"Beautiful Heartbreak"
Hello Family and Friends,
Happy Halloween (tomorrow) We had a great time at our annual family Halloween party on Friday! It is so much fun to hang out with my siblings and my cousins and catch up on everyone. It really makes me miss the days when we were all little and hung out at my Grandma Egan's house together. It use to drive us all crazy because my Grandpa would take tons of pictures. Now as adults we treasure those memories he captured for us. But the best memories I have, I keep very close to my heart.
This week Hilary Weeks came out with her new CD "Every Step" it is beautiful. I was listening to one of the songs entitled "Beautiful Heartbreak" It really struck a chord with me in my personal life. You should look up the video on you tube, it is totally worth it! Anyway, I was listening to the song again this morning (at 5 am) I could not sleep... surprise, surprise! and as I was listening to the words I could not help but feel that during the recent times in my life I have experienced a beautiful heartbreak or two, or.. ten! I don't see it that way at the time. But looking back I am thankful for the lessons learned through each of those heartbreaks.
My heart breaks for a dear friend of mine. I actually added to the already heavy load he has been asked to bear, by being ornery and mean, because I was frustrated, not at him, but at the past. My divorce was and is so painful for me. Unfortunately I let that pain slowly creep into other relationships simply because I have a hard time wanting to trust anyone again. Luckily enough for me, I have an understanding friend. I am not sure how to work at letting go of the hurt and anger I feel for what has happened. I miss Ethan, my little step-son. I miss him everyday but more so around the holidays, I miss my baby that I never had the chance to see grow up. I miss the companionship of being married, but, it is the lack of trust from the past that is where I am stuck.... ( I should seek counseling..LOL... well maybe I really should)
All of the things in past, need to find a home away from my heart. It is only fair to those in my life now and to myself in letting go of the anger and hurt.
I loved church today, I love Sundays, today in sacrament a returned missionary spoke of "A mighty change of heart" I really needed to hear it. All of us I believe at one time or another have the opportunity to feel this change in our personal lives. We are so lucky to have the knowledge that we do as members of the church.
Another one of Hilary's songs "Find Me" (this is my favorite) remind me so much of several friends and myself. The chorus goes something like this...."Find me deep inside my secret places, come find me even though the shadows hide, light a match, bring a torch, illuminate this deep divide and find me!) It is my prayer that we can be found in our deepest places and that we know we are loved by the Son that beckons us to let Him find us...
I hope your Halloween is fun, bring your kiddies by, I love to see them dressed up! My friend Laural and I are hanging out and dishing the goodies to all the little ones tomorrow. Be safe and have a great week!
Let's talk soon!
Karley
Happy Halloween (tomorrow) We had a great time at our annual family Halloween party on Friday! It is so much fun to hang out with my siblings and my cousins and catch up on everyone. It really makes me miss the days when we were all little and hung out at my Grandma Egan's house together. It use to drive us all crazy because my Grandpa would take tons of pictures. Now as adults we treasure those memories he captured for us. But the best memories I have, I keep very close to my heart.
This week Hilary Weeks came out with her new CD "Every Step" it is beautiful. I was listening to one of the songs entitled "Beautiful Heartbreak" It really struck a chord with me in my personal life. You should look up the video on you tube, it is totally worth it! Anyway, I was listening to the song again this morning (at 5 am) I could not sleep... surprise, surprise! and as I was listening to the words I could not help but feel that during the recent times in my life I have experienced a beautiful heartbreak or two, or.. ten! I don't see it that way at the time. But looking back I am thankful for the lessons learned through each of those heartbreaks.
My heart breaks for a dear friend of mine. I actually added to the already heavy load he has been asked to bear, by being ornery and mean, because I was frustrated, not at him, but at the past. My divorce was and is so painful for me. Unfortunately I let that pain slowly creep into other relationships simply because I have a hard time wanting to trust anyone again. Luckily enough for me, I have an understanding friend. I am not sure how to work at letting go of the hurt and anger I feel for what has happened. I miss Ethan, my little step-son. I miss him everyday but more so around the holidays, I miss my baby that I never had the chance to see grow up. I miss the companionship of being married, but, it is the lack of trust from the past that is where I am stuck.... ( I should seek counseling..LOL... well maybe I really should)
All of the things in past, need to find a home away from my heart. It is only fair to those in my life now and to myself in letting go of the anger and hurt.
I loved church today, I love Sundays, today in sacrament a returned missionary spoke of "A mighty change of heart" I really needed to hear it. All of us I believe at one time or another have the opportunity to feel this change in our personal lives. We are so lucky to have the knowledge that we do as members of the church.
Another one of Hilary's songs "Find Me" (this is my favorite) remind me so much of several friends and myself. The chorus goes something like this...."Find me deep inside my secret places, come find me even though the shadows hide, light a match, bring a torch, illuminate this deep divide and find me!) It is my prayer that we can be found in our deepest places and that we know we are loved by the Son that beckons us to let Him find us...
I hope your Halloween is fun, bring your kiddies by, I love to see them dressed up! My friend Laural and I are hanging out and dishing the goodies to all the little ones tomorrow. Be safe and have a great week!
Let's talk soon!
Karley
Bridges to our hearts
Hello cute family and friends,
I love the Golden Gate Bridge! I was born in San Rafael California and have always loved driving across that bridge to get to where I was born and raised for a time. The bridge is massive and majestic to see, when traveling over the bridge I am always amazed at the thousands of cars that travel back and forth across the bay.
Today I have had a different bridge that I find being built at this time. It is a bridge that is meant for someone close to me. It is the bridge to our Father in Heaven and His beloved Son Jesus Christ. It beckons my friend to step onto the bridge and trust that it will lead him into the safety of arms that gently wait for him at the other side of the bridge.
It is not to say that this particular bridge is like the famous Golden Gate bridge, however, it carries the weight of a soul needing direction to cross safely into the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is strong and is made up of unconditional love, of peace, of trust and most importantly it is made safe by the arms that await for my friend once he crosses the bridge.
It is funny that we think we can survive in this life just fine on our own. I used to feel that way as well. I have been through a very rough two years that I would not have survived without my Savior. His leaders and my sweet friends and family have also been beside me through my darkest nights.. My struggles are not over yet, however, I find peace and comfort in the truth that I am never alone. My best friend Jesus Christ is with me always.
When we are lost or in need of directions to help us find the bridges to our hearts, it is comforting to know that the builder of those bridges beckons us to come to Him. He will give us rest. He will keep us safe and He will hold us in His arms as we simply call His name.
To my friend, I love you! I know that your heart is tender, I know that you are searching for answers, I wish I had them to give you. I do not. I do know that the atonement of Jesus Christ can soften the toughest hearts and provide the comfort that we all need so much at different times in our lives.
I want my friend and all of you to know that there are bridges that we all have to cross at one time or another. I find it comforting to know that the bridge to our hearts is made whole by one who loves us more than is possible to comprehend.
I am grateful for the bridges that I have walked.. I am thankful for the builder who constructs each bridge based on the needs of His Sons and Daughters. Our bridges may be different, but at the very end of each bridge waits our Master with open arms.
Karley
I love the Golden Gate Bridge! I was born in San Rafael California and have always loved driving across that bridge to get to where I was born and raised for a time. The bridge is massive and majestic to see, when traveling over the bridge I am always amazed at the thousands of cars that travel back and forth across the bay.
Today I have had a different bridge that I find being built at this time. It is a bridge that is meant for someone close to me. It is the bridge to our Father in Heaven and His beloved Son Jesus Christ. It beckons my friend to step onto the bridge and trust that it will lead him into the safety of arms that gently wait for him at the other side of the bridge.
It is not to say that this particular bridge is like the famous Golden Gate bridge, however, it carries the weight of a soul needing direction to cross safely into the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is strong and is made up of unconditional love, of peace, of trust and most importantly it is made safe by the arms that await for my friend once he crosses the bridge.
It is funny that we think we can survive in this life just fine on our own. I used to feel that way as well. I have been through a very rough two years that I would not have survived without my Savior. His leaders and my sweet friends and family have also been beside me through my darkest nights.. My struggles are not over yet, however, I find peace and comfort in the truth that I am never alone. My best friend Jesus Christ is with me always.
When we are lost or in need of directions to help us find the bridges to our hearts, it is comforting to know that the builder of those bridges beckons us to come to Him. He will give us rest. He will keep us safe and He will hold us in His arms as we simply call His name.
To my friend, I love you! I know that your heart is tender, I know that you are searching for answers, I wish I had them to give you. I do not. I do know that the atonement of Jesus Christ can soften the toughest hearts and provide the comfort that we all need so much at different times in our lives.
I want my friend and all of you to know that there are bridges that we all have to cross at one time or another. I find it comforting to know that the bridge to our hearts is made whole by one who loves us more than is possible to comprehend.
I am grateful for the bridges that I have walked.. I am thankful for the builder who constructs each bridge based on the needs of His Sons and Daughters. Our bridges may be different, but at the very end of each bridge waits our Master with open arms.
Karley
What's Next?
Hello family and friends,
This past week has been busy and yet I really have not accomplished anything... I wonder what is next? What does the Lord have planned for me? and am I ready for it!
My family has been in Florida the past couple of weeks. I was not able to go this time. It is okay, I have not felt well and need to save the 5 pennies I have to my name..LOL I am sure that they have had a fantastic time and I am excited to hear all about it.
This week I had to attend a deposition for my car accident. The accident changed my life forever. I will never be the same because of one single moment when my world changed. (and to think I was just running to get a diet coke) Since the accident last April I have been in and out of the hospital. I have had one complication after another and just when I think that things will settle down... surprise, something new happens. I am however grateful for modern medicine, prayer and the blessings of the priesthood, for without them I am certain I would not be here.
I have been watching my Mom's dog Cooper. He is a Yorkie and between Cooper and my basset hound Zoey I am about to go crazy! They are wild together! But also very funny and they make me laugh! In fact right now they are both on my bed sleeping, they will not be too happy when I send them to their kennels in a minute!
I am so thankful for good friends. I am very lucky! Well I am off, I know I don't have much to say...(that is probably shocking to a few of you LOL) but I am tired and ready for bed! Thanks for being a part of my life..... I love you all!
I am excited for some new music that is coming out from some of my favorite people. Hilary Weeks has a new album, I am so excited to hear and so does cute and talented Mindy Gledhill. I can hardly wait to hear both of them, they are amazing people!
Have a great night and let's talk soon!
Karley
This past week has been busy and yet I really have not accomplished anything... I wonder what is next? What does the Lord have planned for me? and am I ready for it!
My family has been in Florida the past couple of weeks. I was not able to go this time. It is okay, I have not felt well and need to save the 5 pennies I have to my name..LOL I am sure that they have had a fantastic time and I am excited to hear all about it.
This week I had to attend a deposition for my car accident. The accident changed my life forever. I will never be the same because of one single moment when my world changed. (and to think I was just running to get a diet coke) Since the accident last April I have been in and out of the hospital. I have had one complication after another and just when I think that things will settle down... surprise, something new happens. I am however grateful for modern medicine, prayer and the blessings of the priesthood, for without them I am certain I would not be here.
I have been watching my Mom's dog Cooper. He is a Yorkie and between Cooper and my basset hound Zoey I am about to go crazy! They are wild together! But also very funny and they make me laugh! In fact right now they are both on my bed sleeping, they will not be too happy when I send them to their kennels in a minute!
I am so thankful for good friends. I am very lucky! Well I am off, I know I don't have much to say...(that is probably shocking to a few of you LOL) but I am tired and ready for bed! Thanks for being a part of my life..... I love you all!
I am excited for some new music that is coming out from some of my favorite people. Hilary Weeks has a new album, I am so excited to hear and so does cute and talented Mindy Gledhill. I can hardly wait to hear both of them, they are amazing people!
Have a great night and let's talk soon!
Karley
The Best Life......
Hello Friends and family,
You may wonder why I titled my blog "The Best Life". The past couple of weeks I have been very ill and back in the hospital. I have never been in so much pain. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and I actually prayed that I would die at one point because I hurt so much. It has been such a tough couple of years regarding my health. I never have been one to complain much but I have to say that I really would like to get back to living and not just enduring one thing after another.
In thinking of the past several weeks, I realize one very important thing... I have the best life. I have wonderful friends, a wonderful ward full of people who serve so unselfishly and teach me what it means to become more like our Savior. I have a family who is there for me at a moment's notice and kindness from strangers I don't even know, who have shown their love to me. So, in spite of struggles and hardships I really do have the best life. I owe my Heavenly Father so much, I can never repay Him for all He has blessed me with. I have a wonderful Bishop who loves me and has been so supportive of me. My ward is the best ever. Everyone should belong to a ward like mine. I will never leave my home. I love my neighbors, we are pretty close in our circle and they are the best people ever. I can't possibly thank everyone by name for the love and support I have been blessed to receive. Thank you all, I love you!
The best life each of us can have is in recognizing the love that surrounds us. We may be struggling with tons of problems, some in our control and often out of our control. But it is through others, through a loving Savior and through the grace of the atonement that we can have the best life that has been designed just for us.
I am not the only one who is struggling by any means, I have friends and family who are enduring great challenges in their own lives. I love you all, I want to be there for you. I want you to be happy and to live the best life that lies within our reach.
I am so grateful for laughter! I love to laugh and today I was not feeling well. I had been in bed all day and having a little pity party by myself, when my sister Katie called. Within minutes I was laughing so hard at the things she was saying. It felt so good and I love her so much. I am so excited she and my little nephew are coming to see me in a couple of weeks. I love them so much!
I am grateful for my crazy basset hound Zoey. She is a funny girl, and is so sensitive when I am feeling under the weather. She has a stuffed pig that she drags around the house like a security blanket and today she jumped on the bed and flung the pig at me and then laid down right next to me. It was so sweet, she never shares her pig with anyone...LOL
I am thankful for this season. I love fall, it is so beautiful and I love the holidays. It is strange that this will be the first official holiday season since my divorce. But I find great peace in that. My ex-husband hated the holidays, it is really sad because I love to be surrounded by family and friends and enjoy every minute of it. I really look forward to it this year!
If I had not lost my baby she would have been 2 years old. It is so crazy how time goes by. I miss her so much and there is a hole in my heart that went with her when I lost her. I miss my little Ethan. He was the best little guy ever. I love him and wonder how he is and if he is enjoying school. I still have really hard feelings about how his parents chose to handle our divorce. They told Ethan I was dead, I was his step-mom, I love him, I always will and one day when he is old enough to make his own decisions I will tell him how much he has meant to me.
Well I am off to bed. I want you all to know how thankful I am to each of you for being a part of my life! Love you all!
Karley
You may wonder why I titled my blog "The Best Life". The past couple of weeks I have been very ill and back in the hospital. I have never been in so much pain. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and I actually prayed that I would die at one point because I hurt so much. It has been such a tough couple of years regarding my health. I never have been one to complain much but I have to say that I really would like to get back to living and not just enduring one thing after another.
In thinking of the past several weeks, I realize one very important thing... I have the best life. I have wonderful friends, a wonderful ward full of people who serve so unselfishly and teach me what it means to become more like our Savior. I have a family who is there for me at a moment's notice and kindness from strangers I don't even know, who have shown their love to me. So, in spite of struggles and hardships I really do have the best life. I owe my Heavenly Father so much, I can never repay Him for all He has blessed me with. I have a wonderful Bishop who loves me and has been so supportive of me. My ward is the best ever. Everyone should belong to a ward like mine. I will never leave my home. I love my neighbors, we are pretty close in our circle and they are the best people ever. I can't possibly thank everyone by name for the love and support I have been blessed to receive. Thank you all, I love you!
The best life each of us can have is in recognizing the love that surrounds us. We may be struggling with tons of problems, some in our control and often out of our control. But it is through others, through a loving Savior and through the grace of the atonement that we can have the best life that has been designed just for us.
I am not the only one who is struggling by any means, I have friends and family who are enduring great challenges in their own lives. I love you all, I want to be there for you. I want you to be happy and to live the best life that lies within our reach.
I am so grateful for laughter! I love to laugh and today I was not feeling well. I had been in bed all day and having a little pity party by myself, when my sister Katie called. Within minutes I was laughing so hard at the things she was saying. It felt so good and I love her so much. I am so excited she and my little nephew are coming to see me in a couple of weeks. I love them so much!
I am grateful for my crazy basset hound Zoey. She is a funny girl, and is so sensitive when I am feeling under the weather. She has a stuffed pig that she drags around the house like a security blanket and today she jumped on the bed and flung the pig at me and then laid down right next to me. It was so sweet, she never shares her pig with anyone...LOL
I am thankful for this season. I love fall, it is so beautiful and I love the holidays. It is strange that this will be the first official holiday season since my divorce. But I find great peace in that. My ex-husband hated the holidays, it is really sad because I love to be surrounded by family and friends and enjoy every minute of it. I really look forward to it this year!
If I had not lost my baby she would have been 2 years old. It is so crazy how time goes by. I miss her so much and there is a hole in my heart that went with her when I lost her. I miss my little Ethan. He was the best little guy ever. I love him and wonder how he is and if he is enjoying school. I still have really hard feelings about how his parents chose to handle our divorce. They told Ethan I was dead, I was his step-mom, I love him, I always will and one day when he is old enough to make his own decisions I will tell him how much he has meant to me.
Well I am off to bed. I want you all to know how thankful I am to each of you for being a part of my life! Love you all!
Karley
Forget Me Not!
Hello Friends and Family!
I have been a bit of a slacker in keeping up my blog. To be honest, I have no idea how to really create anything related to the blog and it became such a mess that I just walked away....LOL
Fall is my favorite season for many reasons. I love the colors, the weather cooling off, I love that it gets darker later (and that we get an extra hour of sleep) but most of all I love General Conference.
This past Sunday was the General Relief Society broadcast. It was held up at our stake center. I loved going with some of my favorite people in my ward. I loved all of the talks given by the Relief Society Presidency, they were very touching and just what I needed to hear.
When President Uchtdorph stood up to speak I had chills from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I love this man. He truly loves the members of our church and is an instrument in our Savior's hand. He began his talk by reminding us about the "Forget me not" flower. He spoke of it being smaller than the other flowers but nevertheless just as beautiful. He then gave us these five "Forget me Nots" to remember....
1. Forget not to be patient with yourself!
2. Forget not a good sacrifice, for a foolish sacrifice!
3. Forget not to be happy now!
4. Forget not the "why" of the gospel!
5. Forget not that the Lord loves you!
He stated that as an apostle of God I proclaim that you are not forgotten, no matter how dark your days have been, you are not forgotten. You are loved by the King who knows you and knows your name. He also said that God loves us because we are His children, that we are closer to heaven than we suppose. That we should never forget how much our Father in Heaven knows us and loves us.
He also posed this question..."Am I committing my time and energy to the things that matter most?" I have given this so much thought over the past couple of days. I always want to do those things that matter most in life. To be the kind of friend that is always there when someone needs me, to be there for my family but most importantly to be there for my Father in Heaven when He needs me for something.
I am so thankful for the leaders of our church, we just had a change in our bishopric on Sunday. It was a bittersweet day for me. I love Bishop Smedley, he has been there for me during my darkest hours in the past couple of years. I panicked a little when I knew he was going to be released. Then yesterday the sustained Gregg Richardson as our new Bishop, the little panic I had felt went away. I am thankful for both of these men. I love them and am grateful for their loving example in my life. I love my home, my ward and the people that surround me. I know this is where I should be. I am so thankful for our Father in Heaven and for the knowledge that He will never forget me.
Well I am going to get busy. I may be having surgery soon, it is a long story... hopefully it will be over soon! I will know more tomorrow when I see the doctor. I am excited for the new seasons in my life and look forward to getting back to work and to where the Lord wants me to be!
Have a great week!
Karley
I have been a bit of a slacker in keeping up my blog. To be honest, I have no idea how to really create anything related to the blog and it became such a mess that I just walked away....LOL
Fall is my favorite season for many reasons. I love the colors, the weather cooling off, I love that it gets darker later (and that we get an extra hour of sleep) but most of all I love General Conference.
This past Sunday was the General Relief Society broadcast. It was held up at our stake center. I loved going with some of my favorite people in my ward. I loved all of the talks given by the Relief Society Presidency, they were very touching and just what I needed to hear.
When President Uchtdorph stood up to speak I had chills from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I love this man. He truly loves the members of our church and is an instrument in our Savior's hand. He began his talk by reminding us about the "Forget me not" flower. He spoke of it being smaller than the other flowers but nevertheless just as beautiful. He then gave us these five "Forget me Nots" to remember....
1. Forget not to be patient with yourself!
2. Forget not a good sacrifice, for a foolish sacrifice!
3. Forget not to be happy now!
4. Forget not the "why" of the gospel!
5. Forget not that the Lord loves you!
He stated that as an apostle of God I proclaim that you are not forgotten, no matter how dark your days have been, you are not forgotten. You are loved by the King who knows you and knows your name. He also said that God loves us because we are His children, that we are closer to heaven than we suppose. That we should never forget how much our Father in Heaven knows us and loves us.
He also posed this question..."Am I committing my time and energy to the things that matter most?" I have given this so much thought over the past couple of days. I always want to do those things that matter most in life. To be the kind of friend that is always there when someone needs me, to be there for my family but most importantly to be there for my Father in Heaven when He needs me for something.
I am so thankful for the leaders of our church, we just had a change in our bishopric on Sunday. It was a bittersweet day for me. I love Bishop Smedley, he has been there for me during my darkest hours in the past couple of years. I panicked a little when I knew he was going to be released. Then yesterday the sustained Gregg Richardson as our new Bishop, the little panic I had felt went away. I am thankful for both of these men. I love them and am grateful for their loving example in my life. I love my home, my ward and the people that surround me. I know this is where I should be. I am so thankful for our Father in Heaven and for the knowledge that He will never forget me.
Well I am going to get busy. I may be having surgery soon, it is a long story... hopefully it will be over soon! I will know more tomorrow when I see the doctor. I am excited for the new seasons in my life and look forward to getting back to work and to where the Lord wants me to be!
Have a great week!
Karley
Listening
Hello Friends!
Boy this past week has been full of surprises! I cannot begin to fully understand everything that has happened and yet I am very thankful for the promptings of the spirit and the love that I have felt for me and others in my life.
I have always known that the Lord knows me. Sometimes I think He probably wishes He didn't... but He never leaves me alone. This past week, including today I learned that the Lord knows each of us by name, He loves us, He wants us to be happy, to make good choices and be good examples wherever we go and whomever we associate with.
I know these things more today, than any other day in my life. You see I believe in the promptings of the spirit, I always have, and yet this week for whatever reason I have seen first hand the Lord's loving spirit speaking straight to my heart through the leaders of our church.
I will not share my experience today or the other experiences I have been blessed with this week for they are sacred to me and to the people I love and care for. I want you to know however that the Savior know us, I mean really knows us each one individually. My patriartical blessing reassures me that personal revelation will come to me at a time when I can be of service to someone who needs a tender heart to listen. I have always wondered when that time would come, I believe in certain places it already has, but I also know that today more than ever I need to follow the promptings of the spirit. I know that if we follow those feelings the Lord will make our hearts instruments in His hands.
Here is part of a talk I heard today, I would like to share it with you.....
Boy this past week has been full of surprises! I cannot begin to fully understand everything that has happened and yet I am very thankful for the promptings of the spirit and the love that I have felt for me and others in my life.
I have always known that the Lord knows me. Sometimes I think He probably wishes He didn't... but He never leaves me alone. This past week, including today I learned that the Lord knows each of us by name, He loves us, He wants us to be happy, to make good choices and be good examples wherever we go and whomever we associate with.
I know these things more today, than any other day in my life. You see I believe in the promptings of the spirit, I always have, and yet this week for whatever reason I have seen first hand the Lord's loving spirit speaking straight to my heart through the leaders of our church.
I will not share my experience today or the other experiences I have been blessed with this week for they are sacred to me and to the people I love and care for. I want you to know however that the Savior know us, I mean really knows us each one individually. My patriartical blessing reassures me that personal revelation will come to me at a time when I can be of service to someone who needs a tender heart to listen. I have always wondered when that time would come, I believe in certain places it already has, but I also know that today more than ever I need to follow the promptings of the spirit. I know that if we follow those feelings the Lord will make our hearts instruments in His hands.
Here is part of a talk I heard today, I would like to share it with you.....
To learn the Spirit of God, we must learn to listen with our hearts. President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said: “The Spirit is a still, small voice—a voice that is felt rather than heard. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought put into your heart.” 4
President Packer also taught: “Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings. Such words as quiet, still, peaceable, Comforter abound in the scriptures: ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ (Ps. 46:10; italics added.) And the promise, ‘You shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom.’ (D&C 36:2; italics added).”
President Packer added: “While we may invite this communication, it can never be forced! If we try to force it, we may be deceived.” 5
Of utmost importance in our schooling process is our responsibility to act, without delay, in accordance with the spiritual promptings we receive. President Thomas S. Monson stated: “We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. When it speaks, wise men and women obey. Promptings of the Spirit are not to be postponed.” 6
Learning to hear and understand the Spirit is a gradual and continuous process. The Savior said, “He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (D&C 50:24). “For unto him that receiveth I will give more” (2 Nephi 28:30).
Just as Christ “received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace” (D&C 93:12), so also, as we keep His commandments, we will “receive grace for grace” (D&C 93:20; see also John 1:16) and “line upon line, precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). Our schooling process is often as gradual as the descent of the dews from heaven (see D&C 121:45; 128:19).
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught that “there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow [us] to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit.” Rather, “our Father expects [us] to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ.”
Elder Scott continued: “What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit. Your confidence in the direction you receive from the Holy Ghost will also become stronger,” and “your confidence in the impressions you feel can become more certain than your dependence on what you see or hear.” 7
As part of our schooling process, the Lord will help us to see the results, in our own life and in the lives of others, of our acting upon the promptings we receive from the Spirit. These experiences will strengthen our faith and give us greater courage to act in the future.
Learning to hear and understand the Spirit takes considerable effort. But the Lord has promised that the faithful will “receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that [they may] know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (D&C 42:61).
I made a promise today, and I will follow through, I trust the Lord, I trust the leaders of our church and I am thankful beyond words for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ in our lives. I need to "act" and not postpone the promptings of the spirit that President Monson talks about.
Does this mean it will be easy, I don't think so..... Does it mean I will have the opportunity to grow and help another person...yes it does! Does it mean I know exactly what to say or do....nope! but, I will follow the spirit. I am thankful for sacred and beautiful promises that the Lord will give to each of us if we open our hearts and listen.......
I hope you all have a great Sunday and fun holiday! Let's talk soon!
Love,
Karley
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