treading water

Regular readers know that I'm in over my head because I'm not really blogging.  More just sharing things I'm enjoying and learning from but not really sharing the daily happenings and my own take on things.

Things feel a bit out of hand and I'm trying to keep the wagon on the trail and not slipping off the cliff!

So many appointments it seems and that has taken so much time.  almost finished with Dr. Appointments and PT sessions are over and slowly things are feeling more manageable.  I did mention the fact that our family is all getting together and the first of those marvelous people start arriving on the 18th.  Hmmmmm....isn't that 3 weeks from today?  Actually...19 days!

Food?  Fun?  Games?  Celebrating?  Love?  Visiting?  A tall order and I'm looking at a totally blank piece of paper with the exception of love and visiting!  Usually by this time, my familiar McCall routine is in full swing and ready!  This isn't McCall!

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I'm trying again! to lose weight!!  If a person got credit for trying....I'd be skinny!  Anyhow...all of you that told me to not just stop, on my garage biking feat because I wouldn't start again...remember when you told me that?  Remember when I said...oh, no.  I'll just take a little break and I'll start walking?  You were right.  I was wrong.  So...I'm at it again.  Trying!!  EVER trying.

I'm sure I can be trim in 18 days!!  Insanity!!!

As melodramatic as I sound (and am) I don't feel overly anxious in thinking I won't make getting healthy and that is good.  This will be a boon to my health.  Tell you what....when I've actually lost some weight then I'll tell you.  okay?  Do not hold your breath until the result is in!

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A bit of trouble with my pierced ears.  I think they are now healed and ready to change out after a tedious, bit painful time, healing.  I do like them!  Dixie would be so pleased that I got them done...finally!

I bought a couple of new dresses.  

I've overruled my desire and gone to SuperCuts for my spur of the moment and overruled deciding to cut my hair with my pinking shears!  3 times I've not chopped it myself!

Nail polish in place.  Fingers and toes!

Still trying to improve my appearance and be more consistent.  

I really need to bring in trash bags and just put everything in closet in them and start anew BUT I have family coming and blah blah blah!  My excuses are so worn thin they are holey!

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Did you read that great article by Elder Bednar in the July Ensign?  I still love the paper magazine but I see they print the basics of the story and then footnote refer you to LDS.org for the rest of the story and more details.  Clever ploy!     Elder Bednar's article  here


Also---This was so insightful!...Daily care for the Spiritually aware....  here

Never heard this!

I've never heard this quote before but I love it and will keep it with my favorites!  He was an outstanding Apostle to listen to.  Well...I guess they are all favorites, aren't they?  I learned so much from him.

When we rejoice in great music and art, it is but the flexing of instincts learned in the previous life.

                                                                                                       --by Neal A. Maxwell

Kitchen Table Traditions

 I know I said I'd hush up about family eating etc. BUT this is so awesome about kitchen tables and it's not just about food.  take a peek.  Promise I'll move on!  Do you believe me?  Actually I think I mentioned family meals a year ago so that isn't bad.  You will enjoy this article that is filled with great ideas!

Building Bridges with Kitchen Table Traditions  here

Our Example...

I'm not sure when it dawned on me that I was no longer reading/studying the Teachings of Presidents of the Church but I decided I needed to read them.  Fantastic reads!!  I'm on my 3rd one right now.  President Hunter.  These small little easy read books are a compilation of the best of the best quotes.  A single subject will have several references, given at different times and places, clarifying and cementing that particular Prophets counsel.

Years ago, in my Seminary teaching days in Alaska, I remember studying and learning about Christ being tempted...Christ knew the Scriptures...He used the Scriptures to resist temptations.  I remember the quote by President McKay that was used in the Seminary manual.

I'm sharing all of this for two reasons...1) I loved re-reading this information and thought you might also!  2) maybe you'd like to use the marvelous Prophetic insight shared below and create a wonderful FHE!


  The Temptations of Christ- (CR Nov. 1976)     here

(excerpts from the above talk by Elder Hunter.  This sure looks rough to read and I don't know why there is big and small and etc.  but please persevere!)

In speaking of the three temptations that came to Jesus, a former President of the Church made this statement concerning them: “Classify them, and you will find that under one of those three nearly every given temptation that makes you and me spotted, ever so little maybe, comes to us as (1) a temptation of the appetite; (2) a yielding to the pride and fashion and vanity of those alienated from the things of God; or (3) a gratifying of the passion, or a desire for the riches of the world, or power among men.” And then he said: “Now, when do temptations come? Why, they come to us in our social gatherings, they come to us at our weddings, they come to us in our politics, they come to us in our business relations, on the farm, in the mercantile establishment, in our dealings in all the affairs of life, we find these insidious influences working, and it is when they manifest themselves to the consciousness of each individual that the defense of truth ought to exert itself.” (David O. McKay, Conference Report, Oct. 1911, p. 59.)

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 “And when the devil had ended all the temptation,” Luke adds, “he departed from him for a season.” (Luke 4:13.) Matthew tells us that “angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matt. 4:11.)

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As with Jesus, so with us, relief comes and miracles are enjoyed after the trial and temptation of our faith. 

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It is important to remember that Jesus was capable of sinning, that he could have succumbed, that the plan of life and salvation could have been foiled, but that he remained true. Had there been no possibility of his yielding to the enticement of Satan, there would have been no real test, no genuine victory in the result. If he had been stripped of the faculty to sin, he would have been stripped of his very agency. It was he who had come to safeguard and ensure the agency of man. He had to retain the capacity and ability to sin had he willed so to do. As Paul wrote, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Heb. 5:8); and he “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). He was perfect and sinless, not because he had to be, but rather because he clearly and determinedly wanted to be. As the Doctrine and Covenants records, “He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.” (D&C 20:22.)

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Mark 4:1-11 Christ quoting scriptures! This is a good scripture to show the value of Scripture study and also the fact that the adversary knows the scriptures and can/will use them in a twisted way to challenge us to disobey.  Also that taunting word if.  Throwing down the gauntlet!  Daring us! Challenging us.  Through the example of the Savior, in those few verses, we see that we also can use scriptures to thwart the devil and his cunningness.  Christ knew the scriptures and how to use them!

True the Holy Ghost will/can bring all things to our remembrance BUT it's a bit of a stretch to think about drawing water from an empty well!  We must put something in, to where our reservoir is filled with that living water, and awaits in readiness to be drawn out when needed. 

I also see this as a definite pattern in my own life, when President Hunter said....As with Jesus, so with us, relief comes and miracles are enjoyed after the trial and temptation of our faith.  I'm assuming it is the same way for you.

The confirming of truth occurs for me when I read/study/ponder/savor what Apostles/Prophets say.  Love it!

Yummy!

I've long been a proponent of family dinner time.  Way back years ago at RS as Prez...I shared a study I'd read about the merits of eating together.  They mentioned things like grades improving...less apt to use drugs...closer family and all sorts of things.  In all honesty my little campaign to save the children of the Ward through trying to convince their Moms by sharing what I'd learned and coming off with a bang and challenging all to do so etc. etc....well, I think if fell on deaf ears or in one ear and out the other.  No comments.  No discussion.  Just Amen and back to chatter about personal calendars and the busy-ness of life.

Guess I'm still harping on it.  As a recovering Co-Dependent...I just can't seem to drop the subject!!  In my devious forcing goodness down those throats that have already used their evenings pass card and no desire to hear me sing my FamilyDinnerTime song...yet AGAIN! ...Just put up with me okay?  Know that I'm sincere and I'm way past feeding the seagulls at my dinner table BUT I do want you to at least read this much newer article than the one from so many years ago!

Most likely I sound like a broken record to you!  I know I've hopped on this bandwagon before!  Indulge me.  Please.  Thanks

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Why Kids Need Minimalism

I Choose Family

I am trading three nights per week of kid’s activities for family dinners. Kids who eat dinner with family have higher levels of academic achievement and improved psychological well-being. I am a huge fan of underscheduling. There is nothing I love more than an evening or
weekend with nothing planned. Because “nothing” is not nothing. “Nothing” means more time to intimately connect with family.

Read the outstanding article here


and then I saw this...

Simplifying Childhood May Protect Against Mental Health Issues here   

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If I had children at home....I'd buy an old fashioned dinner bell!!  I still remember my Mother calling Dixie and I....Girls!  Come on home!  It's dinner time!!  We hated our play to be interrupted and would beg to play awhile longer and the answer was always the same...No.  You come eat and after dishes you can go back outside and play.  We had no choice but to comply and try as hard as we could to regain the magic of our imaginations when we went back to play, it never worked.

Mother didn't have a dinner bell and neither did I but she hollered for us and I did for mine also.  It's a different world now.  Are children ever told anymore to go outdoors and play?  My children were raised before electronics etc.  as I said...it's a different world BUT people still eat dinner!

Just something to think about.  You have your challenge to accomplish this important bonding time and I have mine.  Two of us.  Just two.  Syncing appetites and food desires is really tricky.  Let's all do better!

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“The time a family spends together ‘eating meals at home [is] the strongest predictor of children’s academic achievement and psychological adjustment.’ Family mealtimes have also been shown to be a strong bulwark against children’s smoking, drinking, or using drugs. There is inspired wisdom in this advice to parents: what your children really want for dinner is you.”

--Elder Dallin H. Oaks (CR 2007)

Thumper's Mom...

If you can't say anything nice.  Don't say anything at all.


Do you keep confidences?  Do you gossip?  Take a peek.... here

Fathers Day

One certainty about blogging...or at least my endeavors...if I don't keep up then it seems that suddenly I have an avalanche of thoughts to share and they spill over and I feel behind.  I'll just start with Father's Day.

My Daddy (we always called him Daddy) passed away at age 68....34 years ago.  If had lived he would have been 102 years old right now!  I miss the things that I now wish I'd done.  I wish I'd felt comfortable in talking to him and learning what he'd learned about living.  I would have encouraged him to sing Barbershop and join a group.  I would have asked if we could be involved in theatre together.  He was a natural at story telling and had won a debate competition in high school.  He won people over with his humor and personality.

My Take- children are born into a family and the parents care for the child.  As child growth occurs there is a distancing in that relationship.  And then one day...the child is an adult just like the parent is an adult.  They become more like friends IF both parties can let any past debacles go.  It's almost like everyone becomes the same age!  Easier said than done.

My father was a strict disciplinarian and my sister and I walked extremely careful on egg shells.  My Mother once told me that she was thankful that she never had sons as she felt Daddy would be to strict and mean.

I think Daddy grew up and softened and mellowed as he aged.  Although I too grew up...I never quite knew how to be conversationally fluent with him.  Never quite figured out how to pick that brain, so intelligent, and learn from his life experiences.

He was wonderful and I know he is still wonderful and I look forward to visiting when I move into his realm of existence.

I remember when our daughter was born in Boise.  Terry was fogged in and couldn't fly home and try as hard as I might, this baby was not going to wait.  My Daddy took me to the hospital and waited outside in the hall (that is how it was done then!).  When they wheeled me out with this beautiful baby in my arms...he broke into tears.  He couldn't talk.  For several months that tenderness of his, that tearing up, persisted each time he saw her.

What a shame that I was unable to tap into that depth of tenderness and get to know him on that adult level.

He called me regularly and would tell me ribald jokes and laugh at me when I'd try to shame him.  He smoked and it ended up destroying his heart and eventually took his life.  He drank.  He swore like a sailor (isn't that the saying for those that swear every other word?).

He adored my Mother. Dixie and I were in their life but his devotion was to my beautiful Mother.  He gave her a great life and loved doing it.  He had a marvelous work ethic.  Strong and unafraid to try things.  Loved cars and drove way to fast and justified his recklessness because he'd never had an accident.

I must say that I love him whole-heartedly and am glad he's mine and I his.

This relationship has made me want to have a more open friendly one with my own children.  I feel it's that way on many levels and I appreciate it.  What I see now that we have grandchildren ...those little folks reap the benefits of what their grandparents have learned plus they come with no preconceived notions or grudges of any sort and they become the recipients of what the grandparents have learned...unconditional love.  It's a love fest!

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So being as how it was Father's Day...I celebrated the Father of my children...children that we both love to pieces!  Dinner was shared with our Firstborn who happens to be a son!  He is the one that made my sweet hubby a Father!  It was tender for me to be with them.

We had a great dinner (me patting myself on the back!!) of ribs and steamed veggie medley and a salad of just greens.  Kalamata olives (yummers!)  and dessert?...oh, yes.  Ice-cream!  (me the hostest with the mostest!)  I cooked way to much but leftovers are scrumptious!

I thought about my sons and how thankful I am that they each have had the life experience of being Fathers.  Terry has always been a lover of babies and children and especially his own.  Our sons each love their children so much and are hands-on Dads. That makes my heart so happy.

Yesterday Jeanee posted on FB a picture of Terry and I dancing. We were at a friends birthday party in California.  Terry is all tan and oh, so everly handsome!  I remember that night and the fun we had. That made me cry for days gone by.

Then she posted pictures of Terry dancing with the girls.  Home from work and dancing with his dolls!  Tears again for days of such joy that are now a great memory.

Then there was a picture posted of David with his two loves.  I looked at that and tears again for love going full circle.

I see the love the men in my life give to their families-Terry...Kip...Greg...David..Benjamin...Scott...and now our grandson...Kip d. carries on the tradition of Fathers loving and caring for their children.

and then full circle as our Grandson honors his Father with this picture and comment.

This guy, my pop, my hero, Your amazing, I love you!!! Happy Father's Day Pop!!!!

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So there you go...my life cycle keeps on moving along and my heart grows more grateful and appreciative of my family which is very small by most standards but most amazing.  At some point these stats will change but for now...I'm savoring the time even if I cry about it every once in awhile!

Love this!

a picture of me!!!

tech troubles/exciting find!

Challenges with electronic things today.  sorry.  It's working now.  Will post tomorrow.

Just have to share this....news to me.

I will watch with interest what comes out of this!  Won't you?

This I know...If it's false- my testimony remains unchanged and firm in the Book of Mormon.

and IF it's true?...oh, my I hope it's maybe some of the sealed part of the Book of Mormon.

This I also know...My testimony is already in place on the validity of the Book of Mormon so it won't all of a sudden be some convincing/confirming evidence of it's truthfulness.

It's late and I'm tired but I had to share!  world news article--   here

picture of plates found

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groggy and half asleep and remembered that Moroni took the Gold Plates and as far as I know Joseph Smith said he still had them.  So...this could very well be one of the other records, of which there were many mentioned but to me, most likely not the Book of Mormon sealed part.  It will be interesting to see what transpires from this.  Plates?...yes.  Book of Mormon?...I say no.

Now we will all wait and see!

Faith...

In my life I, like you, choose faith.  I'm thankful for the faith I have.  Increasing faith takes a lot of desire and hard work.  In my opinion...it is so worth the effort.  Faith is life sustaining in mortality!  Developing faith and figuring out how to access and use that personal faith is sustenance to my soul.  Gratitude abounds with my treasure box of faith coupons that are available for my use.  All coupons have been earned by endeavouring to exercise faith in different mortal experiences!

 

One Year Gone...

5a.m. and I was awake.  Today marks one year since my sister, Dixie, died.  I got up, tears welling and spilling and coursing down my cheeks.  Sitting in my old familar chair, I thought about my sister and how much I love her and how much I miss her.  You know how different we were in many ways and yet we had this fierce loyal love.  I'll put a couple of old posts for you new readers so you can see Dixie. Actually...just go to Archive list and they are in June 2016.

It has been my experience that the first year after losing someone is the hardest.  Our daily lives are marked with little familiar rituals/traditions/habits and they are no longer carried out.  There are no daily phone calls (or towards the end even more!)...no birthday greetings...no Holiday celebrating...no recipe exchanges...no laughing...no sharing of confidences...no weather reports...no telling to buy something on HSN...no frustration...no bossiness.  No just ordinary living and sharing of life.

That simplicity and routine and joy and comfort of sharing just plain old life is gone.

But is it really gone?  Do I bemoan the things that once were and miss out on the things that are?  Is she close?

Yes.  I believe she is.

That makes those things once shared, and now past, sweeter in memory.  It makes me cherish family and friendships even more.  It increases my belief in angels. It strengthens my testimony and increases my resolve to live as best I can and claim those Gospel promises of families are forever.

Dixie loved poems and quotes. She would have had this in her collection....

I want this!

Inspiring

This is such a great talk below .  It is so inspiring.  I've copied a couple of paragraphs to give you a sample of what is in store!

Musings.  He mentions musings.  I'm a muser. Musing and pondering are two of my favorite habits.  I want to share all I feel and think about.  Sometimes, I totally lack confidence to even open my mouth.  that is why I love blogging as I'm free to say what I think/feel but even in that I keep myself tucked away and only if someone shares my blog with a friend does the readership grow.  So strange to do something in the public eye and yet not promote/share it! Funny/weird/paranoia of sorts...to be judged in some way of not being worthy of taking someones time.  Me...the ever recovering co-dependent!

The compulsion, the deep desire within me, to speak my truth by writing always seems to prevail.  I love, absolutely love, visiting with you!!

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  Great talk....."If Thou Art Faithful" by Gorden B. Hinckley here

EXCERPTS

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To you women of today, who are old or young, may I suggest that you write, that you keep journals, that you express your thoughts on paper. Writing is a great discipline. It is a tremendous educational effort. It will assist you in various ways, and you will bless the lives of many—your families and others—now and in the years to come, as you put on paper some of your experiences and some of your musings.

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She was to write, giving expression to her thoughts.

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To you women of today, who are old or young, may I suggest that you write, that you keep journals, that you express your thoughts on paper. Writing is a great discipline. It is a tremendous educational effort. It will assist you in various ways, Emma was to be ordained under the hand of Joseph “to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit.” (D&C 25:7.)

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I believe he is saying to each of us, be happy. The gospel is a thing of joy. It provides us with a reason for gladness. Of course there are times of sorrow. Of course there are hours of concern and anxiety. We all worry. But the Lord has told us to lift our hearts and rejoice. I see so many people, including many women, who seem never to see the sunshine, but who constantly walk with storms under cloudy skies. Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine.

Always learning...

I have looked for this story for years.  I remember when I first heard it and being stunned and so very very sad.  There are a lot of life lessons in this true event.  Lots of them!

                                               here

Drop by drop...

My friend, Chelle, shared this incident that happened at the Seattle Airport.  It is so sweet, tender, touching and Christ-like...I asked her if I could share it.  Permission granted!  Enjoy this!

Cool humanity experience of the day: As I approached the down escalator at the airport, I encountered an older woman with a carry-on suitcase and a shoulder bag.... She looked scared. When I asked if she needed help, she said, "I can't do this. I'll get dizzy. I'll fall." She finally agreed that if I took her suitcase she would go behind me. She was terrified but stepped on the escalator. Right behind her, a man and his wife (strangers) stepped on and began encouraging her. Before we reached the bottom of the first of the two escalators, the man offered to sing to her, and without missing a beat launched in to a heartfelt rendition of "You Are My Sunshine." I'm pretty sure I heard other travelers join in before we reached the bottom. By then, the scared woman was smiling and laughing. We all went separate ways, and I think we all had big smiles on our faces.

You never know who might need you, and what small thing you might be able to offer.

Reunion Time

This is the time of year that we are in full swing, mayhem preparation, for our annual family reunion at McCall.  This year it's not going to happen!  To many ups and downs and unpredictability on health issues and on and on.  The time share called to reserve the condos per usual and I canceled.

Our daughter, ever the woman in charge of her 4 brothers (and sometimes us also!), decided that everyone needed to come here!  One son and family cannot come this year but that still leaves all the rest.  I was shocked and appalled as time went on ....there is really nothing to do in our neck of the woods as far as what the family is used to doing!  fun things that are familiar and just the entire festive atmosphere.  There is something so refreshing when you are in a place and all the folks around you, are there also to enjoy their own families and summer and vacationing events.  (Hawaii makes me feel like that!)

Anyhow it ended up being so stressful to me and I then emailed everyone and basically said...there is nothing here to do.  let's cancel and do our regular McCall trip next year and let's rent a house and all stay under one roof.

I thought it brilliant and then came the firestorm from my daughter...reminding me that plane tickets were purchased/time off work arranged etc. etc.  plus she added something that insinuated that I'd lost my mind.  well, she asked if I had done so.  Lost my mind.  I guess she didn't actually insinuate.  She just questioned if I'd slip a notch in my thought process of this family event.

She also pointed out that no one was coming for entire week as we usually did.  It would just be a few days.  According to her no one gives a hoot about doing things.  They just want to see us!  Be with us. Talk with us.  Let siblings see siblings.  Cousins visit with cousins.

After thinking it through and sort of going back and forth with my sweet girl...she was wanting to  make arrangements to have dinner etc. at the Church.  I didn't want it at the Church.  We will celebrate an early anniversary and I wanted family dinner and nothing else.  She wanted friends to come.  I detest surprise parties except for the most hearty-party folks that revel in that sort of fun.  Anyhow a bit of shadowboxing and a truce was agreed on.

A family dinner on the one day that everyone will be here.  lots of visiting and eating and not sure yet what else.

I didn't want it at Church as I wanted it more cozy and outdoorsy.  I tried to rent a place that I just love but it was booked.  Checked out a couple of others and didn't feel right.  I didn't like being constrained by times etc.  I wanted it relaxed and no deadlines.  I was standing at the sink and looked out at our backyard and realized...that is where I want my family dinner!!1

Long tables end to end with all of my children and their families eating a family dinner.  Just us.  Our kiddos at home one more time!!

When I told Jeanee she was so happy!  Honestly...I don't know if she was so happy because I finally settled on something and got on board the reunion train OR if she was so happy because of the backyard location!!

So I am now looking forward to seeing most of our children and having that one day, that we will share a meal together and celebrate our family and our marriage.

Stay tuned!!  Not sure what is coming down the Pike yet - other than a great dinner in the back yard!

I did tell my friend Carol that we weren't going to McCall and asked to borrow her long tables.  So that is arranged.  She offered her spacious yard to use but I'm just going for our small one.

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To you readers in France....welcome to my blog!  That is exciting to me!

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This has some really good advice!!  The Church is awesome!!

Your 9-Point Survival Guide for Hard Times... here

Up and at 'em

I recently learned that there are people that are called Empaths.  I'd never heard of that before.  Have you?  Empaths are different from Empathetic people.

I really liked this article on 6 habits of empathetic people.... here

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Sunday was a tough day for me.  Sometimes I just get overwhelmed with my life.  I revert to allowing my co-d self to fret and stew over what can I do for HubbyMan and OurSon.  My hands are tied as I can't magically make life's challenges disappear.  I can't erase pain.  I can't eliminate suffering.

Spiritually I did not feel filled even after attending Church and hearing testimonies.  It was one of those extremely slow meetings.  I felt no obligation or desire to share my testimony.  The well was dry.  I came seeking refreshment.  Wanting to receive.  A dry hard sponge needing moisture.

Sunday School.  YW meeting.  Tank on empty still.

I read.  I studied.  I prayed and still the feeling persisted.  I'd missed choir.  I'd missed going to one of my Laurels graduation celebration.  I felt the need to come home and help Terry but I had missed a dose of Spirit.

Seminary graduation.  It had been announced for the evening.  Terry encouraged me to go.  I thought I'd call my friend Carol and see if she'd like to go.

My phone rang as I picked it up.  Carol calling.  I told her I was just going to call her.  She said...what did you want?  I said...to see if you want to go to the Seminary graduation.  At this point she broke out laughing and said...that's what I was calling you about!

So off we went!

Wonderful program and my 3 Laurels graduated!

On the way home I told Carol that I felt spiritually satisfied and it felt great!!  She felt the same way!

When we get down and out because of our life challenges...sometimes we just need to seek more Church activity that have lots of people involved!  Or even a few people!

We both felt that the Lord knew we needed that boost!

Walked away from my PityParty and have risen!

Fight on my men!

I am hurt, but I am not slain;

I'll lay me down and bleed awhile,

and then I'll rise to fight again.
                                                                                                            by Sir Andrew Barton

wonderful words

I remember being so impressed with the talks by the new General RSP and copied a couple of paragraphs.  I enjoyed them then and still do and just wanted to share.  There is such good counsel here.  Enjoy!

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While cleaning out a drawer in her bedroom, (Sister Eubank-1st counselor in Gen RSP),
found a note written during a 2011 Relief Society board meeting with former Relief Society general president Sister Julie B. Beck.

The paper read: "When you are with people, remember they are each filled with troubles. Lift them to a higher plane. … Remember to keep your own kingdom intact. … When you can’t give more, ... (then) call on the Holy Ghost and angels to come to you. Be still and get full.”

From that message Sister Eubank found the answer to her three problems. “It came from Relief Society and it was about Relief Society,” she said. 

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Brother Callister said that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Savior’s powers are infinite. “There is no rejection, no loneliness, no despair, no sin and no condition to which we can sink for which the Savior’s healing powers do not have the perfect remedy. Sometimes that remedy will include seeking appropriate medical and emotional care, for the Lord expects us to do all within our power to assist in the healing process, but the ultimate healing balm will be found in His atoning powers.”

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Joseph Smith told the Relief Society in 1842 that because they were now organized after a priesthood pattern “you are now placed in a situation where you can act according to those sympathies which God has planted in your [hearts]. … If you live up to your privilege, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.”

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^{did you hear these talks by the new General RSP?..... here}

So hopeful!

So much going on in my mind and I have really been thinking a lot about a lot of things.  It feels good to feel hopeful.  This quote puts things into such a great perspective!  Enjoy and take hope!