Mercy's Arms

Hello!

Today and yesterday having been very humbling days for me.  I have felt the spirit very strongly and have had remarkable encounters for which I am truly thankful.

Yesterday I met a friend in Salt Lake after coming from a meeting that had changed my way of thinking for the better.  I had been comforted and blessed in ways that I cannot express into words.  Upon meeting my friend we visited at length about life, lessons and other topics.  I was hurt to know how my friend had been treated at different times in his life by members of the church.  It had bothered me all night.  Amazingly enough, I received a phone call this morning asking if once again I could meet with someone.  This was a different person than the first, but held the same calling.  I asked what it was concerning, He answered, please come and visit with me.  So..... back I went.  To my surprise this person woke up thinking about the exact conversation I had with my friend yesterday.  He shared his thoughts with me, I cried and told him how mean people can be, members and non members alike.  I spoke at length with him, I told him that my heart ached for my friend, that is all I could think about, that I did not how to help him or change the behavior of  others.  This gentle man said to me "Karley, have you thought about mercy"  I asked him what he meant then he quoted this from President Hinckley "Mercy is of the very essence for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The degree to which each of us is able to extend it becomes and expression of the reality of our discipleship under Him who is our Lord and Master.  I remind you that it was He who said "Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also"  It was He while hanging on the cross in dreadful agony, cried out "Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.  He, the Son of the everlasting Father was the epitome  of mercy.  His ministry was one of compassion toward the poor, the sick, the oppressed, the victims of injustice and man's inhumanity to man.  His sacrifice on the cross was an unparalleled act of mercy in the behalf of all humanity.  How great a thing is mercy.  Most often it is the quiet and unassuming.  It receives few headlines.  It is the antithesis of vengeance and hatred, of greed and offensive egotism" close quote.  I just sat there after and cried, he cried with me.  He asked me to tell him how I was feeling, what made me sad.  I did.  He looked me in the eyes, and said simply, be a good friend.  I told him I would be, but I did not know what to do, he said "emulate the Savior" I asked him how?  He said be loving, love your friend with no conditions, just love.  He went on to express his sorrow for the way that some members of our church act.  He reminded me to simply love.  How lucky all of us would be if we chose to just simply love each other for who we are, where we are in our lives and what we can do to be better.  I spent the later afternoon and this evening thinking how can I love my friends more, how can I love strangers, how can I be a more understanding person.  I can be simply choosing to love as the Savior has. 

Please understand in no way am I trying to lecture anyone, I just think it is so important for us to love unconditionally.  We are all struggling in some way or another.  If we choose love as the Savior would, we learn to be loved as He loves each of us.

This is very personal to me and very tender to my heart.  Yet, I knew for some reason I should write about it.  Please know I love you all, I want to be there for you as so many have been there for me over the years.  Let's take care of each other and talk soon!

Karley

Having Gratitude

Today has been a very humbling day for me.  I am so grateful for the many examples in my life and for the gifts that I am so blessed to have.  I am thankful for everything I learn from you, my friends and for all of your love and support.

I was reading this talk given by President Monsen in conference (I am not sure of the year) but it very touching and I wanted to share part of it with you....

"Genuine gratitude was expressed by the writer of a letter received some time ago at Church headquarters. No return address was shown, no name, but the postmark was from Portland, Oregon:
“To the Office of the First Presidency:
“Salt Lake City showed me Christian hospitality once during my wandering years.
“On a cross-country journey by bus to California, I stepped down in the terminal in Salt Lake City, sick and trembling from aggravated loss of sleep caused by a lack of necessary medication. In my headlong flight from a bad situation in Boston, I had completely forgotten my supply.
“In the Temple Square Hotel restaurant, I sat dejectedly. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a couple approach my table. ‘Are you all right, young man?’ the woman asked. I raised up, crying and a bit shaken, related my story and the predicament I was in then. They listened carefully and patiently to my nearly incoherent ramblings, and then they took charge. They spoke with the restaurant manager, then told me I could have all I wanted to eat there for five days. They took me next door to the hotel desk and got me a room for five days. Then they drove me to a clinic and saw that I was provided with the medications I needed—truly my basic lifeline to sanity and comfort.
“While I was recuperating and building my strength, I made it a point to attend the daily Tabernacle organ recitals. The celestial voicing of that instrument from the faintest intonation to the mighty full organ is the most sublime sonority of my acquaintance. I have acquired albums and tapes of the Tabernacle organ and the choir which I can rely upon any time to soothe and buttress a sagging spirit.
“On my last day at the hotel, before I resumed my journey, I turned in my key; and there was a message for me from that couple: ‘Repay us by showing gentle kindness to some other troubled soul along your road.’ That was my habit, but I determined to be more keenly on the lookout for someone who needed a lift in life.
“I wish you well. I don’t know if these are indeed the ‘latter days’ spoken of in the scriptures, but I do know that two members of your church were saints to me in my desperate hours of need. I just thought you might like to know.”What an example of caring compassion."

I am so touched at this story for many reasons.  I personally have had a tough couple of years, without my family, the church and good friends I am certain I would not be here.  I believe very strongly that the Lord places us in each others lives for a reason.  I am so thankful for everything I continue to learn daily.

I just finished reading "A Stolen Life" by Jaycee Dugard.  She was the little girl kidnapped in Lake Tahoe when she was in the fifth grade.  She was not found until she was 29.  During this time she experienced and lived a nightmare I cannot express in words.  I cried when I thought of all those years she was alone, having horrible and unspeakable things done to her.  She had two children with the rapist who took her.  Yet she never gave up.  She always held out hope that she would see her Mom again and would be free.  She lived in a backyard, in a tent and among horrible circumstances and she never ever gave up.  I admire her for moving forward and for wanting to give back to other victims of abuse.

I remember when I was up in the hospital several years ago, on the wall there was a quote from Winston Chruchill that states "Never, Never,Never,Never,Never Give up!  No matter where in our in our lives we can make it.  Through the humility and gratitude of our Savior and others we can endure and learn from our trials.

In a very real way, the Master speaks to us: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.” Let us listen for His knock. Let us open the door of our hearts, that He—the living example of true compassion—may enter,
 
Let's talk soon!
Karley

Twists and Turns!

Hello!

I am once again up late, I have got to get on a better sleeping schedule.... I am going to try essential oils and see if that might work.  My friend Mandi introduced me to them and so far they have helped.  I hope they work.

Last week I had a little drama, someone sent me an email that was so rude!  I did not even know the girl and she wrote very hurtful and awful things about me.  I know what her motive was, I just cannot believe some people can be  mean and hurtful.  I am over it, well I guess I am, maybe I am not since I am writing about it.... I just don't see why people would waste their time and try to become a wedge in something they know nothing about.  I think sometimes girls can be ruthless.  I need to move away this subject, it bugs me!  As far as I am concerned, although I did not respond to her to my knowledge it has been taken care of!

My nieces and nephews headed back to school this week.  It amazes me how much they have grown.  I am so proud of each of them.  They are great kids!

I have been a slacker with my house!  Tomorrow is the day my house and I are getting it together!  I don't know what is wrong with me, I am usually on top of all of that!  It will be nice to have everything clean for the weekend!  I must admit I am a little OCD so it really has bothered me more than I should let it!

I am planning on going to the temple next week with a friend.  I need to go more often.  There is such peace and clarity there and I am thankful for the privilege of being able to attend and help serve my Heavenly Father.

Thank you to whoever dropped off the "cupcakes" from 'The Tooth Fairy"  they are yummy!  What a thoughtful gesture!

Well I am off, maybe to bed, maybe to watch a lifetime movie....LOL  Take care and let's talk soon!

Karley

He Loves Us

I have been thinking.... I know this may scare some of you..LOL, but it is true.  Over the past several weeks my life has changed in so many ways.  I am so thankful to be where I am today vs. where my life has taken me the past couple of years.  I am feeling a ton better, there are still kinks to work out, but considering almost two years ago I almost died, I am so happy to be better and feeling like my old self again.

I was talking to a friend about when I lost my baby.  I think of her everyday.  She would be 2 in September if she had grown full term.  However, that was not the plan.  I have shed thousands of tears at what could have been. When my friend and I were talking, he asked me if I thought that I would raise her one day.  I told him, I knew I would, I believe that a child is brought into the world the moment he or she is conceived.  It is comforting to know that she is in the arms of the Savior and my family members on the other side of the veil.  It is still very painful for me, I never saw her first smile, I never heard her cry..but I love her so much and am thankful that one day I will hold her in my arms because I am her mother.

I have two close friends who are dying right now, it has brought many feelings to the surface for me personally.  The hardest part of all of this is of course having them leave here earlier than I would like, and yet, I feel a great deal of peace knowing how much our Savior loves us and knows us personally.  It makes the sting of hurting so much a bit less when we realize there is a greater plan just ahead.

Even with all of the struggles we face in this life, I want you to know I am very happy.  I have the world's best family!  I have brothers that honor their priesthood, are good examples to their children and sisters that provide laughter, love and a lot of girl talk..LOL  I have parents who love me no matter what and I love them.  They have made all of the challenges I endure as painless as they can.  I liken it to the Savior and His atonement for each of us.

 I have been doing a lot of writing again.  It is always interesting how inspiration comes when we least expect it.  I have a good friend who has taught me in a very short time what it means to truly love others. He is a wonderful father and friend.  I am very lucky.

There is one friend that I can't thank enough, there are no words to describe His love for me or my love for Him.  I found this quote and would like to share it with you....

Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you. God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our resume but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I love President Uchtdorph, I love the Savior and I love all of you.  I am glad we all have each other.  Let's talk soon!

Karley

Life is good!

Hello!
I am so happy today!  I am thankful for all the blessings I have been given in my life.  I am so blessed with beautiful friendships and there really are no words to adequately express my feelings of gratitude to each of you.

I have a friend who has had such a profound impact on my life the past couple of weeks. He is kind and gentle and is a wonderful father.  I just met him recently, it is one of those friendships where I feel like I have known him much longer.  I know that people cross our paths at different times in our lives, for different reasons.  I feel that our loving Savior has His hands in friendships such as this and I look forward to what the future brings.

I went and saw "The Help" today.  I have to say it is the best movie I have ever seen.  It was so thought provoking and really helped me to remember how important each life that touches ours is.  It does not matter your color, size, height, weight, how much money you have in the bank and on and on that defines you as a person.  What does matter is your heart and what you have to offer others. I am so thankful for those people in our lives that stand up for who they are, who stand up for others and who stand up for the truth.  I am grateful for the differences in life that we have and the opportunities we have to learn valuable lessons from such precious people.

I am thankful for my family.  My mom and I laughed until we were sick tonight.  I love my Mom's sense of humor!  I have the best time when I am with her and she is my best friend!

I went for a ride in my cute little bug with the top down tonight.  It was so nice!  I love to to drive and think..(I know that is probably scary for some of you..:)  I sometimes get the greatest song ideas!

Well I am going to try and get some sleep, it is so not fun at night when I cannot sleep!  I need to look for a bright side in this situation, however the brightness comes very early when I am just closing my eyes..LOL.

Take care sweet friends and let's talk soon!
Love,
Karley

That's what friends are for!

Hello!

With the title of my blog, I feel I should be at a piano with sunglasses on singing away... LOL.  I always set a goal to blog a lot more than I ever do!  It is great therapy for me and since I have not been great at writing in a journal, at least some things are recorded this way.

The past couple of weeks I have learned so much about people.  Life is always a learning process, however, there is so much good in the world and we are so blessed to have each other and the examples that follow with those that teach us life's lessons.

I have been so touched at the strength of my friends during difficult times.  When I say difficult, I mean life altering difficult.  Cancer, the loss of a spouse, trying to find oneself, walking down the roads less traveled and on and on.  I sometimes get caught up in my own little world, when what I really need to be doing is serving other people and be thankful for the privilege in doing so.

I love the scripture that states "A friend loveth at all times"  I am so thankful for my friends and for what they teach me.  I better because of all of you.  I want to share a story with you that a friend shared with me this week about his son.

My friend raised his children by himself.  As a single father he raised two boys, taught them by example and the importance of a good education.  His son recently graduated from BYU.  He asked him what he would like for a gift.  He said you can ask for anything and if I can, I will give it to you.  His son smiled and ask him for a large sum of money, he said I was ready to give it to him and then his son said, what I would really like is for you to find someone and be happy.  His son also said that he was so thankful for the example and love and for giving him the best that life could offer. I was touched at the humility my friend had in telling me this story and the love that he taught his children through his example. His son learned far more than what higher education could teach him, he learned that his sweet father had willingly sacrificed so much for his children.  It really has struck a chord with me this week, I hope that one day I can be that kind of person and teach those I love what is truly important in this life.

I am going with my friend who has cancer to the doctor.  I am sure that neither one of us is ready to hear the words that will come.  I just pray that God's will is willing to teach us through comfort and the knowledge that we are never alone.  Even in our darkest hours as well as our brightest days.

I spent some time with my friend Mandi and little Leo yesterday.  Mandi is such a sweet friend. She is a wonderful mother and I am so blessed to call her my friend.  Leo is the cutest little bug, I tried for so long to get some pictures, but he was on the run the whole time, I will try and find one that is not a blur to post.

Well I am going to try and get some sleep... or mop the floor, I really wish I slept better.  Maybe one day... no complaints, well, except about 3pm everyday, by then I can hardly keep my eyes open.

Have a great day!  We will talk soon!

Karley