I think I've blogged before about laying hold of good things and how important it is. I just want to emphasize that. Fill your life with good, uplifting music, associations, and interests, and always have a variety of positive things and thoughts and activities in your life.
That doesn't mean you have to be a busy bee or on the run all the time. It just means that if you fill your life with positive things and moments and thoughts, you won't have room for negative ones. You can train your mind to think of other things and in other ways, when negative thoughts occur. Have something in mind already, to think about at those times. Maybe think about what you wanted for Christmas when you were little. Even used repeatedly, this type of mind direction, simple as it is, can heal your mind's automatic direction into worry, anxiety, and discouragement.
Yes, the scriptures can seem negative in their warnings, but some people should only think about every positive aspect of the scriptures and not dwell on the spewings out of the mouth parts. A great counselor with LDS Social Services taught me that, and I believe it's true. Some people need to fear before they'll even consider being obedient, and those scriptures are for them. Others, as the Book of Mormon says, don't need to be humbled to want to obey.
You readers of my blog, the ones that I'm aware of, probably should concentrate on the joyful aspects of Heavenly Father's plan; if God meant to be punitive or harsh, He wouldn't have given us the Atonement, which is offered freely to all, for unlimited use. I love that!
Basically, what is required is holding to the iron rod in our daily lives, clinging to the word of God, and praying to and counseling with Him. Go to Him humbly and simply, each day. That is what is needed, and it is so easy. Please continue to do that.
I think of our forebearers, and how they had testimonies of this Gospel, and how many sacrifices they made for the Gospel. They are on the other side of the veil now - at least, most of them are - and they want their descendants to stay true to the legacy of the truth which was handed down. Their earthly lives must seem like a whisper to them now, compared to their lives in their real home. And the earthly concerns that they experienced at one time probably seem very insignificant.
If they could send us a message, I think part of what they'd want us to know is to enjoy our blessings, be a positive example, and to see each other as we really are. We would have so much fun if we'd do those things, and let everything else go, as much as possible.
When things happen that make us sad or frightened or frustrated, don't dwell on it, except as necessary. Pray, and then let Heavenly Father work His plan in your life and the lives of your loved ones.
I'm saying this to myself as much as anybody. It helps me so much when I catch myself trying to take over for Heavenly Father. He doesn't need me to manage the world! He just needs me to be grateful and loving and to keep in touch with Him!
I hope this little reminder will help you, too. :)
Love and Hugs!
xoxoxo
4 comments:
Thank you Noodle! You're such a good mommy, to remind me of the good in life and the blessings. I'm glad I now have this in writing, so I can lok at it often and always be reminded to enjoy my life. Also, I loved what you said about those people on te other side who look back on their earthly life and see that their fears and worries were so insignificant compared to eternity; and how they would tell us to enjoy our blesings. Thank you for writing this. :)
I also loved how you talked about the people who have gone before and what they would want us to do/enjoy! We should use that kind of think all the time. When we have decisions ask ourselves what Grandma Buis would say to do, etc. And it is so weird to think how now certain things mean so much but in the heavens they mean so very little!
I'm so glad you are writing on your blog so we can keep all these things you say!
I agree. I tend to forget so easily to let him guide me because so many times I think I KNOW what will make me happy. I think that I have everything figured out, and then when it doesn't go my way, I don't get it. But then I remember that he is the one who sees everything and I just need to remember that and be grateful for that. It's a huge blessing that I don't have to handle everything! This was a great post.
Thanks for this reminder! It is hard to remember sometimes! But, paying my house payment still feels pretty important to me!!
The church always says that people can't feel the Spirit in their lives if their most basic, physical needs aren't met first, and I think that's true. But beyond that we can all let go and trust God a little more, while doing what we can to accomplish good things.
I, too, like thinking about what our ancestors would want us to understand. Even though we have earthly things that do need to be attended to, we don't have to let them stop us from enjoying what really is important!
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