Be Thou An Example of the Believers

Yes, a video again. I will be so happy when my house is done and I can actually have time to breathe again. But for now, I have to take the easy way out and leave you with another video.

I weeped when I saw this video. Possibly because I know the girl, Brittany. She and I were very close special friends. Granted, I am ten years older than her, but she holds a special place in my heart. She is so kind and good and charitable. It did my heart good to see that so many other people love her as much as I do, and that they would go to such lengths to make her happy. When we do small things for others, it is amazing how it can effect them. I hope we can all learn from the example of these high school girls, and be a little more charitable, a little more Christlike.

Never Say Surrender, Never Say Die

"I quit!"

How many times have we heard that declared?
How many times have we been the declarers?

I personally have been guilty of telling my hubby those very words many times over the past month. Usually I am curled up in a ball with tears running the mascara down my face, so he just holds me, and I feel the laughter shaking his body, because really, who can take a mascara lined crying ball of frustration seriously? I can't even do it, and I am the one who is declaring surrender.

Ah, the irony.

While writing my message tonight, I have wanted to fling my computer across the room, curl up into said ball, and declare for the benefit of nobody that I quit, I just can't do it tonight, and you will all have to forgive me, and wait until next week for my pithy post. One can only have the computer erase the message so many times before giving up in defeat.

But I did not. Instead the words of Lehi came to my mind.

Cling to the iron rod.

It has become a Mormonism. You get it if you are Mormon, you don't get it if you are not.

But do you get it? Really?

A few years ago a friend and I were discussing 1 Nephi 8.

We realized Lehi speaks of three groups of people.

The first group of people saw the tree with the fruit. They wanted some. They were looking for the path that would take them to this glorious fruit. As they began on the path, they were engulfed by mists of darkness, and they wandered off and were lost. They had the desire to partake of the fruit, but really it was just too hard. So they

quit.

The next group did exactly what we have been told to do since primary. Cling to that rod of iron. They made it through those mists by clinging. They got to the tree, and eagerly and excitedly partook. And then they saw the people. The mocking voices and the scornful fingers pointing at them, and they cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed. Then they wandered off onto forbidden paths and were lost.

Once they reached their goal, they

quit.

Now my friends, I would like to invite you to move a step forward. Quit clinging to that rod. And yes, you read that right, I did tell you to

quit.

Because there was a third group who is often overlooked (why they are overlooked is beyond me as I believe they are the most important group from which we have to learn).

The third group found the rod of iron and they did press forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they made it. And they fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree, just as the other multitude did. But when they saw the fingers of scorn, the jeering eyes and the mocking sneers, they heeded them not. They knew if they heeded those voices, they too would fall away, so they stopped their ears and would not listen, thus being able to enjoy the dulcet flavor the fruit gave to their lives.

So why does holding fast to the rod of iron help so much more than wandering around without it, or clinging only in times of need? Nephi explained that it was the word of God, and by holding fast to it, we will never perish (spiritually) nor can the temptations or fiery darts of the adversary touch us. We will not be confused. We will not be lead away to destruction. That is a promise.

Even so, after they had made it, they still had to work. Partaking of the fruit was just the beginning. A huge help, but only the beginning. Just as baptism was the beginning for us. It does not mean we are saved, it is just the gate by which we enter to reach the kingdom of our Father. Endure to the end, my friend. That is the only way.

So even though things get rough, and you find yourself in the fetal position once again don't give up. Press forward with steadfastness continually holding to that rod. As you do, that wonderful fruit of which you partook at your baptism will buoy you up. Enduring to the end may be the hardest part, but I think it can also be the best part. We just have to have that iron rod continually in our hands, always pressing forward, always looking up, so we can have the eternal joys which are promised us.

Words to live by:
"Never say surrender, never say die
You only ever get there if you try
Never say give up, never say give in
You always have to fight to win."

Isn't It About Time?

Forgive me for merely posting a video again. I have had one of the hardest weeks ever and have not had a chance to prepare anything. Enjoy, and hopefully I will have something poignant to say next week.

Broken

I saw some words to a song the other day which has been on my mind ever since.

Broken clouds give rain

Broken soil grows grain
Broken bread feeds man for one more day
Broken storms yield light
Break of day heals night
Broken pride turns blindness into sight
Broken souls that need His mending
Broken hearts for offering
Could it be that God loves broken things?
~ Kenneth Cope

I have been thinking about that last line ever since. Whether it is all true or not (I believe He would prefer we didn't break due to pride in the first place) I do believe that through being broken we can draw much closer to Him. Through pain and despair comes understanding and strength and peace. These words helped me through a very difficult week. I hope they can help you too.

Lest We Forget

Motherhood. Most of the authors of this blog are young/new mothers trying to figure it all out. As we progress down the road with our families, it can be discouraging or lonely. It is so easy to forget the blessings and joys when one is sleep deprived and dealing with a fussy child. As I have been dealing with my own inadequacies as of late, I came across a quote by Neal A. Maxwell. He said:

"We salute you, sisters, for the joy that is yours as you rejoice in a baby’s first smile and as you listen with eager ear to a child’s first day at school which bespeaks a special selflessness. Women, more quickly than others, will understand the possible dangers when the word self is militantly placed before other words like fulfillment. You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms.”

Just a little reminder as to why we sacrifice so much so willingly. Just in case you forget for even a moment.

Get A Life

Wow, what a long week. Sometimes by the end of the week I am just so tired and so worn out it is hard to be able to focus on the spiritual side of things. It becomes so easy to be bogged down and to find the negative aspect of things rather than keeping an eternal perspective. With that in mind, I found a beautiful quote given by our beloved prophet which if followed is a cure all for whatever ails you. It will lift anyone out of the rut of the weekend and help us all to prepare ourselves to take the sacrament again on Sunday.

"The Savior taught His disciples, 'For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it' (Luke 9:24)."I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives."

Thomas S. Monson, "What Have I Done for Someone Today?" Ensign, Nov. 2009, 85

If we will but lose ourselves in service that pervading gloom will dispel, and we will be much happier. The eternal perspective will be easier to see, and I believe the atonement will be able to work in our lives much better because we stop focusing on ourselves and our own petty problems and loose ourselves in the lives of others, thus making our lives more full.

So get out and serve somebody today! It can be children or husband, but if it is someone so close to you, do it with a smile and with a remembrance of why you are doing it: because you love them and the Savior!

Feeble Fumblitis

Hi. My name is Amy and I am a Time Waster.

"Hello, Amy."

It was my first meeting at TWA (Time Wasters Anonymous) and I received some very bad news. According to Douglas L. Callister I have been diagnosed with Feeble Fumblitis. According to him it is a mild disease with symptoms which include but are not limited to wasting time, filling my days with the unimportant things, and being slightly lazy thus not getting anything done.

One of the greatest gifts God gives us is the gift of time. Unfortunately and unwittingly I misuse this gift all the time. It is hard for me not to misuse it. I just get caught up in the little things of the time waster persuasion and by the end of the day I can't figure out where the day has gone or why nothing was accomplished.

And at the end of a wasted day I often remember a story about a great time manager and an even greater man Ernest Wilkinson and I feel very foolish and lazy indeed.

I don't remember the particulars of the story much (I heard it about 5 years ago) but I did write down what he said that drives guilt deep into my heart every time I remember it. He said

"Stop every fifteen minutes and write down what you have done the last fifteen minutes. You will soon become so discouraged with writing 'not much' you will soon start accomplishing so much, you will amaze yourself."

What a profound thought! If we just track our minutes the way dieters track their calories think what we could accomplish. If time is one of the greatest gifts God gives us we should treasure every second and use it wisely. I know I don't ever want to waste a gift from God yet sadly, I do. Every day. Realizing that, I have decided I must put a stop to this waste. If it is from God, we will be blessed if we use it wisely, right?

Concerning that thought Brigham Young said

“Time is all the capital stock there is on the earth; … if properly used, it brings that which will add to your comfort, convenience, and satisfaction. Let us consider this, and no longer sit with hands folded, wasting time” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1941], p. 214).

So, with these thoughts in my mind I have decided to change my time using habits. My grandmother always said "Waste not want not" and so I am going to try. It seems I don't have enough time now, but if I don't waste any of it, not even 5 minutes I can cut down on my wanting more time habit I have developed. That is the goal, anyway.

So, I am going to take the challenge of learning to manage my time better. I hope to see myself accomplish much more during the days, feel a deeper sense of satisfaction with my day, and even feel a deeper relationship with Heavenly Father. I will report back next week on how I have done, and I would like to invite any of you to join with me in this challenge.

My plan of attack is making a list each night. I will have three columns. The first column will contain 6 things I must accomplish that day. The next column will contain the things I should accomplish, and the final column will hold the things I would like to accomplish- the unimportant and frivolous things. By doing this, I should be able to fit more things into my day, including the fun things and not get burned out.
That is the idea anyway. We will see if I can actually accomplish it.

I would like to hear who will join me in this experiment, and how it goes for each of you. Look for ways you are blessed temporally and spiritually from managing your time. Remember, Brigham Young has promised us that it will add to our comfort, convenience and satisfaction. Lets prove him right!

The Reason for the Season

I have been typing away for a while at this computer, and cannot get my thoughts to make sense in the written form, so though I would like to expound much more, I cannot. My thoughts have been regarding Mary the mother of Jesus. After each miracle she experienced or witnessed she held the experience close and pondered it in her heart. Every time I read that it floors me. And this is where I can't make any sense except in my own mind.

So, I would like to share with you instead something a dear friend of mine taught me last night. Malinda (my friend) was getting ready to teach her Gospel Principles class when she came across the question "what does repentance mean to you?" and she began thinking of that. Really, what did it mean to her.

I am not going to go into her experience much (if you would like to read it, go here) but I am going to share her scriptural thought. When the angels appeared the night the Savior was born
they declared they brought good tidings of great joy. She said that the glad tidings is the Gospel of Jesus Christ... the Good News. And the gospel is the Atonement of Christ. It's the fact that we can return to live with Him and our Father. And the Great Joy is Repentance. Because it is only through repentance that we can become clean. What a wonderful thought. A few years back I had the epiphany that the only reason we do celebrate Christmas is because of the Atonement. Without it, nothing would matter. There would be no reason for this season. How grateful I am for that.

And now, I leave you with a wonderful Christmas video Tricia emailed me. We thought that everyone would enjoy it. Merry Christmas and I hope the Spirit of Christ was with you all day, and can continue to be with you throughout your lives.

The Spirit of Christ

It is so easy to get lost in the symbolism and forget the symbol. I pray our hearts will be open so we can enjoy the spirit of Christ this season and all year round.

Mt. Vesuvius and Christmas Cheer

It's husband week! And so, like with all things, I am going to help my husband out by writting this for him. He's super busy, donchaknow. So I step in and help where he needs the help. Besides, I am not sure discussing the reason Mt. Vesuvius erupted (one of the most wicked cities in the world) would be a good topic for this blog. A little too technical nd a litttle too much speculation. And that was our big gospel topic for this week. Interesting, but nothing founded in docterine, so I will spare you all.

With Christmas fast approaching I have struggled with the Cheer we are all supposed to have. Life has been crazy busy, and I have had too many stresses to really get into the mood. I once heard the "fake it 'till you make it" advice and so have been trying that, but it isn't quite working.

Then today I stumbled across this wise counsel from our beloved prophet:

“In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service. ‘It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth,’ because it means—good will toward all men.’ Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Then each Christmas will be the best Christmas ever.” — Thomas S. Monson

From reading that I learned I need to stop fretting over my stressors and get out and serve. As I serve others the joy that fills my heart will be better than any other and I can joyfully say "This is the best Christmas ever!"

I would invite you to do the same. Try it and see if it isn't true. You will be amazed!

Thankful

I know I post a lot of videos, or refer to a lot of other blogs. Sorry about that. But I have to post this! I have to! In honor of Thanksgiving (I surely love that holiday) I think it is important to stop and think of all the things I am thankful for. Here is what some random people on the streets of New York are thankful for:


I am most thankful for the creation of life, and most importantly, for the atonement.

Don't Quite Have It All Together?

This has been an incredible week. I have had a lot of learning, and have so many different topics I would like to share! But, I tend to be a little long winded, so I am going to post only one of the many, and leave my thoughts with it.

A while back I found a blog called Diapers and Divinity. A wonderfully inspired and insightful woman writes about being a mother, and how even the mundane things have a spiritual side to them. She always makes me happy and makes me think (She also hosts a General Conference Book Club every Monday, if you want to check that out).

Earlier this week Jeffrey and I were joking about who has the harder job; him as provider for our family, or me as the SAHM. In the midst of our banter I said something that actually had me thinking for a while after. I had said "As a woman I have far more demands than you. You just have to be a good provider, be there for me emotionally, and be a good dad for our kids. I have to keep a perfectly clean house, provide healthy yet tasty meals, magnify my calling, be crafty, be slender, be successful, always be happy, teach Keith to read before he is in Kindergarten... and so much more. I will trade you places any day."

And then I realized. We as women really do have too many demands to fulfill. Whether we place them upon ourselves (as I do) or we allow society to place them upon our shoulders, we are far too heavy laden with demands on our time and talents.

Simplify is the key here. But more than that, looking to the Savior. In Stephanie's post she wrote about a few examples in the NT where people go before Christ not quite having it all, but having their best. And it is enough. Go and read her post. It is worth it. It will make you feel good inside, and make you happy, I promise. She is wonderful and you wont regret it.

Hugs!
Amy

All You Need Is Love

Sorry for not posting last week. I didn't realize it was Friday until it was Saturday. Does that ever happen to you?
I had a whole slew of things I have been pondering lately, but since the horrible tragedy that happened in Ft. Hood, TX yesterday I think my thoughts have been a little more focused on what we do in the name of Religion, and why.

Throughout history there have been so many atrocities committed by people in the name of God. Take the Crusades. Take the history of the Turks. The treatment of the Native Americans. The many cults. And more prominently (at least from what I can see) are the Extremists.

The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, might, mind and strength. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself.

If you look at the ten commandments, every single one of them breaks down to fit into one of those two categories. If you love God, you will honor Him, keep the Sabbath day holy, have no engraven images etc. If you love your neighbor, you will not kill, steal, covet, etc. So to follow the most basic teachings of Christ, or even God, we are taught that we must love.

During Christ's ministry He taught us to go the extra mile with that love. To do everything with kindness and not to retaliate.

I am slightly confused how people can teach about a loving God. Someone who loves all His children and yet be so casual with human life. They say that they are justified because it is for their religion. They say people of their faith, or people who are not keeping the commandments deserved whatever. I say we are taught to love our enemies. I say true religion is about focusing on yourself, then your family, then your community. I say true religion is all about love.

Funny story (I hope you don't mind me sharing this, Tricia) all through HS people told me Tricia hated me. People told her I hated her. We didn't know each other so we couldn't have possibly hated each other. Since we took piano lessons from the same teacher, we decided to play a duet together. By working together we were able to get to know each other and become friends. Very good friends. Later room mates. Even later still friends. I never hated her. She never hated me (I think :) ) due to lack of understanding and listening to what other people told us rather than what we ourselves knew we missed out on a good couple of years of friendship.

I guess the point of this is just to encourage everyone to be more understanding. In the name of your beliefs and your religions, give an outpouring of love. Most problems arise from misunderstandings and nothing more. Look past the pride that naturally builds up and try to have more love and understanding. That is what this world needs. More love.

I know this sounds silly because I only know most of you through this blog, but I do love you all. I wish you the very best day and weekend, and know that as you go about keeping the two greatest commandments everything else will fall into place and the peace in your heart and surrounding you will amaze you. Go out and give this world some love!

Lifting Burdens

What If God Was One of Us?

I was listening to music today as I was cleaning and I heard the once famous song from the 90s "One of Us" by Joan Osbourne. I admit I like the song, but I have always felt a little guilty listening to it. I almost wonder if it is sacrilegious. And then today the words just hit me in a whole different way.

What if God was one of us? Really? What if the person you ignored on the street was Him? Or the transient begging for money and you just walked on by? Of course the scripture in Matthew 25: 34-40 comes to mind:

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his ^aright hand, Come, ye ^bblessed of my Father, ^cinherit the ^dkingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an ^ahungred, and ye ^bgave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a ^cstranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye ^avisited me: I was in ^bprison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee ^asick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have ^adone it unto one of the ^bleast of these my ^cbrethren, ye have done it unto me.

From the discourses given by King Benjamin we learn that we are required to give of what we have, even if it is just a little.

19 For behold, are we not all ^abeggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a ^aremission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his ^bSpirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with ^cjoy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.

21 And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to ^aimpart of the substance that ye have one to another.

So often in this world it is hard to trust. When beggars are out on the street corners many people say they are out there just to get drug money or they will drink whatever we give them away, or it is all a lie, they are doing it as their job. But it doesn't matter, because what if Joan Osbourne is right? What about what King Benjamin reiterated time and time again in his address to the people? "And verily, verily I say unto you, when ye have done it unto the least of these thy brethren, ye have done it unto me." Regardless of their past, present, or future it is our responsibility to give and show love. As I think more along these lines the missionary spirit is kicking in. If we were to meet someone on the street we should recognize them for who they really are. They are children of GOD. And not just that, they are our siblings, entitled to the same blessings we can have. How can we not share with them? We have such knowledge and happiness, and how selfish will we be if we just keep it to ourselves because we are afraid to share with them? Remember, that which we do to our fellow men is the same as if we were doing it to our Lord. He loves us and wants us all to be happy, and so we have to help others to be happy.

I know I have taken this in many different directions tonight. There are so many thoughts flooding my mind right now as I ponder over that song. Missionary work, charity, loving our brother, and giving all we can to those in need. I could go on for a long time with each of these topics, but I don't think it is necessary. I would just like for each of you to think about it next time you pass a stranger. Every time you pass a stranger. What if? What would you do differently? And do it. Smile. Give the $1.50 you have in your pocket to the street beggar. And for heaven's sake, start carrying around pass along cards! I say this for myself more than any of you. It is a habit I have gotten out of and need to reinstate.

What would you do differently if He really was one of us here on this earth right now?

Re-defining Moments

I love how so many talks in Conference can be specific to our own individual needs. Every year there is a talk that was given directly to me. I know everyone says that, which shows that the Lord knows our needs and desires. With His Spirit he can touch our hearts and teach us the things we need to learn. If we have prepared ourselves and are teachable we can grow in unexpected ways.

I was going to share with you all what I had learned, but for some reason it is feeling a little too personal. I am not one to air my dirty laundry in public and sharing what the Lord taught me would be a little too personal so I am going to have to take this a different direction.

I want to talk about the importance and beautiful calling we have as mothers. There are so many women in the world who talk about motherhood as being a burden or a chain. Being a SAHM is cumbersome and keeps them from growing and progressing. Their children are loved but are also seen as a weight and a nusiance. I know that sometimes I fall into that roll a little bit. I would never trade being home with my son for anything in the world, but there are days when I only see the hard part of it. I miss adult interaction. I miss going out and dancing or reading a book or going to the mountains and just relaxing by a stream. I cannot do that now. My life is full of picture books, playing trucks on demand and coloring. I forget the beauty of having this life.

And then I got to watch Oprah (not a normal occurrence, I assure you. This was a special occasion) the other day. Stephanie and Christian Nielson were on. A woman who hated being a SAHM got to spend the day with Stephanie and her whole outlook on motherhood changed.


Following the inspiration that Stephanie inspires, I re-read this talk on her blog. It is so wonderful in helping us redefine our roles as mothers and wives. Rarely do we understand the great power and influence we have on the world.

"Mothers who know are nurturers. This is their special assignment and role under the plan of happiness. To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow. Therefore, mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes. Another word for nurturing is homemaking. Homemaking includes cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and keeping an orderly home. Home is where women have the most power and influence; therefore, Latter-day Saint women should be the best homemakers in the world. Working beside children in homemaking tasks creates opportunities to teach and model qualities children should emulate. Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable, but all the education women attain will avail them nothing if they do not have the skill to make a home that creates a climate for spiritual growth. Growth happens best in a “house of order,” and women should pattern their homes after the Lord’s house (see D&C 109). Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work. Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women. "

I find that as I re-read and reapply these teachings and examples I become a better mother and wife, and my home is so much happier and full of the Spirit. I encourage you all to do the same thing. Take a few moments in quiet meditation and prayer and re-define your part of the great plan our Father has for us. As you do this you will be blessed with a testimony of your divinity and your ability to do all that you promised you would do here. More than that, you will be able to find hidden talents to help you in your calling as a wife and mother.

Our Test in Mortality

I generally have a thought that drives me during the week. This week I was very impressed with something Elder Robert D. Hales said in regards to challanges. It is easy to forget that we are not alone, and it is even more easy to get so wrapped up in our trials we forget to look heavenward for help. I hope this helps others as much as it touched me.

“Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). “We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’ (Matthew 16:23).

Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually,” Ensign, May 2009, 7

Hope

This is a very beautiful video. I hope it inspires and uplifts for you as it did for me.

Finding Hope

Today is a day that will always be in our memories. Some people don't like to remember because it causes them sadness. I, on the other hand remember this day and am filled with gratitude, peace, and humility. Our Heavenly Father loves us. We sometimes make poor decisions yet He still supports and blesses us if we but turn to him. I would like to share a video with you called Finding Hope which is about a man who describes his experience at the towers and how he was able to get through that tragedy with the help of his faith in Jesus Christ. It is 8 minutes, but well worth the watch.

On Becoming Proud

I forgot to post yesterday, but what I learned during my scripture study was so poignant to me, I would like to share it with you all today.

I began to read my scriptures but for some reason, although it was my favorite chapter, I wasn't getting anything out of it. I decided to do a topical study. I sat for a few moments thinking about what I should study, and I realized I have a serious problem with pride. In order to have more peace in my soul, I need to purge myself of that addiction (yes, I do think pride is an addiction).

I searched in the topical guide, and the first scripture I read was speaking straight to me. I read in 2 Nephi 9:42 which says

"And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches- yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them."

I have been richly blessed with education, wealth (comparatively), knowledge, the gospel... so many things in my life, and I fear they have made me a little proud. It is something that I constantly try to overcome, but let's be honest, pride is a very subtle thing that can creep into all of us. I read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis a while ago and in it the apprentice devil is talking with his uncle about the difficulty of leading away his subject. The apprentice said that his subject was too humble, and wouldn't be tempted by anything to which the uncle replied that his subject need only be aware of his humility, and would then pride would enter his heart. It is such a fine line, and staying on the humble side of things is not the easiest. As I pondered over these things I thought about what I could do to combat pride. I turned to Mosiah 3:19 which tells us how to overcome the natural man

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."

Becoming like a little child. Easier said than done, I think. I began talking with my brother on this topic, and he taught me something very interesting. He said he believes the best way (and in his opinion the only way) to overcome pride is to focus on thanks giving. If we are grateful, truly aware and appreciative of all the Lord has done for us, there is no way we can be proud.

I have decided to be more aware of everything, the breeze, my family, the smells... everything, and to thank my Heavenly Father for it all, because I want to rid myself of the natural man, and to become more like a child who has complete and unwavering trust in my Father.