A Godly person

One of my best friends passed on last night. She was a bit brassy and bold. She was also protective, loving, caring, thoughtful, sensitive, benevolent and a wonderful wife and mother. She and her husband fostered over 50 children in their lives, thus developing a grand following of love and respect from many people who knew them. She suffered physically over the years with bouts of pneumonia, cancer and fibromyalgia. 

She lived a good life. She was the first person I met when we moved to Mesquite. As I was struggling with emotional and physical issues, she was the one who talked me into going to the doctor where I was diagnosed with Fibro myself. She would hand us food and drink when our funds were low. She invited us to dinner many times and we even stayed over when "flying" thru Mesquite, to and from either California or Utah.

I was shocked some when she died yet, I knew it was her time. I know that Heavenly Father needed her where she can continue to love and care and no longer have pain and health problems. God bless you Marge and God be with her family.

Where have I been?

Sometimes, I forget why I'm doing these things. The feeling of giving up overwhelms me. The expectations that I set for myself. The wanting to do the right thing and yet...the strange feeling of anger and frustration for making mistakes and at the same time, the same feelings for trying to do what's right. I know Satan is really working on me right now and I know he is aware that I have things to accomplish. I guess the reason I slide is because he knows my weaknesses.

I guess a part of me wants to see the so called reality of how things can be. My issue or maybe it's just an excuse? Sitting in the middle of "happy Valley USA, aka Utah, there is an enormous smattering of members of the LDS church. I sometimes look around and wonder how in the world these people can go day to day ignoring the reality of the blessings that they have...RIGHT HERE! Why are they hesitant to share it with others and more importantly, why is the inactivity here not supported more fully. As a partially active member for whatever reason, I can see both sides of the coin. What I notice is the difference in spirit of the people here. Some go about their day taking care of their outwardly obligations and maintaining a front of doing what they have to do rather than shining in spirit where you can feel comfort in their presence. They quietly complain of the admonishments of the church leadership and decide to do what they feel is right for them or easier to accomplish.

Then I see the true caring and sincerity of most of the people I've met or observed. Wonderful people I've met online or out and about. The quiet helpers and givers who do in humbleness, and struggle with their own issues in silence. They show sacredness in our meetings and humility during the sacrament. They honor and follow our leaders without question. 

I know that the human nature of man is to judge and break down those who have emotional, physical or spiritual issues that we know nothing about. They end up being the strong because of their daily struggles and reliance on our Heavenly Father. They are the meek, the blessed.

Heavenly Father always seems to be there. He knows I struggle with weaknesses physically, emotionally and spiritually. He knows I want to do the right thing.  Because of the mixed bag of humanity here in Utah, it is easy to make excuses. For us to look upon anyone as being lessor than us is an abomination in the. Eyes if God. I know I need to look straight forward to gain my salvation and to also bring as many with me as I can. I know my faith is being tested. I know also that it's up to me to change my attitude and to continue to persevere in righteousness. To be able to gain on my eternal progression.

My final plea is that we all continue in the eyes of the Lord and to see with our spiritual eyes rather than our physical eyes. To share our love of the Gospel and to bring those who are on the edge back into our midst. May the Lord bless each of us as we try to be a better person and a humble example of our religious beliefs...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints needs our following to grow in humbleness and spirituality.

Compassion and other stuff

Today a very special man has passed, a great family member changes her life and I wake up to a loving reality...again.

My heart is so full of compassion, love and sadness. I also feel incredible amounts of the Holy Spirit. It is amazing how we can go on with life just observing how much things change in a moments notice. Leaders, family and friends' lives affect us in so many ways. We cannot fathom how much Heavenly Father sees when he looks upon us here on earth. I'm sure that the overwhelming feeling I have right now is a million fold for him. 

Knowing this, makes me humble for what I feel and the testimony I have of our Heavenly Father. I'm sure he is excited to receive Elder Perry into his midst. To have him share the gospel with those not fortunate enough to receive it here on earth. To also know that he is holding the hands of Aunt Beverly as she gets more and more confused on how to live and remember any and everything she does. And finally how he holds all of us in his busom when we need him most.

My heart swells with the truth of what we are so fortunate to have in our lives. Give and share compassionate service and love to those around you. Oh, and don't forget to share your testimony.

Compassion

I'm not sure if I'm the one to say this but here goes. We as a nation need to be more compassionate to others. We are all so busy that we don't make the time to encourage, inspire or help those around us. We need to share our love with those we meet so that it can grow. This last two weeks were hard for me and were it not for my and Gary's families, I don't think I would have made it.

Modish 15: 1 partially states "...having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity... Jesus Christ showed his compassion to us through his atoning sacrifice. We must try to be more conscious of out brothers and sisters. Those who need help and encouragement. I know I could have used some this week

But then, it's my fault as I never asked for the help. I know that I tend to assume that just because people know some about me, that doesn't mean I should expect that help if I don't ask. I guess because I was so busy being gone with my husband, that I should have shared the need so here I go. 

If I could get some prayers and encouragement, I would be so grateful. Heavenly Father has blessed me so much and I am so spoiled. Gary and I are rarely apart so of course, this is driving me crazy. He comes home Friday. Let's show him how grateful we are that he had a very successful surgery. He is my eternal mate and I love him so much. 

I am humbled and prayerful that you all will be blessed with what you need or require. May God's blessings be reaped upon you.. Always, Jan

Hi there!

As you can see, it's been awhile since I've blogged on here. I just spent the last two and a half weeks recuperating from a concussion which occurred when I decided to kiss the carpet with my face and chest. I still have recesses of pain and discomfort. I could not be a football player. But I diverse... 

I just have had a feeling of overwhelming joy and peace lately. I know that Heavenly Father is blessing me and my family with love and joy. It's been a rough year for all of us and for most it continues. I want everyone to know that when I say my prayers, I try to include everyone. Some I do specifically while most I do as a blanket of prayers and blessings. I'm not saying some needs are more urgent than others but I try to use a feeling of discernment and humbleness. I know I would love to solve, protect, help and bring health to all but that isn't my job. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there to help each and everyone of us. So know that when I say: praying or will do. I am praying for all. Take care and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As for those who believe differently than I, may your wants and needs and beliefs be blessed...

Being Thankful

I know its a bit early but I want to share my thanks. We should, of course share our thanks all year. I'm thankful for my family and friends, my husband, church, and all the beautiful things in this land. I'm thankful for fruits and vegetables, our herbs, meats, juices and treats as well. In fact, there is not anything I'm not thankful for.

Sometimes, we forget what we have and tend to get frustrated about our lives. We tend to want the wrong things, the worldly things. Money and physical goods that we covet, whether it be from a store because we can't afford it or that awesome car that a neighbor might own. Coveting only brings grief and frustration, jealousy and anger.

As children of our Heavenly Father, we should show a better example for our friends and neighbors. Humble minds and sincere hearts show that we have a good outlook on life and a grateful soul. I know that being sincere is a good thing and I try to show that honesty and sincerity in my daily life. I know the Church is true and that our leaders are called of God. I know the Book of Mormon is true as is the Holy Bible. I'm grateful for the love we all share with each other and the good feeling I get when I'm able to show my love to those around me.

Our Church Leaders

Sometimes, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, LDS or Mormons, we tend to forget our leadership are human also. That they are not flawless but human like the rest of us. As members, we need to show our support and activity to them and to respect their leadership over us.

As we are aware of our humanity, we should be aware of theirs. President Thomas S. Monson is a true Prophet of God and leads us through inspiration of our Heavenly Father. He is guided and leads us through prayer and supplication with the Lord. As he goes through the humility and prayer for us, we should also go through the same thing for him and the rest of the leaders of the Church.

Heavenly Father gives us the same opportunity to have prophecy as far as our family is concerned. I woke up this morning with happiness and a prayer on my lips. I prayed that Heavenly Father would bless us all and especially those who are sick and afflicted. Both people and animals. I know to some this seems a bit extreme but I feel the we received our animal friends to comfort and love us in our time of need so I feel they should be blessed also.

Maybe my heart is to sensitive. Maybe my sensitivity is to much for our fellow man. Just maybe that is why I am who I am. I remember as a child, I'd be so into Christ that I'd be at the church alter almost every week when we were members of the Salvation Army Church. I was involved in the band and in sharing the gospel. Little did I know at the time it was preparing me for a larger and better assignment. Because of my sensitivity, I now understand how hard it is to lead and guide even my own family. I miss and love them all dearly. I pray in the name of Jesus that they will be provided for and guided by the power of Jesus Christ to do righteous and helpful things for their own families.  I know that through their own powers of inspiration and prayer that they to can share the Holy Ghost in their lives.

Everyone has the opportunity to provide their families with the power of prayer and supplication with the Lord. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that we all share our faith and love with those around us. I pray that we be blessed with the spirit to provide whatever assistance is needed to our families and those in need. I also pray that we remember our leaders in and out of the church that they be inspired of the Lord to lead us in righteousness and prayer. I know we are but a small measure in this world of peril and contention but if provided with the right power and authority, we can move mountains. Please remember our leaders in your prayers daily as they are only human as you and I. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.