these are the days

"... hold up our light
strengthen our brother
help each other home

(These are the days)
To live for what's right,
stand as a witness,
share the truth we know.

We will raise our voice
we will make the choice
to take our place with hearts of faith

These are the days!

Guided by His endless grace
we're following his path
if we're faithful we've been promised all the Father has!

Hold up your light!
Strengthen our brother
Help each other home
To live for what's right
Stand as a witness
Share the truth we know.
We will raise our voice
We will make the choice
to take our place with hearts of faith

These are the days!"-Jenny Frogley

Braver. Stronger. Smarter

time to let it go

 

It's amazing to me how easy it is to get caught up in things that have happened in the past. Whether it was a mistake we made or pain from the cause of others in our life.  Though these things will and should have an impact on our lives, we shouldn't hang on to it or let it define who we are TODAY.

We can move forward from it and hopefully learn and grow from it.

 

I don't know how long I have allowed myself to be consumed with some of the hurtful things of my past, but I got to the point of where I was fighting with myself to get away from it. It was haunting me all the time. I would have nightmares about it or even fears whenever I opened an email or checked the mail box, or even driving and feeling like someone was following me.  I got to the point of where I was so tired of living my life as if I had to prepare to fight for my life!

 

One evening I felt inspired to write down every detail that I can remember over a period of ten years.  It wasn't very easy at first, but once I got into it I found it to be very therapeutic and relieving. I made a goal for myself to have it ready by the time I was in Utah again with my family, which was this past summer. I wanted to have a burning party and share it with them.  I reached my goal and printed out all of those pages and I watched it burn to ashes! It was the greatest feeling and had such an impact on me that I no longer get caught up in those things.  I have confidence instead of fear.

 

Even though writing it all down and watching it disappear was really great, I know that's not the whole reason why I am now completely relieved from those feelings and emotions I once had.  I have learned the importance of the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I was able to heal through this wonderful power and gift that is available to ALL of us. It's real and it works! Not only was I able to heal, but I was able to forgive and let it all go. The only way to get it is by wanting it and seeking it through prayer and being willing to do the work that may come with it.  It wont happen over night or even after a day. It takes consistency (as well as hope and faith), but I promise you the results are relieving and most rewarding!

 

You decide when you are ready to let it go!

 

PS Some really great books that I recommend are Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson; and

How Can I Forgive You? by Janis Abrahms Spring, Ph.D.

a love like that

Assumptions

"Don't judge a book by it's cover"

is a phrase I'm sure we have all heard.

Many times I'm walking through a book store or even the library and I pick up a book, look at it, then put it back on the shelf without reading what it's all about.

All because the cover didn't look interesting enough. There are also times where someone will hand me a really good book and tell me to read it, and it's not one I would have picked up on my own.

When I read it though, it is as wonderful as they say it is!

 

I feel we do this exact same thing when it comes to other people. We meet them for the first time and get that first impression. Then we decide for ourselves whether or not they are worth our time getting to know.

Our first impression of them may be incidental as who are we to say that we know who they are just by spending only a few minutes with them. We don't know what's going on in their lives, what they grew up with, and what makes them act a certain way (good or bad) at the time that they do.

I believe this is why we are asked to act as our Savior, Jesus Christ would act.

"For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart"

 (1 Samuel 16:7).

There is a reason behind everything we do and how we react. We may be the kind of friend that person may need because of what we have endured. We are all children of God and are here to help each other make it back to our loving Heavenly Father. We NEED each other!

 

Next time you come across someone who may be having a difficult day, who happen to take it out on you, try to give them a compliment! Find a way to show them a happier side of things and always leave them with a smile. I promise you it will leave them feeling so much better, and you will be gad that you did.

Beautiful

Directive

This was the answer I needed.....one day at a time.

Walls

This is ME,

a wall builder. At least I was. Now I find myself battling to bust through these walls; some of which I have been successful, others not so much.  One of my greatest weaknesses right now is overcoming the wall that is built so high and so strong in opening up to people. There are a very select few who have access through this wall, but most often than not I will leave it up because of fear and trust. There are many circumstances that have caused this wall to be put up but mostly it's because I was hurt and betrayed by someone that I once loved.  There are people in my life at this time who I love dearly, have known for a long time and admire them. Regardless of these feelings I am scared. I am afraid that if I try to let them in then they will end up hurting me, mostly because they already have. I want to fix and improve my relations with them, but it's difficult to see that they really want to same thing too.  I would hate for it to be an obligation for them because those are the worse kind of relationships. You can't make someone you love, love you back; that I already know! You also can't make them like you.  I feel like this person has already made an assumption about who they think I am, but have no idea of who I really am because I'm not comfortable being myself around them. I can't seem to bring myself to break down this wall. So I need your help!  I need your advise and suggestions you can give me to help me overcome this weakness. To let go of this fear and not be afraid to be myself, even if I get rejected by people I love. Have you been through this before??

Compassion

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you wished you had someone who could understand exactly what you were feeling or going through?

I have mentioned this before, and I'll say it again....we weren't meant to go through it alone.

There were many times in my life where I almost felt as if no one could or ever would understand my pain.  But, how could they?

In reality, in order for someone to completely understand means that they would have to experience the exact same thing, and in the exact same way that I have. But why would I hope to find someone on this earth to fully understand in the first place? Where is the solice in that?  True, it helps us to get a sense of feeling like we aren't the only ones in the world who have had to feel this way. And that in and of itself is rewarding and comforting. No one wants to feel alone.  And we should definitely reach out to those of whom we feel we can relate and share these feelings with as it may help us get a better perspective. After all, I know the Lord would have us be there for someone in a physical sense(offer a hug or a shoulder to cry on); and it's therapeutic to talk to someone you can really trust.

I am reminded of a time, two summers ago to be exact, when I was falsely accused of something and had to plead my case in front of a judge.  I knew the act on this person's part was nothing other than revenge due to their own anger and bitterness because of the actions they caused, but wasn't willing to take the blame for it. Instead, they felt I needed to take the blame for it all.  I know in my heart the truth of it all, and most importantly I know that my Heavenly Father knew the truth of the entire situation.  I remember how nervous I was and knew that I had to put my full trust and faith in the Lord to get through it.  After receiving a blessing to be comforted and to know that my Heavenly Father was in charge, I felt more at ease and knew I could get through this. On my way to court the next morning I was listening to an EFY song of "I never stand alone, when I stand with God..." and I kept that song in my head to help calm my nerves throughout the case.

But what I didn't expect, was that my attorney failed to read all the material I gave him to defend my case that he didn't do a very good job at helping me to defend my case.  The other attorney manipulated everything I said and twisted my words in ways I never thought possible in a court room. Here I had sworn in to tell the truth and I felt as if I didn't get my opportunity to even do that.  I walked out of there feeling completely 'naked'. I was shocked with the way it all went and how this person was determined to not only make such a false accusation against me, but then turn it all around and claim me to be a liar.

I was confused and wondered how it ended up this way...did I not have enough faith? How could this of happened? 

I don't think I cried so hard in my life! I thought I had, but this was one of the worse experiences in my life.  I didn't know what else to do but seek out my Father in Heaven and ask for another blessing because I needed that peaceful feeling I once had. I needed some comfort, understanding and guidance. And to my surprise, I received it in a way of getting a glimpse of understanding what my Savior had gone through. I was reminded of His pains and sufferings while He was on this earth. He was sent to die because the people hated him and didn't believe in who He really is. They didn't understand nor were they interested in allowing their hearts to soften.  He came to this earth and preformed miracles! He did nothing other than show the way, be an example and have compassion and love for everyone He came in contact with. But regardless of the truth in who He is, they falsely accused Him and made Him suffer.

BUT, He allowed this to happen so that He could succor His people!  He knew exactly how I felt in that court room and coming out of it. All He asked of me is to tell the truth, and put my faith in Him because it was in His hands.

To make a long story short, nothing was finalized in court that day as my attorney did request time for us to write a final written statement to submit before the judge made the final ruling. The accusations against me were removed. My Heavenly Father kept his word and took care of it.

Don't just rely on the people of this world to give you the peace and comfort you need, turn to your Heavenly Father! Give Him your burdens and let Him take care of them for you.

I know He will!

Don't give up

Be YOUrself

Mother's who know

"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose ...

True to YOU

Something deep inside you

 Wonders if you'll ever be enough

You fall, you fail

As you try to measure up

 It hurts

 More than you show

 But you have to know

 Your never alone

He is there

 Always in your heart

 Even when you wonder

 If he knows who you are

 He believes

 You will make it through

And he knows all the things your gonna do

 No matter what your going through

He will remain

True to you

He knew

All the things you would face

And he knew

What you would need

So he prayed

 And he cried

 And he fell upon his knees

 It hurt

More than you know

He's ready to show

Your never alone

But you have to know

 Your never alone

He is there

 Always in your heart

Even when you wonder

 If he knows who you are

 He believes

 You will make it through

No matter what

Your going through

 He will remain

True to you

 He will remain

True to you

-Jenny Phillips

Simplify

“We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are.” Marjorie Hinckley

Where you Stand

There's a quiet whispering deep in your heart, It's a voice that reminds you who you really are.

You were faithful to Father you worshipped the Son; you rejoiced in the plan that allowed you to come to this earth to learn and achieve.

 Now is the time to stand up for what you believe.

Do you remember the promise you made back then? How you longed for the chance to show faith in Him? Now that you're here and you're finding your voice. You're living the plan and you're making the choice, where you stand.

 You knew there'd be moments, when you'd walk alone with darkness and trials you'd face on your own. You knew there'd be times when the choice was unclear and you'd need Him to quiet your doubts and your fears; to give comfort to show you the way.

 Now is your moment to say you remember the promise you made back then. How you longed for the chance to show faith in Him. Now that you're here and you're raising your voice, you're living the plan and you're making the choice, where you stand.

-Jenny Phillips

Priority

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother... Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children... Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else." Elder M. Russell Ballard

When I was a single mother, it absolutely killed me to leave my kids to go to work.  Each morning would almost be a battle of the kids begging for me to stay home, begging for me to get to play with them, begging for me to make the situation be what it used to be. It was an emotional struggle on the kids and on me.  Though I couldn't change the situation, and I had to now be the sol provider for my kids, I also decided that some things would have to give and it wasn't going to be what little time I did get with my kids.

I made the decision that I when I picked my kids up after work, that it was OUR time. I ignored my dishes and the laundry and every household chore on my every day list. I brought my kids home and I played with them! The times that they were gone on a weekday or weekend, for visitation, was my time. It was the time that I caught up on the house and went on dates, or did whatever I needed for myself (take long uninterrupted bubble bathes) to unwind.

I really don't know how I got through this part of my life, other than getting my priorities in order. Yes, my house would stink sometimes because of a sink full of dishes. But they weren't the most important thing and by the end of the week, they were still there waiting for me. My kids however, didn't stay that young age. I also know that as I read my scriptures every night before I went to bed, and poured out my heart to my Heavenly Father through prayer, I was given the extra strength and boost that I needed to get through another day.

My circumstances are different now. I have been blessed with a wonderful, loving and supportive husband! I am back at home with my kids, and I now find it difficult to sometimes enjoy what's mine and the time I get to be with them. There are times when I feel like I am not accomplishing anything because I try to accomplish too much. My priorities are not where they used to be. I need to get myself back on track and not put folding my laundry before playing trains on the floor with my boy, or painting my girls fingernails, or reading a book to my toddler. I have taken what I have for granted and it's time to refocus. I love being a mom, even on the hard days. And I love how patient my kids are with me. I don't want them to go a day in their life where they wondered if I ever really cared about them because I didn't spend time with them. I want them to grow up knowing that I love them and love to be with them! With that said, I should get off the computer and go give them some 'Mom time'!

Love life

You can be excellent in every way. You can be first class. There is no need for you to be a scrub. Respect yourself. Do not feel sorry for yourself. Do not dwell on unkind things others may say about you. Polish and refine whatever talents the Lord has given you. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life and look for its opportunities. ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

Divine Nature

This is a REALLY good lesson on Divine Nature. Even if you're not in Young Women's, READ IT. It'll change your perspective.

http://www.theredheadedhostess.com/teaching/young-men-teaching-ideas/teach-me-who-i-am/#comment-7643

Mark of Royalty

My sister-in-law let me borrow this book and to my own surprise I thoroughly enjoyed it! 
It's about a time when royal infants are marked at birth, a royal advisor makes a terrible misstep—and an infant princess must be secreted away to save her life. Named Sarah by Miranda, the woman who agrees to raise the child as her own, the girl is unaware of her royal heritage—even though Miranda has done all she can to pair Sarah with the king’s nephew, Lord Chad. But unexpected events prevent the expected betrothal.

Determined to fulfill her devoted mother’s wishes, Sarah reserves her heart for Chad despite her growing affections for another man. But as plots against the crown unfold, someone accidentally discovers Sarah’s mark of royalty—setting the stage for discoveries that will shake the kingdom to its core.  She lived a normal life and yet found out that she is royalty.

I compared this story to our life here on earth. We came to this earth with a veil drawn over us to separate any memory of living with our Heavenly Father. We are given earthly parent's to raise us, and teach us and guide us.  Though our Father in Heaven knows us and is very much aware of us, He is hoping we will someday make it back home to Him.  Sometimes even when we live the gospel of Jesus Christ, we forget that we are in fact Royalty! We make promises with our Heavenly Father and in return he promises blessings untold. We can inherit and take our place in the royal kingdom. We are of infinite worth and must not forget it. Just as the Young Woman theme goes...

If we do these things.... we will enjoy the blessings of exaltation! For me, that just makes everything worth it.

:)

Defined

I have kept myself at such a distance from so many people, due to fear. I have let fear get the best of me these days and to be honest, this is a HUGE thing for me to do (to open up and let others see or read my thoughts or concerns or joy).  I was once someone of confidence and courage and knew exactly what I wanted....then I met someone who changed my life in ways I never dreamed. I felt completely damaged and trapped for what felt like a long time. With that I became an introvert and I only opened up to those who made the effort to reach out to me and showed me care and concern. Sadly, I lost a lot of friends (or who I thought were my friends) and I didn't know who I was anymore or who I really even wanted to be. I started to not care.

I am ready to break free of all this and start challenging myself to be the person I used to be, only this time with experiences.  As often as I told myself that I didn't really need friends anyway, I found it to be a very lonely world, walking around with only acquaintances around me.  I hung on to my family and when my dream-come-true of a husband came along, I thought I was completely set and only needed him too!  What more could a girl want?

I was afraid of being defined by my past (divorced, abused, etc...) when in reality I was defining myself in that way.  When I was called to be in the YW program for the church I was absolutely terrified and felt completely inadequate for the position. I felt like a failure in my life and that I wasn't and could never be someone for these girls to look up to. They were being taught about eternal marriages and mine didn't last. I learned that I wasn't there for them, but for myself. I needed the simple reminder of who I was and what I was capable of. That I could learn from what I went through and could help others as they found themselves in the same position I once was.

When I hear stories of others who are faced with difficult things, I can't help but feel their pain. I cried for about a week (not constantly, but every moment I thought of them) for one of my friends and what I had learned she went through. I ached for her and wished I could just be there for her and give her a hug and let her know that she's not alone in any of it.  All I could do was reach out and hope that she believes my sincerity on her behalf.  This pain I felt for her has driven a passion in me to want to reach out and help! Help them back to finding trust, love, confidence, courage, and faith.  Help them find the strength that can only come from turning to our Savior and using his great atonement to completely heal and forgive. I had dear friends who were there for me when I needed them most and it's time for me to pay it forward.

A care in this world

In a world full of chaos and grief and confusion(at times) we may feel that we are all alone. It may feel as though you are amongst a large crowd of people, screaming and no one even notices. On days like these, don't forget to look up! Step outside and look up at the sky. Go find and open field or climb a hill or mountain and get out of the world for a moment. Breathe deep and rest assured the your Father in Heaven is with you and He hears your cry and feels your pain! Close your eyes and feel His embrace around you. Let Him hold you for a moment and remind you who you are and what He sees you as; what you are capable of.

Once you feel His love, stand up and go forth remembering who you are! And try again.

Daughter of a KING

Do you wonder if he knows who you are?
Do you wonder if he knows the secret pleadings of your heart
He has numbered every sand of the sea
And he longs for you to know that he believes in you.

Can you feel the quiet power from above
Can you feel his strength surround you when your own is not enough
He has blessed you with his spirit from on high
And he longs for you to know what lives inside of you
Oh, be true

CHORUS:
Daughter of a king
The father's royalty
Heir to his divinity
He's calling your name
To come and take your place before his throne
He has always known
What he created you to be
A daughter of a king

You hold the promises of all eternity
Rise to claim the noble birth right you were sent here to recieve
He has loved you since you lived with him before
Let him lead you to the gifts he has in store for you
Oh, be true

COURUS

Daughters of a king our father's royalty
Heirs to his divinity
He's calling our names
To come and take our place before his throne
He has always known
What he created us to be.....
Daughter of a king.

Who I am

I have been through the most challenging times in my life, and I am yet 30 years old. Though my challenges may seem but small compared to so many others, it's what I have gained from them that brings me to create this blog. I believe it is the YW theme this year, A daughter of a King, but I didn't realize this until just moments ago. I have had this blog idea and title of it in my head for a few weeks now. And I got the idea of the title from the song by Jenny Philips, Daughter of a King. LOVE this song! A pure and simple reminder of who we are.

Perhaps throughout this blog I will feel inspired to share some of the intricate details of what I have gone through, but most importantly how I got through it. I want this blog to be a reminder to myself and well as other woman out there, to remember who we are, where we came from, and why we are here. And most of all, that we can overcome any obstacle! I will look for things such as song lyrics, quotes, pictures, scriptures, or memories and post them here in hopes that it will touch or uplift those who read this.

My experiences have taught me so much and I want to take whatever opportunity I can to reach out to others who relate to what I have been through or are hurting and struggling through their own. We aren't meant to this alone.