Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Inspired...again
I haven't written for awhile. In fact, I've come very close to deleting this silly blog. Then, tonight, as I was eating dinner alone while the children play outside in the pool in pitch blackness...yes...I enjoyed reading an article that made me think that this isn't such a bad thing after all. You see, I doubt myself, even a daughter of God. Yes, I doubt myself and that anyone would gain anything worthwhile in these words expressed. For today, I will not delete this blog. See why here.
People are powerful. Influencial. Special. I'm very grateful for living examples such as Stephanie Nielson. Thank you, Stephanie.
Ellise
People are powerful. Influencial. Special. I'm very grateful for living examples such as Stephanie Nielson. Thank you, Stephanie.
Ellise
Friday, April 20, 2012
When Life Sucks, Pick Flowers
It seems to help me. :)
And the smell of flowers in your home is A-MAZE-ZA-ZING!
A dear friend shared this with me. It's worth sharing again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyX-I-um5Kk
Another song that lifts me every time is "He is Standing at the Door". It's worth a listen. http://www.lauricarrigan.com/listen-a-mothers-heart.html
Enjoy your flowers and music! Some things we just can't live without...
Smooches,
Ellise
And the smell of flowers in your home is A-MAZE-ZA-ZING!
A dear friend shared this with me. It's worth sharing again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyX-I-um5Kk
Another song that lifts me every time is "He is Standing at the Door". It's worth a listen. http://www.lauricarrigan.com/listen-a-mothers-heart.html
Enjoy your flowers and music! Some things we just can't live without...
Smooches,
Ellise
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
I'm so glad to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I'm so glad to have answers to my questions. I'm grateful for good people in my life: family & friends. You are all so very important to me.
My heart is full. I am happy in this moment. I hang on to it, for it is precious and rare. But, through the gray clouds, more and more, I am seeing the blue sky of happiness. I love it!
A conference talk reminded me of something important. A testimony is the best anchor in times of trial: (To Hold Sacred -- by Paul B. Pieper -- of the Seventy)
The Book of Mormon provides other examples of the struggle to give priority to the sacred. It speaks of believers whose faith led them to the tree of life to partake of its sacred fruit, the love of God. Then the mocking of those in the great and spacious building caused the believers to shift their focus from the sacred to the secular. (See 1 Nephi 8:11, 24–28.) Later the Nephites chose pride and denied the spirit of prophecy and revelation, “making a mock of that which was sacred” (Helaman 4:12). Even some eyewitnesses of the signs and miracles associated with the Lord’s birth chose to reject sacred manifestations from heaven in favor of secular explanations (see 3 Nephi 2:1–3).
Besides my personal study, here's more of what I've been reading. They each have uplifted me:
My heart is full. I am happy in this moment. I hang on to it, for it is precious and rare. But, through the gray clouds, more and more, I am seeing the blue sky of happiness. I love it!
A conference talk reminded me of something important. A testimony is the best anchor in times of trial: (To Hold Sacred -- by Paul B. Pieper -- of the Seventy)
The Book of Mormon provides other examples of the struggle to give priority to the sacred. It speaks of believers whose faith led them to the tree of life to partake of its sacred fruit, the love of God. Then the mocking of those in the great and spacious building caused the believers to shift their focus from the sacred to the secular. (See 1 Nephi 8:11, 24–28.) Later the Nephites chose pride and denied the spirit of prophecy and revelation, “making a mock of that which was sacred” (Helaman 4:12). Even some eyewitnesses of the signs and miracles associated with the Lord’s birth chose to reject sacred manifestations from heaven in favor of secular explanations (see 3 Nephi 2:1–3).
Today the struggle continues. Secular voices are growing in volume and intensity. They increasingly urge believers to abandon beliefs the world considers irrational and unreasonable. Because “we see through a glass, darkly” (1 Corinthians 13:12) and “do not know the meaning of all things” (1 Nephi 11:17), at times we may feel vulnerable and in need of greater spiritual assurances. The Lord told Oliver Cowdery: “If you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things. “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” (D&C 6:22–23).
The Lord reminded Oliver and us to rely on sacred personal witnesses already received when our faith is challenged. Like Moses’s, Alma’s and Joseph’s before, these divine encounters serve as spiritual anchors to keep us safe and on course in times of trial.
Besides my personal study, here's more of what I've been reading. They each have uplifted me:
...and entertained...
Today is beautiful! Here's what it looks like outside my front window. I love the sunshine and growing things. I love my flowers, the greening grass, and the small leaf shoots on the trees. I love spring!
Love you all,
Ellise
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Gratitude
Something I have often struggled with is Gratitude.
It seems I always want more.
I want better health. I want to be able to move and exercise, run and play with my kids. I want to look pretty again. I want to visit my family more. I want to buy more stuff we need. I want, I want, I want! Gosh! I can be pretty ungrateful. Yes, these things would be wonderful. Yes, they would bring a smile to my face, satisfaction to my life, etc., etc. But what about what I do have?
I am able to move. There are those who cannot. I can go for a walk from time to time. There are those who cannot. Maybe I still can't run, but I can play with my kids at different things. Even though I may not feel pretty anymore, my husband loves me still. That makes me smile. Plus, I do have a husband to love me and to love back. Many don't. I'm very grateful. I have children to love. Many don't.
You see...it's easy to forget what we already do have. Let's be grateful instead. Then, on those really horrible days that we all must pass through--inevitably--we might remember these good things that we can hold on to when we feel like giving up.
Don't give up!
Make a list instead. A list of things you are grateful for today.
Start writing! :)
Love,
Ellise
P.S. Look how my Daffodils have bloomed just since picking them yesterday! :O
It seems I always want more.
I want better health. I want to be able to move and exercise, run and play with my kids. I want to look pretty again. I want to visit my family more. I want to buy more stuff we need. I want, I want, I want! Gosh! I can be pretty ungrateful. Yes, these things would be wonderful. Yes, they would bring a smile to my face, satisfaction to my life, etc., etc. But what about what I do have?
I am able to move. There are those who cannot. I can go for a walk from time to time. There are those who cannot. Maybe I still can't run, but I can play with my kids at different things. Even though I may not feel pretty anymore, my husband loves me still. That makes me smile. Plus, I do have a husband to love me and to love back. Many don't. I'm very grateful. I have children to love. Many don't.
You see...it's easy to forget what we already do have. Let's be grateful instead. Then, on those really horrible days that we all must pass through--inevitably--we might remember these good things that we can hold on to when we feel like giving up.
Don't give up!
Make a list instead. A list of things you are grateful for today.
Start writing! :)
Love,
Ellise
P.S. Look how my Daffodils have bloomed just since picking them yesterday! :O
P.S.S. One of my favorite talks this General Conference is on Gratitude. Watch it here: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god?lang=eng&media=video
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
First Daffodils of Spring
Springtime Fare~~
Just thought I'd share one of the things that makes me most happy in this world. Flowers! And...my Daffodils are just popping out! SO excited! I LOVE Daffodils! (Can you tell?) After my walk this morning, I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to go back outside and cut the first shoots. I don't usually, but I need springtime inside my house--near me. I also cut some fresh little branches (I'm so mean!) to make the arrangement more complete since most of the flowers have yet to open. :)
I'm so happy!
So there you have it. A special moment in my day. I think appreciating nature always makes our Heavenly Father happy. After all, He's gone to so much effort making this world a beautiful place for us to enjoy. Some of us even helped. I think I helped with flowers. :)
Enjoy your day!
Ellise~
Just thought I'd share one of the things that makes me most happy in this world. Flowers! And...my Daffodils are just popping out! SO excited! I LOVE Daffodils! (Can you tell?) After my walk this morning, I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to go back outside and cut the first shoots. I don't usually, but I need springtime inside my house--near me. I also cut some fresh little branches (I'm so mean!) to make the arrangement more complete since most of the flowers have yet to open. :)
I'm so happy!
So there you have it. A special moment in my day. I think appreciating nature always makes our Heavenly Father happy. After all, He's gone to so much effort making this world a beautiful place for us to enjoy. Some of us even helped. I think I helped with flowers. :)
Enjoy your day!
Ellise~
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Great examples of Grace--Carnegie Hall or Quitting?? Those are not our only options.
This is still a favorite. I have sooooo needed this talk. I read and listen to it over and over and feel so much more understanding of our Heavenly Father's love and our Savior's love for each of us. They really do want us to come home to them. I'm so glad.
So often in my life, I have felt short of everything I needed to do to get 'there'. I was so wrong. They want us there. They're helping us daily, hourly. We just don't always see that. I'm grateful for this enlightenment.
Please, if you haven't watched this, do so. It is worth the time.
http://byutv.org/watch/49475abb-10d4-4f45-a757-7000b9945468#ooid=BtNDVvMjoehGYf88xRZ6wIVP82mCeC3p
Smooches,
Ellise
So often in my life, I have felt short of everything I needed to do to get 'there'. I was so wrong. They want us there. They're helping us daily, hourly. We just don't always see that. I'm grateful for this enlightenment.
Please, if you haven't watched this, do so. It is worth the time.
http://byutv.org/watch/49475abb-10d4-4f45-a757-7000b9945468#ooid=BtNDVvMjoehGYf88xRZ6wIVP82mCeC3p
Smooches,
Ellise
Monday, April 9, 2012
In the Beginning
Something New...
Just this morning, I watched an inspiring BYU Devotional. http://byutv.org/watch/9356fc9b-0bfa-435d-9714-be4c943de58d#ooid=9pdnE5NDpzFKkkLayBwZj_Hqd2ljLTbJ
I was inspired. I thought to myself of all my wasted time and energy in empty pursuits. Instead, I have wondered what my contribution to the world could be. Often, I've contemplated this, but without coming up with more than thinking my children are my contribution. I love them completely and am devoted to them. They are good children and have made me very happy by being good. They try hard themselves to contribute to their world in positive ways. My husband is amazing too. He is always serving us and others, definitely making this world a better place to be. But, other than to my loved ones, I am nothing. It hasn't really mattered to me before. But, after listening to this talk, I've contemplated what mark I could make.
First of all, I do realize that I am a daughter of God. That is something. Truly, this is the most comforting realization I could ever share, because all of us are either sons or daughters of our Heavenly Father.
I have a testimony of God that has carried me through some tough times. That is worth something. I don't know if I could lift another, but I do believe that this 'lifting of another' is my motive here in creating this blog. My own personal struggles and conflicts have driven me to seek answers to my questions. My beliefs about my life and raising a family is probably what I will talk about, mostly like a journal, except made accessible. What an idea! :) Silly notion! But, at the same time, this life is a struggle at times. If we can help one another get through it happier and with more peace, why not gift that to another. Here's my attempt at gifting peace.
Amy Jensen's devotional talk inspired me because she talked about her sister's contribution to a blog prior to her death from cancer. I now wish I had recorded all my whirling thoughts and feelings and prayers during my own bout with cancer. At the time, and even since, I have wanted to forget about it completely. I didn't want a record of it. I didn't want to think about it, contemplate it, or any of the above. I just wanted to forget about it and move on as quickly as I possibly could. But...life is tricky. I haven't been able to move very far from it at all. My healing process has not only been spiritual, but very physical as well. You might think that I mean this in reverse? But, no. They have both been hand in hand all the time. And as difficult as the spiritual healing has been for me, the physical has been brutal. I'm still healing and have very little patience with the process. Reflecting upon the speaker's sister's contemplations, I have been in a very different place.
The healing during cancer treatments was almost divine. It was a time of growing very close and personal with my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I was preparing to go home. I was trying my best to be ready. I could die. At any time.
But when I didn't--when I lived--things changed. The real battle for my life began.
Satan is real. He is a thwarter. He is a fiddler with our lives--our happiness. We cannot afford to listen to his voice, his temptations. Life has been tough because I have not healed well. I have not been able to get over being sick. My body, in every way, has gotten sicker. I have not healed from cancer. Satan has done his part to see me depressed. It's worked abundantly well. On many occasions, I have been tempted to take my own life and forget living in this state. But...
I've ignored him. Instead, I have chosen to listen to my Savior, and also to my Heavenly Father. They see me differently than Satan does. They see my whole life--past, present, future--in one moment. I have chosen to follow them. Now, I am the thwarter. I daily, most times, hourly--minute by minute--thwart Satan's plan to destroy me.
This plan works for all of us.
The process of healing has been long and arduous. I doubt now that it will ever be over. But, I am doing my best at it. This process includes both the spiritual aspects and physical too. As much struggle as life brings, there is also those precious moments of joy and happiness. Like yesterday. I was able to go to church, for the first time since January, and listen to my daughter, give a talk on the Atonement. She did very well. She gets it. She understands it. I'm grateful. She will grow to understand it even better as she grows older. We're all so blessed with this special gift given us by our Savior. Each of us, because of Him, will be resurrected someday. This does bring me joy and peace, especially because I do want to be with loved ones again. Even as I sit here typing, I just received a phone call from my Home Teacher simply calling to say how he enjoyed our daughter's talk and wanted me to pass it along to her. That touched my heart that he would take time out of herding cattle to call and say such a nice thing.
We also enjoyed a delicious dinner yesterday celebrating Easter. The girls helped me. It's nice having teenage daughters who want to help in the kitchen. It would be a completely different experience if I had to force their help...and knowing me, I would have. :) Thankfully, they accept being taught how to make a ham, etc. We also enjoyed scalloped potatoes (boxed, because I didn't want to slave on a Sunday), stuffing (again, boxed), gravy, deviled eggs (from all those Easter eggs), with condiments and a fresh drink. Apple juice and gingerale...yum!
Well, I told myself that since it was a holiday, I was going to enjoy this wonderful meal. I did enjoy it. It just didn't prove to be a smart thing. I've been on a careful diet for liver damage and diabetes for a few months. It's a good thing, and it is helping my health, overall. But I'm seeing that any time I step outside those provided guidelines, my body has a difficult time with certain foods. Again, I'm learning.
Well, enough for today. There will probably be no rhyme or rhythm to my blog posts, but I do believe I've said enough for one day.
To all of you who read my words, I do hope you feel something more than my whining. I probably will do more of it. But, again, my purpose is to help others see good in their lives. There is something good in our lives each day. It's those small moments that we must challenge ourselves to hold on to that bring us joy. The opposition we experience has the ability to make us more than we presently are.
All my blessings to you,
Ellise
Just this morning, I watched an inspiring BYU Devotional. http://byutv.org/watch/9356fc9b-0bfa-435d-9714-be4c943de58d#ooid=9pdnE5NDpzFKkkLayBwZj_Hqd2ljLTbJ
I was inspired. I thought to myself of all my wasted time and energy in empty pursuits. Instead, I have wondered what my contribution to the world could be. Often, I've contemplated this, but without coming up with more than thinking my children are my contribution. I love them completely and am devoted to them. They are good children and have made me very happy by being good. They try hard themselves to contribute to their world in positive ways. My husband is amazing too. He is always serving us and others, definitely making this world a better place to be. But, other than to my loved ones, I am nothing. It hasn't really mattered to me before. But, after listening to this talk, I've contemplated what mark I could make.
First of all, I do realize that I am a daughter of God. That is something. Truly, this is the most comforting realization I could ever share, because all of us are either sons or daughters of our Heavenly Father.
I have a testimony of God that has carried me through some tough times. That is worth something. I don't know if I could lift another, but I do believe that this 'lifting of another' is my motive here in creating this blog. My own personal struggles and conflicts have driven me to seek answers to my questions. My beliefs about my life and raising a family is probably what I will talk about, mostly like a journal, except made accessible. What an idea! :) Silly notion! But, at the same time, this life is a struggle at times. If we can help one another get through it happier and with more peace, why not gift that to another. Here's my attempt at gifting peace.
Amy Jensen's devotional talk inspired me because she talked about her sister's contribution to a blog prior to her death from cancer. I now wish I had recorded all my whirling thoughts and feelings and prayers during my own bout with cancer. At the time, and even since, I have wanted to forget about it completely. I didn't want a record of it. I didn't want to think about it, contemplate it, or any of the above. I just wanted to forget about it and move on as quickly as I possibly could. But...life is tricky. I haven't been able to move very far from it at all. My healing process has not only been spiritual, but very physical as well. You might think that I mean this in reverse? But, no. They have both been hand in hand all the time. And as difficult as the spiritual healing has been for me, the physical has been brutal. I'm still healing and have very little patience with the process. Reflecting upon the speaker's sister's contemplations, I have been in a very different place.
The healing during cancer treatments was almost divine. It was a time of growing very close and personal with my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I was preparing to go home. I was trying my best to be ready. I could die. At any time.
But when I didn't--when I lived--things changed. The real battle for my life began.
Satan is real. He is a thwarter. He is a fiddler with our lives--our happiness. We cannot afford to listen to his voice, his temptations. Life has been tough because I have not healed well. I have not been able to get over being sick. My body, in every way, has gotten sicker. I have not healed from cancer. Satan has done his part to see me depressed. It's worked abundantly well. On many occasions, I have been tempted to take my own life and forget living in this state. But...
I've ignored him. Instead, I have chosen to listen to my Savior, and also to my Heavenly Father. They see me differently than Satan does. They see my whole life--past, present, future--in one moment. I have chosen to follow them. Now, I am the thwarter. I daily, most times, hourly--minute by minute--thwart Satan's plan to destroy me.
This plan works for all of us.
The process of healing has been long and arduous. I doubt now that it will ever be over. But, I am doing my best at it. This process includes both the spiritual aspects and physical too. As much struggle as life brings, there is also those precious moments of joy and happiness. Like yesterday. I was able to go to church, for the first time since January, and listen to my daughter, give a talk on the Atonement. She did very well. She gets it. She understands it. I'm grateful. She will grow to understand it even better as she grows older. We're all so blessed with this special gift given us by our Savior. Each of us, because of Him, will be resurrected someday. This does bring me joy and peace, especially because I do want to be with loved ones again. Even as I sit here typing, I just received a phone call from my Home Teacher simply calling to say how he enjoyed our daughter's talk and wanted me to pass it along to her. That touched my heart that he would take time out of herding cattle to call and say such a nice thing.
We also enjoyed a delicious dinner yesterday celebrating Easter. The girls helped me. It's nice having teenage daughters who want to help in the kitchen. It would be a completely different experience if I had to force their help...and knowing me, I would have. :) Thankfully, they accept being taught how to make a ham, etc. We also enjoyed scalloped potatoes (boxed, because I didn't want to slave on a Sunday), stuffing (again, boxed), gravy, deviled eggs (from all those Easter eggs), with condiments and a fresh drink. Apple juice and gingerale...yum!
Well, I told myself that since it was a holiday, I was going to enjoy this wonderful meal. I did enjoy it. It just didn't prove to be a smart thing. I've been on a careful diet for liver damage and diabetes for a few months. It's a good thing, and it is helping my health, overall. But I'm seeing that any time I step outside those provided guidelines, my body has a difficult time with certain foods. Again, I'm learning.
Well, enough for today. There will probably be no rhyme or rhythm to my blog posts, but I do believe I've said enough for one day.
To all of you who read my words, I do hope you feel something more than my whining. I probably will do more of it. But, again, my purpose is to help others see good in their lives. There is something good in our lives each day. It's those small moments that we must challenge ourselves to hold on to that bring us joy. The opposition we experience has the ability to make us more than we presently are.
All my blessings to you,
Ellise
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