Today's thought is brief. I share with you a thought I had during a moment of contemplation about organizing what is going on in my life. I always like to look back at my mission statement, especially when things seem to be spiraling out of control. It helps to provide perspective. I leave my thought with you to ponder, and then to act upon appropriately.
"Time management is more than managing time; it's knowing what's most important and acting accordingly."
Best Wishes
~Jen
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
A Thought on Thursday: An Answer to Prayer
Answers to prayers come in various ways. With things a bit more hectic recently, I needed a few answers. This week an answer came to me while reading my scriptures, through a verse of scripture. It spoke to me so much that I pinned up a portion of it on my vision board so that I can see and think about it daily. So, for my thought today, I share with you this scripture, the answer to many of my prayers.
It can be found in the book of Doctrine and Covenants, Section 78, verse 18. It reads, "And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessing thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours."
The part that I pinned up on my vision board reads, "...be of good cheer, for I will lead you along...." It has now daily reminded me to find joy, even in the mundane and difficult parts of the day, and to be of good cheer, having hope and faith in my Savior, knowing that He has, and will continue to lead me along. Choosing to be happy and pray for the ability to do so, truly has made this week a lot better, even though other challenging circumstances have not changed. Want another challenge yourself? This week, seek to find happiness and be of good cheer! Added to showing gratitude, it's an amazing combination!
Cheers!
~Jen
It can be found in the book of Doctrine and Covenants, Section 78, verse 18. It reads, "And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessing thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours."
The part that I pinned up on my vision board reads, "...be of good cheer, for I will lead you along...." It has now daily reminded me to find joy, even in the mundane and difficult parts of the day, and to be of good cheer, having hope and faith in my Savior, knowing that He has, and will continue to lead me along. Choosing to be happy and pray for the ability to do so, truly has made this week a lot better, even though other challenging circumstances have not changed. Want another challenge yourself? This week, seek to find happiness and be of good cheer! Added to showing gratitude, it's an amazing combination!
Cheers!
~Jen
Thursday, March 5, 2015
A Thought on Thursday: How'd it Go? and Lessons Learned
How did your week go? Were you able to take on last weeks challenge and express more gratitude? I was able to in some ways. I also learned a valuable lesson. Let me share it with you. The last little while has been a little rough for me with the stresses of life, the anniversary of my daughters passing, and other personal things going on. I've tried to be optimistic, deliberate, and even cheerful, but have fallen short here and there--and well, we'll leave it at that. :)
Actually, part of the reason I gave last weeks challenge, was that I was feeling the need to reach outside of myself, to look outside what was happening immediately around me, and seek to serve others. It felt great to do this, but there were times when I was slow to express my gratitude and this is where I learned a valuable lesson.
A friend of mine learned about the anniversary of my daughters passing. She did not know her, but she is very aware of many of the struggles (and joys) that I have with my son, who has the same terminal disorder as his sister. She spent the day writing me a beautiful poem about motherhood, life, my kids, friendship.....and brought this, along with some delicious banana bread that night.
It truly did mean a lot to me. I was grateful. I believe that I said thank you when she came, but also planned to bring her plate back with a note expressing how truly grateful I was. You know, do a little something extra? Then a day passed. I saw the plate as I cleaned up the kitchen numerous times throughout the day, and each time said, I really need to write that note; what she did meant a lot. I saw the plate again, cleaning up one last time before bed, but feeling drained, I went to bed, thinking tomorrow I will write. Well, I didn't. I meant to, but didn't.
A couple days passed and I got a text message from my friend worried that she had offended me or overstepped in some way, expressing the desire to work past it if she had. I quickly responded, No! What she had done for me meant a lot, and that it was me who was slow in expressing my gratitude, and if anyone, it should be me asking for forgiveness.
Lesson learned. I love to make homemade cards and wanted to do this for her, and perhaps fill her plate back up with a delicious treat, but in this case I should have just walked the plate back and once again expressed how much it really meant. Instead I left her wondering. Do you ever do this, want to do something extra special, but are slow in acting? Like I said last week, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." (William Arthur Ward)......and I was guilty once again."
I also learned an even greater lesson from my friend. She had very obviously spent a lot of meaningful time in her gift. She could have decided to be upset with me, angry, perhaps bitter. However, this is not her, and instead, she reached out to me once again in compassion and seeking clarification and renewal of our friendship if needed. A true friend.
Actually, part of the reason I gave last weeks challenge, was that I was feeling the need to reach outside of myself, to look outside what was happening immediately around me, and seek to serve others. It felt great to do this, but there were times when I was slow to express my gratitude and this is where I learned a valuable lesson.
A friend of mine learned about the anniversary of my daughters passing. She did not know her, but she is very aware of many of the struggles (and joys) that I have with my son, who has the same terminal disorder as his sister. She spent the day writing me a beautiful poem about motherhood, life, my kids, friendship.....and brought this, along with some delicious banana bread that night.
It truly did mean a lot to me. I was grateful. I believe that I said thank you when she came, but also planned to bring her plate back with a note expressing how truly grateful I was. You know, do a little something extra? Then a day passed. I saw the plate as I cleaned up the kitchen numerous times throughout the day, and each time said, I really need to write that note; what she did meant a lot. I saw the plate again, cleaning up one last time before bed, but feeling drained, I went to bed, thinking tomorrow I will write. Well, I didn't. I meant to, but didn't.
A couple days passed and I got a text message from my friend worried that she had offended me or overstepped in some way, expressing the desire to work past it if she had. I quickly responded, No! What she had done for me meant a lot, and that it was me who was slow in expressing my gratitude, and if anyone, it should be me asking for forgiveness.
Lesson learned. I love to make homemade cards and wanted to do this for her, and perhaps fill her plate back up with a delicious treat, but in this case I should have just walked the plate back and once again expressed how much it really meant. Instead I left her wondering. Do you ever do this, want to do something extra special, but are slow in acting? Like I said last week, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." (William Arthur Ward)......and I was guilty once again."
I also learned an even greater lesson from my friend. She had very obviously spent a lot of meaningful time in her gift. She could have decided to be upset with me, angry, perhaps bitter. However, this is not her, and instead, she reached out to me once again in compassion and seeking clarification and renewal of our friendship if needed. A true friend.
So I take from this week many lessons learned, added to gratitude for friendship, and the chance to continue to better learn to express my gratitude to others.
Thanks for reading, and best wishes for a wonderful week ahead!
~Jen
Thursday, February 26, 2015
A Thought on Thursday:Gratitude
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."
William Arthur Ward
Have you ever been guilty of this? I have. This is actually one of the reasons that I decided to begin writing a blog, and choosing to live a more deliberate life. Life gets so busy sometimes, but truly shouldn't be so busy that there is not enough time to express our love and gratitude to others.
During this upcoming week I challenge you to find some way to express more gratitude to at least one person. Perhaps through a letter, a kind deed, or by simply speaking the words to them. Imagine the impact it would have if every individual were to do this for just one person, now imagine two.....three.....now everyone we came into contact with! Go ahead, spread some joy and gratitude for others! I'll
be doing the same! :)
Thanks for reading!
~Jen
Thursday, February 19, 2015
A Thought on Thursday: Be Kind
There is a phrase that someone once said to me that I have never forgotten, and think of often. This particular day just happened to be the anniversary of my daughters passing. This woman did not know this initially, but we were talking about some crazy events that had happened in the life of some of her friends and family. My emotions were on the surface that day, a bit more than usual, and I got a bit teary eyed. Our conversation went on, and it came out about my daughter. We continued talking, and during the conversation she said to me, "we all walk a little wounded."
That day, that phrase just enveloped me and brought so much clarity and compassion. Perhaps it has to do with the experiences of my daily life; having had one child with disabilities be such a sweet part of our life and then pass so suddenly. I'm missing her sweet laughter and smile so much. Other children have blessed our home, but our youngest also has the same disorder as our sweet baby girl (thegfpd.org). This alone makes life different than it is for most....but that's another long story full of both sorrow and joy.
But isn't that phrase so true? We all walk a little wounded. All of us have at least a little heart ache, a little hurt in our life. Something that we carry with us; sometimes on the surface, sometimes buried deep inside. I try to remember this when I hear harsh words spoken, or see someone quick to anger. These are definitely not qualities we like to see, especially in ourselves, but what does more for someone, my criticism, or my compassion? My goal is to lean first and always to compassion, because truly, every wounded heart needs a bit more kindness.
Just a thought,
~Jen
That day, that phrase just enveloped me and brought so much clarity and compassion. Perhaps it has to do with the experiences of my daily life; having had one child with disabilities be such a sweet part of our life and then pass so suddenly. I'm missing her sweet laughter and smile so much. Other children have blessed our home, but our youngest also has the same disorder as our sweet baby girl (thegfpd.org). This alone makes life different than it is for most....but that's another long story full of both sorrow and joy.
But isn't that phrase so true? We all walk a little wounded. All of us have at least a little heart ache, a little hurt in our life. Something that we carry with us; sometimes on the surface, sometimes buried deep inside. I try to remember this when I hear harsh words spoken, or see someone quick to anger. These are definitely not qualities we like to see, especially in ourselves, but what does more for someone, my criticism, or my compassion? My goal is to lean first and always to compassion, because truly, every wounded heart needs a bit more kindness.
Just a thought,
~Jen
Thursday, February 12, 2015
A Thought on Thursday: Write it Down!
There is a lot that goes on in our lives that is worth remembering. A lot that is worth going back to. A lot that if others could know, would likely help them out. Today my thoughts are on writing in a journal. I've kept a journal since I was about eight years old, when I took over the journal that my mom had been writing about me/for me since before I was born (bless her heart). I now have volumes of journals, and I too, try to keep journals for my children, full of memorable moments and special messages I want them to know and to remember.
Now, there have been times in my life when I've written daily, and times when I've written far less than that. Either way, there is just something about living life and recording it. Recording both the good times and the hard times. Writing, for me, is also very therapeutic. I do well to write out how I'm feeling, to honestly reflect upon what is happening and actively make choices about how to proceed in life. Writing during happy times gives me time to pause, record, and reflect on my many blessings. I do have many!
There are so many ways to journal! (Google it if you need more inspiration!) I've utilized your typical hardbound 8 1/2x11ish, lined journal for years because that is what I was once given as a gift. The journal I took over from my mom was a spiral notebook of sorts. I've done some art journaling and enjoy the process of this. When I was younger, I wrote as if I were talking to someone in a letter. These days I enjoy a combination of scrapbooking ( Project Life Style) and writing in a hardback art sketch book with no lines. No lines I find is so much better for me.
Don't know what to write? Google journaling prompts and you'll never run out of ideas! It really doesn't need to be a long, drawn out process either. It's your journal, you can include (or not include) whatever you choose. Write in whatever style you want, draw pictures, brainstorm, make lists, etc. The most important thing is that you are recording a piece of yourself and enjoying the process.
Appreciate Life and Write it Down!
~Jen
Now, there have been times in my life when I've written daily, and times when I've written far less than that. Either way, there is just something about living life and recording it. Recording both the good times and the hard times. Writing, for me, is also very therapeutic. I do well to write out how I'm feeling, to honestly reflect upon what is happening and actively make choices about how to proceed in life. Writing during happy times gives me time to pause, record, and reflect on my many blessings. I do have many!
There are so many ways to journal! (Google it if you need more inspiration!) I've utilized your typical hardbound 8 1/2x11ish, lined journal for years because that is what I was once given as a gift. The journal I took over from my mom was a spiral notebook of sorts. I've done some art journaling and enjoy the process of this. When I was younger, I wrote as if I were talking to someone in a letter. These days I enjoy a combination of scrapbooking ( Project Life Style) and writing in a hardback art sketch book with no lines. No lines I find is so much better for me.
Don't know what to write? Google journaling prompts and you'll never run out of ideas! It really doesn't need to be a long, drawn out process either. It's your journal, you can include (or not include) whatever you choose. Write in whatever style you want, draw pictures, brainstorm, make lists, etc. The most important thing is that you are recording a piece of yourself and enjoying the process.
Appreciate Life and Write it Down!
~Jen
Thursday, February 5, 2015
A Thought on Thursday: Action
Last week I wrote a quick thought on the importance of planning. This week's thought ties right into that; Action. After the plan has been made, the next crucial step is to do what you planned to do, when you planned to do it! If you say you're going to exercise three times a week and you set aside time to do it, then, by all means, when that time comes, be exercising. If you plan to be in bed at nine reading and relaxing, then by all means, make it happen.
There is power and contentment in taking action to fulfill our plans, because once again, our plans revolve around our mission statement and who we really want to be and to become.
Now, sure, there are times when things will come up, when plans will need to be changed, but be honest with yourself; are you making excuses not to act, or did something truly happen that made you make the deliberate choice to change your plans? Only you can honestly answer this for yourself.
So, my friend, this week lets both make deliberate plans with the intent to put them into action!
Best Wishes Towards Success,
~Jen
There is power and contentment in taking action to fulfill our plans, because once again, our plans revolve around our mission statement and who we really want to be and to become.
Now, sure, there are times when things will come up, when plans will need to be changed, but be honest with yourself; are you making excuses not to act, or did something truly happen that made you make the deliberate choice to change your plans? Only you can honestly answer this for yourself.
So, my friend, this week lets both make deliberate plans with the intent to put them into action!
Best Wishes Towards Success,
~Jen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)