when things are UP
&DOWN
all you need are the following go to's that I am going to tell you. Yeah, you can go get Nielson's, eat everything at your grasp, watch sappy movies, go do adventurous things to take your mind off of it, but myyy ultimate go to's are the following:
one. read something inspirational.
yesterday -being an "i quit everything" kind of day- i decided to start by reading a ton of blogs. -one especially inspired me yesterday: the cute blog of Fleurry Staniforth :) most of the time the Lord teaches us through others. i definitely saw that yesterday. one of my favorite posts of hers is entitled "angels." it reminded me of all of the angels in my life and the blessings i receive everyday that i need to stop overlooking! the best part is that she has been one of those angels. a month or so ago, she emailed me and said the sweetest things. there is nothing better than receiving a compliment or comfort from someone out of the blue. most of the time, the giver has no idea how much you needed it --in this case, it came at a time of much need! She truly was a little angel for me that day. i have received so many emails/texts/you name it from people that have meant the world to me! so thank you to you all -you know who you are :)
two. go outside, get fresh air, and if you really want to get the ultimate results, go for a run!
running is the best thing in the world. if it is stressful for you, you need to get past that, because it is the most relaxing thing ever if you let it be so! especially if you are having a hard time, going for a run is almost your way of proving to your self, "i can do something hard. i can reach my goals. i can overcome." it is therapeutic and an accomplishment. And if you listen to good music, all the better :) After my hours of reading blogs, i decided to finally do something. i have an album entitled "inspirational" on my iPod. it is mostly church music, with a handful of instrumental songs. love it with all of my heart. when i need to be guided, or to feel more peace, [which is all the time because when do you not need that, right?] this album is just what i need. and with running, there is nothing better to calm you down when you'd normally be stressing about the activity. i don't know how people listen to "pump up" music. that just reminds me that much more of the energy needed to go as far as i'd like! ha
anywho, this is where the title of my post comes in.
i love it when the Lord is my DJ.
every time i run [without fail], the music seems to be timed to perfection. it builds when i'm about to hit a rough spot, giving me the push i need to keep going. it soothes when i'm feeling comfortable and able to enjoy the moment. it goes right with my thoughts. and the words come at timing that is impeccable. this was especially evident by the time i was done with my run, and was walking into the temple grounds. which brings me to my number three. go to the temple! inside or out! i feel like each provide different things -both are so comforting and helpful.
i cannot tell you how many times i've gone there feeling troubled, and left feeling hopeful and at peace. annnd the St. George temple is the best place on earth! Ah :( i'm going to miss it so much! There is no other temple like it! it truly is the center of St. George. i have never seen a temple so loved and enjoyed to its fullest by the people.
[the temple on Palm Sunday <3 pure, pure white]
Rolling River God little stones are smooth only once the water passes through.
So i am a stone rough and grainy still trying to reconcile this river's chill.
But when i close my eyes and feel you rushing by i know that time brings change
and change takes time. And when the sunset comes my prayer would be this one
that you might pick me up and notice that i am just a little smoother in your hand.
Sometimes raging wild sometimes swollen high never have i known this river dry.
The deepest part of you is where i want to stay
and feel the sharpest edges wash away.
And when i close my eyes and feel you rushing by i know that time brings change
and change takes time. And when the sunset comes my prayer would be this one
that you might pick me up and notice that i am
just a little smoother in your hand.
i thanked my Heavenly Father and Savior for that. i told them that i want to change, and i know it will take time. But i pray that they will let their waters wash over me. i want them to shape me. i know i can be smoother in His hands.
The music continued to be perfect. They certainly know me well :)
i returned home feeling strengthened and just had to write this blog. The last go to's are:
four. Take the time to read and even memorize The Living Christ document.
Our Stake Relief Society felt so strongly that we should all take this challenge upon ourselves, and that in doing so we would come to know the Living Christ. i felt the Spirit so strong, and knew that i needed to do it. it took me some time to get started, but i am almost finished! :) i have the strongest testimony of doing this. it has been the greatest blessing to me in my life at this time. i truly have come to know my Savior so much better, have felt peace, strength, a better sense of purpose, and even help in my school work and all knowledge aspects -which is something they promised. The testimony of the apostles regarding the Christ was inspired and has been put together with the Spirit. it is remarkable! do this! take on the chalenge! i promise you that you won't regret it!
five. listen to the words of the Prophets and leaders of the church.
Go here, and you can download the entire audio version of the conference and put it into your itunes! Just download, and then open it with itunes and it will be there for good :) This past conference was incredible. The messages shared were the messages God wants to give to us at this time. if you are searching for peace and answers, turn to this. This is where God can speak to you.
six. turn to your scriptures :)
Last week being easter [which was incredible by the way. once i'm done with finals and am home i PROMISE i'll write about it] i decided to turn to some of the scriptures nate gave me in one of his letters [he wrote out each of the seven days of Christ's last days, death, and resurrection. he included the events that occurred on each day and scriptures to turn to to read about them- love that boy]. i got so involved in those scriptures! it is such an incredible thing to read about the Savior while He lived on this very earth! All that He taught. All of the evidence of His being the Christ. The New Testament is amazing, i can't wait to read more. Seriously, turn to the scrips :) you will receive your guidance and peace.
and lastly, seven. pray
i have realized that my biggest problem lately is that i have been lacking when it comes to putting my trust and faith in my Heavenly Father and Savior. They are here to help us. if i want satan to get out of my head and stop making me feel like i can't amount to anything, then i need to pray with faith for Their help. if you make the effort to pray every day and night, i can promise you will never be digressing. you will be acting, and will therefore always be working towards something better.
i know these are all typical gospel answers, but they are mentioned so much in our lives because they are important!
They are the answers to all of our problems!
i realized it for myself even more yesterday :)
before doing these things, i felt helpless, afraid, and doubtful of myself. after turning to these resources that God has given us, i felt capable, faithful, and confident in myself --with Their help, of course.
Thank you to my Father and Savior for always teaching me.
my hope is that this may be of some help to others :)
[four days before easter, at the Dixie Rock]
I know that They live :)
always, madi
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