I am learning this from sweet James.
He teaches me so much.
Last night we were late for this New Years Eve dinner -- I felt that we must hurry and try to be on time.
But we were late.
I let this frustrate me terribly.
James said--Even if we make a mistake and our late--the greater mistake would be to let it ruin our relationship...put a wedge in our relationship...let it create feelings of resentment or irritation toward one another.
Enjoy the journey even despite the bumps and rought winds (even if those bumps and winds are created by our weaknesses). For life is bumpy and all have weaknesses that contribute to those bumps.
How profound. Then, this morning, I read this profound thought in Living the Abundant Life, from President Thomas S. Monson (the prophet):
William James, a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher, wrote, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”
"So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment."
"We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude."
*other great things he said:
"Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities"
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Christmas Eve...Thanks MOM
Thanks to MOM, April, and the Family (I am sure Dad and Hunter went shopping too;) we had presents to open. And we used some of the wrapping paper to make ornaments for our little 2 foot tree (baby Joy size).
We LOVE OUR FAMILY!!!
We LOVE OUR FAMILY!!!
Kissing in the Metro...
The Taiwanese are still getting used to some public affection...You can bet we were getting some stares!
One more miracle
It is a small one...but nonetheless still a miracle.
Joy and I were rushing out the door--but to my horror couldn't find her other shoe.
We looked everywhere. EVERYWHERE.
But to no avail.
Finally, I thought, "Well, we haven't said a prayer yet. Surely God knows where it is."
But then I thought, "But it is such a small thing...He wouldn't care about that. Plus, I don't have time to say a prayer."
Finally, after wasting some more time searching, I knelt down (while Joy swung between fits of closing her eyes and pulling my hair) and we said a prayer asking Father to help us find that little shoe.
Literally, one second after we finished the prayer, I am still on my knees on the bed and get this thought that perhaps the shoe is somewhere hidden in the folds of the bed blanket.
I lifted up the blanket and there was the shoe!
Some might wave this off as merely a coincidence.
But I have had too many like this to know it is not.
We said a thank you prayer.
Suddenly, we felt this feeling of pure love...and at that moment I just knew that right then Father was smiling down on us and was grateful we remembered to give Him a chance to remind us--and especially my little Joy-- of His power, His knowledge, and His love.
I hope that I, like my mom did with me, can constantly help Joy see His hand and miracles...and get answers to her prayers.
Joy and I were rushing out the door--but to my horror couldn't find her other shoe.
We looked everywhere. EVERYWHERE.
But to no avail.
Finally, I thought, "Well, we haven't said a prayer yet. Surely God knows where it is."
But then I thought, "But it is such a small thing...He wouldn't care about that. Plus, I don't have time to say a prayer."
Finally, after wasting some more time searching, I knelt down (while Joy swung between fits of closing her eyes and pulling my hair) and we said a prayer asking Father to help us find that little shoe.
Literally, one second after we finished the prayer, I am still on my knees on the bed and get this thought that perhaps the shoe is somewhere hidden in the folds of the bed blanket.
I lifted up the blanket and there was the shoe!
Some might wave this off as merely a coincidence.
But I have had too many like this to know it is not.
We said a thank you prayer.
Suddenly, we felt this feeling of pure love...and at that moment I just knew that right then Father was smiling down on us and was grateful we remembered to give Him a chance to remind us--and especially my little Joy-- of His power, His knowledge, and His love.
I hope that I, like my mom did with me, can constantly help Joy see His hand and miracles...and get answers to her prayers.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Praise the Lord!
I just have to tell you my experience last night/morning.
Joy was up screaming for a bit. Then I couldn't go back to sleep for several hours.
I was so frustrated. I wanted to shake James awake and let him know of my sad tale. (misery loves company) But I have an excuse--sleep really affects me. Or at least, I let it affect me.
Finally, I got up and did what always helps me relax. Opened up the Scriptures. I read 3 Nephi chapter 26-27.
So beautiful.
The Lord opened my eyes to some marvelous insights that I never before understood.
I received some powerful and strong urging about the importance of writing in a journal--about life and about spiritual experiences and feelings. It will be like scripture to our children. Even our Father writes!
I love the scriptures. I love Father and I love hearing His words.
He has given us so much to be grateful for. Even the hardships of life...end up blessing us (like occassionally being an insomniac)
After that, my frustration was gone. I was so at peace and felt so much love fill my soul.
I fell asleep immediately.
Joy was up screaming for a bit. Then I couldn't go back to sleep for several hours.
I was so frustrated. I wanted to shake James awake and let him know of my sad tale. (misery loves company) But I have an excuse--sleep really affects me. Or at least, I let it affect me.
Finally, I got up and did what always helps me relax. Opened up the Scriptures. I read 3 Nephi chapter 26-27.
So beautiful.
The Lord opened my eyes to some marvelous insights that I never before understood.
I received some powerful and strong urging about the importance of writing in a journal--about life and about spiritual experiences and feelings. It will be like scripture to our children. Even our Father writes!
I love the scriptures. I love Father and I love hearing His words.
He has given us so much to be grateful for. Even the hardships of life...end up blessing us (like occassionally being an insomniac)
After that, my frustration was gone. I was so at peace and felt so much love fill my soul.
I fell asleep immediately.
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