2017 has been a tough year for me. My darkest hours have pervaded my life in a discouraging way. I have fought hard to stay positive and I have looked to God continuously for the strength, courage, and endurance to overcome discouragement. Oh, what a wonderful blessing we have in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the promise that tomorrow can and will be brighter!
Today's post is the first in a series I am calling "Sabbath Day Sentiments". Through attending church meetings and diligently listening for the Holy Ghost to nudge us, personal revelation often comes. I have been blessed to grow in knowledge and testimony as I have attended my church meetings.
And so we begin...
I have always been a pretty good ponderer.
The last several weeks, the speakers in my car have not been working. I have not taken the time to go get them repaired. I quickly realized how much of a habit it had become for me to turn on the sound system as soon as I got into my car. Without that luxury in recent weeks however, I have found myself spending a lot MORE time thinking and pondering.
What do I ponder about? Usually it's recent experiences, things I have read, things I have heard or seen, how to fix traffic issues on Utah's highways, how I can help the people around me, my shortcomings and inadequacies, my accomplishments, and much more. I have also realized that it is what is most current and relevant in my life that occupies the forefront of my thoughts on these occasions. I recently, therefore, have reminded myself how important it is to occupy my mind with good (i.e. virtuous, lovely, of good report, praiseworthy) things.
I've got the pondering down. But do I spend enough time reading and studying God's word (a.k.a. scripture) to keep those good/best things first in my queue of thoughts? Remember I mentioned pondering about my shortcomings? Trust me, I am very aware of them. And I am far from perfect at reading and studying daily, but I have faith that through Jesus' great mercy and grace, I can keep trying, and will be blessed for my efforts.
Speaking of grace, there is a line in the hymn "O Savior, Thou Who Wearest a Crown" that has struck me many times, including today when it was sung in preparation for participating in the ordinance of the sacrament: "The very foes who slay thee have access to thy grace". I love the concept of grace. God's grace transcends space and time, giving mercy and aid to ALL.
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!" -John Newton
"For the wretched of the earth, there is a flame that never dies. Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise!" -Herbert Kretzmer (Les Miserables)
"What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?" -Henry F. Lyte (LDS hymn no. 166)
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28
"...my grace is sufficient..." -Ether 12:27
God's grace is for EVERYONE!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Outbreak
It has been a year and a half since I wrote! It is sure crazy how life happens. I have graduated from school and been working for several months. I thought for sure that finishing school would give me more time to write.
Well, I am here to tell you it did not work out that way! However, over time, I have re-realized how important it is to regularly reevaluate priorities and make time for what is most important. As my family and many of my friends know, I have a strong desire to share goodness, happiness, and light! So here I am again. Finally.
I titled this entry "Outbreak". The idea came from a song by Gentri. You can listen to part of the song below:
Gentri--Outbreak (Soundcloud)
The line I particularly want to mention and build on says, "We're infecting our world with a new epidemic--causing an outbreak".
In a crazy world of physical sickness, famines, disease, and destruction, we also see sickness and disease of spirit. Our world is more depressed, tired, anxious, and fearful than ever before. People are easily offended and quick to anger. They seek relief from life's stresses in unhealthy habits like drugs, alcohol, pornography, binge eating, and many others.
This downward trend in morality and happiness makes my heart sad for the world (isn't that ironic!). However, just because the news covers it, or your Facebook feed is full of it, doesn't mean the bad news is the most prevalent news. There are rays of light. And if we choose to focus on the positive things in our own lives, and maybe step away from social media and technology every once in a while, we will begin to feel the pervasive power of positivity that emanates from many of the people around us--and even from within ourselves. We can infect the world around us with an epidemic of positivity and laughter and happiness--we can cause an outbreak!
It has been done before. In fact, one such "outbreak" occurred very recently. Many of you will have seen this video, as it has gone viral in recent weeks. However, if you have not seen it, please take the time to watch it right now, as it is pivotal to the plot of the remainder of my post.
Chewbacca Mask--Original Facebook video
Raise your hand if that video DID NOT make you laugh. Just kidding. Don't raise your hand. Because I won't see it. But really. The laughter and joy the woman feels in the video is absolutely infectious, is it not?!
Well, her video has had quite the response in the internet world. She has appeared on late night shows and received special gifts from Kohl's, where she originally purchased the mask.
An article was recently published about the contagiousness of laughter and joy. It was written in response to the video above. Here is a link to the article:
Chewbacca mask and the power of viral joy
In short, be joyful. Little things like noise-making masks are sometimes all we need to find our child-like sense of mirth--so often missing from our fragile, serious world. Smile! Usually a genuine smile will cause someone else to smile. Spread laughter and love in epidemic proportions! Cause an outbreak! The world will be a better place for it!
Well, I am here to tell you it did not work out that way! However, over time, I have re-realized how important it is to regularly reevaluate priorities and make time for what is most important. As my family and many of my friends know, I have a strong desire to share goodness, happiness, and light! So here I am again. Finally.
I titled this entry "Outbreak". The idea came from a song by Gentri. You can listen to part of the song below:
Gentri--Outbreak (Soundcloud)
The line I particularly want to mention and build on says, "We're infecting our world with a new epidemic--causing an outbreak".
In a crazy world of physical sickness, famines, disease, and destruction, we also see sickness and disease of spirit. Our world is more depressed, tired, anxious, and fearful than ever before. People are easily offended and quick to anger. They seek relief from life's stresses in unhealthy habits like drugs, alcohol, pornography, binge eating, and many others.
This downward trend in morality and happiness makes my heart sad for the world (isn't that ironic!). However, just because the news covers it, or your Facebook feed is full of it, doesn't mean the bad news is the most prevalent news. There are rays of light. And if we choose to focus on the positive things in our own lives, and maybe step away from social media and technology every once in a while, we will begin to feel the pervasive power of positivity that emanates from many of the people around us--and even from within ourselves. We can infect the world around us with an epidemic of positivity and laughter and happiness--we can cause an outbreak!
It has been done before. In fact, one such "outbreak" occurred very recently. Many of you will have seen this video, as it has gone viral in recent weeks. However, if you have not seen it, please take the time to watch it right now, as it is pivotal to the plot of the remainder of my post.
Chewbacca Mask--Original Facebook video
Raise your hand if that video DID NOT make you laugh. Just kidding. Don't raise your hand. Because I won't see it. But really. The laughter and joy the woman feels in the video is absolutely infectious, is it not?!
Well, her video has had quite the response in the internet world. She has appeared on late night shows and received special gifts from Kohl's, where she originally purchased the mask.
An article was recently published about the contagiousness of laughter and joy. It was written in response to the video above. Here is a link to the article:
Chewbacca mask and the power of viral joy
In short, be joyful. Little things like noise-making masks are sometimes all we need to find our child-like sense of mirth--so often missing from our fragile, serious world. Smile! Usually a genuine smile will cause someone else to smile. Spread laughter and love in epidemic proportions! Cause an outbreak! The world will be a better place for it!
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Because Nice Matters
I realize I am long overdue for a post. I have missed having this positive light to brighten my life. I actually posted this on Facebook several months ago, but thought it was a very appropriate addition to my blog. :)
Being kind is a principle I remember being taught from when I was very little. My parents always stressed the importance of taking good care of people. My grandma taught us the phrase, "because nice matters", meaning that being kind is ALWAYS important. It matters to you, it matters to those to whom you show kindness, and it matters to God. EVERYONE deserves kindness. We should never mistreat someone just because we disagree with their actions or their choices.
I came across this blog post** a few months ago on Facebook, and enjoyed reading it. It caused me to contemplate the opportunities I have had to be kind in the past, and the many opportunities now and in the future to be kind to people. I was inspired by what he mentioned in the beginning about Benjamin Franklin's philosophies on kindness. Each day he would ask himself two questions. One in the morning: "What good shall I do this day?" and one at the end of the day: "What good have I done today?" These two questions set a framework for action and inspire reflection. The first question proves to God that you are willing and ready to serve and love His children, and He will bless you with opportunities to do so. The second question enables you to reflect on the experiences you had that day, to be grateful for the successes you had, and make a commitment to improve on your weaknesses the next day.
The author of the blog post mentions one of my favorite hymns. The words invite you to reflection:
Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?
I firmly believe that one of the best ways we can serve God is to serve His children. He sent us here to earth to help each other. Lives can be changed and saved when we behave kindly toward our brothers and sisters. When we let love guide ALL our actions, we can't go wrong. God's infinite love stretches to all of the human race, and we need to bring that love to those who are struggling to find it. Please. Be kind. Don't let those opportunities pass you by. Love. Why? BECAUSE NICE MATTERS.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Clouds and Sunsets: Nature's Daily Gifts
It's interesting how one's perspective on daily occurrences can change over time--or even in a moment. This post is about sunsets and clouds. I don't view them in the same way as I used to.
Don't get me wrong. I have always loved sunsets and clouds, and always will. I have come to discover however, a new view--a new way of appreciating these blessings of nature.
In the past, I would be driving along and see the most beautiful sunset I had ever beheld. I would frequently do whatever it took to pull over and take a picture on my mediocre (at best) phone camera. Admittedly, I sometimes would not have an opportunity to stop, and would take the picture as I was driving (!). I would inevitably wish I had a decent camera and had it with me for moments such as these.
Then one day, it dawned on me (NPI: no pun intended). Why spend the time and effort and risk the danger of stopping in traffic to get a so-so photograph of a sunset on my phone camera that I would look back on and with contempt complain that my phone had not been able to capture the most exquisite and intricate beauties of the sunset I saw with my eyes?
Rather:
Why not--if the opportunity safely presents itself--pull over, get out of the car, and just stand and simply watch. Never-mind the people who glance at me strangely as they drive by. Soak in the beauty of it. Take in every intricacy and every hue. Marvel at the spectacular display of light that is before me. Then, get back in my car and get to where I was going.
I have since come to understand that the beauty of a sunset is not in the artistic preservation of it, but in its fleeting grandeur. Would we enjoy a sunset as much if we did not know that it would be gone within minutes? Or a cloud formation if we did not know that it would take an entirely new form at our next glance?
This new understanding has led me to think of more things. How wonderful it is that God created our eyes that can see what cameras have been trying to capture for decades? How could a God who creates such beauty NOT have a hand in our lives? Shouldn't we all just slow down a bit to appreciate these things that are all around us?
I suppose this is just one more way for me to sneak into your minds and tell you that joy comes through the simple things. So thanks for listening.
P.S. Watch the sunset tonight and smile.
Don't get me wrong. I have always loved sunsets and clouds, and always will. I have come to discover however, a new view--a new way of appreciating these blessings of nature.
In the past, I would be driving along and see the most beautiful sunset I had ever beheld. I would frequently do whatever it took to pull over and take a picture on my mediocre (at best) phone camera. Admittedly, I sometimes would not have an opportunity to stop, and would take the picture as I was driving (!). I would inevitably wish I had a decent camera and had it with me for moments such as these.
Then one day, it dawned on me (NPI: no pun intended). Why spend the time and effort and risk the danger of stopping in traffic to get a so-so photograph of a sunset on my phone camera that I would look back on and with contempt complain that my phone had not been able to capture the most exquisite and intricate beauties of the sunset I saw with my eyes?
Rather:
Why not--if the opportunity safely presents itself--pull over, get out of the car, and just stand and simply watch. Never-mind the people who glance at me strangely as they drive by. Soak in the beauty of it. Take in every intricacy and every hue. Marvel at the spectacular display of light that is before me. Then, get back in my car and get to where I was going.
I have since come to understand that the beauty of a sunset is not in the artistic preservation of it, but in its fleeting grandeur. Would we enjoy a sunset as much if we did not know that it would be gone within minutes? Or a cloud formation if we did not know that it would take an entirely new form at our next glance?
This new understanding has led me to think of more things. How wonderful it is that God created our eyes that can see what cameras have been trying to capture for decades? How could a God who creates such beauty NOT have a hand in our lives? Shouldn't we all just slow down a bit to appreciate these things that are all around us?
I suppose this is just one more way for me to sneak into your minds and tell you that joy comes through the simple things. So thanks for listening.
P.S. Watch the sunset tonight and smile.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Ice Cream and Things That Matter Most
It's interesting. Now that I've started this blog, I find myself thinking about this subject often. Luckily, my blog is all about joy and happiness and small things! So I have discovered that I am constantly in search of things I can write about and, as a result, have felt and seen even more joy and blessings each and every day!
Today's post won't contain many words, but there are two videos I want to share.
The first is from the animated feature "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". It's the end of the day, and the beloved Peanuts characters are singing about the things that make them happy. As you listen, you will discover the simple nature of those things: tying your shoes for the first time, two kinds of ice cream, telling time, and being together. When you stop to think about it--really think about it--is it not those things that bring a smile to YOUR face? Small victories, successfully using a concept you have learned, a little sugary treat, and spending time with those we love.
The second video is a Mormon Message entitled "Moments That Matter Most". There are not a lot of words spoken, but the images speak so much of love, laughter, service, and families. The video invites us to fill our lives with these things and have joy therein.
I invite you to take inventory of the things you spend time and energy on. Do they bring you true joy? Have you taken the time to realize there are small and simple things all around you that can bring a smile to your face each day?
Today's post won't contain many words, but there are two videos I want to share.
The first is from the animated feature "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". It's the end of the day, and the beloved Peanuts characters are singing about the things that make them happy. As you listen, you will discover the simple nature of those things: tying your shoes for the first time, two kinds of ice cream, telling time, and being together. When you stop to think about it--really think about it--is it not those things that bring a smile to YOUR face? Small victories, successfully using a concept you have learned, a little sugary treat, and spending time with those we love.
The second video is a Mormon Message entitled "Moments That Matter Most". There are not a lot of words spoken, but the images speak so much of love, laughter, service, and families. The video invites us to fill our lives with these things and have joy therein.
I invite you to take inventory of the things you spend time and energy on. Do they bring you true joy? Have you taken the time to realize there are small and simple things all around you that can bring a smile to your face each day?
Saturday, June 14, 2014
How It All Began
In the Book of Mormon, Alma (the younger) gives counsel to his son Helaman. In Alma 37 verse 6 he says, "Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise". In this context, he is speaking of the ancient scriptures being kept and preserved for the purpose of bringing souls to Christ. However I am, for the purposes of this medium, taking this verse just a little out of context.
Small and simple things give us an eternal perspective. They bring us joy. I have come to realize over the years that it is these things that help me be happy every day. They help me laugh. They help me realize that God is the one in charge and He knows His children. I have been able to share that joy with others and, in a way, bring them closer to the light of Christ.
The idea for this blog originated several years ago; I just didn't know it at the time. I was driving and having a conversation with a friend of mine about passions. I was distressed, talking with her about the fact that so many of the people I knew seemed to be passionate about something in particular--anything from sports to musical instruments to succeeding in school or careers to computers to painting to cooking. I didn't have a passion like that. My wonderful friend suggested, "you have a passion for life". Well huzzah! Eureka! Yep. I have a passion for life! For living, for breathing, for observing, for being grateful! I have a passion for the 'small and simple things' that make every day worth getting up for. Since that time, knowing that life is my passion, I have found even more joy in living, breathing, and observing. I have become more grateful for the little things. I have decided I want to bring joy to others' lives as well.
I have come to realize that finding joy in the small things is a great gift from my Heavenly Father. "Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free" (Shaker hymn). I thank Him every day for this precious gift. I have seen the Lord's hand in my life. I have found greater humility and faith as I put my trust in Him.
As cliché as the words 'live', 'laugh', and 'love' are (especially in home décor!); those words are what this joy is all about. We should live with purpose, we should laugh without reserve, and we should reexamine love as the motivating force for ALL our actions.
The aforementioned scripture is the inspiration for the title of my blog: Small and Simple Things. Which brings me to say, welcome. I hope you find joy, peace, and lightheartedness in the messages I choose to share.
Small and simple things give us an eternal perspective. They bring us joy. I have come to realize over the years that it is these things that help me be happy every day. They help me laugh. They help me realize that God is the one in charge and He knows His children. I have been able to share that joy with others and, in a way, bring them closer to the light of Christ.
The idea for this blog originated several years ago; I just didn't know it at the time. I was driving and having a conversation with a friend of mine about passions. I was distressed, talking with her about the fact that so many of the people I knew seemed to be passionate about something in particular--anything from sports to musical instruments to succeeding in school or careers to computers to painting to cooking. I didn't have a passion like that. My wonderful friend suggested, "you have a passion for life". Well huzzah! Eureka! Yep. I have a passion for life! For living, for breathing, for observing, for being grateful! I have a passion for the 'small and simple things' that make every day worth getting up for. Since that time, knowing that life is my passion, I have found even more joy in living, breathing, and observing. I have become more grateful for the little things. I have decided I want to bring joy to others' lives as well.
I have come to realize that finding joy in the small things is a great gift from my Heavenly Father. "Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free" (Shaker hymn). I thank Him every day for this precious gift. I have seen the Lord's hand in my life. I have found greater humility and faith as I put my trust in Him.
As cliché as the words 'live', 'laugh', and 'love' are (especially in home décor!); those words are what this joy is all about. We should live with purpose, we should laugh without reserve, and we should reexamine love as the motivating force for ALL our actions.
The aforementioned scripture is the inspiration for the title of my blog: Small and Simple Things. Which brings me to say, welcome. I hope you find joy, peace, and lightheartedness in the messages I choose to share.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Things to come...
I have been thinking for a few weeks now that I should start a blog. You know that nagging feeling? I have enjoyed posting inspirational messages on Facebook, and will continue to do so, but I want to have this outlet to discuss some of the things that I am passionate about in greater detail.
Look forward to my first post in a week or two. As the name of my blog suggests, I plan on writing about the little things. I find a lot of joy in the small and simple things. But lest I give too much away before my introductory post, I will say no more.
I hope you all can share in the joy I find in everyday life. I hope I can inspire you to think about things in a different way. I love writing, and hope to convey my thoughts adequately.
Loves!
Jessica
Look forward to my first post in a week or two. As the name of my blog suggests, I plan on writing about the little things. I find a lot of joy in the small and simple things. But lest I give too much away before my introductory post, I will say no more.
I hope you all can share in the joy I find in everyday life. I hope I can inspire you to think about things in a different way. I love writing, and hope to convey my thoughts adequately.
Loves!
Jessica
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