Thoughts on a Sunday Morning

Susie eating Dippin'Dots in front of The Bat Mobile

Jonathan wades out to a rock at the Duck Pond

Our courageous Hero!

This morning has been like a holiday. My parents took the older four children over night on Friday. Saturday, Grandpa took them to the Zoo and to feed ducks and carp on the way home. Of course, Jonathan waded in the pond up to his thighs intent on "catching" one of the big carp eating all the bread meant for the ducks! What a wonderful gift for Joe and I to have TIME together to sort through things (during our remodel that must be moved or donated), sleep, and be together with little Eva uninterrupted. Two whole nights of wonderful sleep can do a lot to renew ones spirits! I was impressed while listening to sister Julie B. Beck's talk in the recent General Conference of the Church of Latter-day Saints. I can't wait for the May Ensign to bring this and other spiritual talks for me to read and review. Below I have included some snippets that were important for me today. Perhaps they will inspire you too. She speaks of her testimony of the value of the daughter's of God today..."So much depends upon them!" "In my visits with sisters, I have felt that there has never been a greater need for increased faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes. There has never been more that could be done to help others that are in need." She continues (and I paraphrase): "A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all the people or do all the worthy things her heart yearns to do." Life is not calm for most women and it seems we have a million important things that must be done daily. How do we know what to focus on then? "With personal revelation, she (we) can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently." "The ability to qualify for, receive, and act upon personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life!" Some of the ways to recieve personal revelations are: daily prayer, personal daily scripture study, having a pen and paper close to record inspiration and revelation which can come throughout the day, nurturing others in a Christlike way, honoring and keeping sacred covenants, and by being in the right places at the right times. "Because personal revelation is a constantly renewable source of strength, it is possible to feel bathed in help even during turbulent times. We are told to put our trust in that spirit which leads us to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously. We are also told that this spirit will enlighten our minds, fill our souls with joy, and help us to know all things we should do!" "Promised personal revelation comes when we ask for it, prepare for it, and go forward in faith trusting that it will be poured out upon us." Peace, joy and hope are available. It is important to seek appreciation and affirmation from proper sources. We are doing well when we seek to develop Christlike attributes. We can have the spirit with us even when surrounded by tired children. We lose the spirit when we become frustrated by them and yell.