"I ain't down...I ain't down. And if I was, you'd sure never know it from me" ~Molly Brown
I want to be like "Molly Brown". Unsinkable.
Yep~life is hard. Sometimes unbearable. Weak and pathetic. That's me. Ugh. Often I forget important lessons that I thought I learned. I take my eyes off the TRUTH. I flounder, I fall, I sink. What's up with that?! I need strength, courage, and often, a swift kick in the pants. It's good for me. It's vital, actually.
My dear, friend reminded me the other night of the importance of reading and studying the Scriptures. I desperately needed to be reminded. I also turned to my journal, where I have scribbled a few notes here and there, that seemed pertinent at the time. It was there where I was reminded of a talk I heard from Sis. Sharon Larsen at Time Out for Women last year. The talk was entitled something like, "My Dreams May Be Broken, But I'm Not." She reminded me of these truths:
* "When the Lord blesses us with a banquet, why do we mess with the pottage?"
*HIS way is easier than our way.
*The Lord says to keep the commandents and He will take care of our worries.
*The test of our faith is how heavy our burden is! We are not strong. HE IS. We can choose how to handle the burden. We can forgive unconditionally. Then healing can continue without layers of anger and revenge.
*We shouldn't be LTBO (looking to be offended). Remember Proverbs 3:5-6?!
*Our experiences allow us to identify with what the Lord has done for us.
*Be useful to the Lord because of our struggles.
*Accept His GRACE. Lay the burden down and take up our salvation.
I know what I need to do to solve my problems. Heavenly Father would never leave me to my own finite devices to figure out my problems. He's always there. I know I can turn to Him for peace. For everything. Why do I forget?!! It has to do with my FAITH...yes. And COURAGE to do things that fill me up, not wear me out. Remember Hebrews 11:1? (That scripture secures my future.) Remember Pres. Gordan B. Hinckley's unfailing optimism? I, too, can put on a genuine smile and dish out genuine love. I know that the joy of the Lord is my STRENGTH. Sometimes, I just need reminded.
I choose to be happy.
REMEMBER.
6 comments:
What a thought provoking post, Crystal! You are always so bubbly and happy and do a great job choosing happiness amid tremendous pain and trials. Doesn't it help to write it down and share with others your thoughts on surviving it all. You are beautiful and I am glad I know you and that you are teaching Jessie primary songs. We love the new FAMILY song and are singing it lots THANKS
Thanks. This is just what I needed this morning!
Thank your for sharing. You are always so inspirational.
It sounds like you are having a great time with all of your celebrations.
Levi's dance was hilarious. I just videoed Isaac doing the same thing.
You are a wise, wise woman, Christal! I so grateful to have you as my friend. You're a great example.
Christal,
You truly have great insight. I want to be like you when I grow up.
You are a wonderful example to me and I'm so glad to count you as a friend.
This is why I love being around you--such positivity and encouragement! Thanks for being YOU!
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