Happiness

  A couple of weeks ago, Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Seventy and an Apostle of the Lord, gave a talk to the Youth of our Church. It was posted online and Josh and I watched a copy of it. Elder Bednar quoted Elder Maxwell when he said "It was better not to shrink than to survive..." speaking of his bout with Cancer. Tuesday, while driving home from the dentist, with a pain in two teeth, and a possible estimate for 2 root canals and 2 crowns (the price of which would deplete our savings), I began to think of this talk. I was very disheartened. And just like when a few bad things happen to you in a row and you start to think you are having a bad day, I began to crumble, just slightly. And the words "I will not shrink" pressed into my mind. I will not shrink from getting two root canals if I need them (I got one yesterday). And I went on from there: I will not shrink from not getting pregnant (a bitter, sour cup) and will meet with our Foster/Adopti...

On September 23rd of last year Josh and I spoke in Church on the subject of personal spritual learning and growth. As I was going through my files yesterday, cleaning and purging, I found this talk and realized that I have learned more about this topic. So, I have decided to write a second part to my talk, entitling it "Spiritual Learning and Growth, Part II" (a creative title, I know) and since I can't access my word documents for some reason, I am putting in on my blog. You never know what you get when you read my blog! Good morning, brothers and sisters. I spoke to you three months ago on the subect of learning, spiritual learning and would like now to expand upon the principles I mentioned. I spoke of the importance of studying the scriptures and of applying lessons learned at Church in our own lives, giving the example of telling my kids I love them several times a day and then experiences a change in our daily lives. Now I would like to speak on the importa...