Sunday, December 23, 2012

The Prize Winner of Defiance

Christmas is in two days, in case you were unaware. We drew names again. I got little Miss P. I am excited to give her what every eight year old girl wants: orange nail polish, red skinny jeans with diamonds on the pockets (accessorized by me), and a silly gift I hope she appreciates. I also went a little overboard and am excited to surprise my mother and sister with little things I found that I thought were perfect for them. I'd tell you what I got, but I fear my mama may read this before the big day. Sorry mom. (:

Aside from the presents, cookies, and celebrating, I watched a movie tonight with my family that had nothing yet everything to do with Christmas. It is called "The Prize Winner of Defiance". This is based on a true story, even better! It's about a woman who enters many contests and basically, that is how she, her husband, and her ten kids survive. Yes, her husband worked, but he came home a drunk most nights in the week. As the story goes, things go wrong left and right and this woman is never cross. She believes in being happy; she takes the phrase "no matter how bad things get, they can always get worse" to heart and lives by it. She knows that being happy is the only way to get through a rough situation. The reason this reminds me of this time of year is because she was always giving. At times she would finally be able to do something for herself and yet again, a disaster would appear. These awful things never slowed her down, she was always patient and willing to give up her sweet time. This is how our Savior works. He will never fail to give his time and patience. Don't forget the true meaning of this time of year. It is so easy to get caught up in making sure everyone has what they want and that dinner will be as grand as your dreams, Christ would be happy with a glass of water. He loves you for you. "Are you apart of the "Inn" crowd, or are you one of the "Stable" few?"

One last thing. A few days ago, I received a text including her "Daily Thought". It stated: "If someone waits for you, it doesn't mean they have nothing to do, it just means that nothing else is more important than you."

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence

This is a talk by Elder Jeffery R. Holland. It was given at a BYU devotional March 2, 1999. It amazes me that even thirteen years later, things like talks, scriptures, etc, can be just as powerful as the day they were addressed.

A wonderful friend of mine sent me a text out of the blue a few weeks back that said I needed to read this talk, that it made her think of me. I pulled up the talk and began reading. The beginning was hard for me to follow, it didn't seem to have a whole lot in common with me and the things I was going through. But as I read on, I saw exactly why she had thought of me. The line I loved most was, "If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now." He goes on to say, "Face your doubts. Master your fears. "Cast not away therefore your confidence." Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you." I absolutely love this gospel. I have no clue where I'd be without it, no where good that's for sure. I am so grateful for the simple words of Elder Holland from thirteen years ago.

Today one of my best friends left to the MTC to serve the Lord for the next two years of his life. I am eternally grateful for missionaries like him the are so willing to give their time the ways they do. I cannot believe I only met him last September. He will forever remain in my heart, no matter what happens. If you know any Elders in the Auckland, New Zealand Mission, tell them to keep an eye out for Elder Smith. (:

PS: be mindful of what you are praying for. Monday I asked Heavenly Father to help me develop skills that will be beneficial as a wife and mother...Dallan came in after school covered in mud and had tracked it all through the garage. Mama was busy and for some crazy reason I jumped up to help. Guess I got an answer to my prayer. I just hope that wasn't a secret message telling me to master that skill, I better not live somewhere muddy when I have kids!!