everyone suffers. And the last thing I want to do is contribute to the suffering or pain of others.

Christ knows our pain, even the hidden pains that we experience. "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" (Alma 7:11). Because of His suffering, "which suffering cause [Him] even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit" (D&C 19:18), He knows what we are going through. Christ is no stranger to pain.

As I have pondered that we all experience pain, this scripture has taken on a new meaning for me: "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in" (Matthew 25:35). After enduring my own pain and suffering I know what a relief it is when I am offered comfort, a type of being invited into understanding, compassion, and love. I believe that we each have our own experiences we must endure. It's when we open our hearts to others to offer comfort and love that we can become strangers no more. Through Christ's suffering, He showed us the way to take others in, to feed them, and quench their thirst...and when we do, "no longer as strangers on earth need we roam" (Now Let Us Rejoice). This I testify.

"We through patience and comfort of the scripture might have hope" (Romans 15:4)

#LightTheWorld #Day10

I share my own experience of reading the scriptures. They are the "word of God" (Alma 17:2). They bring comfort to my soul (see Alma 31:31-32). They inspire me to have hope and keep trying- for they were "written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scripture might have hope" (Romans 15:4). The scriptures testify of Christ and of His love for all of us (see Jacob 7:11, 1 Peter 1:11) . The scriptures teach of repentance and the joy and peace that comes as I repent and love God (Repentance). 

Over the years, I have come to truly love the words that are within these precious books of scripture. You can request a free copy of the Bible , and of the Book of Mormon. I know that as you read them, and remember just how merciful God has been to all mankind from the beginning of time, and commit to living the truths that are written in them, you will come to know for yourself the truthfulness of them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of God (see Moroni 10:3-5). You will also come to know Jesus Christ in a way that changes you, and makes you a new person (see Mosiah 5:8-9). 

I hope you are able to enjoy reading the scriptures, "even feasting upon the words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3) as much as I do. For they will change your life in a way that will fill you with peace and love. This I testify.

"They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick." (Luke 5:31)

#LightTheWorld #day9  I love the Lord's response to the scribes and Pharisees when they ask Him,

 "Why do ye eat and drink with the publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:30-32). 

We all get sick. Hence the comparison to all of us being sinners. He is calling us to repent, even to return to Him. I am grateful for His healing power and love that is offered to all of us as we repent (see 3 Nephi 18:32). It's no wonder that He asks us to visit the sick and the afflicted (see Mosiah 4:26) because we are all in need of healing. When we get sick, we never know how long it will take for us to get better. This is the same as we reach out to others who need help as they repent..."For ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them" (3 Nephi 18:32).

I know Christ is the Great Physician and as we visit those in need, the sick and the afflicted, we will "have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work" (Alma 26:3). This I testify.

"Love your enemies..." (Matthew 5:44)

#LightTheWorld #day8
This is one of my absolute favorite formula's for bullying. It's also referred to as  "The Golden Rule" because it is the perfect way to promote positive change in all of us. "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you" (Matthew 5:44; 3 Nephi 12:44). In a day and age were I feel we have come to "bully the bully", so to speak, I am so grateful for the truths that the Savior has taught. This is so straight forward, easy to teach, and is a powerful way to help others change, and be changed ourselves as we live it.

There is one man, Izzy Kalman, who teaches how to live and apply "The Golden Rule" as the solution to  bullying. His program is called: Bullies to Buddies. I invite you to read and learn about this method of bullying intervention. I know this method works. I have tried to teach it to our children, use it myself, and encourage others to use it too. The reason I have done so is because it is Christ's way of dealing with the challenge of bullying.

I know that Christ is the Master Teacher. He wants us to be filled with love, and be able to serve everyone, not just those we already love. It's not just a suggestion to "love your enemies", but it is a commandment. Another way to say this truth is to "Love thy neighbor" (Mark 12:31, 33).

In our trials and challenges to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who use us, God will give us the grace and power to be filled with this love which leads to changing bullies into buddies. This I testify.

"Suffer the little children to come unto me." (Mark 10:14)

#LightTheWorld #day7- I have always wondered what "suffer" in this instance means. Well, it means: "to allow" (suffer). What is actually being said is: "Allow the little children to come unto me". I like that thought. Let little children come to me.

Since today happens to be one of my children's birthdays, I always think of birth this time of year. I think of how Mary had to travel to Bethlehem, "being great with child" (Luke 2:5). I think of the love this mother had for her child as she "wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7). I hope I can always make room for the Savior in my life, everyday. I want that good, warm feeling that comes as I invite Him into my life. It is a similar feeling that I get when I invite little children to come into my life. It is a feeling of such joy and happiness that I hope to be able to share it with others.

One of the thoughts for today from #LightTheWorld is: "When was the last time you made a child smile?" Tonight was a very good night celebrating my son's 21st birthday (those little children grow up so fast! Hold them tight and tell them they are so loved often!) This picture of my son Stockton and two of his cousins makes me smile! The love of a child, and those smiles! I love these teachings about children from the Savior: "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3-4).  I am so grateful for this beautiful truth.

How I love my "not so little" children! There aren't words enough to describe how I love them!!!

Stockton and two of his sweet cousins- indeed, "suffer the little children to come unto me"

#LightTheWorld

My not so little children...how I love these precious souls!

"Judge not, that ye be not judged." (Matthew 7:1)

One of the suggestions for #LightTheWorld #day6 is to apologize to someone that you owe an apology to. I need to apologize to a person whom I love dearly but I am not sure this is the forum to do it. But just thinking about Lighting the World, I have had some thoughts about why I should forgive.

I am sometimes way too quick to find fault with this person (see D&C 88:124). I don't always understand why they behave in certain ways or say things that may drive me crazy. I am really sorry that I have not always been a better listener as you have shared your thoughts and ideas.

I read a quote from Elder Russel M. Nelson and I believe it needs to apply not only to neighbors, but also to those "neighbors" that we live with, our family members. This is what he said: "Opportunities to listen to those of diverse religious or political persuasion can promote tolerance and learning. And a good listener will listen to a person's sentiments as well" (Listen to Learn).

I can be a much better listener. Doing so does not mean I totally agree with all you say or do. But what it can do is help develop more patience, more understanding, less judging or finding fault with others. I know that as I try and apply this godly virtue, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will magically understand me either. But that's okay because we are required to forgive all men...even if they don't behave or think, or even receive justice as we may think they need to be given (see D&C 64:10).

Judge not, that ye be not judged for me includes less condemnation and less fear. Over the years I have thought I was pretty good at giving people "outs" for certain behaviors or ideas, or even the use of words that I may find to be offensive. I now realize that I need to be more willing to offer those "outs" to everyone and not just the people who live next door. I will keep trying, and do more to "judge not".

"...honour thy father and mother" (Matthew 15:4)

Today for the #LightTheWorld the scripture focus is "...honour thy father and mother" (Matthew 15:4). I must first ask myself what is the definition of honor? "To hold in high respect; revere. Or to show a courteous regard for" (honor). This isn't my normal blog style, but I feel I need to share and write about my mom and just leave it as it comes out. Here goes:

I'll be honest, it has been so difficult to watch my mother age. She has severe osteoporosis and a form of cancer that my parents don't call it by that name. I believe it has made the osteoporosis worse than it would have been, but I don't need to share that with my parents. My mom was a tall, stately woman at 5' 8" tall. She always carried herself with such dignity. She is now 5'0" tall. My sisters (this includes my sister-in-law who is every much a daughter to my mother and a sister to me) and I try and treat her with the honor and dignity that she so dearly needs and deserves during this process that is trying to rob her of those godly qualities.

Dementia is attacking her with a vengeance. In spite of this attack, everyday I am with her, I see and visit with the woman who is full of grace and beauty. Right now, I frequently get to spend time with my mother almost every day. It is a special time to be present with her. She has been sharing some memory books with me that her mother made. They have so much history written upon their pages! She can usually tell me the details of the pictures and the people in them. I'm so grateful she can share these memories with me. 

I'm grateful for the time over these past few years of caring for her. It has not always been easy, but I have learned so much about my mom that I never knew growing up. I have learned that she has a great sense of humor and laughs at herself easily. She finds joy in the most difficult and painful situations. She loves her family and has had a gift of gathering us together as a true matriarch. That gift is now dormant, yet it lives on in her daughters as we now gather our own families and gather often with her and my father. 

She is so childlike in so many ways. She talks easily with me when we are alone and have one-on-one time. But she is very quiet, observant, and gentle when the whole family gathers as the noise of so many people becomes a cacophony of sound. Yet, she is still that woman filled with dignity and goodness.

She has a stubborn streak that nearly makes all of us crazy when she insists that she must be somewhere other than exactly where she currently is. I believe it's that stubbornness, or perhaps it's better said as steadfastness, that has helped all of her children learn to endure the challenges of life as she has endured.

Yesterday, we were talking about the fact that she never cried. She said that she felt that one could be very sad and not cry, but could be shedding many tears on the inside. I believe my mom has had to do that to survive over the years. She lives the truth of true charity, quickly forgiving my father for hurts that I now know she has shed many tears on the inside. 

She is an amazing woman of faith. She has had to trust God a lot over the years. I know she is doing so now as age is showing it's power over her body and mind in a way that I believe, makes one's true self appear. Indeed, she is a faith-filled woman.

She has taught me that being a good receiver of gifts is just as important as being a good giver of gifts. 

"Honor they father and mother" is teaching me to honor my earthly parents in a manner that I would honor my Heavenly parents. Respect them. Treat them with love and gratitude for the gift of life they have given me. Indeed, God gives me the very air that keeps me alive from day to day. I am truly grateful for my mother and the gifts she has given me through the example of her life. 

I get to hang out with my mom a couple of days a week, and I usually talk with her daily.

She is a lot of fun to be with, and I'm grateful she will take pictures with me.

I am grateful for this time I get to spend with my mom.

                                                                                  

"... Wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." (Exodus 20:11)

Sunday. The Sabbath day. Sabbath means "a time of rest" (Sabbath). It's also defined as: "the first day of the week, Sunday, similarly observed by most Christians in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ" (Sabbath).  Every Sunday is a day for us to refocus on Christ and His Resurrection, His love, His life.

I really like the definition from Guide to the Scriptures about the Sabbath: "A holy day set apart each week for rest and worship. After God created all things, He rested on the seventh day and commanded that one day each week be a day of rest to help people remember Him (Ex. 20:8-11)... The Sabbath reminds people of their need for spiritual nourishment and of their duty to obey God. When a nation grows careless in observing the Sabbath, all aspects of life are affected and its religious life becomes decayed (Neh. 13:15-18; Jer. 17:21-27). (Sabbath).

Each Sunday, I get to set aside the entire day to help my mind focus on my Savior. He loves us all so very much. He gave His life for us. What do I do to show my love for Him? How can I serve as He served? I'm working on doing the small things and acting on the gentle and quiet promptings that I too often ignore or think of as "nothing". It's a bit of a challenge at times to not get caught in the trap of being "busy". When I do that I usually end up not helping or serving others. I am grateful for the Sabbath, for a day of rest from the labors of the world.

"I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink..." (Matthew 25:35)

After having eaten my 4th piece of chocolate, several cinnamon santa's, and many other treats, nuts, and fruit (I did eat one tiny orange), the phrase keeps coming to my mind: "And blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness..." (Matt. 5:6; 3 Nephi 12:6). I believe it is a little different than just changing my eating habits of candy and other junk food...but then again, it's really about changing my habits of what I am hungering and thirsting for. I know there is a whole big blog on this...but that will have to wait or you can read this one.

On another note about water, the #Day2 of #LightTheWorld the scripture is Matthew 25:35: "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in". I love this. We all get hungry. We all thirst. And sometimes, we are all strangers. I know that as we "hunger and thirst after righteousness", we are fed. And when we are fed, we can in turn feed others. And when our thirst has been quenched, we can help others drink of the Living Water.

Christ showed us the way.

Christ is the Living Water. This I testify.

"...I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things" (Alma 26:12)

It's Christmas season again! I so love this time of year with all the lights, the gift giving, the gift receiving, the good food, great time with family and loved ones. I love thinking about the love God has for us through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. It's so humbling to think of all I have been given because of Him. I have to say, "...My God shall supply all [my] need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). I am indeed a blessed woman!

This year is the second Christmas that I have CRPS (learn more about that here). There are times when I think about all I have lost because of this condition. I can't bike anymore (this has been super difficult...but the more time passes the easier it gets?), I can't hike, I can't walk, run, jump, or pretty much do any exercise that requires me to use my foot a whole heck of a lot (that's just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak). It's easy to get sucked into the comparison game and feel the "whoa is me" part of CRPS (see Jeremiah 15:5).

But! There is a whole other part of CRPS that I am choosing to focus on this Christmas season. I figure it is a gift I can give myself. It is to focus on what I can do (that's not really a part of CRPS, but I am going to pretend it is). "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things" (Alma 26:12). I can sing...Christmas Carols are so beautiful! I can write. I can cook. I can enjoy the beautiful lights from all the people who have taken the time to put them up. I can stroll with our new dog (I believe Hershey is pretty much the perfect dog for our family)! I can read. I can see! I can be thankful for all I have, this includes suffering and pain (see D&C 98:1). I can smell all the yummy smells of Christmas, even "an odour of a sweet smell" (Phil. 4:18). I can listen as others share their experiences of the season. I can do so many wonderful things!

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is all the lights. I love how happy all the lights make everything. Again, this year, on Mormon.org there is a #LightTheWorld campaign (go here). I am so grateful for this simple expression of gratitude and giving that I can do each day. It doesn't need to be difficult or big. It's a simple way of giving thanks for all I can do. Today's message is "...freely ye have received, freely give" (Matt. 10:8).

One more thing I can do is to testify of what I know and believe. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:37). He was born in a manger (see Luke 2:1-7), the Son of Mary (see Mark 6:3). He is the King of Kings (see Rev. 19:16), and the Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:6-7). I can do many things, and there is so much to be grateful for because of Him (see 2 Corinthians 2:14). I can also tell you that I know you are loved beyond words, beyond comprehension...because of Him (see John 17:23, 26). This I testify.

#LightTheWorld

This is Hershey, the perfect dog for our family!