Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Submitting to the Will of the Lord

So today started off good enough. The alarm went off and I snoozed it for 20 minutes. I have a good car ride into work with no traffic and no crazy drivers. I got to work, still happy. Then I turned on my computer only to find that an absolute meanie of a client sent my assistant an email that totally bashed me. It said that I don't do my job and that I don't care about his case. I wrote a response to him, but then decided to not send it..it was not very nice anyhow. That got the ball rolling for a grumpy mood. Then I get told that I did something wrong on a file by my boss. In actuality, I did not. He told me to do it and so I did. Just set me off. I had to snap the rubber band around my wrist and remain calm. Then the day got better. I had a nice lunch upstairs in the staff kitchen with my cool co-worker Anabel and then came downstairs. Once I got downstairs, I had a message from an insurance adjuster which was not something I wanted to hear. He made an offer on a case and retracted it because he made an error in what his supervisors allowed him to offer....It got heated. I left work feeling upset and angry, but then I turned on some Glee music and I felt better. I picked up Lacey from my Grandparent's house and her smile made my day. She ran to me and hugged me so tight. I love her. We enjoyed a nice walk around the park and then played in the park...Anyhow...I know the Lord does not want me to be angry or upset, so I decided not to be. Work needs to stay at work!

In reading today, I read Mosiah 24. It talks about how Amulon persecutes Alma and his people and teaches false doctrine among the Lamanites. What I learned most, is that even though Alma and his people faced tough burdens and were persecuted, they never lost Hope in their God. They stayed true to the commandments and never let their faith in the Lord falter. The Lord told them that because they cried out to him in their hearts he would lighten their burdens and free them from bondage and He did. If we all just submit to the will of the Lord and do as He directs and commands, he will make our burdens lighter and bless us. We can live better lives at the will of the Lord.

Until next time,

S

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Change

Sometimes change can be a scary thing. We get so used to the routine that we have or the person that we have become and we can lose sight of who we should be and what we should be doing. I have lost sight. I spend so much time doing things, while not bad, could be replaced by something better. I have become a person that I am not necessarily proud of, but not ashamed of either. There is always room for improvement and change. When I went to Time Out for Women earlier this year, the theme was, "Become". I chose that day that I would become happier. I guess I have not made to many strides towards my goal, but time of the essence. I have made a goal to be a happier person. This will mean that I need to rid my life of negativity and just live for the moment, think before I act and remain calm, no matter the situation. I have everything to be happy about. I have a great house, a beautiful and healthy daughter, a wonderful job, an awesome husband and the Gospel of Jesus Christ at my fingertips. Today as I was reading in Mosiah chapters 19 and 20, I really thought about change. The Nephite people were living under King Noah, who was a bad man. He did not lead his people in righteousness, nor did he care for them. Once the Lamanites came upon them, he asked his people to flee to the wilderness and leave behind their wives and children to the slaughter. Luckily the people were preserved by the Lamanites and able to establish peace among the Lamanites with Limhi as their leader. Now, they had to live in bondage and give 1/2 of all the possessed to the Lamanites, but that was far better than war. They had to change their lives and despite being in bondage, they were a happy and peaceful people. Heavenly Father loved Limhi and his people, just as he loves us. If we are willing to be as they were and stick to the commandments of God and live righteously, he will bless us. Even if he allows others to use their agency to make our lives harder, he will continue to bless those who faithfully follow him. Limhi and his people did as the Lamanites said, but they also kept the commandments of God and were spared. Peace was brought back to the land. I know that if I but keep the commandments and live the life that Heavenly Father wants for me, I can too find peace in all aspects of my life.

I know that there is always room to grow and learn from life's experiences. I also know that Heavenly Father puts obstacles in our way so that we can grow and learn. I am starting today to soak up good vibes, positive thinking and happiness, so that I can radiate those same things to those around me. I just have to think that when a Caterpillar undergoes change, he comes out more beautiful than he went in...and so will I.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

It has almost been a year, but I am back!


So life is wonderful. I am happy. My daughter is happy. My husband is happy. My house is clean.

We are so blessed for everything that we have been given in this life. I am so content in life right now. These last few weeks have been especially wonderful for me. I have grown so much closer to my Heavenly Father and felt His love and Spirit so much.

On March 11, I had the opportunity to hear Sister Elaine Dalton speak and she was truly inspirational. The Young Women of the church are so lucky to have her. Her spirit was radiating and her message was touching. The next day I heard Troy Dunn (The Locator) speak at youth conference. His message was so great. He said that in order to know what we want in life, we have to know what we DON'T want. So true. I know that I don't want unhappiness, drama or to not have the Spirit with me, so I will live my life to make sure I am happy, drama free and full of the Spirit.

On March 13 I went to a fireside with Elder and Sister Groberg and since "The Other Side of Heaven" is one of my favorite movies I felt so blessed to be in their midst. Their messages made me feel so special as a woman in this church. Elder Groberg said that as women we underestimate how important we are in the lives of Priesthood holders. He is a living example that the love of a good woman can save a life. I was touched to hear them speak. It was so cool. I felt that I was amongst two of the greatest of Heavenly Father's children.

So, Lacey will be two in just 4 weeks. Time sure does fly. She is very smart and says nearly every word that she hears. She expresses herself like she is 5 years old. She loves to wear tutus and she thinks that she is a princess. Although Belle is my favorite princess, Tiana has won Lacey's heart. She loves Prince Naveen. She says her Uncle J even looks like him.

Here are some new pictures from the last few weeks. Hope you enjoy.

XOXO,


Shawna