Sisters

This week I have been consumed with the fear of failure. The fear that I may not be a perfect Mother, Sister, Friend and even employee. I lost the faith in myself and the path that Heavenly Father has set before me. I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself. I had my self a nice little pity party. I felt little bit of emptiness and a few tears. Then I had a cute little Sister in Heaven reminded me at how important it is to focus on the positive. That we are all in this together and we can help support each other along the way. It's amazing what a warm smile, hug or just a note may brighten a sisters day. It is more than blood, we are part of a bigger family. We have an amazing bigger brother who is the greatest example of all. Let's make him proud by helping and supporting our Sisters in Heaven.

"Even though clouds may come my way........Sunshine will always follow."

Recovery

So, have you ever felt like you were justified treating your love one who is addicted in a very mean way. because you don't have an addiction. Addiction can come in all shapes and sizes. But, really we are all here on earth to overcome the natural man. We feel that because we don't have a problem means we can manipulate, lie, yell and scream at an addict. This creates chaos in the home and can even be more damaging than the actions of an addict. How we react to problems we face is really the test. My husband would love to get blessings when he was drinking. I asked the bishop is that a good idea to be doing in that state of mind. He turned to me and asked "Would Jesus do it?". It was an eye opener for me as I just humbly shook my head yes. It is so very hard to not judge an addict because we feel that we are better than them. But, really we need recovery or to repent for the many horrible things we have done to our loved ones. So, hug your addict today and say sorry for the way you have treated them.

Admitting to the Truth

Admitting to the truth that I can not rescue my loved one from addiction and the attempts to do so have made my life unmanageable. I have taken on the responsibility of things that were not mine. I was unaware of my change of focus from Christ to myself. When you become so involved in protecting loved ones from the addicted you loose sight of what can be a comfort in the rough times. Build your relationship with god he will lighten your load and ease your burden. I do not have the power to change anyone but I can change my focus and accept the help to manage my life. Love K

Love the addict not the choice

When a loved one is an addict and you have no choice. I always feel all alone when my loved one is making a choice that is not exactly the choice I would want them too. I try to go on with life as I know it. But, when my husband drinks it feels like I just lost my best friend. I have this anger that builds up inside because I can't control another person but, at the time I wish I could. I say a ton of prayers mixed with tears hoping that I can find a little peace. My heart breaks knowing it's hard to make sense out of why they do it when they have people in there lives that care so much. You start to feel abandoned and build up walls so you can't be hurt again. I have a hard time not being pulled into an argument. But you can't negotiate with an addict of any sort. It pointless, that is why it's frustrating. It can really get you down. If you can turn your mind and heart to the savior he can help you find some peace and understanding. You have not control over another that is what Satans plan was control. Jesus's plan was to let everyone choose for themselves. Thumbing through the scriptures I came across 1 Peter 3, The heading stuck out like it was highlighted in florescent yellow.

In the heading it reads

Husbands and wives should honor each other.

What???????

But, what if one is making a bad choice???

Of course I want to know the answer.

Verse 1

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husband; that, if any obey not the word they also may without the word be won by conversations of the wives.

hmmmmm.

Reading on....

8. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.

This is hard for me. I ain't gonna lie.

10. For  he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that speak no guile:

I have been know to do that:

14. But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.

18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but quickened by the spirit.


This has helped me recognize we can still honor those who make bad choices because they may someday change. Jesus Christ suffered so we may have the atonement and a way to fix our wrongs. Just because someone makes a bad choice does not mean you don't honor them. but, be courteous and have good conversations not belittle out of anger and spite. That is not why we are here.

Love another today.....No matter the choice they make.

Kindness is Free

Today I witnessed something that made me smile. I can't stop thinking about it so I want to share it. I had just finished class and I was in a huge hurry. I almost got to class and a guy stopped me. He couldn't speak much English but he had a tiny baby bird in his hand. The bird was hurt and I could tell it was going to die soon. He came to the vet science building to see who could help. I could see how passionate he was about saving the bird. I pointed him in the right direction. Afterwards I got thinking, not many people would do that. That small act of kindness not only saved the bird but it gave me hope and it opened my eyes. Small acts of kindness can make someone's day so much better. Even if it's not to another person, even if it's for an animal. I'm going to strive to go out of my way to help people and animals around me. It only takes a second to do a kind deed for someone else and it could make their day. Kindness is free.    -Al

The Lost Sheep

My family and I had the First discussion with Sister Missionaries. What a wonderful experience this was. The story of the lost sheep touched my heart. The story goes, there is a shepherd with a flock of 100. There was 1 lost sheep. The shepherd leaving the 99 sheep went to find the 1 lost sheep. We are all lost at one time or another and the savior is willing to come find us. We need to open to the lords help. The spirit was so strong as these sisters taught us the basics of the gospel. This is going to be an awesome experience and with the end goal in mind. We have been found. Love K

Hug The People You Love

Some people say that a picture is worth a thousand words. That may be true but I think a hug means a thousand words. When there are no words to say, a hug can change a person. I haven't always been a "huggy person." But now that I am, I can see the difference in my everyday life. I think everyone needs a hug. When someone hugs me, I know they love me because I can just feel it. This simple act can change a persons whole day.  So go hug someone you love today. It'll change their day I promise.

Life is delicate and fragile

Today I learned of a sweet niece of mine that tragically lost her life this week. It has weighed heavy on my heart at how fragile life can be. I want to hug my family that is hurting so bad from this tragic event and wanting to be of some comfort. They are on the East Coast and I am on the West there is too much distance and my arms won't reach that far. Thoughts keep running through my mind of how delicate we can be. This past month I was put in a situation similar to this with my own family. Not realizing the impact that depression can have on person and their struggles to survive these trials that we go through in this life. I did everything in my power and took as many precautions to change the end result. When I was told that I did not have the power over another. I then realized that you physically can not help another if they want to take their life. But, You can unconditionally love another and be the strength that they need to survive. Always follow your heart when you are tempted to say Hi to a stranger or check up on a neighbor. Don't be afraid to be a helping hand or just somebody to talk to. But most of all love your fellow man. We are here and we all need help at one time or another. Let's make an effort to go out of our way for another, it is never convenient and life gets to busy but, we can make a difference in another's life if we just take the time.

Love K