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.

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