Things to Ponder

Yesterday and today I had the opportunity to listen to leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, of which I am a member, give us counsel.  Everyone worldwide, members and nonmembers alike are invited to hear the messages.  I decided today's post would be a recap of what I learned. I hope it is helpful to your lives.

1.  The sanctity of marriage and the value of strong families are paramount in today's society. How do we work towards having a strong family unit? Prayer, spend time together, share our beliefs with our children, and organize your family on clear basic principles.

2. Christian kindness. Often I hear that Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) are not christian. Not sure how people come up with that, as the name "Jesus Christ" is in our name.  Christian kindness begins at home - helping each other in any way we can. Not keeping track of who did what, how many times.  Then we extend to our communities. Christian kinds transcends all barriers: color, religion, sexual identity. Christ loves all of us no matter what color we are, what we believe, or who we love.  We need to come out of ourselves to lend a hand, shoulder, heart, ear to those in need. That is how we show Christ we love him.

3. Be anxiously engaged.  What does this mean? It means lending that Christian hand to those who need it.  Fill our souls by loving others and doing good works. Get involved, however you can, in your church, your community, your home.  Something as small as a smile to a stranger in the store can lighten your own load and let a glimmer of love take root in your heart.

4. Remain steadfast. It is easy to give up when the going gets hard. And we've all had hard trials.  No one knows your trials quite like you do, and it is easy to bury inside and let them overwhelm you.  Remember to do the simple things to keep on track: Pray (or meditate if that is more your speed), keep a gratitude journal by writing 5 things down daily that you are thankful for, surround yourself with others that hold similar values as you do.  Serve others.  Keep doing all you can to keep your head above water and eventually you'll come out of your trial. 

5. Don't erect "pavilions" or walls between you and God. Don't allow fear, hatred, or negative emotions keep you from hearing what He has to say.  We all need His guidance. Pray to accept His will before our own, and to have our prayers answered in His way, on His time schedule.

6. Extend love to those who've we've offended or feel like they have offended us. Ask for forgiveness or extend forgiveness.  Hate is allowing someone else have real estate in your head.  Don't know about you, but I need all the real estate I can get up there.

The Lord is in the details of our lives. Come - stay true - love God - lend a hand.