Therefore They Hushed Their Fears} Part Three

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish. 

This post focuses on April 2015 General Conference talk and it is called "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears" by Elder David A. Bednar. This post is part three, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

The Fear of the Lord
Different from but related to the fears we often experience is what the scriptures describe as “godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28) or “the fear of the Lord” (Job 28:28; Proverbs 16:6; Isaiah 11:2–3). Unlike worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence.

But how can anything associated with fear be edifying or spiritually helpful?

.... Please note that godly fear is linked inextricably to an understanding of the Final Judgment and our individual accountability for our desires, thoughts, words, and acts. ... I do not believe we will be afraid of Him at all. Rather, it is the prospect in His presence of facing things as they really are about ourselves and having “a perfect knowledge” .. of all our rationalizations, pretenses, and self-deceptions. Ultimately, we will be left without excuse.

"Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need
to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our
homes. We can be an influence for good in this world every
one of us." - Gordon B. Hinckley.

Every person who has lived or will yet live upon the earth “shall be brought to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him according to his or her works whether they be good or whether they be evil” (Mosiah 16:10). If our desires have been for righteousness and our works good, then the judgment bar will be pleasing. And at the last day we will “be rewarded unto righteousness."

Conversely, if our desires have been for evil and our works wicked, then the judgment bar will be a cause of dread. ... And at the last day we will “have [our] reward of evil” (Alma 41:5).

As summarized in Ecclesiastes:
“Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).

My beloved brothers and sisters, godly fear dispels mortal fears. It even subdues the haunting concern that we never can be good enough spiritually and never will measure up to the Lord’s requirements and expectations. In truth, we cannot be good enough or measure up relying solely upon our own capacity and performance. Our works and desires alone do not and cannot save us. “After all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23), we are made whole only through the mercy and grace available through the Savior’s infinite and eternal atoning sacrifice (see Alma 34:10, 14). Certainly, “we believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3).
Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him. As we fear God more completely, we love Him more perfectly. And “perfect love casteth out all fear” (Moroni 8:16).  ..."

You may or may not like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time. I think it was a great talk. Here is the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/therefore-they-hushed-their-fears

Stay Tuned until next time.

Therefore They Hushed Their Fears} Part Two

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish. 

This post focuses on April 2015 General Conference talk and it is called "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears" by Elder David A. Bednar. This post is part two, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Elder Bednar mentioned the following, "Look to Christ
The counsel Alma gave to his son Helaman applies precisely to each of us today: “Yea, see that ye look to God and live” (Alma 37:47). We should look to and have our focus firmly fixed upon the Savior at all times and in all places.

Recall how the Lord’s Apostles were in a ship, tossed in the midst of the sea. Jesus went to them, walking on the water; but not recognizing Him, they cried out in fear. - Matthew 14:27-31. ...

We can be blessed to conquer our fears and strengthen our faith as we follow the Lord’s instruction: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36).

"Therefore they hushed their fears." - Elder David A. Bednar.

Build upon the Foundation of Christ
Helaman admonished his sons, Nephi and Lehi: “Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).

Ordinances and covenants are the building blocks we use to construct our lives upon the foundation of Christ and His Atonement. We are connected securely to and with the Savior as we worthily receive ordinances and enter into covenants, faithfully remember and honor those sacred commitments, and do our best to live in accordance with the obligations we have accepted. And that bond is the source of spiritual strength and stability in all of the seasons of our lives.

We can be blessed to hush our fears as we firmly establish our desires and deeds upon the sure foundation of the Savior through our ordinances and covenants.

Press Forward with Faith in Christ
Nephi declared: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

The disciplined endurance described in this verse is the result of spiritual understanding and vision, persistence, patience, and God’s grace. Exercising faith in and on the holy name of Jesus Christ, meekly submitting to His will and timing in our lives, and humbly acknowledging His hand in all things yield the peaceable things of the kingdom of God that bring joy and eternal life (see D&C 42:61). Even as we encounter difficulties and face the uncertainties of the future, we can cheerfully persevere and live a “peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:2).

We can be blessed to hush our fears as we receive the fortitude that comes from learning and living gospel principles and resolutely pressing forward on the covenant pathway.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Therefore They Hushed Their Fears} Part One

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish. 

This post focuses on April 2015 General Conference talk and it is called "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears" by Elder David A. Bednar. This post is part one, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Elder Bednar mentioned the following, "... You undoubtedly have experienced much greater feelings of dread after learning about a personal health challenge, discovering a family member in difficulty or danger, or observing disturbing world events. In such instances, the distressing emotion of fear arises because of impending danger, uncertainty, or pain and through experiences that are unexpected, sometimes sudden, and likely to produce a negative outcome.

In our daily lives, endless reports of criminal violence, famine, wars, corruption, terrorism, declining values, disease, and the destructive forces of nature can engender fear and apprehension. Surely we live in the season foretold by the Lord: “And in that day … the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (D&C 45:26). ....

"Faith and hope invite into our lives the sweet peace of conscience
for we all yearn." - David A. Bednar.

Mortal Fear
... Notably, one of the first effects of the Fall was for Adam and Eve to experience fear. ... This potent emotion is an important element of our mortal existence. An example from the Book of Mormon highlights the power of the knowledge of the Lord (see 2 Peter 1:2–8; Alma 23:5–6) to dispel fear and provide peace even as we confront great adversity.

In the land of Helam, Alma’s people were frightened by an advancing Lamanite army.
“But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but … should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them. “Therefore they hushed their fears” (Mosiah 23:27–28).

Notice Alma did not hush the people’s fears. Rather, Alma counseled the believers to remember the Lord and the deliverance only He could bestow (see 2 Nephi 2:8). And knowledge of the Savior’s protecting watchcare enabled the people to hush their own fears.

Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace. He declared, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23).

... Trust and confidence in Christ and a ready reliance on His merits, mercy, and grace lead to hope, through His Atonement, in the Resurrection and eternal life (see Moroni 7:41). Such faith and hope invite into our lives the sweet peace of conscience for which we all yearn. The power of the Atonement makes repentance possible and quells the despair caused by sin; it also strengthens us to see, do, and become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity.

... The peace Christ gives allows us to view mortality through the precious perspective of eternity and supplies a spiritual settledness (see Colossians 1:23) that helps us maintain a consistent focus on our heavenly destination. Thus, we can be blessed to hush our fears because His doctrine provides purpose and direction in all aspects of our lives. His ordinances and covenants fortify and comfort in times both good and bad. And His priesthood authority gives assurance that the things that matter most can endure both in time and in eternity.

But can we hush the fears that so easily and frequently beset us in our contemporary world? The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes. Three basic principles are central to receiving this blessing in our lives:
(1) look to Christ, (2) build upon the foundation of Christ, and (3) press forward with faith in Christ."

Stay Tuned until next time.

How do you overcome your fears?

Good morning, or Good afternoon, or Good afternoon;

this post would take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

I would like to ask you the following questions and you may or may not ask yourself and answer the following questions either now or in your own time. What's your definition and understanding of the word "fear"?

What is your worst fear or fears that you have ever experienced in your life so far? Are you having fears
about the future?

Do you have a fear of someone's choices may have limited your choices about employment?
Do you have a fear of someone's choices may have limited your choices about education?

What are your current fears? What are you doing to overcome present fears?
Do you have a fear of losing someone such as a loved one or a friend?

What was some of your past fears and were you able to overcome any of those past fears?
How did you overcome those fears?

"Fear not, little flock." - President Uchtdorf. 

When I was childhood years, and even now at times; I had and I still have fear about noises from thunderstorms. 
If thunderstorms are happening overnight; I wouldn't be able to go to sleep straight away, I would get so scared that I would try to wake up my husband and cuddle up with me. I have been doing a strategy of praying to have comfort whenever there is thunderstorms and sometimes, I would even pray to ask for the thunderstorms to go away.

During my teens years, and even now at times; I had and I still have fear about death. I don't ever imagine myself to ever die at a young age. I have been able to share the topic of The Plan of Salvation to non-members and I have been able to remind myself about The Plan of Salvation.

During my teens years, and even now at times; I had and I still have fear about losing loved ones and friends who passed away before I do. I have learned it is okay to mourn with those who have passed away before I do, it certainly does take some time for me to overcome and move forward after they have passed away before I do, it certainly does take some time for me to build confidence to share the topic of The Plan of Salvation to other non-member friends and remind myself about The Plan of Salvation. It brings joy to me to know that I would be able to have multiple opportunities to see them again in Heaven when I return one day.

During my childhood years, my teens and even now at times; I had and I still have fear about losing friendships. There is always a season for everything and everything has its own purpose. I know that I often make a lot of friends and it's always great to talk to true friends. When the spark of friendships starts to disappear and goes away, it comes to reality for me to not be friends with them anymore.

At times, it does hurt especially after being a friend for a several years or so and did my very best to continue being friends with them. When it's time to let go, it's a good way to have refresh start and find other friends to talk to and spend some time with.

Sometimes former friends blocks me on social media accounts and could possibly block my phone number. I know that it is either something that I did or they have done to get me overthinking that I was friends or more than friends with them in the first place. When they don't block me on social media accounts, I used to check their social media accounts and found out that they have moved on with their lives especially with getting married and later on, having children. It is obvious that they just aren't interested of being friends anymore and doesn't want to repair a friendship.

I learned to tell myself that I need to constantly reassure myself to know who my real and true friends are. I know that I barely on social media accounts these days, I don't really talk to huge amount of friends anymore like I used to while I was living in Australia. I learned to be careful of what to say to friends and how to choose friends wisely.

Stay Tuned until next time.

God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear} Part Two

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

this post would take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.




This post is based on an article from Ensign; October 1984 and it is called, “God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear" by President Gordon B. Hinckley. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the article and I hope you will learn something new.




President Hinckley mentioned, “... We loved the Lord and we loved good and honorable friends. From such love we drew great strength. How great and magnificent is the power of love to overcome fear and doubt, worry and discouragement. God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” What did Paul mean by the words, a sound mind? I think he meant the basic logic of the gospel. ... I do not fret over the mysteries. I do not worry whether the heavenly gates swing or slide. ... I am more concerned with the fact that God has revealed in this dispensation a great and marvelous and beautiful plan that motivates men and women to love their Creator and their Redeemer, to appreciate and serve one another, to walk in faith on the road that leads to immortality and eternal life.



"Perfect love casteth out fear." - Moroni 8:16

I am grateful for the marvelous declaration that “the glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.” (D&C 93:36.) ... “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” (D&C 50:23–24) ... What have any of us to fear regarding our challenges and difficulties in life? “Only fear itself,” as U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said in a different context.




Let us refer again to the tremendously important truths taught by Paul: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7.) Then gave Paul his great mandate to Timothy: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.” (2 Tim. 1:8.)




May this counsel be as a personal charge to each of us. Let us walk with confidence never with arrogance and with quiet dignity in our conviction concerning Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Let us find strength in the strength that comes from him. Let us find peace in the peace that was of the very essence of his being. Let us be willing to sacrifice in the spirit of him who gave himself a sacrifice for all men. Let us walk in virtue after his mandate, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.” (Isa. 52:11.) Let us repent of any wrongdoing, in fulfillment of his commandment that we do so, and then let us seek forgiveness under the mercy he has promised. Let us demonstrate our love for him through service to one another."




You may or may not would like to read the whole article in your own time. Here is the link below.

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1984/10/god-hath-not-given-us-the-spirit-of-fear




Stay Tuned until next time.

God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear} Part One

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,
this post would take approximately three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is based on an article from Ensign; October 1984 and it is called, “God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear" by President Gordon B. Hinckley. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the article and I hope you will learn something new.

President Hinckley mentioned, .. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:6–7.) Who among us can say that he or she has not felt fear? I know of no one who has been entirely spared. Some, of course, experience fear to a greater degree than do others. 

Some are able to rise above it quickly, but others are trapped and pulled down by it and even driven to defeat. We suffer from the fear of ridicule, the fear of failure, the fear of loneliness, the fear of ignorance. Some fear the present, some the future. Some carry the burden of sin and would give almost anything to unshackle themselves from those burdens but fear to change their lives. Let us recognize that fear comes not of God, but rather that this gnawing, destructive element comes from the adversary of truth and righteousness. Fear is the antithesis of faith. It is corrosive in its effects, even deadly.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” .. They give us power. What power? The power of the gospel, the power of truth, the power of faith, the power of the priesthood.

There is a mighty strength that comes of the knowledge that you and I are sons and daughters of God. Within us is something of divinity. .. Let us encourage the divinity within us to come to the surface. For example, we need not fear ridicule because of our faith. We all occasionally have felt a little of such ridicule. But there is a power within us that can rise above ridicule, that can, in fact, even turn it to good.

FEAR

... God has given us the power of the gospel to lift us above our fears. God has given us the power of truth. President Joseph F. Smith once declared: “We believe in all truth, no matter to what subject it may refer. No sect or religious denomination [or, I may say, no searcher of truth] in the world possesses a single principle of truth that we do not accept or that we will reject. We are willing to receive all truth, from whatever source it may come; for truth will stand, truth will endure.” (Gospel Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939, p. 1.)

We have nothing to fear when we walk by the light of eternal truth. But we had better be discerning. ... We need not fear as long as we have in our lives the power that comes from righteously living by the truth which is from God our Eternal Father.

Nor need we fear as long as we have the power of faith. ... We are pained by the desecration of that which to us is holy. But we need not fear. This cause is greater than any man. It will outlast all its enemies. We need only go forward by the power of faith without fear. ... 

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love. …”

Love of what? Love for the Lord, love for his work, his cause, and his kingdom; love for people, love for one another.

I have seen time and again that love of God can bridge the chasm of fear. Love for the Church can also lift one above doubt. ... It was easy to wonder about many things, to question things in life, in the world, in the Church, in aspects of the gospel. But it was also a season of gladness and a season of love. Behind such thoughts, there was for me an underlying foundation of love that came from great parents and a good family, a wonderful bishop, devoted and faithful teachers, and the scriptures to read and ponder."

You may or may not would like to read the whole article in your own time. Here is the link below.
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1984/10/god-hath-not-given-us-the-spirit-of-fear

Stay Tuned until next time.

How Are Prayers Answered?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,
this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is based on April 2007 General Conference talk, and it is called "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer" by Richard G. Scott. This post is part two. I would love to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new.

How Are Prayers Answered?
Some truths regarding how prayers are answered may help you.

Often when we pray for help with a significant matter, Heavenly Father will give us gentle promptings that require us to think, exercise faith, work, at times struggle, then act. It is a step-by-step process that enables us to discern inspired answers.

President David O. McKay testified, “It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come, and at a time and in a manner best for the interests of him who offers the supplication.”

"Our Heavenly Father does answer prayers in his own time and in his own way/"
- President Thomas S. Monson.

Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. Your character will grow; your faith will increase. There is a relationship between those two: the greater your faith, the stronger your character; and increased character enhances your ability to exercise even greater faith.

On occasion, the Lord will give you an answer before you ask. This can occur when you are unaware of a danger or may be doing the wrong thing, mistakenly trusting that it is correct.

It is so hard when sincere prayer about something you desire very much is not answered the way you want. It is difficult to understand why your exercise of deep and sincere faith from an obedient life does not grant the desired result. The Savior taught, “Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you.” At times it is difficult to recognize what is best or expedient for you over time. Your life will be easier when you accept that what God does in your life is for your eternal good.

In your own time, you may would like to read the whole talk. If you do choose to read in your own time, I hope you will enjoy reading the talk. Here is the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/using-the-supernal-gift-of-prayer

Stay Tuned until next time.

Do you pray for courage?

Good morning, or Good afternoon, or Good afternoon;
this post would take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish. 

What is your definition and understanding for the word "courage"? 

I know at times throughout our lives, we would pray for courage. I am sure that there are many situations of our lives and other people's lives to experience opportunities when it is the right timing for us and them to pray for courage.

We can pray for courage at times when we feel we need to have courage to help us to become better individuals than we were yesterday. We can pray for courage at times when we feel we need to have courage for us to share exciting news with a relative or a close friend, we can pray for courage at times what we can do to get out of our comfort zones - that even includes making new friendships, we can pray for courage when we feel we need to have courage for us to overcome our fears, we can pray for courage at times when we feel we need to speak up and ask for some help, and so forth.

"A Prayer for COURAGE"

I know at times, it can be difficult to overcome of the feeling discouraged, not feeling motivated to complete the list of tasks that we hoped to fulfill and accomplish at the end of the day, and feeling low self-esteem. Remember, it is okay to have those kind of moments throughout our lives. It can take quite some time to overcome the feeling discouraged. I know it can be no fun at times.

You can always do your very best to fulfill and accomplish as much as you are to do. Don't force yourself into doing something that you don't feel up to doing it. I am sure you were able to found opportunities when it was best timing to pray for courage.

Do you remember the last time when you have prayed for courage? Was it today or yesterday? Was it a month or a year ago? Was it a few years ago or was it too long ago that you can't remember when?

Do you keep track of how often do you pray for courage? Is it often, regularly or rarely?

It is completely okay if you don't keep track of how often you pray for courage. I know that I'm not very good at keeping track of how often do I pray for courage. I encourage you to pray courage whenever you can. It can bring blessings into your life when you do. For praying courage for your morning prayer, might be able help you to have a better day. Keep being positive whenever you can.

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Gift of Prayer

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,
this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is based on April 2007 General Conference talk, and it is called "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer" by Richard G. Scott. This post is part one. I would love to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new.

He mentioned,

"The Gift of Prayer
Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. Actually, because He knows how desperately we need His guidance, He commands, “Thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private.”

It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer.

How Should You Pray?
We pray to our Heavenly Father in the sacred name of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Prayer is most effective when we strive to be clean and obedient, with worthy motives, and are willing to do what He asks. Humble, trusting prayer brings direction and peace.

Don’t worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening.

"A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask
the right questions." - Richard G. Scott.

A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it.

Should you ever feel distanced from our Father, it could be for many reasons. Whatever the cause, as you continue to plead for help, He will guide you to do that which will restore your confidence that He is near. Pray even when you have no desire to pray. Sometimes, like a child, you may misbehave and feel you cannot approach your Father with a problem. That is when you most need to pray. Never feel you are too unworthy to pray.

In your own time, you may would like to read the whole talk. If you do choose to read in your own time, I hope you will enjoy reading the talk. Here is the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/using-the-supernal-gift-of-prayer

Stay Tuned until next time.

The Privilege of Prayer

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five to eight minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is based on a October 2011 General Conference and it is called, "The Privilege of Prayer" by J Devan. Cornish. I would like to share with you some highlights that I loved when I was reading the talk. I hope you will learn something new.

"In His mercy, the God of heaven, the Creator and Ruler of all things everywhere, had heard a prayer about a very minor thing. One might well ask why He would concern Himself with something so small. I am led to believe that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that the things that are important to us become important to Him, just because He loves us. 

We must not imagine that any kind of prayer, no matter how sincere, will be very effective if all we do is to say the prayer. We must not only say our prayers; we must also live them. The Lord is much more pleased with the person who prays and then goes to work than with the person who only prays. Much like medicine, prayer works only when we use it as directed.

When I say that prayer is a sweet privilege, it is not just because I am grateful to be able to talk to Heavenly Father and to feel His Spirit when I pray. It is also because He actually answers and speaks to us. Of course, the way He speaks to us is usually not with a voice we hear. President Boyd K. Packer explained: “That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than it does as a sound. Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind. This guidance comes as thoughts, as feelings through promptings and impressions”
(“Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov. 2009).

Prayer is one of the most precious gifts of God to man.

Sometimes we seem to get no answer to our sincere and striving prayers. It takes faith to remember that the Lord answers in His time and in His way so as to best bless us. Or, on further reflection, we will often realize that we already know full well what we should do. Please do not be discouraged if this does not work for you all at once. Like learning a foreign language, it takes practice and effort. Please know, though, that you can learn the language of the Spirit, and when you do, it will give you great faith and power in righteousness.

I cherish the counsel of our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, who said: “To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer” (“Be Your Best Self,” Ensign, May 2009).

In your own time, you may would like to read the whole talk. If you do choose to read in your own time, I hope you will enjoy reading the talk. Here is the link. www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-privilege-of-prayer

Stay Tuned until next time.

Be Joyful, Pray Always and Give Thanks

Good morning, or Good afternoon, or Good afternoon;

this post would take roughly three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is mostly questions. You may would like to prepare to ask yourself to ask yourself those questions either now or in your own time. If you do ask yourself with those questions, feel free to answer those questions. If you don't feel like asking yourself that many questions, feel free to read towards the end of this post.

Whenever you are overthinking things, do you remember to pray for comfort and seek guidance?

Whenever you are feeling disappointed, do you remember to pray to help you to cheer up?

Whenever you are feeling worried, do you remember to pray about your worries?

Whenever you are going through difficulties, do you remember to pray and seek guidance of how to overcome those difficulties? Whenever you are going through unexpected challenges, do you remember to pray and seek guidance of how to overcome those unexpected challenges? Whenever you are going through a tough bad day, do you remember to pray and seek effective ways of how to turn those tough bad days into happy and cheerful days?

Whenever you are feeling grateful, do you remember to pray and express what you're grateful for?

Whenever you are feeling happy, do you remember to pray with your gratitude heart?

Whenever you are feeling hopeful, do you remember to pray about hopes? 

Be joyful, pray always, give thanks.

Whenever you are feeling peace, do you remember to pray and express you are feeling peace?

Whenever you are feeling comfort, do you remember to pray and still experiencing comfort?

Whenever you are feeling joy, do you remember to pray and express you are feeling joy?

Are you being joyful, praying always and giving thanks?

I know at times in my life that I have been able to experience to feel joy, it is such a wonderful feeling to be joyful. I know that I always do my very best to pray always despite on whatever I am feeling, it mostly helps me to get through the day and night. Giving thanks is such a wonderful privilege, because I love having a gratitude heart and being appreciative of my past. My past has always taught me multiple lessons, helps me to prepare to what to look forward in future years to come and so forth. I know that I always constantly doing my best to look forward to whatever the next day has in store for me. 

Remember you can do you best to feel joy to be joyful in life, you can always do your best to remember to pray always despite whatever you are feeling, and it's such a wonderful feeling to have a gratitude heart for giving thanks whenever you have the opportunity to do so. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Does Employment Comes with Expectations?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

I don't know how I managed to miss posting on Monday, oops my bad. If you're currently hired, I think this post would be great to read. No matter where you are currently hired for an employment or multiple employment whether it is casual, or part-time, or full-time employment, there are always going to be expectations to follow.

Management team either post an advertisement for job openings with listed skills for expected potential employees to fulfill online or a flyer on the opening door that states now hiring, they always make it known to potential employees to know that the business is seeking for new employees.

All places, management team would consider to hire potential employees who has previous experience in the industry and potential employees who's seeking for a job and new into the industry. Once hired, it takes some time to learn new and better skills as time goes by. Sometimes depending on the length of period that the management team whether they are satisfied with your work ethic or not, they can make the decision to either keep you employed and no promotion for an higher position or keep you employed and promoted you for an higher position.

"Employees tend to live up to their managers expectations of them.
If a managers expectations are high, productivity is likely to be excellent."

Do you remember how you felt when you have started a new employment to work into a new industry?

During my past employment at Domino's industry in Australia, I remembered being hired total of many stores, as a delivery driver and not all at once. I always wanted to do my best to be successful, I always have a strong work ethic, trustworthy, being honest with customers, being honest with work colleagues, being honest with the managers, being reliable, being constantly available throughout the weeks from Mondays to Saturdays, etc.

I remembered while I was working within a few months of being hired at the first domino's store that I ever worked at, I got promoted and got asked how I felt to feel to be a manager. I thought about it for a moment and mentioned that I think I can do it and feel good about it. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the position because shortly after, the management team got changed. I was disappointed.

Fast forward to another domino's store that I worked at, I was working there for a short time as a delivery driver and I remembered getting messages from the manager for me to come into store the next day for a surprise. I didn't know what to expected and he gave me a higher position. I was able to be still hired as a delivery driver and the new position. I was able to be a marketing manager.

Depending on what type of industry that you're currently hired at; always remember to be watchful and careful with your decisions while working because sometimes you never know that the management team is watching you by your actions of how well you work with other employees and you're sharing the right information to other employees and customers of your best ability. You can always keep trying your best to be successful and hope to be promoted to a higher position.

Stay Tuned until next time. 

Does Being Self-Employed Comes with Expectations?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

There are many variety of businesses around the world that you can choose from to be self-employed.

Have you ever considered to be self-employed of a business or multiple businesses?

What are some expectations that you may have to face while being self-employed?
What are some risks that you may have to take while being self-employed?

All businesses for being self-employed starts from somewhere even from scratch. I hope self-employed individuals are being able to be self-reliant with their business/businesses as best as they can. It is okay to get a loan to help cover costs of helping the business or multiples businesses to get started and some supplies for early stages of running the business or multiple businesses.

Running a business or multiple businesses does comes with some expectations, some risks, some difficulties, some unexpected costs, long hours to make the business to be successful, some major paperwork to fill out including declaring federal taxes form for tax season, etc.

Self-employed.

Imagine for a moment if you were self-employed and running a photography business. 

Two difficulties examples that you may face is angry customers who aren't satisfied with the quality of the photos that you have taken, and you didn't reach the customer's expectations.

Two risks examples that you may face is traveling via flying to other states of your own country and don't have travel insurance - it would suck to not being covered with your checked in luggage and the moment when you landed into a new state and the checked in luggage gets lost through baggage claim. Another example; getting impatient and decided not wait for a approved permit to take photos at a certain location and you went ahead to take photos there - the risk is getting in trouble.

Two unexpected costs examples that you may face is laptop is slowing down therefore the workload of editing photos hasn't been as fast as you would like it to - it's time to upgrade for a new laptop. Another example; the camera has ended its life and it's time to upgrade for a new camera.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Does Friendships Comes with Expectations?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

I would like to let you know that whenever I do mentioned YSA throughout this post, I do refer to Young Single Adults. I have two quick easy questions and you may or may not ask yourself and answer the following questions either now or in your own time.

Do you have any expectations whenever you are making new friends with someone who just have met?
What are some expectations that people face whenever they are making new friends?

Throughout the past years while I was in youth and in YSA, I always seemed to be adding new friends a lot on Facebook. I often somehow always thought that I wouldn't have any expectations when it comes to whenever I meet new friends. I always seem to be meeting new friends at multiple events, multiple places, multiple sites, and multiple times.

In the past, I often meeting new friends by attending the same session in the Temple, attending a different ward on Sunday time to time, attending some past Church events such as attending EFY in 2012, attending multi-stake annual Priest and Laurels Ball in 2013, attending multi-stake YSA dances, attending multi-stake YSA devotional firesides, attending institute, and so forth.

Whenever I make new friends; I always expected to be their friends for a long time, spending some time with them, keeping in contact with each other, and check up on each other time to time. I don't think any of my expectations are high whenever it comes to making new friends.

"Sometimes we expect more from others because
we would be willing to do that much for them."

I know it can be difficult for me to live over here in Texas US and not being able to spend any time with any of my friends who lives in Australia. It has been almost seven months of me living over here and I already have reached out to a few friends who lives over in Australia that we can always do a video call whether it is via FaceTime or Skype or Facebook Messenger. I remembered that was one of the convenient and best ways of how my husband and I was able to see each other face to face often while we were in long distance relationship and long distance engagement.

I also already mentioned to them that the video calls can happen whenever it is convenient for both of us. It all comes to effective planning, and organizing the right timing. It can be difficult at times to forget about time zone difference. Trust me, it happens and I know how it feels to misjudge the timing.

I know that it can be fun at times when it comes to making new friends. Sometimes, I go through my friends list on Facebook and I often time to time to remove friends who I barely talk to these days. I know that we should determine ourselves who would be great friends to us. We should be able to adjustify for ourselves of what we can do to be able to be a great friend to our friends. Being a great friend can come with a lot of trusting, some challenges and trials. We may always meet new friends who we know that can make good influences and choices that you can look up to them as inspiration.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Does Families Comes with Expectations?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

First and foremost, I would like to ask you the following questions and you may or may not ask yourself and answer the following questions either now or in your own time. 

Why is it so important for some families to have effective communication with each family member?

Why is it so important for some families to have regular family outings whenever they can?

Why is it so important for some families that have expectations to follow? 

What makes a family's home a safe place from the outside world?

Most families consist of having a couple and children even if the couple has one child. Each individual of the couple comes from having a different culture background, different upbringing, different house rules, different meal time schedules, different sleeping routines, and so forth. You may or may not get the idea, it's just simply that an individual may or may not have experienced expectations as growing up throughout his or her childhood and teen years.

A woman may have come from a family who has parents that encourages her and her siblings to do house chores, facing the consequences whenever she was and whenever her siblings was misbehaving, her parents may have done their best to enforce to maintain a regular routine of having family home evening, having a routine of doing family prayers when the family is all together, and so forth.

A man may have come from a family who has parents that encourage him to be successful in schooling, encourage him to be spiritually prepared and temple worthy to receive his endowments, encourage him to have a job to to save up a portion for his mission funds, encourage him to spiritually prepared to serve a mission, he may have an opportunity to learn a new language, and so forth.

"The secret of a happy home is that members of the family learn
ti give and receive love." - Billy Graham.

Moat times, children needs to reminded about that there is consequences after each choice that they make. Parents can be determine what the consequences would be like for the children when they misbehave. I know that it can be challenging for some parents, and that is okay. They are aiming to do what is best for their children to hopefully learn from what they were doing wrong and make better choices.

Sometimes children may not want to do everything what is expected for them to do straight away, that even includes doing chores. Who doesn't like doing chores when they have been told to do it? I know I didn't like doing chores as growing up, but eventually I knew it was something that needs to be done.

Families may have expectations that may go overboard at times and that's okay. Families have expectations because sometimes it does requires a lot to keep the parents and children happy.

Parents should be reminded about that they have some responsibilities while their children is still living with them. They should be able to provide clean clothing for their children to wear each day, having appropriate meal time schedules, having a regular bedtime routine, making sure that they would be able to be feed, having a shelter that they have a roof over their heads, and so forth.

Parents should also be reminded that the cost of raising and having children can be expensive, don't let that turn away from having children. Parents should also be reminded that one day, all children are going to grow up to move and live away from home. The children will be able to come and visit parents time to time.

Children should be reminded that they should be able to help their parents out whenever they can, even if it just simply looking after their younger siblings, doing washing up the dishes without being told and cooking dinner for their parents and siblings at least once a week.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Why Does Housing Arrangements Have Expectations?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening,

this post should take approximately five to eight minutes to read from start to finish.

Throughout this post when I mention about housemates, I do refer to roommates.

In the past, I remembered several occasions when I was living away from my family's home, I was living with individuals who always have expectations. Most expectations that they had, was always different compared to my own expectations. They would have a few expectations that seemed to be stricter than it needs to be.

One of the most difficult housing situations that I was in, I was living with three other housemates. Three individuals who was younger than me, they didn't have the same belief as me, they constantly love having a great time, and they would get drank on some occasions. One of the individuals constantly smoked a lot. Each of us had different work schedules, and each of us had different things to do on our days off from work. I was working the furthest away, I was working over twenty-five hours a week, I was studying Pathways of BYU-Idaho online, I was doing my best to keep myself busy whenever I wasn't working, my husband and I was getting to know each other and just friends at the time.

I remembered two individuals always enjoyed doing grocery shopping, they always expected me to pay them so that they can do my grocery shopping while I was at work. I mostly came home from work, and checked what they have purchased during the grocery shopping. I remembered feeling disappointed that they didn't get everything not even half of the grocery list that I have written down. It just felt like they didn't care and think that I don't eat much at the time. It honestly didn't help when I was constantly away and rarely come home to be able to eat something.

"Wake up with determination, go to bed with satisfaction."

Another most difficult housing situation that I was in, I was living with two other housemates. One housemate was a convert to the Church, and the other housemate has been starting to go back to church after being inactive or less active for awhile. They both were older than me. I remembered going to Costco for one time and I did a massive shop for the housemates and myself. Turns out that the individuals doesn't appreciate the grocery shop that I have done at Costco, and it has made me feel upset.

One individual wanted to go to the same endowment session when I went through. I wasn't a close friend with her, I just wanted only close family and friends to be there for me. She may have felt upset about after telling her that I would like her not go to the same session.

I constantly expected from the individuals to respect to allow me to sleep in from working the nights that I had work the previous nights. I remembered I was always feeling tired and upset whenever my sleep got disturbed. One time, I worked on my night off from work. I started working roughly 9pm ish, and I didn't finish work until 4am ish the next morning. I arrived back home at roughly 5am ish, I did the laundry so I have fresh clean work uniform, and I relaxed.

I eventually went to sleep by 6:30am ish or 7am ish. One individual had turned on the TV and it was loud. It disturbed my sleep. I was such a light sleeper at the time. I got upset and angry when I woke up. I did apologised to the individual and explained that I have worked until early houses of that morning and she didn't seemed to care.

I learned housing arrangements have expectations because the house always needs to be cleaned, dust free, having individuals to feel comfortable to sleep in their own bed.

Sometimes whenever living with other individuals does make challenging at times to adjust into reality. One individual may not able to have a driver's licence and may rely on someone constantly for transportation, one individual may not choose to show that he or she cares about the surroundings around them including who he or she is living with. Sometimes reaching other people's expectations can be easy to follow through, difficult to understand why there are expectations exist, etc.

Always do your best that you can play your part in the home whether it is to wash your own dishes or maintaining the yard, or cleaning the bathroom, whatever it is, remember that you're living a home that you do use the bathroom, you do use dishes, etc.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happy Valentine's Day 2020

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately two to four minutes to read from start to finish. 

Isn't it a wonderful feeling to know it is Valentine's Day today? It might be a wonderful feeling to some people or not. What are you doing today to celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you have at least one most favourite memory of celebrating Valentine's Day in the past years?

My husband and I didn't do extra special for celebrating Valentine's Day this day. I gave him a small red teddy bear; and four packs of sour patch kids that shaped loved hearts and it has cute sayings on it. He's currently working and here I am at home. 

Over the past years since 2004, I've always reflected Valentine's Day as another year since I have been baptised into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Although I have learned to appreciate Valentine's Day a bit more since I've met and known my husband. 

In 2018; I was able to celebrate Valentine's Day early with my husband. We celebrate it on my birthday. We both were able to attend two sessions in Oquirrh Mountain Temple, followed by going to attend a session in Salt Lake City Temple, followed by going to a buffet for dinner and dessert, and he surprised me with roses after the buffet dinner. I remembered doing my best to keep the roses alive until it was approaching closer for me to leave Utah, and I remembered trying to dry the roses so I can take it back to Brisbane Australia with me for memories. 

When I got back to Brisbane, I had to claim the roses for customs. Otherwises if I didn't say anything, I would have gotten over $10,000 fine. I remembered going through customs and someone checked my luggage, and you could see how upset I was as the individual checking my luggage and the dried rose petals feel the ground.

Before my husband left Utah, I gave him a Valentine's card. In 2019; I got a Valentine's card from my husband. This year; my husband got me three roses on last Saturday, and he has been considering to get me a bike. It truly doesn't matter what I get for Valentine's Day, as long as my husband still loves me, cares about me, supports me and still appreciate everything that I do for him, I am totally okay with receiving nothing for Valentine's Day.

I'm truly grateful for having my husband as a Valentine and I'm grateful for being a Valentine for my husband for the past few years and I know that we both are keen and looking forward to even more years to come. He's my for all time and eternity Valentine, and I'm his all time and eternity Valentine. I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Love Takes Time} Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is based on October 1975 General Conference talk and it is called, "Love Takes Time" by Marvin J. Ashton. This is part two. I have enjoyed reading the talk, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Marvin mentioned, " .... When were you last fed by a family member or friend? When were you last given nourishment for growth and ideas, plans, sorting of the day, sharing of fun, recreation, sorrow, anxiety, concern, and meditation? These ingredients can only be shared by someone who loves and cares. Have you ever gone to extend sympathy and comfort in moments of death and trial, only to come away fed by the faith and trust of the loving bereaved?

Certainly the best way for us to show our love in keeping and feeding is by taking the time to prove it hour by hour and day by day. Our expressions of love and comfort are empty if our actions don’t match. God loves us to continue. Our neighbors and families love us if we will but follow through with sustaining support and self-sharing. True love is as eternal as life itself. Who is to say the joys of eternity are not wrapped up in continuous feeding, keeping, and caring? We need not weary in well-doing when we understand God’s purposes and his children.

"The world is filled with too many of us who are inclined
to indicate our love with an announcement or declaration. True
love is a process. True love requires personal action. Love must
be continuing to be real. Love takes time." - Marvin J. Ashton.

... The opportunities for showing love for God through the home, neighborhood, mission field, community, and family are never-ending. Some of us are inclined to terminate our love processes in the family when a member disappoints, rebels, or becomes lost. Sometimes when family members least deserve love, they need it most. Love is not appropriately expressed in threats, accusations, expressions of disappointment, or retaliation. Real love takes time, patience, help, and continuing performances.

Love of God takes time. Love of family takes time. Love of country takes time. Love of neighbor takes time. Love of companion takes time. Love in courtship takes time. Love of self takes time. .. Let us resolve to take the time to give of ourselves in putting love into appropriate action and performance. God, too, needs more than words. He is made happy by our feeding, keeping, and continuing.

... May we take the time to show our families, our friends, the stranger, our prophet, and our God that our declarations of love are backed up by performance by our daily lives, that we know for love to be acceptable

to God and man it must be continuing and originate from within. ... God help us to take the time to enjoy the blessings of feeding, keeping, and caring. ..."

If you would like to read the talk either now or in your own time, here's the link below. 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1975/10/love-takes-time

Stay Tuned until next time.

How do we show our love towards our relationship?

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately four to seven minutes to read from start to finish.

Relationships that I would be referring throughout this post is same sex couples, boyfriend and girlfriend, engaged couples, and married couples. Throughout this post whenever I will be mentioning "loved one," I would be referring to those relationships that I have mentioned previously. 

I would like to ask the following questions and you may would like to ask yourself and answer those questions either now or in your own time. How committed are you to make your relationship to work out for the best? Do you enjoy spending some quality time with your loved one? How often do you spend some quality time with your loved one?

Do you mention "I love you" to your loved whenever you get the chance? How often do you say "I love you" to your loved one? Have you ever express concerns to your loved one? If so, how often do you express them?

How often do you compliment your loved one? Do you compliment him or her whenever you get the chance?

How often do your express your trust with your loved one? Are you being honest to him or her often? 

How often do you express to your loved one that you care about him or her? Does he or she knows that you care about him or her? Do you show support towards your loved one? If so, how often do you show that to your loved one?

Who is making the effort and time to make the relationship to work? How long have you been in the relationship for? What have you learned during the relationship so far? How often do you contact your loved one? How often do you listen to your loved one without interrupting what he or she is talking? 

"Some love lasts a lifetime."

Throughout our lives, we always do our best whatever we think is best for our relationship whether it is to making sure that your loved one is constantly feeling loved, feeling appreciated and so on. We can always show our loved one that we do care about him or her, finding ways to understand each other's needs, finding ways to understand each other's wants, finding ways to getting to know each other, showing ways of how we can support one another, loving each other, trusting each other, helping each other to achieve short-term goals, helping each other to achieve long-term goals, speaking kind words to each other, and so on. 

I hope you will always remember that relationships isn't suppose to be 100% easy. If you're very serious in your current relationship, make sure that you are able to prove it and show it.

All relationships should consist of sharing compliments to each other, instead of complaining to each other.

All relationships should consist of speaking kind words to each other, instead of saying hurtful words.

All relationships should consist of supporting each other, even when you disagree with their decision.

All relationships should consist of trusting each other, sometimes it can be difficult to believe in someone. 

All relationships should consist of setting realistic short-term and long-term goals, sky's the limit. Sometimes, we see relationships that has someone comes from a different culture background and the language barrier can be tricky and difficult to understand at times. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Heavenly Father Loves You

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

Have you ever experience doubts for Heavenly Father's love for you? Do you know that Heavenly Father loves you?

I know that Heavenly Father loves you and he truly does. Think about it. I know that he truly loves you even when you may or may not feel his love time to time, and even during difficult times, he still loves you. I know that he loves all of his children including you.

I know that Heavenly Father is constantly happy and cheering you for being happy and cheerful. Heavenly Father constantly loves everyone for doing their best to be successful in life.

I know that Heavenly Father loves seeing all of his children making progress at different stages throughout their daily lives. I know that he loves seeing all of his children using their agency to make their own choices. I know that when he sees his children down and upset, he always strives his best to insure them that he is there with them and allow them to feel peace, happiness and comfort again.

I love what the Image says and if you can not see the Image above, it says the following;
"Do you suppose it matters to our Heavenly Father whether your makeup, clothes, hair, and nails are perfect? Do you think he wants you to worry or get depressed if some un-friend or un-follow you on Facebook or Twitter? Do you think outward attractiveness, your dress size, or popularity make the slightest difference in your worth to the One who created the universe?

HE LOVES YOU not only for who you are this very day but also for the person of glory and light you have the potential & the desire to become. - Dieter F. Uchtdorf."

I would like to also encourage you to think about how you can apply what the Image says to your daily life.

Stay Tuned until next time.

Love Takes Time} Part One

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately four to seven minutes to read from start to finish.

I would like to ask you the following two questions, you may or may not ask yourself and answer the following questions either now or in your own time. What is your definition on true love? Do you believe that love takes time?

This post is based on October 1975 General Conference talk and it is called, "Love Takes Time" by Marvin J. Ashton. This is part one. I have enjoyed reading the talk, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Marvin have mentioned the following; "True love is a process. True love requires personal action. Love must be continuing to be real. Love takes time. Too often expediency, infatuation, stimulation, persuasion, or lust are mistaken for love. How hollow, how empty if our love is no deeper than the arousal of momentary feeling or the expression in words of what is no more lasting than the time it takes to speak them.

A group of college students recently indicated to me their least favorite expression to come from us as the older set is, “If there is ever anything I can do to help you, please let me know.” They, as do others, much prefer actions over conversation. We must at regular and appropriate intervals speak and reassure others of our love and the long time it takes to prove it by our actions. Real love does take time.

"Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and
know we cannot live within." - James Baldwin.

.. Love demands action if it is to be continuing. Love is a process. Love is not a declaration. Love is not an announcement. Love is not a passing fancy. Love is not an expediency. Love is not a convenience. From another boy a few years older, old enough to be confined in a state penitentiary a few hundred miles from here, we can learn more about the process of love. In his moving letter, just received within the past few days, he makes an effort to analyze what led to his present situation and all of the accompanying agonies.

He writes, “My dad never seemed to love me and yet he made big deals of saying ‘I love you’ and kissing and all, but I learned that ‘I love you’ meant you didn’t have to do anything. I mean we were never forced to do chores regularly, given no morals, spiritual training at all. To this very day I don’t know what principles my parents stand for.” From this friend, whom I have never met, may I share again the one phrase, “‘I love you’ meant you didn’t have to do anything.” I refer to him as a friend because he has given me his helpful thoughts and I share these comments with you on this occasion hoping they might be helpful to you too.

From the father’s viewpoint can’t he be credited with feeding and keeping?  Perhaps he had kept the family adequately stocked with food supplies. Also, hadn’t his son been the beneficiary of having a roof over his head, protected from the elements day and night over the years? In responding, I would point out to this mother and father and others that feeding is more than providing food. No man can effectively live by bread alone. Feeding is the providing by love adequate nourishment for the entire man, physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually. Keeping is a process of care, consideration, and kindness appropriately blended with discipline, example, and concern. Keeping is more than providing four walls and a roof. All of us need to be constantly reminded it takes a heap of living and loving to make a house a home."

Stay Tuned until next time.