Instruction Manual for (My) Life

The Scriptures are often referred to as an instruction manual for life. Everything we need to know to become successful, find happiness, solve problems and gain peace is within their pages. Every time I have sought out the guidance of my Bishops, parents, peers or people I admire, they send me to the same source; The Word of God. "Have you prayed about it?" "This scripture/conference talk/LDS article inspired me when I was in a similar situation." "What does your gut tell you?" "Have you been reading your scriptures?"

Reading was something I used to do before my children were born. I read at all hours of the night.  When I found myself alone and when I didn't want to deal with life. It was a favorite pastime. I stopped reading when I realized that my attention was being enveloped by a story instead of the bundle of joy in the room. Reading had been my joyful escape for many years. Now the new joy, that I had agreed to commit myself to 10 months earlier, had arrived. Instead of reading about life I had born one and was put in charge of creating it.

Since then life has been happening all the time. I truly have just let life happen. Whether it was because my aim was to please someone or lack in confidence to follow my dreams, life just went on. I had chosen to allow the people (specifically male) who ventured into my life to determine it. I had no sense of boundaries or how to be mysterious or demanding  honest.

I have noticed a difference in my day when I start it off with a prayer. My ability to respond rather then react to stressors and the unexpected is improved. Inspiration comes clearly so that I have no doubts in what I am to say or do. The reality, greatness and love of God is also confirmed to me as I read or listen to the scriptures. My mind is open to receive his acknowledgment of my life. That my life is not so different from those written about in the scriptures. That 3000 years in the history of man we are still the same. The concerns, fears, accomplishments, pains and triumphs transcend time, place, culture and society. This is what makes the Scriptures my Instruction Manual for Life. I have read self help books, listened to various talks through TED and YouTube, followed upstanding bloggers, Facebookers and the like. They have all been great resources when I need them. However they don't have the same effect as when I read and follow the scriptures. Perhaps I find it easier to tell myself that I can do it, because someone over 2000 years ago did it, then because of my neighbor. Or maybe it's that final story I needed to hear to make the connection between my struggles, my neighbors and God's plan. God has a plan for his people and one is not greater then the other. One way is not for all. His way is not mine or their way. We are each His children. Just as I approach things differently with each one of my children He does the same for us.

In that respect I will document my studies and how I have likened the scriptures to my life and benefit. My hope is that by doing so I will be reminded of where I started and how I have progressed. As a grown adult there isn't someone watching and ready to reward me with a Gold star for my achievements. I will know for myself and build my own self worth. I also hope this may inspire, provide insight and ring true for others. I am not a scholar by any means but I feel I have enough life experience and general knowledge that anyone can relate. If that is not true for some I welcome their insight to those things I can not relate to.

I am going to use blogger to track my study of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. I will post on YouTube my study of the New and Old Testament (KJV).

Honest, Upright and Firm

"Three Towels and a 25 cent Newspaper"

This morning I came upon this talk given by Richard C. Edgley. In it he shares two experiences. One in which he learned and one he shared the virtue of honesty. He begins by telling us the experience he had between his father and himself upon arriving home from a summer job at Jackson Lake Lodge, located in Moran, Wyoming. 

  "...after the miracle of arriving home, my father came out and happily greeted me. After a hug and a few pleasantries, he looked into the backseat of the car and saw three Jackson Lake Lodge towels—the kind you cannot buy. With a disappointed look he merely said, “I expected more of you.” I hadn’t thought that what I had done was all that wrong. To me these towels were but a symbol of a full summer’s work at a luxury hotel, a rite of passage. Nevertheless, by taking them I felt I had lost the trust and confidence of my father, and I was devastated.

The following weekend I adjusted the plywood floorboard in my car, filled the radiator with water, and began the 370-mile (595-km) round trip back to Jackson Lake Lodge to return three towels. My father never asked why I was returning to the lodge, and I never explained. It just didn’t need to be said. This was an expensive and painful lesson on honesty that has stayed with me throughout my life."

When I read this all those moments that I felt were "a rite of passage", and my perception of entitlement came to mind. So many little things that have etched away my self intergrity concerning honesty. I have much to work on and be repentant for.  

The second part solidified to me how many times I act before regarding the consequences. Not only those that are dolled out by society/family/friend but more importantly the damage I bring upon my own conscience and  spirit. 

 "Some 30 years ago, while working in the corporate world, some business associates and I were passing through O’Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois. One of these men had just sold his company for tens of millions of dollars—in other words, he was not poor.

As we were passing a newspaper vending machine, this individual put a quarter in the machine, opened the door to the stack of papers inside the machine, and began dispensing unpaid-for newspapers to each of us. When he handed me a newspaper, I put a quarter in the machine and, trying not to offend but to make a point, jokingly said, “Jim, for 25 cents I can maintain my integrity. A dollar, questionable, but 25 cents—no, not for 25 cents.” You see, I remembered well the experience of three towels and a broken-down 1941 Hudson. A few minutes later we passed the same newspaper vending machine. I noticed that Jim had broken away from our group and was stuffing quarters in the vending machine. I tell you this incident not to portray myself as an unusual example of honesty, but only to emphasize the lessons of three towels and a 25-cent newspaper."

I pray that I'll keep his shared lesson always in my mind. For it's the little things that create the holes in my spirit and cause me to be complacent with my actions. 
 

 

Motherly Guidelines

Ever stand in the bookstore and scan through searching for the instruction manual to the bundle of joy in your arms? Click through Amazon.com for instructions on how to tame your toddler? Google any article that holds the ever changing Teenage Translator?

As parents we may never hold all the answers. We can't guarantee that our children won't reach adulthood unscarred.  Or that we'll know everything when we're done. 

Thankfully, Heavenly Father knew that we'd need help. So he gave us guidelines. Written passages throughout time, recorded in scripture. 

This one has come to mind when there's just one straw left to break and I'm ready to through in the towel and let what comes easiest "solve" the problem. I may still need to count to 10 20 before I do what's right. Always resulting in a much better outcome. Peace restored and a lesson learned by both myself and my child(ren). 

Avoid the Appearance

 

Don't Be Bought

Promises

Promises of this nature, requiring an oath are not mine to make. I cannot foresee what is to come, even with the best of intentions. Even to swear an oath using His name or the name of others is not right. For men can use it against me or twist my words or use them to deceive others. 

I acknowledge that my word is limited even if honest and true. In that case I must always be aware of my limitations and strive to be consistent in my doings so that others may find me reliable and accountable. I will also follow the promptings of the Spirit. Accepting God's plan as my plan and not rely on 'fate' to keep my promises.

As a mother my children are the ones I fail most. I know things come up. I know that there are exceptions to some rules. 

Second Challenge for the Week:

• Give myself a minute to pay attention to what my children are asking for, needing from me.
• Keep in mind the schedule or routine for the week.
• Don't change my mind based on my mood. 

Honesty: part 2

It has been more then a week since my last post. Many more days since I last continued this version of my personal study into the scriptures. Sporadically I have read and pondered over more verses concerning Honesty and Upright in all things, and decided that every day for the month of April I will share them with my thoughts. 

Christ lived and taught the same principles in all things. His course never wavered or changed. Each parable resounded with the same eternal truths. Just as He lived I must also do the same. To be steadfast and immovable. To never deviate from that which is true. 

My focus every day will be to stay the course. To often allow the distractions of the world; TV, FB the wonders of the world wide web to distract me and lead me down a detour. Even worse I allow myself to be my worst enemy. The lack of self discipline to sleep earlier and eat better or the worst culprits. Such simple things and yet the cause of most wrongs when not attended to. It's all well in good that I nourish my soul with the reading of scriptures, attending of church meetings and listening to the Prophets voice. But what good does it do me if I'm too tired to live them? If I'm physically hungry and bite back at people for little mistakes or misunderstanding? Not at all conducive to living a Christ-like life.

My Challenge for the week; 

No T.V 

A 10:30pm bedtime with a 6:30am wake up

Eat more fruits and vegetables

Drink water

I will not walk in crooked paths, neither will I vary from that which I have said; neither will I think to turn to the right or to the left; or from that which is right to that which is wrong; my course will be as His, one eternal round.

Creating and Keeping A Mighty Change of Heart: Honesty

Through the Atonement of Christ and by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, we undergo this ultimate operation, this spiritual change of heart. As a result of our transgressions, our spiritual hearts have become diseased and hardened, making us subject to spiritual death and separation from our Heavenly Father. The Lord explained the operation that we all need: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” ... Indeed, equal, if not greater, care must be taken with a spiritually changed heart than with a physically transplanted heart if we are to endure to the end. 

In an article written by Dale G. Renlund, "Preserving the Heart's Might Change" I found 11 key characteristics that I feel will be helpful in my efforts to become the woman God has intended for me to be.

1. Honest & Upright in all things
2. Firm in the Faith of Christ
3. Eager to please God
4. Worship with fervor and passion
5. Interest in helping and service
6. Hold covenants firmly
7. Teach the Gospel to your children
8. Distance yourself from temptations
9. Frequently assess the condition of your heart
10. Be humble
11. Free of Pride & Envy 

Every week I will study each one of these through the scriptures, words of the Prophets and any other uplifting helpful resources.

This week my focus will be on Honest.

Sunday night I flipped through the Dictionary to better educate myself with the word 'upright'. It is defined as being strictly honest or honorable. Because I find words fascinating I also looked up 'strictly/strict'. Without exception or deviation. It isn't enough to be honest but strictly honest. I imagine myself speaking only to stop and ponder did I speak complete truth? Did I embellish, exaggerate, or only tell half truths? For I know I have done these things before. I also feel that not only does this discipline of honesty apply to my words but my actions as well. I've fallen guilty to making myself out to be a liar. Falling through on my promises. Not producing the expected results.

Think before you speak and/ or act. Always good advice. In everything I do I will strive to be honest by stopping to daily evaluate the previous' day actions and words. Did I make commitments; to God, myself, children or others? What activities, interactions can I anticipate for today that will prove me honest or false?

Scriptures to keep in mind; 

• Exodus 23:1 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Don't tell lies, gossip, or even elevate myself above others by comparing. Gossiping no matter how factual it may be is not speaking with the spirit of Christ. Trying to 'one up' a persons experience is usually achieved through exaggerations.
•  Ecclesiastes 5:5  Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Don't make promises you can't keep. Look through past experiences, recognize where I fell short, why and if the same could be the same again. Don't make promises to things that aren't tried and true. If it's the first time with a new project, an added errand to an already busy schedule, don't set yourself up to make you unreliable. 
• Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Don't sell myself short. If I'm working with others that aren't doing their full part don't let my work slide because of their attitude. If someone wrongs me and they are in need of help, serve them. Don't let their actions/words towards me change my nature and become choosey. 
• Alma 7:20 I perceive that it has been made known unto you, by the testimony of his word, that he cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore, his course is one eternal round. Don't be distracted. Be truly reliable, even predictable. 
• Alma 41:14 Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, jusdge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again. I will always be better blessed for being honest.

A Time to be Born

As a mother the first thought came of the birth of my children. Now since that only happens once, how could I apply this line of scripture verse once more to my life?
So I pondered on what word could describe the result of birth. New, it's something new. A new life.
I can't physically be born again but I can be spiritually reborn. And I believe this can happen more then once. Being human makes me forgetful and less disciplined than I could ever wish to be. Thus the reason for this whole study and why I thought it appropriate to start it with Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Life divided into a Time and Season for all things.

This first study my focus will be on Rebirth and the creating of New things.

Here are a few scriptures to start out with.

John 3: 3,5,6 & 12
      Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.
   ...Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.
      That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.
      If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

Here the explanation is simple. It's all about perspective. With this mortal life comes limited vision. We rely on our 5 earthly senses. The evidences proved by science are based upon them. What you can see, touch, hear, smell and taste, they are real. They are tangible and available for extensive study. Even then, there is much debate as to what is fact and what can be called theory. So here it is. If we can't identify what's clearly in front of us. How are we to know what's beyond?

1 John 4:7
      Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. 

I find this to be appropriate because love is truly all you need. Not in the way everyone likes to promote, but for living through the Spirit. It is only when we love ourselves, can we love others, that drives us to serve unselfishly. Our hearts are then truly changed. The love we can have for others allows us to look inward and act outward toward those we see in need. Our inhibitions would not detour us.

Alma 5:14 
      And now behold, I ask of you my brethren of the Church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received His image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your heart?

This is my goal. To have a MIGHTY change. No more little spats. No more good on Sunday only. I need to buckle down, get disciplined and create that change within my soul that I know will make a world of difference. 

Introduction

Hello there!

I'm Jennifer and this is me using inspiration and turning it into realization. To many times when inspired by passages of scripture, words given by Prophets and speakers during Church meetings or through answers of prayer, and comments shared by friends, I let them pass me by. But not anymore. My last inspiration just wouldn't let me go. So I came up with a study plan to follow until the end of the year on a common scripture verse(s). Ecclesiastes 3:1-8    I broke it up into pieces for each week. I broke up the study into days. Pondering what each phrase meant to me. What the scriptures and others have to say on it. Then figure out how to apply it. I began and just couldn't stick to it. I found myself wanting to expand it! There is just so much to learn from 8 verses I don't want to miss anything.

I started a journal to keep and make notes of my studies. Now I've started this blog to share my discoveries. I first thought how amazing it would be to write a book. Creating an opportunity to make an income as single mother would be fantastic. But who wants to buy a book written by a nobody? That would probably be hacked during editing anyway. It then occurred to me that this information should be free. Why should I profit from scriptural doctrine? Those whose words and thoughts I'd be studying and searching don't.

So onward and forward. I hope to post 3 times a week and see how it goes from there. I'd also like this to be a forum for conversation, to leave inspiration and receive it.

Please, please I beg of you to show respect for the words and ideas of others

 that are different then you're own.