Your life is going okay. You look in the mirror and you think, 'No, this isn't where I am supposed to be.' Or, perhaps you see where the world is going and fear you just are not going to 'make it'. There are so many different reasons that one sits back and looks over their everyday life and find frustration. Others may think you have it all together, but, you know the real back story. I see people who have no direction, no compass to direct their life and they are very discouraged, perhaps even depressed, as they see the world 'burn' around us.
I had a co-worker many years ago that was so negative that I'd actually come home almost in a stupor of depression myself! Her outlook was completely negative in all that was around her. She had a doting husband, a cute fun car, cute clothes, was adorable herself (and her husband was adorable, too), they had a sufficient income for Southern California; but by no means were they wealthy. But, she could only find the negative in the world. When a customer came into the store, she could turn a switch and be happy as she waited on the customer. And, for a while after she was still happy, but then the negativity would begin again. (I really like busy days, she was happy all day!) She also had an infectious smile, when she smiled, her entire face smiled. I knew, deep down in her a very happy person was waiting to come out. Now, your day may not be quite that drastic; but we all have something that is eating away at our happiness. First off, this is a faith based courage site. We will not hide it, we will not shy away from it. I have seen and experienced what faith can do to change a person. Therefore, I will not rationalize it away. I have taught in church for so many years I don't even want to count (for fear that it will depress me...you smiled, didn't you?...laughter, a good cure.). In turn, I have also sat through many, many lessons! Some of these lessons turn into a chalkboard filled with all of the things that we should be doing; and aren't. The class begins to realize that only a couple of the things listed are actually happening in their life. And, then the thought of chocolate is all that comes to mind as wallowing in the horribleness of one's life comes to light. When I teach this type of lesson, I then erase the board and write the two things that we really need to do. Pray. Read your scriptures. That's it. That is all we need to do. Simple. The problem comes when we TRY to do all of the other things, without prayer and scripture reading being a part of our lives. When we pray and read our scriptures, we are then compelled to do the other things on the lists. It no longer becomes weights hanging around our necks, it becomes a trait within our personality. So, to begin our goal setting journey, let's set aside the time for prayer and reading your scriptures. There will be those that say, 'Oh, this must be done in the morning.' Yeah, they didn't have to get two adults out the door for work and four children to school. No worries. Your time may be after everyone goes to bed at night, you know instead of watching TV. Your time may be in the car with audio scriptures, or time alone with the radio off and having a wonderful conversation with your Father in Heaven. Whatever time you choose, CHOOSE. Then, write it down. Yes. Write it down. In fact, keep track for at least 27 days. (The experts say 21 days, but, let's go the extra mile.) After that, you may not have to write it down. Or, you may be one that likes to check it off of a list; in that case, continue to write it down. Basically, just do it! “Let us not treat lightly [His word]. … [It is] one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. … Recommit … immerse yourselves in them daily. … Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them. Then prayerfully and in counsel with others, seek every way possible to encourage the members of the Church to follow your example.” Ezra Taft Benson |
Carolyn Bendall"After years of teaching people how to develop their 'outside' image; we realized the 'inner image' need just as much work. Let's take this journey together!" Archives
August 2022
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