Friday, January 27, 2012

I am grateful for weekly discussions with my sister.

Over a year ago, my older sister and I were chatting on the phone and we were sharing our thoughts concerning inspirational programs we had listened to on mormonchannel.org.  We just couldn't believe how much these programs were impacting our lives for good and we didn't want it to stop.  So we decided that it would be fun to study particular talks, lessons or programs together, and then weekly share what personal insights we had discovered and applied to our lives.

After a year of doing this, I cannot accurately express to you how much these weekly conversations with my sister have become a highlight to my week and a spiritually uplifting treasure in my life.  My sister is a remarkable person and wise beyond her years, and I love to hear her thoughts and opinions on life's difficult subjects.  I am grateful for the price she has paid to know God, and for her strong desire to be good and serve those around her.  Her faithful example in my life has been monumental, and it is my prayer that my sister and I will carry on this weekly tradition well into our aging years.

Monday, January 23, 2012

I am grateful for Simon Dewey's painting of Mary and Martha.

My little sister gave me this beautiful picture several years ago and I decided to place it in my bedroom.  It is the first picture I see in the morning and the last picture I see when I lay down at night.  On rough days I find myself staring at it endlessly.  I absolutely love how it reminds me of my true mission and how I must not lose focus.

Monday, January 9, 2012

I am grateful for Sister Julie B. Beck.

Sister Beck is a master teacher, and I have learned so much from listening to her Q&A sessions on mormonchannel.org.

If you are struggling with a trial, click here.

If you are wondering how the Relief Society and Priesthood fit together, click here.

If you want to know how to receive personal revelation, click here.

If you desire to deepen your temple attendance, click here.

If you are frantic with family life and want more peace, click here.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

I am grateful for no cavities.

After 4 root canals, I am happy to stay far, far away from the dentist chair.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

I am grateful for inspired books.

I was sitting alone in my parent's bedroom when I learned that my high school friend had died, and I instantly melted into a puddle of tears.  I was red and puffy eyed within minutes.  I kept on trying to gain control of my emotions because I knew eventually I would have to leave the room.  So, I said a prayer asking the Lord for comfort and control.  After the prayer, I looked around the room and my eyes gravitated to a small book on my mother's book shelf.  It was hardly noticeable, hidden under a stack of several books, but I knew I was supposed to pick it up and read it.  So, that is what I did.  After reading a few pages my entire soul was filled with peace, happiness and joy, and I was able to wipe the tears away and walk confidently out of the room because I knew my friend would want it no other way.

You may be asking what was the name of this miraculous book?  The answer is:


"How To Be Miserable" 
by John Bytheway  

Sunday, January 1, 2012

I am grateful for New Year's Resolutions.

"This year I desire to be more loving, patient, kind, a better mother, a good teacher. This is my desire, to have more sunshine in my heart, to make my family happy, to be a good Temple worker, to please my Heavenly Father and to have his love in my heart, to have a stronger testimony of the Gospel, to study and learn as I should. To be forgiven of my sins, to go forward and do all I can with the Lord's work, to think kindly of everyone and forget my selfish self, to love everyone, then some day be good enough to meet my Father in Heaven."

Written by my Great Grandma (Jan 31, 1896 - Sept 10. 1967).