Stronger Through Him

  My boss brought me and another coworker each this gift today.  We know we don't agree on all our points of theology but we agree on seeking the best in others and helping one another see the best in ourselves.  We agree that we can build on our commonalities.   We are facing some work challenges, and she wanted us to remember where we should consistently be anchored as we work through them.    Isn't it a beautiful thing that we can feel the love of Heavenly Parents in so many different ways and through beautiful people?  The fear won't necessarily go away, but our faith can bridge across the top and help us reach unimaginable destinations!

 It's been raining all day.  And while I am a sunshine and blue sky kind of person, I've learned to be grateful for the rain.  The steady drizzle turns us homeward.  It keeps us inside, facing one another, spending time together. I am more likely to curl up and read a book.  Or bake or work on some home projects.   I am more likely to feel and be present in my home. Today it meant enjoying Stake Conference together, touching base with my adult kids and thinking through my upcoming week. It gave me some time to reflect on goals, study the scriptures and take a hot bath.   Psalm 147:7-8 "Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains." Sometimes my songs of Thanksgiving look a little more like hot dinner rolls as my family gathers together around the table, a message of gratitude sent to a friend, or a prayerfu...

  I have seen much evidence this week that speaks against the pessimistic views and mood hanging over our society.   I believe that good people are all around us.  I see them.  I'm blessed by them. I learn from their example. I'm working on becoming more like them.   With the help of my Savior. But every now and then I need concrete tips.  Not just a general "try harder".  Tell me how! Lead me, guide me, walk beside me! So I spent some time studying the words of our prophets.   President Gordon B Hinckley gave this fabulous counsel on being good people, "We can lower our voices a few decibels. We can return good for evil. We can smile when anger might be so much easier. We can exercise self-control and self-discipline and dismiss any affront levied against us. Let us be a happy people. The Lord’s plan is a plan of happiness. The way will be lighter, the worries will be fewer, the confrontations will be less difficult if we cultivate ...

  I had the opportunity to drive my new elderly friend Sheila to meet up with her son.  She's had a fascinating life. I believe that can be said of most people by the time they are 80! She told of her immigration to America and her work as a food prepper in a variety of restaurants over the years.  When they got tired of eating Chinese food, she moved on and worked at a Mexican one, and so on.  She loves trying new things and learning from the people around her.  She talked about the sacrifices made so her children could go to school and have increased opportunities.  She also said none of that mattered if your kids didn't know deep down that they were loved by their parents and God.   She talked about appreciating the little things.  She can't have a glass with ice in it without being grateful for ice- it was something non-existent on the island where she grew up.   She said so much more. In her loneliness she was literally exploding at the ...

  There are many times when I can't answer calls for help.  When I know I don't meet expectations- at work, socially, in my home.  It's those times I am most thankful for those who help pick up my slack.  Because if it was all on me; if ANYTHING was all on me, we would be in serious trouble.   But occasionally a call comes that I can answer.  One of these happened today.   I had just had a nice lunch with my friend Carla, and was feeling recharged.  I don't connect as much as I could and it was a good reminder.  As I drove home I got a text asking for help.  An elderly woman needed assistance.   I didn't know her but the call came and it was on a day of my fall break that I could push other things aside and assist.  So I went.  I ignored my laptop and my to-do list and I headed to the hospital.  Where I tried to explain to the staff that I didn't actually know the lady but her son had asked me to come and get her. ...

  I am not a great gardener.  I am even worse at keeping house plants alive.  So after several years of my autumn mums dying in their pots on my porch, I now just buy one every season and plant it and see what comes of it.   The one from three years ago is amazing.  It is full and a gorgeous deep color and makes me smile every time I see it.   But you know what? In April, when my tulips looked grand, that mum was pretty plain and barely noticeable.  In May and June when the roses came with a burst of fragrance, color and beauty, the mum quietly took back seat.  Through the irises, peonies and all the other flowers whose names I don't remember, it kept nourishing it's core and waiting.   And then in October, when the days were shorter and the nights were cooler, it's time came and in full splendor and glory the mum had its turn for beauty and success.   The mum didn't worry about what the other plants were doing or how it com...

  One of my coworkers unexpectedly lost her husband last year.  He had a catastrophic stroke at an age much too young (when is a stroke not too young?) leaving not only his wife but three young  adult children. I was talking to her today and asking her how she was doing.  I always leave conversations with her feeling uplifted. Today she talked about how she has spent some time in recent years buying and selling jewelry and gem stones.  She has a particular affinity for those that are the most smooth and unique in their formation but commented on how it is the pressure during their formation and how they respond that gives them their identity and allure and value. She said that she's never been one to shy away from adversity and discomfort because it allows her to become more than she could have without it.  Obviously she wouldn't have chosen to lose her beloved spouse, but since she did she will use the opportunity to learn and grow and bless others....