The Test, the Gym and the Bowl of Popcorn

Some days are exhausting and stress filled, and yesterday was no exception.   Today as I've been thinking more on the days events and looking for some tender mercies, I realized that the day was certainly full of them!

The first TM I saw was a reminder that sometimes things look that seem like a big deal through some miracle will not be as bad as I originally thought and sleeping through my learning experiences won't help me get through them. It just gives me more time to worry about them.

After lunch, I got to take my afternoon class to the computer lab to do our first session of our end-of-level testing.  Everything was going along fine until one student raises her hand and is in tears.  I rushed over to her computer to see what was wrong only to find that her computer decided to shut itself down in the middle of her test. Not really that big of a deal, we had her switch computers and log back on.  Her answers by some miracle had been saved, and we moved on to the next question. As I'm looking around making sure everyone had answered the question, I realize that one of my sweet pickles has fallen asleep.  I attempted to wake him up only to realize that wasn't going to happen... I finally got him awake enough to get him to calmly go take a nap in the office while we finished the test. When he realized that he was going to have to make up the test during PE time later in the week, he got very worried about it.

I find myself wondering when in my life I have fallen asleep during a crucial time in my life.  The truth is that I used to often go to "sleep" when I was going through hard things.  I would shut down and do a whole lot of nothing. It was never a good thing as the problem would still be there, and I would have to deal with it eventually. I have learned that even if I can't solve it at the time I can still take some small action steps that can help me not be so depressed and worried about it.  Some of these things have nothing to do with my problems, yet they are easy to do.  Things like studying the Gospel, praying and asking for help from my Father, fasting, and going to the temple.

The second TM I found was a reminder that I can do hard things. After school, the weather was starting to get crazy.  The wind was blowing wildly and dirt was being blown all over.  I decided to go run at the gym instead of outside.  After many months, I stepped into the gym and was met with that lovely gym odor. I almost cried.  Tears of joy.  I know that sounds funny that the yucky, sweaty smell of my gym would make me happy, but it did. It brought back a thousand memories that have happened in that gym over the last three years. Even now I get emotional thinking about it. All the pain, blood, sweat, tears and puke that all culminated in me recognizing my soulful brilliance and choosing to live it. Being reminded of all the amazing stuff I learned and discovered is always a good motivation to continue with my new goals.  I can do anything.  I've proved that time and time again.

The last TM I discovered was that sometimes it's the little things that can really make a difference.  When I finally made it home, it seems like more and more things kept piling in on my already exhausted and worried mind.  I was lying on the couch trying not to have a meltdown when I realized Myhandsomeguywiththekillersmile was making me some popcorn without me asking him to do it.  It was such a small thing, but it totally changed how I was feeling. I felt so much better after someone did one small thing for me. It's so important for us to remember that it is really the little things that make the biggest difference to people.  We can offer people smiles and quick texts or notes to tell them we love them and we're thinking about them.  We can take out the trash. We can make them a big bowl of popcorn.  And in doing those little things we can make a huge difference to them!

I hope you can remember that when you are having a rough day that looking for the tender mercies will help you see the blessing you have in your life and that things are actually going perfectly for you!  Our Heavenly Father is constantly pouring down huge blessings that come in small packages on our heads and unless we stop and truly look we won't see them.  Take a moment today and see what blessings He is sending you!

Luvz,
Meg:0)

From the Mouths of Kids: Fables in Action

Recently in my second grade classroom we have been reading and discussing fables.  In case you don't know fables are short stories that end with a moral that teaches a lesson.  One of my favorite fables is called The Stonecutter. It is about a stonecutter who sees a prince and wishes he was a prince because a prince was more powerful than a stonecutter.  A god hears the stonecutter's wish and turns him into a prince.  He's happy at first, but soon realizes that the sun is more powerful than a prince.  He wishes to be the sun.  His wish is granted.  The story continues on with the man wanting to always be something more powerful.  After the sun, it is clouds.  After clouds, a mountain.  When he becomes the mountain, the god can do no more for him.  He feels like he's the most powerful being in the world....at least until he feels something tapping on his side.  He finds a stonecutter chipping away at him.  He realizes too late that he was the most powerful being his authentic self.

When I asked my seven and eight year old students what lesson they got from that story, they had some pretty awesome answers.  Then I called on one last kiddo.  What she said was a powerful reminder to me.  It was definitely one of those tender mercies.  And who better to give me that message through than a child! She said, "Even when bad things happen, you should be grateful to be you and remember that you're still powerful."  I was blown away with her answer.  I loved being able to take that opportunity to have my students remind me of something I had forgotten.  It was also fun to talk to them about how they are powerful being themselves.

Sometimes in our lives, we have rough days or months or years, but we need to remember and never forget that we were created with special "powerful" gifts that are ours to use. When we can follow in our Savior's steps and grow closer to him, we will shine with the light of Christ and be able to identify and live in our SOULFUL BRILLIANCE! I know this to be true!  As I look back at the path I have taken in my life the last three years, I can see the evidence of this in my life.  At the beginning I was feeling lost and on a dark path of self destructive behaviors. Heavenly Father helped me find the help and tools I needed to learn of him and of my own powerful divine nature. He helped me learn to shift my limiting beliefs to empowering beliefs, which freed me to love myself and better love and serve others. I am so grateful for this gift of love! It has truly transformed my life! This week my heart is so full of gratitude for the little reminders the Lord sends me to remind me of my worth when I have momentarily forgotten. I am truly blessed!

I hope and pray that you too can find the truth about yourself and feel the unconditional love our Heavenly Father has for you.  He hears your prayers and will answer them!  It might not be right away, but he will answer them.  He loves you! 

Luvz,

Meg:0)

Overwhelmed?

Everyday I get to work and I open a new post for this blog.  Just in case I happen to have any moments of inspiration throughout the day.  Obviously it doesn't happen often, but every once in a while the words come. Today I don't really have many words, but I do want to remind you and myself of something important.

Sometimes life comes at us. Heavenly Father is piling on the learning experiences.  Sometimes we question why everything seems to be happening to us.  Sometimes we get overwhelmed by it all.  Sometimes we stop believing in ourselves and go back to our old limiting beliefs.  Sometimes we want to give up. Sometimes we think we've got it all figured out and something new pops in to challenge us. Sometimes we wonder if we're good enough.  Sometimes we feel like a failure and don't want to even try because we aren't going to succeed anyway. Sometimes we pray and we pray and we pray, but we can't find any answers.  We know we need something.  We know eventually it will all be okay, but right now. Right now. Right now it feels so overwhelming and impossible and tiring.

Here are some things I've been working on recently that have helped me with my overwhelm:

• Turn complaining into prayers! A couple of weeks ago I was at Time Out for Women in Layton and the topic of complaining came up in the last couple of talks. I found it quite funny as I've been doing a lot of complaining lately.  One of the speakers, Kris Belcher, said instead of just complaining we should add a few words before we start "Dear Heavenly Father." He loves us so much and knows what we are going through. He wants us to tell him all about it.  He wants to listen! It's an amazing action step that can help change your perspective and you get the chance to talk to your Father!

• Count your blessings!  Name them one by one.  The Lord is blessing you and many times we don't see it until we are still and take a good look around.  I'm so grateful to have an amazing family that supports me in all the crazy things I decide to do.  I'm so grateful for a job where I can earn money and help other people learn and grow.  I am very grateful to have myhandsomeguywiththekillersmile in my life. He shows me that he loves me even when I'm not at my best, and he supports and encourages me in everything I do. (Only 24 more days!  Yay!)

• Study the Gospel! The scriptures and talks from General Authorities are amazing tools to use in finding peace and answers to prayers. When you are actively searching for peace and answers to prayers by studying the Gospel, you are showing Heavenly Father your willingness to find answers and peace.

• Go to the temple! Temples are a little piece of Heaven here on earth.  I can't even tell you the peace and comfort I feel when I am able to spend time in the temple. Last week after having a really rough week, I finally had the chance to go to a session at the Logan Utah Temple. It was the first time in about six weeks that I had been. The me that walked in and the me that walked out felt like totally different people.  I didn't receive any big revelations, but I did get to take a break from the world, from Satan pounding at me. I got to sit and be still. I got a break from everything that had seemed so overwhelming. It made all the difference!  Even if you don't have a current temple recommend, you can still go enjoy the temple grounds. There have been many times when I haven't had the time to go inside to do some work, but I have had a few minutes to just go and sit and soak in the peace being on the grounds provided me. I know that as we work on consistently spending time at the temple, we will see a marked difference in our lives!

• Find ways to serve others! One amazing way to feel better is to find ways to serve others! Getting outside ourselves and helping others in their struggles is a perfect way to forget about the trying times in our lives! Not to mention the blessings we receive as we serve!  Try it!

Whatever the learning experiences in your life may be, try some of these things.  Also ask yourself what has helped you in the past. You've been through hard things before and come off conqueror! You can do it again with His help!

 Remember that Heavenly Father has perfect faith in you and knows you will learn and grow in your trials.  He knows that you need these experiences to become the person you came here to become. Remember that "Faith in God includes faith in His timing" (Neal A. Maxwell). You can do it!

Luvz, 

Meg :0)

P.S. Apparently I have more to say than I thought! LOL

Reaches my Reaching

In the past two weeks, I've been truly awed and amazed at my Heavenly Father's tender mercies.  It's like He's sending me all these little notes to remind me that everything is going to work out perfectly because He's there and He's trying to teach me some things to help me in the future.

It all started with me being very overwhelmed with everything that is going on in my life right now.  I was studying a miracle of Jesus and discovered a lesson I hadn't really thought about before this point in my life.  In Luke 8: 41-42 and Mark 5:25-34, we read the story of Jesus going to heal the daughter of Jarius.  As He is on his way "the people thronged him" (Luke 8:42).  In the crowd came a woman who had been suffering for twelve years with an issue of blood.  This woman had spent all her money and time paying physicians to heal her and none of them were able to do so. Can you imagine her feelings when she realized that there was nothing to be done? Twelve years is a long time!  Then she heard of Jesus and said to herself, "If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole" (Mark 5:28).  She "came in the press behind, and touched his garment" (Mark 5:27). She reached for Him, and she was made whole.

As I asked myself how this miracle applied to me I asked myself if I was reaching towards the Savior as the woman did to be healed and comforted.  For us in this day and age, we aren't physically reaching towards Him, but are we praying for His help? Are we patient in long suffering? Are we reading our scriptures and attending the temple?  Are we searching for answers?  Are we reaching?

My honest answer to that is what it usually is when I get overwhelmed by life.  I've been busy and haven't been taking the time to do those little important things that would help me stay centered and not get so overwhelmed. So I wrote some momentums (intentions/goals) to do during the week.  Basically I was going to make sure I took the time to pray, read my scriptures, and write in my journal everyday.  Even if it was something short and sweet, it would be a perfect way to start reaching. And just like He usually does, He is reaching my reaching "straightway" (Mark 5:29) or "immediately" (Luke 8:44). As much as I wish He would, He's not taking this from me, but He is helping me along. He's providing me with little things that are said or done by others or little things I remember as I'm plugging along.  Things that remind me to be grateful for what I have.  Things that remind me to focus on what matters most and leave the rest to Him.

This post has taken me a couple weeks to write.  I haven't really known how to say what I want to say.  I guess it all boils down to trusting in the Lord.  He brings us to our learning experiences, and we get to trust that even when it's hard and we stumble or feel like we can't go on, He will help us through it.  He will fill us with comfort.  He will help us to heal. If we reach. If we allow Him to be a part of our lives. If we just ask! He's there waiting for us to reach for Him.  As soon as we do, he immediately will reach our reaching.  Immediately He will help us.  Immediately He will give us exactly what we need.  Maybe what we need is just a friend to call and say hello.  Maybe what we need is a gentle reminder of what is truly important. Maybe what we need is to continue through this trial, so we can learn and grow to the next level of our Soulful Brilliance!  He will help us!  He will be the peace we need!

Luvz,
Meg :0)

Becoming More

As January came to a close this year, I had studied and thought about becoming more.  Becoming more aware of the tender mercies that surround me.  Becoming more aware of the little moments when Heavenly Father is touching my life and trying to teach me something important.  Becoming more willing and able to do the little things to help me keep the Spirit with me.  In her book Becoming His, Emily Freeman shares this quote from H. David Burton's conference talk in October 2004: "The virtues expressed in 'More Holiness Give Me' fall into several groups.  Some are personal goals, like more holiness give me; more strivings within; more faith, gratitude, and purity; more fit for the kingdom; more purpose in prayer; and more trust in the Lord.  Others center on adversity.  They include patience in suffering, meekness in trial, praise for relief, strength to overcome, freedom from earthstains and longing for home.  The rest firmly anchor us to our Savior: more sense of His care; more pride in His glory; more hope in His word; more joy in His service; more tears for His sorrows; more pain at His grief; more blessed and holy; and more, Savior, like Thee."

I often feel the call to become more in my life.  Sometimes I get overwhelmed by what I everything I "need" to do or "should" do.  The perfectionist in me wants me to be perfect now, but that's not really realistic, is it? I have realized on my journey the past three years, that I get to recognize the good I'm already doing.  I get to CELEBRATE my successes right now!  Then I can look at what more I want to do and make a game plan on how to get there.

The last few weeks, as I have struggled with my perfectionist's more and my actual abilities, I found myself asking the question, "What's the best way to become more?"  I submit that it is learning more about the Savior and His teachings.  One way I have been learning more about the Savior is through reading about the miracles He performed as He was living here on earth.  There are some amazing stories of love and...well...miracles!  Through the next month I'd like to share some of my favorites with you. This journey of reading of His miracles and applying them to my own life has reminded me of how blessed I truly am and reminded me to be more grateful for the blessings I have!  I can't wait to share some of my discoveries with you!

This week if you find yourself overwhelmed by what more you "need" to do or "should" be doing, take a moment to stop and breathe deeply.  Think about all the little things in your life that you are blessed with. The more you stop to look, the more you will find a message that Heavenly Father has been trying to tell you.  A message just for you.  A message of love and encouragement.  A message that you aren't alone.  A message that no matter what you are or are not doing, He loves you unconditionally.  Your value has always been infinite!  You matter!

Luvz,
Meg :0)

Small and Simple Things

Today I was thinking about a friend and his family. I wrote a text and almost didn't send it because I didn't want to be a bother. Little did I know what was going to happen next. Within minutes of sending a short message, a text came back. He had just said a prayer asking for comfort and within minutes my text, that I thought to be just a passing thought, went through. Tears filled my eyes because I knew it was the warmth of our Heavenly Father showing both of us love through tender mercies. As I sat their for a moment, a song came to mind. The words were perfect so I thought I would share them.

Tender Mercies
Tender mercies of the Lord
Come in quiet ways,
Not by mere coincidence,
But by heaven’s grace.

As we choose to follow Him
With full heart and soul,
We become His chosen ones
And tender mercies flow.

Tender mercies of the Lord
Come in times of need.
Gifts of faith and confidence
Fill us as we plead.

Words of guidance, hope, and peace
Help us feel God’s love.
By our faith, His mercies come
Like manna from above.

Tender mercies of the Lord
Come as we repent.
Sweet forgiveness, peace of mind
Follow, heaven-sent.

Faithfulness, obedience
Help us to discern.
Blessings sweet and personal
For which our spirits yearn.

Tender mercies of the Lord
Comfort us and guide.
In His time and in His way,
We receive His light.

As we yield our will to His,
Blessings freely flow.
We partake of love divine
Thru mercies He bestows.

By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. All we need to do is stop and listen. What a beautiful day.

Kenzy

Waters of Mormon

My Becoming More journey for this month has been amazing and eye opening as I am constantly remembering moments long past that I have been blessed by the grace and love of my Heavenly Father. This week I was reading about Alma, who had just heard the words of Abinadi and believed what he had spoken.  He tried to plead with King Noah to spare Abinadi, but was cast out.  He fled and hid from the servants of the king who had been sent to kill him.  He repents and begins going about privately preaching to the people about the words of Abinadi.  The people who believed his words followed his path and came to know the Lord.  Their hearts changed and they entered into the covenant of baptism.  In verse 30 it tells us,  "...all this was done in Mormon, yea, by the waters Mormon, in the forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer."  It wasn't really the scenery that made the place beautiful, it was that it was the place they came to know the Lord personally.

In the book Becoming His, The author talks about hot this is common in scripture stories. It made me start thinking more about my own waters of Mormon experiences.  I've already share many of them with you here on Soulful Brilliance, but there are so many more!  Many of them very sacred to me. There was the time as a teenager when I knelt in my room and prayed to know once again of the truth of the Book of Mormon.  I was filled with peace and comfort.  I felt the Spirit so strongly that night. 

There was a time standing on a bustling city street in China. I realized how many people there truly are in the world, and I felt the love Heavenly Father has for each and every one of those people individually, especially the love He feels for me.  I knew more deeply of His love and acceptance of me that night on a crowded street in a foreign country than I ever had before.

Most of my other experiences happen in on of my favorite places--the temple.  Honestly when I think of most experiences that are important spiritual experiences wherever we are at the time really is a temple. Alma and the people of King Noah had a temple at the waters of Mormon.  I had a temple in the busy Chinese street.  I've had a temple in my bedroom.  I've had a temple when I was out in nature enjoying God's creations.  On my rock.  Sitting at the bedside of my Great Grandmother at the end of her life.  In my car.  Our waters of Mormon experiences can happen anywhere!  They are exactly what we need.  When we need it in our life.  Giving us answers.  Giving us comfort.  Giving us the knowledge that the Lord is mindful of us and will help us if we let him in!

As I type this I'm reminded of an article from the Sept. 2009 Ensign by Jeffery R. Holland called "Lessons from Liberty Jail." In it Elder Holland talks about how "Until his martyrdom five and a half years later, there was no more burdensome time in Joseph's life than this cruel, illegal, and unjustified incarceration." Joseph and the other brethren were kept in the dungeon that was barely six feet tall, and because most of them were over six feet tall, they couldn't stand up straight and were constantly in a stooped position. They were given contaminated and sometimes poisoned food.  Joseph spoke in letters of the jail being a "hell, surrounded with demons...where we are compelled to hear nothing but blasphemous oaths, and witness a scene of blasphemy, and drunkenness and hypocrisy, and debaucheries of every description." And yet, this prison has been called by general authorities a "prison-temple."

About this Elder Holland says, "So in what sense could Liberty Jail be called a 'temple,' and what does such a title tell us about God's love and teachings, including where and when that love and those teachings are made manifest?  In precisely this sense: that you can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experiences with the Lord in any situation you are in.  Indeed, you can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experiences with the Lord in the most miserable experiences of your life--in the worst settings, while enduring  the most painful injustices, when facing the most insurmountable odds and opposition you have ever faced....every experience can become a redemptive experience if we remain bonded to our Father in Heaven through it.  These difficult lessons teach us that man's extremity is God's opportunity, and if we will be humble and faithful, if we will be believing and not curse God for our problems, He can turn the unfair and inhumane and debilitating prisons of our lives into temples--or at least into a circumstance that can bring comfort and revelation, divine companionship and peace."

He loves us!  I know He does!  He wants to help us! We get to hold on and have faith!  We get to learn and grow in the hard times and in the good times. We can find comfort.  We can find peace.  We can find answers. All we have to do is have faith and look for "waters of Mormon" experiences in our lives. They are there if we look for them and recognize them.

Luvz,
Meg:0)