There were a few things that led me to this topic... One is that I'm extremely bored at work again (that situation tends to lend itself to much "thinking" time). Another is that I have an incredibly sweet and thoughtful husband who spends way too much of his time doing acts of selfless service for his little wife. The last is that I found a quote by Gandhi that I thought perfectly described the act of service.
I was lying in bed with my husband last night, talking. He told me that he'd been thinking of ways he could serve me-things he could do for me to make me happier. We talked about all the things he's been trying to do for me and I just sat there thinking "wow, what an awesome husband I have!" Thinking more about all the things he's done for me, I stand in awe. He really does do so much for me. He is always looking out for me and always doing little things to improve my life and our married life. After he said that, I thought "why don't I do that"?
This got me thinking even more (only increasing the headache I have from the previous thought process). I know we've all heard that we should completely lose ourselves in the service of others. I know that I, specifically was told by my Stake President, before I was married, to always think of my spouse first; think of his needs and seek to serve him. He said that if we both will think of the other first, that our needs would always be met and we would always abound in love for one another.
How sad is it that I've only been married for 7 months and had already forgotten this counsel!? How true is it though!? If we will always think of our spouse first and foremost and our spouse does the same, how can we not be happy? This isn't only true for spouses, but for children and friends, too (to a degree). Especially since when you serve others, you learn to love them more, which love leads to more service which leads to more love and so on and so forth.
Basically, my thoughts are that I need to spend less time worrying about myself and more time worrying about what I can do for others. This not only leads to the "warm, fuzzy feeling" of knowing you have made someone's life better, but also to self discovery.
That's why I chose these quotes:
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." -Mahatma Gandhi
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdome; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." --Mosiah 2:17
Hopefully we can all remember to serve each other a little more. Think of others a little more. And strive to make life better, one small act of service at a time.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Thoughts on Gratitude
I missed a day...I guess you could say I had no "deep thoughts". I think this blog has become a reminder for me to sit and reflect on something - to "Be Still".
Today I decided to think more on the subject of gratitude or the lack thereof.
What brings me to this topic is my husband. Every once in a while, he will just sit and stare. After a few moments he will get a huge grin on his face and say "We are SO blessed!" He does this quite frequently, too. I could not agree with him more! We are such blessed people, especially those of us that have the gospel in our lives. With that knowledge, the blessings never cease!
So why is it that at times we forget how blessed we are and forget to be grateful? Why do we get those moments where we feel like complaining? My personal opinion is that the moment we start comparing ourselves to others is the moment we stop being grateful. I think we see the "Jones'" next door who have everything and we don't. We see them with their 4 houses, 3 cars and a boat ;-) They seem happier and content because of all they have. We see them happy and become unhappy. We think they must be happy because of what they have, and we must be unhappy because we "have not".
It's like Dr. Seuss' star bellied sneetches. They ran around trying to be the ones with "stars upon thars" and then once they noticed everyone else had it too, they ran around trying to remove them. They ran so quickly from here to there that they lost track of what they were trying to achieve- who they were tyring to "one up". They lost track of what was "the cool thing to do". They forgot to be grateful for what they did have. They forgot to be grateful for their unique personalities, their differences. They focused on what others had, rather than what they had.
I know I am frequently guilty of this mind set. We have friends who have a nicer home, or who have more toys, or who have a cooler car, or who have no debt, or have a big TV, or have a better job that pays more, or seem to have no worries or whatever! The problems arises when we stop worrying about what we are doing to improve and start to worry about someone else!
Have you ever really sat down and tried to "count your blessings"? I don't do it nearly enough. I know I have a million things to be grateful for. I have an amazing husband, incredible family and extended family, beautiful nieces and nephews, a great home, all the food we could ever need, a great job, my health, the gospel, a room full of scrapbook supplies ;-), an education, transportation etc. The list goes on and on! There is so much. And even if all those things weren't on my list--I have my family and the gospel. That in and of itself is so much to be grateful for.
With that said, I should probably get to the quote... I thought it would be appropriate to use a quote from President Hinckley's B's. No one could say it better.
"Walk with gratitude in your hearts, my dear friends. Be thankful for the wonderful blessings which are yours. Be grateful for the tremendous opportunities that you have...
Thank the Lord for His goodness to you. Thank the Almighty for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who has done for you what none other in all this world could do. Thank Him for His great example, for His tremendous teachings, for His outreaching hand to lift and help...Pour out your heart to your Father in Heaven in gratitude for the gift of His Beloved Son.
Thank the Lord for His marvelous Church restored in this great season of history. Thank Him for all that it offers you. Thank Him for friends and loved ones, for parents and brothers and sisters, for family. Let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless your days and nights. Work at it. You will find it will yield wonderful results." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
Today I decided to think more on the subject of gratitude or the lack thereof.
What brings me to this topic is my husband. Every once in a while, he will just sit and stare. After a few moments he will get a huge grin on his face and say "We are SO blessed!" He does this quite frequently, too. I could not agree with him more! We are such blessed people, especially those of us that have the gospel in our lives. With that knowledge, the blessings never cease!
So why is it that at times we forget how blessed we are and forget to be grateful? Why do we get those moments where we feel like complaining? My personal opinion is that the moment we start comparing ourselves to others is the moment we stop being grateful. I think we see the "Jones'" next door who have everything and we don't. We see them with their 4 houses, 3 cars and a boat ;-) They seem happier and content because of all they have. We see them happy and become unhappy. We think they must be happy because of what they have, and we must be unhappy because we "have not".
It's like Dr. Seuss' star bellied sneetches. They ran around trying to be the ones with "stars upon thars" and then once they noticed everyone else had it too, they ran around trying to remove them. They ran so quickly from here to there that they lost track of what they were trying to achieve- who they were tyring to "one up". They lost track of what was "the cool thing to do". They forgot to be grateful for what they did have. They forgot to be grateful for their unique personalities, their differences. They focused on what others had, rather than what they had.
I know I am frequently guilty of this mind set. We have friends who have a nicer home, or who have more toys, or who have a cooler car, or who have no debt, or have a big TV, or have a better job that pays more, or seem to have no worries or whatever! The problems arises when we stop worrying about what we are doing to improve and start to worry about someone else!
Have you ever really sat down and tried to "count your blessings"? I don't do it nearly enough. I know I have a million things to be grateful for. I have an amazing husband, incredible family and extended family, beautiful nieces and nephews, a great home, all the food we could ever need, a great job, my health, the gospel, a room full of scrapbook supplies ;-), an education, transportation etc. The list goes on and on! There is so much. And even if all those things weren't on my list--I have my family and the gospel. That in and of itself is so much to be grateful for.
With that said, I should probably get to the quote... I thought it would be appropriate to use a quote from President Hinckley's B's. No one could say it better.
"Walk with gratitude in your hearts, my dear friends. Be thankful for the wonderful blessings which are yours. Be grateful for the tremendous opportunities that you have...
Thank the Lord for His goodness to you. Thank the Almighty for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who has done for you what none other in all this world could do. Thank Him for His great example, for His tremendous teachings, for His outreaching hand to lift and help...Pour out your heart to your Father in Heaven in gratitude for the gift of His Beloved Son.
Thank the Lord for His marvelous Church restored in this great season of history. Thank Him for all that it offers you. Thank Him for friends and loved ones, for parents and brothers and sisters, for family. Let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless your days and nights. Work at it. You will find it will yield wonderful results." --President Gordon B. Hinckley
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Thoughts on Selfishness
I had another one of those moments yesterday- The "I am unhappy, hate my job" moments". I tend to get those a lot when I'm not overly busy at work (thus the daily blog entires). I decided it might be time for a career change. I told my husband this, to which he replied that I only need to stick it out for another 6 months, after which I can get pregnant and just stay home.
Well, for some reason I didn't like that idea. I thought that if this was the case, then I'd just be running away from my "problems" again. Don't like where you are in life? Ignore it and find something else to, thus never having to confront the problem in the first place. This was just my mindset at the moment.
Giving it a little further thought, I realized I don't think "running away from my problems (my job)" is a good excuse for this "problem" (the kids issue). So what is the real reason I don't want to have kids (aside from the fact that I haven't been married very long)?
I thought about it for awhile and even talked the issue over with my husband. My conclusion? Selfishness. I am selfish. I don't want kids because I enjoy my sleep; I really like sleeping through the night! I enjoy my one-on-one time with my husband. I like to get up and do whatever I want whenever I want. I like to be spontaneous. I like to shop. I like to spend money. I like not having to chase a little person around the house. I like to think about myself (and sometimes I even throw my hubby into that equation).
Basically. I like not being tied down. I like not being responsible for anyone but myself and my husband (who can pretty much take care of himself).
Let me say, that I'm not proud of this realization. But I think we all have a bit of selfishness in us-it's human nature. Our task is to overcome those natural tendencies. To put them off and become the opposite--selfless. I think that is one of the glories of being a mother--the ultimate act of selflessness. I think of all the mothers I know-they are the living definition of selflessness and sacrifice.
Basically, the problem lies in the problem. The way to overcome the selfishness not to have children is by having children, and thus becoming selfless. Yes, there are flaws in my logic.
No, I'm not thinking about having children at the moment. It was just a thought I wanted to adress. A step to overcoming a potential problem.
To make a long ranting short, here are a few great quotes I found on the topic:
"The human being who lives only for himself finally reaps nothing but unhappiness. Selfishness corrodes. Unselfishness ennobles, satisfies. Don't put off the joy derivable from doing helpful, kindly things for others." --B.C. Forbes
"Give up your selfishness, and you shall find peace; like water mingling with water, you shall merge in absorption." --Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Well, for some reason I didn't like that idea. I thought that if this was the case, then I'd just be running away from my "problems" again. Don't like where you are in life? Ignore it and find something else to, thus never having to confront the problem in the first place. This was just my mindset at the moment.
Giving it a little further thought, I realized I don't think "running away from my problems (my job)" is a good excuse for this "problem" (the kids issue). So what is the real reason I don't want to have kids (aside from the fact that I haven't been married very long)?
I thought about it for awhile and even talked the issue over with my husband. My conclusion? Selfishness. I am selfish. I don't want kids because I enjoy my sleep; I really like sleeping through the night! I enjoy my one-on-one time with my husband. I like to get up and do whatever I want whenever I want. I like to be spontaneous. I like to shop. I like to spend money. I like not having to chase a little person around the house. I like to think about myself (and sometimes I even throw my hubby into that equation).
Basically. I like not being tied down. I like not being responsible for anyone but myself and my husband (who can pretty much take care of himself).
Let me say, that I'm not proud of this realization. But I think we all have a bit of selfishness in us-it's human nature. Our task is to overcome those natural tendencies. To put them off and become the opposite--selfless. I think that is one of the glories of being a mother--the ultimate act of selflessness. I think of all the mothers I know-they are the living definition of selflessness and sacrifice.
Basically, the problem lies in the problem. The way to overcome the selfishness not to have children is by having children, and thus becoming selfless. Yes, there are flaws in my logic.
No, I'm not thinking about having children at the moment. It was just a thought I wanted to adress. A step to overcoming a potential problem.
To make a long ranting short, here are a few great quotes I found on the topic:
"The human being who lives only for himself finally reaps nothing but unhappiness. Selfishness corrodes. Unselfishness ennobles, satisfies. Don't put off the joy derivable from doing helpful, kindly things for others." --B.C. Forbes
"Give up your selfishness, and you shall find peace; like water mingling with water, you shall merge in absorption." --Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Monday, June 18, 2007
Thoughts on Humble Pride
I think everyone that knows me knows I am a little like my mother-stubborn and a bit proud. Not necessarily the best trait I learned from her, but probably one of the ones I've learned and adhered to the most. Not something to be proud of.
I remember growing up and Mami was never wrong. Never. So likewise, I assumed that I was never wrong, and if I was wrong, it wasn't my fault and I didn't need to make amends.
Well, I'm finally beginning to learn that isn't quite how it works. I have a husband now and apparently, he is right sometimes, too. This has taken quite an adjustment.
It was an experience the other day that brings me to this topic.
I remember sitting in the car the other day and I did something to offend my sweet husband. I sat there, upset that he was upset. Ridiculous, I know. I realized I had offended him and felt some remorse. Finally, I mustered the courage to apologize. It wasn't that easy for me, which is just sad. He looked over at me and thanked me for apologizing. How pathetic is that!? He had to thank me for apologizing because he knew what a rarity it was. What an eye opener that was-to have my husband thank me for an apology.
I definitely need to work on that-work on my pride, or rather work on my humility.
Here are a few quotes I found on the topic.
"It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them. To make a mistake is only an error in judgment, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows infirmity of character." --Dale E. Turner
"Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real." --Thomas Merton
To end on a light note--
"Humility is like underwear, essential, but indecent if it shows." --Helen Nielsen
I remember growing up and Mami was never wrong. Never. So likewise, I assumed that I was never wrong, and if I was wrong, it wasn't my fault and I didn't need to make amends.
Well, I'm finally beginning to learn that isn't quite how it works. I have a husband now and apparently, he is right sometimes, too. This has taken quite an adjustment.
It was an experience the other day that brings me to this topic.
I remember sitting in the car the other day and I did something to offend my sweet husband. I sat there, upset that he was upset. Ridiculous, I know. I realized I had offended him and felt some remorse. Finally, I mustered the courage to apologize. It wasn't that easy for me, which is just sad. He looked over at me and thanked me for apologizing. How pathetic is that!? He had to thank me for apologizing because he knew what a rarity it was. What an eye opener that was-to have my husband thank me for an apology.
I definitely need to work on that-work on my pride, or rather work on my humility.
Here are a few quotes I found on the topic.
"It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them. To make a mistake is only an error in judgment, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows infirmity of character." --Dale E. Turner
"Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real." --Thomas Merton
To end on a light note--
"Humility is like underwear, essential, but indecent if it shows." --Helen Nielsen
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Thoughts on Sight
A recent adventure I took left me completely in the dark on a very bumpy road on a motorcycle. There were some times when I didn't think I could continue because I couldn't even really see the road in front of me, but we had to continue. It got me thinking about sight or in this case, the lack thereof.
It seems sometimes in life we have to take that initial first step into the darkness before the Lord lights the pathway or leads us along it. The Lord expects us to take that first step after which He'll guide us the rest of the way. Well, unfortunately in this situation the road did not become lighter after I took my first few steps into the dark. But I do feel that there were some times when I took the least "bumpy" part of the road (but don't know how since I couldn't see!).
He didn't lead me the entire way (I have a few bumps to prove it) but I will say that I didn't feel abandoned by Him.
With that said, here is a quote I found on sight.
"Courage brother, do not stumble, though thy path be dark as night: There is a star to guide the humble, trust in God, and do the right. Let the road be dark and dreary and its end far out of sight. Face it bravely, strong or weary. Trust God, and do." - Norman Schwarzkopf
It seems sometimes in life we have to take that initial first step into the darkness before the Lord lights the pathway or leads us along it. The Lord expects us to take that first step after which He'll guide us the rest of the way. Well, unfortunately in this situation the road did not become lighter after I took my first few steps into the dark. But I do feel that there were some times when I took the least "bumpy" part of the road (but don't know how since I couldn't see!).
He didn't lead me the entire way (I have a few bumps to prove it) but I will say that I didn't feel abandoned by Him.
With that said, here is a quote I found on sight.
"Courage brother, do not stumble, though thy path be dark as night: There is a star to guide the humble, trust in God, and do the right. Let the road be dark and dreary and its end far out of sight. Face it bravely, strong or weary. Trust God, and do." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thoughts on Aging
Yesterday I went visiting teaching to a girl in my ward. Somehow we got on the topic of age. She is probably 4-5 years older than me and is one of the leaders in the Young Women's program. She mentioned that people don't think she looks old enough to be one of the leaders. She then asked if she should do something differently-like wear more make-up, buy more mature clothing, do her hair differently, act different etc.
This got me thinking... What is it about age that makes all younger people, so desperately, want to be old and all the older people want to be young again? Why can't we just be happy with how old/young we are or how old/young we look or even how old/young we feel?
Why aren't we ever content with who we are or where we are in the stages of age and life?
Part of the reason must be that our human nature never fully allows us to be content with who we are, what we're doing in life, how we look etc...
Basically, I don't have an answer. That's the best part about these entries, I don't have to. I can just randomly throw out rhetorical questions!
I couldn't just pick one quote today, so here are a few of my favorite quotes on aging:
"Age is no barrier. It's a limitation you put on your mind." -unknown
"The old believe everything; the middle aged suspect everything: the young know everything." -Oscar Wilde
"Age should not have its face listed, but it should rather teach the world to admire wrinkles as the etchings of experience and the firm line of character." -unknown
"The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you're learning you're not old." -unknown
"There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age." -Sophia Loren
"At the age of 20, we don't care what the world thinks of us; at 30, we worry about what it is thinking of us; at 40, we discover that it wasn't thinking of us at all." -unknown
This got me thinking... What is it about age that makes all younger people, so desperately, want to be old and all the older people want to be young again? Why can't we just be happy with how old/young we are or how old/young we look or even how old/young we feel?
Why aren't we ever content with who we are or where we are in the stages of age and life?
Part of the reason must be that our human nature never fully allows us to be content with who we are, what we're doing in life, how we look etc...
Basically, I don't have an answer. That's the best part about these entries, I don't have to. I can just randomly throw out rhetorical questions!
I couldn't just pick one quote today, so here are a few of my favorite quotes on aging:
"Age is no barrier. It's a limitation you put on your mind." -unknown
"The old believe everything; the middle aged suspect everything: the young know everything." -Oscar Wilde
"Age should not have its face listed, but it should rather teach the world to admire wrinkles as the etchings of experience and the firm line of character." -unknown
"The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you're learning you're not old." -unknown
"There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age." -Sophia Loren
"At the age of 20, we don't care what the world thinks of us; at 30, we worry about what it is thinking of us; at 40, we discover that it wasn't thinking of us at all." -unknown
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Late thoughts on Time
For the first thought of the day, I've chosen one on time. I read someone's blog the other day on the subject of time and thought it was very interesting and something to reflect on a little longer.
What is it about time that makes it pass much too quickly when you want to soak it in, and then crawls slowly by when you are ready to move on!? What is it that makes a baby only a baby for a day, but an adult for the rest of your life? Or that makes vacation seem to last a second and a work day last a month? Who knows!? No wonder time is something only God must understand.
Either way, I liked this thought and thought it all too true:
"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back." --Harvey MacKay
Be cautious of what you spend your time on, how you use it and be sure not to lose it!
What is it about time that makes it pass much too quickly when you want to soak it in, and then crawls slowly by when you are ready to move on!? What is it that makes a baby only a baby for a day, but an adult for the rest of your life? Or that makes vacation seem to last a second and a work day last a month? Who knows!? No wonder time is something only God must understand.
Either way, I liked this thought and thought it all too true:
"Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back." --Harvey MacKay
Be cautious of what you spend your time on, how you use it and be sure not to lose it!
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