Regret

I was among friends this afternoon. We were talking about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it's influence in our lives. One friend said, "I've never regretted following the Spirit." Initially her comment struck me as odd. Of course you would never regret following the Spirit! The Spirit won't lead you astray! But then I realized it's so true! When I receive promptings I should always heed them in complete faith and trust! I will never regret doing so!

The pursuit of the good luck card

Last week I went to Hallmark in pursuit of a good luck card. I searched the aisles. To my dismay I discovered hundreds of birthday, congratulations, wedding, and thinking of you cards but very few good luck cards. The few which I could find weren't applicable for my situation. I was feeling frustrated and hopeless. Then from a distance, I saw a zebra print card. As I approached I noticed that it was a blank card and the black stripes were fuzzy. All three aspects of the card were perfect for the recipient and situation. I was thrilled I had found the "perfect" good luck card and was impressed that it was better than I could have planned.
The parable of the good luck card is parallel to my life. . . Even though my life is in a bit of disarray right now I have hope that it will turn out better than I can plan. Heavenly Father is in charge. And as I make the effort to walk up and down the aisles I will find the "perfect" life, or at least one better than I could have planned.

The secret to success

I've decided that the secret to success is delayed gratification. It may sound a little odd but everything we want is within our reach, if we are patient. When I was in high school, there were a few wealthy businessmen coming into town to meet with my dad. I asked my dad where he was going to take the businessmen for lunch. He said that they were going to Burger King because they had $.99 Whoopers. I told him that it was inappropriate to try and win over businessmen at Burger King. My dad asked, "How do you think they became wealthy? They save their money." Being a teenager, I couldn't understand the concept of saving.
Delayed gratification helps in tempering one's self. People who feel entitled are going no where. I see many people who want the newest gadget, car, home, clothes, etc. immediately. They are constantly in pursuit of the best in the moment. This pursuit will get you no where. There will always be something else to want. There will always be something new.
I work with people from a variety of economic backgrounds. It's interesting that in general, the people who make the least have the I phones and buy their lunch everyday. Those who make significantly more aren't worried about "keeping up with the Jones'." They bring their lunch, have the old cell phones, and old cars. They aren't concerned about appearances. I'm not suggesting that people shouldn't care at all about material goods. There is some fun that comes from things but I think the balance comes in patience in the pursuit.

Good days

What causes us to believe it is going to be a good or bad day? Many times we make this assumption before anything significant has happened in the day. . . This morning I stopped at a gas station on my way to work. Over the loud speaker was John Denver. I don't hear John Denver very often and it made me think of home. At that moment I decided that it was going to be a good day. A few minutes later when I arrived at work, I found a good parking spot. Wow! How could my day get any better?! The rest of my day went well probably because I chose to have a good day.
Shouldn't we choose to have good days every day?! We can choose to find good "signs" and hold onto them.

The World's Problems

There are a vast number of problems in today's world! They range from natural disasters, disease, political strife, and general decay of society. I would go as far to say that many of the problems could be prevented through discipline. Discipline should not be misinterpreted as forced coercion. Discipline comes from within. It comes from one with insight and perspective. Discipline requires looking beyond natural, momentary desires. Discipline or a lack thereof, effects all aspects of our lives. When discipline is part of our lives we are healthier and happier because we have greater control over the body which Heavenly Father blessed us with. A lack of discipline creates exactly the opposite effect in our lives. It seems so easy to choose. We have a choice between eternal happiness or eternal damnation. Which will it be?! Discipline isn't easy but Christ showed us the perfect way! He has experienced more temptation than any of us; He never fell. He developed discipline through always standing firm to Heavenly Father's laws. Eternal laws are there to bless us, so why not follow?! Yes, we will fall. But that is why Christ suffered for our sins. But that is not reason to give up; it is reason to try harder! He loves us and He will always be there to help us be better!

There's a Holiness to the Heart's Affections

Last night I saw one of the most incredible movies I've ever seen. It contained one of the best depictions of love, grief, pain, and joy. A quote from John Keats (in the movie) was "There's a holiness to the heart's affections." That rang true with me. There is something so powerful in love. There are feelings which are in-explainable. Those feelings can only be understood by someone who has also experienced them. The feelings are so deep that there does seem to be a holiness to them. It reaches a part of our soul that the only other person who can touch, is God.

Answered Prayers

I've been pondering many important decisions. Many things are up in the air with regards to my future. I try to look at the decisions with perspective of my priorities. Everything we choose in life is evidence of priority. The ultimate question is: what is best? There are so many good things in life but what is ultimately the best decision? What decisions will affect eternal consequences? Sometimes decisions seem to be daunting and eternal although they aren't.
My ultimate dream is to be an inspiring wife and mother. But what decisions will lead me up that path? I become so encompassed with daily decisions some of which matter more than others. It is ultimately Heavenly Father who can help us know which decisions need extra effort, or are more important. And it is in making those decisions that we are led on a divine path.
I'm in the midst of making some potentially eternal decisions. . . I suppose all decisions are eternal because every choice leads us to our future. But I'm pondering a few choices which could affect my eternal destination. . . I'm so grateful for family, friends and a loving Heavenly Father who guide me. This week has been phenomenal with regards to receiving inspiration and guidance. Whenever the stars seem to align and I feel Heavenly Father's guiding hand I feel of His love. I realize in these moments that He cares about me and my eternal destiny. He loves me, my family, and my posterity. And He will do all in His power to help me return to Him. I'm grateful for His involvement in my life.