All Things Does Take Some Time to Heal

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post may take longer than five minutes to read from start to finish.

I know that everyone has experienced of feeling their heart has been broken, and we do know that it does take some time to heal a broken heart. I know that everyone has experienced of having injuries, we do know that it does take some time to heal and recover from those injuries. I know that everyone has experienced of feeling sick, and we do know that it also does some time to feel better.

I would like to share some questions and followed by, I would share experiences when I have felt that it took some time for my body to heal. 

Close Chest Infection Experience: 

Have you ever faced of having a close chest infection in the past? If no, you can skip reading the following two questions. If you have; what was the steps did you took to allow yourself to feel healed from having a close chest infection? Do you remember how you felt when you had a close chest infection? 

I remembered the experience when I was diagnosed of having a close chest infection and I was eighteen years old at the time. During my first ever group date that I have attended, my asthma was playing up and I was not too sure why. 

I knew that it certainly was uncomfortable for me to have shortness of breath and coughing most times when I was talking to my date that I had. At one point; my mind just wanted to end the date and go to the hospital because I was worried that I was having another asthma attack. 

I felt scared because when I took my asthma inhaler, it felt like I was getting worse. I knew that it was somehow difficult for me to try to have my asthma under control. After the group date; I went ahead and called my doctor to book a appointment. I was able to attend my appointment as soon as I can and I am glad that I did.

CILAMOX - antibiotics. 

My doctor did several tests and he diagnosed me of having a close chest infection. I was shocked because I was certainly not expecting to have a close chest infection. I know that if I didn't see my doctor sooner, I think I would've diagnosed of having a chest infection. 

He has prescribed me with antibiotics - CILAMOX to take each day until the box is empty. It took some time to heal, Overtime, I gotten better and I was so happy to feel better. I have not have a close chest infection ever since then. 

Ovarian Cyst Experience:

Have you ever gotten asked of some questions by some people in relation to pregnancy topics and having children topics when you were not expecting? How did those questions has made you feel when those people has asked you those type of questions?

Did it made you feel uncomfortable? Did it made you feel upset? 

When I was twenty-three years old; I just gotten married within a few weeks when several people has asked me if I was expecting. I went to Dallas Latter-Day Saint Temple as a routine for going once a month with church members that I know. One particular time; my Mum and my grandparents had an opportunity to go to Dallas Latter-Day Saint Temple sometime shortly after I have been sealed to my husband. 

I know that I wasn't feeling the greatest, I felt unwell. I refused for not attending any sessions in that morning. I prayed about a certain question in the Temple before my Temple Recommend gotten scanned, I cried so much. My Mum has comforted me. During the endowment session that my Mum, my grandparents and the church members who came with me to the Temple are in, I was able to talk to the Temple President's wife. 

Despite how sick I was; I tried to be positive, and I felt privileged of having a conversation with the Temple President's wife. We have talked about having children topics, I cried again, and I knew that there was no way of me to be pregnant so soon after getting married. 

Clear Blue Pregnancy Test reads
"Not Pregnant"

Fast forward to around this time last year; I was gaining weight ridiculously a lot, and my stomach was growing. I eventually had to get my husband to purchase sweet and sugary foods for me to eat. I knew that my body was going through some changes. 

I did my best to listen to what my body wanted. My body was experiencing some pregnancy symptoms because I had mood swings, I was feeling morning sickness,  I was feeling tired more than normal, I was going through sweet cravings, and I have missed a period cycle. 

As my stomach was growing; I kept getting asked if I was pregnant by more people. I kept saying to who has been asking me that I was not pregnant. I gotten emotional about it. A sister in my stake has suggested me to go and see a OB/GYN doctor sometime.

I remembered in January this year; my husband and I was watching Brother Bear movie together and somehow I felt inside of my stomach that it was moving. My husband felt the same thing. My left rib was starting to hurt a lot around that time, and my hips was starting to be painful. It was uncomfortable feeling. 

I was not able to see my OB/GYN doctor until sometime in February this year. Each visit to seeing my OB/GYN doctor; she gotten me to take a pregnancy test and those pregnancy tests came up negative. I was upset. One time, she pressed down on my stomach to feel if there was any babies in there and she told me that I was not pregnant. 

I suggested one time for her to get me to get an ultrasound and I gotten blood work done prior to when I went in for my ultrasound appointment. Sometime after my OB/GYN doctor gotten the results from the ultrasound appointment, she mentioned to me "You have a small left side ovarian cyst ..." I was so shocked. 

I knew that I was certainly not expecting to hear that I have ovarian cyst, I was upset. I kept it to myself, I told my husband straight after he gotten home from work. He comforted me. Within a week; I told my immediate family members that I had ovarian cyst, and they felt sorry for me. I told several close friends about it, and they also felt sorry for me. 

Throughout from April this year to October this year; I just completely changed my diet. I made sure that I was eating more healthier foods, I was able to lose weight by bike riding eventually and I had experienced times when I was able to maintain the same weight. It certainly took some time to heal. I am still healing at this present time with physically and emotionally. About a month ish ago, I started opening up to several friends about that I have experienced ovarian cyst. 

If you ever wanted to know what triggered my body to have an ovarian cyst; I would like to share with you those triggers now. I was feeling extreme and sharp rib pain enough for me take two to three acetaminophen tablets and the pain was not going away, extreme and sharp hip pain for me to take two to three acetaminophen tablets and again the pain was not going away, and I was gaining a lot of weight within a short period of time (within six months). 

I strongly feel and know that pregnancy topics are sensitive to me ever since that I have experienced ovarian cyst. I felt healed sometime about six months or longer after having diagnosed with ovarian cyst and I changed my diet. I was not eating pasta, I was eating a lot of rice dinner meals, I changed of the meal times for me to eat meals, I gotten into a routine of eating healthier snacks such as eating fruits instead of a lot of lollies. 

I would really appreciate for people to stop asking me if I was pregnant, and accept the answer to be "no." I know that my husband and I will share pregnancy announcement when we feel comfortable and ready for it. I know that every woman experience pregnancy different, and also different or similar symptoms from each time when they are expecting. 

Stay Tuned until next time. 

Healing = Courage + Action + GRACE ~ Part Four

  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 a BYU Devotional in January 2014, and it is called "Healing = Courage + Action + Grace" by Jonathan G. Sandberg. This post is part four. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional, and I hope that you would be able to read something new whilst reading through this post. 

Jonathan has mentioned the following; "...  Grace

... What is grace? I love the definition provided by David A. Bednar in a devotional given while he was president of BYU–Idaho. He quoted the Bible Dictionary, which states that grace can be defined as divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.

... It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals ... receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power. After reading this definition, President Bednar then added, “Thus the enabling power of the Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity.” 

The scriptures are full of examples of the grace of Jesus Christ as He ministered to people struggling to do and be good but coming up short. The scriptures teach of Him reaching out to His people at their breaking point and providing strength, patience, joy, comfort, assurances, peace, faith, hope, courage, and determination and even wiping away the tears from their eyes.

The grace of Jesus Christ, His bounteous mercy and love, is available to us if we but have the courage to reach out to Him. Sometimes that grace comes directly through the Holy Ghost, and we can feel His clear and specific love for us. Sometimes that grace comes as Christ touches another person’s heart and prompts her or him to share, bless, and uplift another. 

In other words, grace is often made manifest through the courage and action of a person who reaches out to serve another. ... President Monson was a minister of grace, and we can be one too. Grace is the power by which healing occurs. In every aspect of His mortal and postmortal ministry, Christ went about healing all manner of afflictions. 

His part is to be our atoning Savior, and our part is to be courageous enough to act. He then provides the grace and healing. However, sometimes we may not appreciate the manifestations of His grace because healing blessings do not always come in the form we ask. 

"Captivated by his Grace."

Sometimes His grace is made manifest by letting us sit and struggle with an issue. Again, our Heavenly Father and Savior are more interested in our growth and progression than in our comfort and convenience. Moments of struggle often bring the greatest growth. 

Permit me to illustrate this point with an example from the life of my sweetheart and best friend, Sharon. In April 2002, Sharon’s fifty-six-year-old father, Mike, suffered a major heart attack one day at work. As a result of a lack of oxygen to the brain, he was in a coma for a week. 

Many friends and family members prayed and fasted, he received multiple blessings, and his name was placed on the prayer roll at multiple temples, but, regardless of these efforts, it was his time to die (see D&C 42:43–48). As the months passed, we came to some measure of peace regarding his early and unexpected death.

At the time, Sharon was working with the young children at church as the Primary president. It was her turn to teach the children, and the topic was “God Hears and Answers My Prayers.” We talked a lot about that lesson and the dilemma it presented for her, and Doctrine and Covenants 18:18 and 88:64 were particularly helpful at the time.

My wife said, “I know God hears and answers our prayers, but if in the end He is going to do what is His will, why should I pray for what I want and need? My dad died anyway because it was God’s will. My prayers have not been the same since he died.”

If you have not yet experienced that kind of despair in your prayers, you likely will. For some of you that moment is now. So what did Sharon teach the children? Up until the night before she was not sure what to say. When the day came, she simply taught, through her tears, “I know that God hears and answers every prayer. 

He does not always give us the answer we want, and that really hurts. But I believe you will do better in your life by praying than by not praying. That is why I pray every day.” Acting on true principles, even when your heart says otherwise, takes true courage. And as a result, Sharon received a measure of healing that day through the grace of Jesus Christ. 

One of my favorite parts about being married to Sharon and there are many is to listen to her pray in faith for our children, extended family, and others in need. She knows how to talk to Heavenly Father. ... By way of conclusion and testimony, I know that Jesus Christ is the great Healer. 

Over many years, in numerous settings, I have seen wounds of horrific abuse, long-standing addiction, loss that has shattered the soul, and heartache beyond description be addressed, overcome, and resolved through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know He is a real, living, loving God.

I love and honor Him. I know His grace is sufficient meaning big or powerful enough to help us with all our problems. I know His promises to us are real and true. He can and will cleanse and heal us as He has said (see Ezekiel 36:25–28). ..."

If you would like to read the whole Devotional either now or in your own time, here is the link below.

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jonathan-g-sandberg/healing-courage-action-grace/

Stay Tuned until next time.

Healing = Courage + ACTION + Grace ~ 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 a BYU Devotional in January 2014, and it is called "Healing = Courage + Action + Grace" by Jonathan G. Sandberg. This post is part three. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional, and I hope that you would be able to read something new whilst reading through this post. 

Jonathan has mentioned the following; "...  Action
... Action is essential to healing. To act instead of merely being acted upon was a key issue in the War in Heaven before we came to this earth (see Revelation 12:7–11). According to the scriptures, “God gave unto man [and woman] that [they] should act for [themselves]” (2 Nephi 2:16), ...

When pondering these scriptures, I realized that when I choose to be inactive or place myself in a state of being acted upon, I give Satan greater power in my life. A number of scriptures describe clearly the need to act and not be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26; D&C 43:8–9), 19 but how is action related to healing?

I have come to see that action is the point at which belief turns into faith. When we act in faith, moving ahead on a good path, we open the door to grace. Having the courage to act opens the door to grace, which is the key to healing. Learning to act in faith is one of the great challenges of mortality. 

"Action is the foundational key to all
success." - Pablo Picasso.

What then are the major roadblocks to acting in faith? I would suggest that procrastination and fear are two of Satan’s greatest tools to keep us in the “acted upon” position.

If Satan can convince us that our fear is too great to be able to act or that to act is a great idea but we should do it later, he can prevent us from opening the door to grace.

Think about how he does this. Maybe you tell yourself, “I totally plan on getting married. It is a great idea and I am pro-marriage, but I have to do these other things first.” Or, “My life is in a holding pattern right now. I am not sure where I should go or what I should do until I get married. I am stuck.” 

... Or, “I cannot go to my bishop to resolve this sin because I am afraid he will see how far I have fallen and he will not want or will not be able to help me.” Can you see how effective procrastination and fear are in meeting Satan’s objectives in our lives? Remember, the longer we remain in an inactive state, the further we drift from the Lord and His Spirit. 

As C. S. Lewis astutely described, “The more often [a person] feels without acting, the less he will be able ever to act, and, in the long run, the less he will be able to feel.” How then can we overcome the tendency to procrastinate or shut down in fear? Let me propose that prayer is the simplest form of action. 

Remember the truth in this hymn: “Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life gets dark and dreary, Don’t forget to pray.” When you pray, you act in faith and open the door to “blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them.” 

In your prayers, be sure to speak openly, sincerely, and directly to Him who is your loving Father. ... We need to learn how to offer mighty prayer. For example, you might fervently plead, “Heavenly Father, I am procrastinating again. I am getting stuck in that old pattern. Please help me to break free. Please give me the strength to just get started and then the stamina to stick with the task.”

Or, “Heavenly Father, I am totally shut down in fear. I need to move forward and act, but this prayer is all I can muster up right now. Please help me find the courage to act.” I promise those prayers will be heard and help will come. We call that help grace. 

And remember, you can still act, even if you are afraid or feel like procrastinating. My favorite example of this type of action is Mother Teresa. I love this quote about her from writer Marcus Goodyear: Mother Teresa doubted. Her spirit wavered. . . . Some days she questioned herself.

Some days she questioned God. And this is the biggest encouragement of all. Even Mother Teresa had doubts. ... Her doubt gives me hope; not that my own doubt will go away but that feelings of doubt are not as powerful as a faithful decision to act. I may doubt, but I still pray. I still go to church. I still worship. 

... Doubt is a feeling, but faith chooses to act no matter our feelings. ... I have since asked myself, “Am I in the right place doing the right thing, willing to act as God prompts so I can do the work He has given me?” ... I love that phrase “see herself as an agent and claim a space of choice.”

When we have the courage to act, we open the door to healing. Mrs. Parks’ courageous act opened the door to the civil rights movement, a movement that brought a large measure of needed healing to this country." 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Healing = COURAGE + Action + Grace ~ 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 a BYU Devotional in January 2014, and it is called "Healing = Courage + Action + Grace" by Jonathan G. Sandberg. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional, and I hope that you would be able to read something new whilst reading through this post. 

Jonathan has mentioned the following; "Courage

... Simply defined, true “courage is not the absence of fear; it is the making of action in spite of fear.”  In order for healing to occur, we have to be courageous enough to move forward when we are afraid. I have chosen three examples in which courage is needed for healing to occur.

First, we have to be courageous to face the truth regarding what needs to change in our lives. This type of intense introspection requires tremendous honesty with ourselves. As Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32; see also 2 Nephi 28:28), but that is usually only after it hurts us first. ... It takes courage to be honest with ourselves.

Second, it takes tremendous courage to be congruent to live a life in which our public and private priorities are in sync and in which what we experience on the inside is consistent with what we show on the outside. ... As James in the New Testament said, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). 

"Fear is a reaction. Courage is
a decision." - Winston S. Churchill.

... I had to figure out what I believed not what my parents had said was right or the Church or my employer, but what I believed was right. I had to get right between God and me. 

Then I had to learn to live congruently so that my actions were in harmony with my moral beliefs which took courage. But oh, how refreshing it is to live a life of integrity! Healing requires the courage to find out that what we believe is true and live according to that truth. 

As the therapist Brené Brown has astutely observed: Trying to co-opt or win over someone ... is always a mistake, because it means trading in your authenticity for approval.

You stop believing in your worthiness and start hustling for it. I have learned over the years that posturing, posing, peacocking, and pretending are exhausting and bring unhappiness. Having the courage to be congruent brings a settled and peaceful feeling. ...

Third, we have to develop the courage to live counter to the world’s dominant culture. ... We live in a world in which appearance and approval are the keys to social status and power. In order to find healing, we have to develop the courage to say no to this dominant culture.

I love what Morrie Schwartz said to Mitch Albom about living counter to the culture in the book Tuesdays with Morrie: The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. We’re teaching the wrong things. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it. Create your own. 

... In two devotionals given last year, both Tyler J. Jarvis and Kristin L. Matthews encouraged us to be more accepting of our imperfections and to be more pleased with our best approximations, our bodies, our gifts, and

our differences. I encourage you to reread their talks. 

... President Thomas S. Monson said ... "Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. ... A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh."

... Marjorie Pay Hinckley described the peace that comes when we refuse to compare and despair, as the dominant culture teaches: Fifty was my favorite age. It takes about that long to learn to quit competing to be yourself and settle down to living. It is the age I would like to be through all eternity! 

In order to find healing, we have to develop the courage to avoid the culture that says there is only one acceptable way (i.e., a specific size, hair color, or ACT score) to be a good person or even a good Christian. There are many, many ways to be a righteous, positive influence in the world. If enough of us say no to the dominant culture, it will lose its power (see Joshua 1:9)."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Healing = Courage + Action + Grace ~ 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 a BYU Devotional in January 2014, and it is called "Healing = Courage + Action + Grace" by Jonathan G. Sandberg. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional, and I hope that you would be able to read something new whilst reading through this post. 

Jonathan has mentioned the following; "... A Formula for Healing ... We all need healing. For some of us that need is great today. There are likely among us those who are brokenhearted because a relationship has ended badly. Others are in pain because their parents have decided to divorce or a loved one has renounced the Church.

... I would guess that there are some today who have wondered if depression or anxiety will always be a suffocating influence in their lives, while other students are going through a loss that seems both unfair and unrelenting. ... Perhaps these folks look or talk or feel different from what may be considered “the norm.”

... Even the greatest among us, Jesus Christ, experienced betrayal, mocking, abandonment, loss of loved ones, and physical pain as part of His mortal experience. My hope today is to encourage you that healing is possible if you apply the principles that lead to healing.

... My talk is entitled “Healing = Courage + Action + Grace.” ... Courage to face a difficult situation and stand for truth, acting in faith by turning to God in prayer, and peace and strength from the Lord through His grace courage, action, grace.

Healing

What then is healing, and why should we seek it? My favorite talk on the subject of healing is a BYU devotional given by Elaine S. Marshall in 2002 entitled “Learning the Healer’s Art.” I strongly recommend you study it. ... I suggest you read it more than once.

"Little by little a little becomes A LOT."

Listen closely to her definition of healing: On [my] first day as a nurse, I assumed cure, care, and healing to be synonymous. I have learned they are not the same. Healing is not cure. Cure is clean, quick, and done often under anesthesia. 

... Healing, however, is often a lifelong process of recovery and growth in spite of, maybe because of, enduring physical, emotional, or spiritual assault. It requires time. ... It requires all the energy of your entire being.

You have to be there, fully awake, aware, and participating when it happens. Healing is much more than “getting better” or “having our problems go away.” Healing is growth, development, and maturation. 

In a word, healing is change. It takes time and energy and struggle, but healing teaches us. As Marshall said: Healing can help us to become more sensitive and more awake to life. ... Healing invites gifts of humility and faith. It opens our hearts to ... truth, beauty, ... and grace. But remember, even with all that beauty and growth and grace, healing does hurt. 

... How is it that a loving God would allow us to suffer? I have come to realize that my Savior cares more about my growth than He does about my comfort. One evidence of His love is that He does not spare me from the suffering I need for my development and progression, even when I get mad at Him.

... And, unlike other humans, He does not punish me when I am mad or hold a grudge or remind me of it the next time my heart is right and I ask for His help. I love how Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, described healing: Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. 

Sometimes a “healing” ... lifts our burden. But sometimes we are “healed” by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us. As we consider the key components for healing, let us remember that, in the end, healing is a gift from our Savior that will likely require effort and suffering on our part so that we can grow and develop through our struggles. The gift is often the refinement we experience in the process. ..."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Hold On ~ Part Two

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post may take longer than three minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on October 2009 General Conference talk, and it is called "Hold On" by Sister Ann M. Dibb. This post is part two and I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. 

On the contrary, He knows your skill, He realizes your devotion, and He will convert your supposed inadequacies to recognized strengths. He has promised: ‘I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up’” (“Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul,” Liahona, July 2009, 3–4; Ensign, July 2009, 5–6).

"JUST HOLD ON, God knows what
he is doing." 

Heavenly Father has not left us alone during our mortal probation. He has already given us all the “safety equipment” we will need to successfully return to Him. He has given us personal prayer, the scriptures, living prophets, and the Holy Ghost to guide us. At times, using this equipment may seem cumbersome, awkward, and horribly unfashionable. 

Its proper use requires our diligence, obedience, and persistence. But I, for one, choose to use it. We must all choose to use it. In the scriptures we learn about another key piece of safety equipment a “rod of iron.” 

Disciples of our Savior, Jesus Christ, are invited to hold on to this rod in order to safely find their way to eternal life. ... Through divine personal revelation, the Book of Mormon prophet Lehi and his son Nephi were each shown a vision of our mortal probationary state and its accompanying dangers. 

... From Lehi’s vision we learn that we must take hold of this safety railing this iron rod, found alongside our individual straight and narrow path and hold tight until we reach our ultimate goal of eternal life with our Heavenly Father. Nephi promises that those who hold fast to the iron rod “would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction” (1 Nephi 15:24).

I invite you to read again the full accounts of this inspired vision. Study them, ponder them, and apply them to your daily life. In modern terms we might say we are invited to “get a grip.” We must hold on tight to the iron rod and never let go. ... Holding to the iron rod is not always easy. We may let go because of peer pressure or pride, thinking we can find our own way back later. When we do so, we are leaving our safety equipment behind. 

In Lehi’s vision he saw many who let go of the iron rod. Nephi says, “And many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads” (1 Nephi 8:32). In difficult times in our own lives, we may find we are also “wandering in strange roads.” Let me reassure you that it is always possible for us to find our way back. 

Through repentance, made possible by the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can regain and recommit to a strong grip on the iron rod and feel the loving guidance of our Heavenly Father once again. The Savior has extended an open invitation to us: repent, hold on, and don’t let go.

I, like Nephi, exhort you with all the energies of my soul that you will “give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all things” (1 Nephi 15:25). Use the safety equipment He has provided for you. Hold fast, and believe that Heavenly Father will bless you for your diligence. ..."

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

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/10/hold-on

Stay Tuned until next time.

Hold On ~ Part One

 Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

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

What is your definition and understanding "Hold On"? What does "Hold On" means to an immediate relative? 

Have you ever hold on to something that meant so much to you? If so, what was it?

This post focuses on October 2009 General Conference talk, and it is called "Hold On" by Sister Ann M. Dibb. This post is part one and I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk. 

Sister Dibb has mentioned the following; "... While most of us will never face such a dramatic, life-or-death situation, many of us feel that we are going through a scary time in our personal lives. We may feel as though we are holding on to what may seem to be a one-inch lip of steel girder. 

Our mortal probation is not easy, and it is not brief. We are blessed to come to this earth and gain a mortal body. This life is our opportunity to prove ourselves and exercise our agency. We can choose to follow Heavenly Father’s eternal plan of salvation and redemption, or we can try to find our own way. We can be obedient and keep His commandments, or we can reject them and face the consequences that will surely follow. 

"HOLD ON things will get better."

Because of this, we too have a hazardous job description and duty. We must deal with challenges. We may experience loneliness, strained relationships, betrayal of trust, temptations, addictions, limitations of our physical body, or the loss of much-needed employment. 

We may be challenged with feelings of disappointment because our righteous hopes and dreams have not been met in our personal timetable. We may question our abilities and fear the possibility of failure, even in our Church and family callings. 

... These are just as precarious and real as the threat of falling 125 feet (38 m) to certain death from a high bridge. My life is not perfect. I deal with many of the same challenges. We all do.I know that the temptations of the adversary and the difficulties of mortality are ever present and beset each of us. 

... We learn and grow by overcoming challenges with faith, persistence, and personal righteousness. I’ve been strengthened by President Thomas S. Monson’s endless confidence in our Heavenly Father and in us. He

has said: “Remember that you are entitled to our [Heavenly] Father’s blessings in this work. He did not call 

you to your privileged post to walk alone, without guidance, trusting to luck."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Holding On and Letting Go ~ 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 a BYU (Brigham Young University) Hawaii Devotional from September 2019, and it is called "Holding On and Letting Go" by Elder L. Todd Budge. This post is part three, and I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. Elder Budge has mentioned the following; Now, let’s shift gears and discuss four things prophets and apostles have admonished us to hold on to that will increase our joy and our power to let go.

First, hold on to the Holy Ghost. 

President Nelson pleads with us “…to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.” ... The Holy Ghost is our modern-day Liahona. As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost will tell us all things we should do. 

In other words, he will tell us what to hold on to and what to let go of. President Nelson warns that “…in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” ... It is a matter of survival. 

We hold fast to the Holy Ghost by honoring our covenants, repenting regularly and often, sincerely seeking guidance through earnest prayer, and then acting on those promptings. If you haven’t been very diligent in these areas of your life, don’t give up! Pray to know what you need to stop doing, or start doing to welcome the Holy Ghost back into your life. ...

Second, hold on to your faith. 

When we have questions, we should not assume that means that we are abandoning our faith. Not at all! Questioning and doubting are not the same thing. It is perfectly acceptable to have questions about the Lord’s doctrine, church history, church policies, etc. However, the lens through which we see those questions is the determining factor of whether our faith is strengthened or weakened. 

Do our questions come from the perspective of doubt, or from a willingness to allow the benefit of the doubt? 

... Conviction comes from the witness of the Holy Ghost that the things we do know and understand are true. 

Nephi acknowledged that he did not know the meaning of all things, but that he knew that God loves his children. 

Nephi is a great example of one who was willing to move forward in faith despite having an incomplete understanding of the meaning of all things. Hold on to your faith by seeking answers with a believing heart, in the places of light where the truth can be found, and in qualifying to be taught by the Spirit. ...

This brings us to the third thing to hold on to the word of God.

In the secular world, the first source we tend to go to for answers is the internet. But we need to keep in mind that the information we find there is often, in fact, misinformation, and is subject to the interpretations and philosophies of men, or worse - based on an agenda designed to manipulate the truth.

Instead, in seeking greater light we should go to the source of light and truth - the word of God as contained in the holy scriptures, in the words of His living apostles and prophets, and in answers received through personal revelation. ... I testify that there is power in God’s word. 

The secular things you learn here at BYU Hawaii will bless your lives in many ways, but if not understood and applied in the context of eternal truth, they will not be sufficient to bring you the joy God desires for you. ...

Fourth, hold on to your covenants. 

President Nelson admonished us “to keep on the covenant path”. He said, “Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual privilege and blessing available to men, women and children everywhere."

“Our covenants bind us to Him and give us godly power...” As you partake of the sacrament each week, review the covenants you have made and recommit yourself to keeping those covenants. Making and keeping sacred covenants helps rivet our focus on Jesus Christ and His covenant promises. 

I testify that as we hold fast to our covenants, we will have the power to live joyfully. However, please remember, the covenant path is not a path of perfection but a path of repentance. God’s expectation of us in mortality was not that we would never sin; if so, there would have been no need for Christ to sacrifice Himself to pay the price for our sins. 

Heavenly Father’s expectation is that we continuously repent as we progress down the covenant path towards him. In conclusion, let’s summarize the four things to let go of and the four things to hold on to in order to increase our joy.

Regarding letting go: First, let go of our sins. Second, let go of our guilt once we have sincerely repented. Third, let go of any grudges and forgive everyone. And fourth, let go of our will, and submit it to God.

Regarding holding on: First, hold on to the Holy Ghost. Second, hold on to our faith. Third, hold on to the word of God. And fourth, hold on to our covenants.

Neal A. Maxwell said, “With our steady pursuit of joy and with each increasing measure of righteousness, we will experience one more drop of delight one drop after another until, in the words of a prophet, our hearts are ‘brim with joy’ (Alma 26:11). At last, the soul’s cup finally runs over!”

I testify that as you steadily progress along the covenant path, holding fast to that which is true and letting go of that which is not, that you will find joy along the way. No, life will not always be easy, and you will have your share of trials, sorrows and afflictions; you will also make your share of mistakes. 

But I testify that our covenants, together with the atoning power of Jesus Christ will enable and ennoble us to find joy one drop at a time. ... On the one hand, there has never been a time in the history of the world where we have been more greatly blessed. On the other hand, Satan has never worked so hard to make us miserable like himself. 

... Hold fast to that which is of God, and let go of those things that will interfere with your happiness. God and Jesus Christ love you. President Nelson loves you and I love you. I pray that you will look to God and discover the joy that He has prepared for you. ..."

If you would like to read the whole devotional either now or in your own time, here is the link below. 

https://speeches.byuh.edu/devotional/holding-on-and-letting-go

Stay Tuned until next time.

Holding On and Letting Go ~ Part Two

     Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

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

This post focuses on a BYU (Brigham Young University) Hawaii Devotional from September 2019, and it is called "Holding On and Letting Go" by Elder L. Todd Budge. This post is part two, and I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. Elder Budge has mentioned the following; ...

Third, let go of grudges. 

In other words, forgive everyone. The failure to forgive others will rob us of joy and canker our souls. ... We need to repent of not trusting God to mete out justice better than we can. God has not only commanded us to forgive everyone, but he has commanded us to love everyone. How can we love the neighbor we have not forgiven? 

... I find it so instructive to view forgiveness this way. Repenting of the failure to love removes our perceived need to be the judge and redirects our focus to keeping the second great commandment. Letting go and letting God be the judge allows us the freedom to love others.

If there is anyone you have not forgiven, I invite you to let go of your judgment of that person, leave that to God, and allow yourself to love them instead. I testify that you will be much happier when you do. ...

Fourth, let go of your will and submit it to God. 

It can be very difficult to trust God’s plan for us when life is not going as we expected or desired, especially when our expectations and desires are righteous and are founded on true principles or promised blessings. 

For example, we may desire to be married but haven’t found “the one”, we may desire to have children but cannot, we may desire to be free of sickness and disease but it persists, or ...

The list goes on. In difficult circumstances such as these, we sometimes turn away from God rather than turning toward Him. Instead of trusting Him we may blame him or think He does not care. ... President Nelson said, “To be sure, there may be times when you feel as though the heavens are closed. 

But I promise that as you continue to be obedient, expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives you, and as you patiently honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the knowledge and understanding you seek. Every blessing the Lord has for you even miracles will follow.” ... His promises are sure. 

If we truly believe this we can rejoice in our yet-unrealized promised blessings. In the middle of the wilderness, long before reaching the promised land Lehi said, “I have obtained a land of promise, in the which things I do rejoice.” He trusted God so much that he was rejoicing in a blessing he had not yet received. That is a very happy way to live!

Do not let go of your righteous desires and God-given expectations. But do let go of your attachment to them as a condition of your happiness. Life is much more joyful when we choose to trust God and His plan for us. Remember you are free to choose. You can choose to trust in God and walk in His light or choose not to trust in God and walk in darkness. Trusting God is a lot more joyful way to live!"

Stay Tuned until next time.

Holding On and Letting Go ~ 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 a BYU (Brigham Young University) Hawaii Devotional from September 2019, and it is called "Holding On and Letting Go" by Elder L. Todd Budge. This post is part one, and I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. Elder Budge has mentioned the following; "... I bring the greetings of our dear prophet, the other members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. 

I am sure they would rather be here today, but I am very grateful that they assigned me to come and represent them. I hope you had the opportunity to hear or read President Russell M. Nelson’s remarks to the young adults
of the church given last week. He expressed his profound love for you. He also testified of the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for you, and of their desire for you to be happy.”

The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob taught: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” Do you believe it? Do you really believe that our purpose is to have joy? Now I will add one word to this verse, and see if you still believe it. “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy now.”

Do you believe that God and Jesus Christ want us to be happy now, in this life? ... In other words, we will not be restored from a state of unhappiness to a state of happiness. This implies that the gospel is designed to make us happy now, and to prepare us for even greater joy in the eternities.

... President Nelson has taught that it really is possible to have joy in a fallen world. He boldly proclaimed that, “When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation…and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening or not happening in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him.

"IT HURTS TO LET GO, but sometimes it
hurts more to hold on."

He is the source of all joy.” President Nelson makes it clear that joy has less to do with the circumstances of our lives and more to do with what we choose to be the focus of our lives. ... Apostle Elder Gerrit W. Gong declared, “Together, our covenants and our Savior’s Atonement enable and ennoble.

Together, they help us hold on and let go. Together they sweeten, bless, sanctify, and redeem.” As I listened to his words, the phrase “hold on and let go” caught my attention. I began to ponder in my mind what we need to hold on to and what we need to let go of to experience the joy God desires for us in this life. 

So, let’s consider together some of the things I learned as I studied what prophets and apostles have admonished us to hold on to and let go of in order to have joy. First let’s consider four things we have been admonished to let go. ...

First, let go of sin. 

This sounds quite obvious but how many of us are still holding tightly to our favorite sins? ... To give away all of our sins we must give up the idea that following our way is better than following God’s commandments. Wickedness never was happiness. Which sins are you holding on to, or which sins have ahold of you? 

.. Resolve today to turn to Christ. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you and want you to be happy. Last week President Nelson said, “They will do anything within Their power that does not violate your agency or Their laws to help you…” Through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement we can become free of the chains of sin both large and small. Let go of the sins which rob you of the joy He and our Heavenly Father desire for you!

Second, once repentance has taken place, let go of any remaining guilt. 

The purpose of physical pain is to alert us to injury or disease. Likewise, the purpose of guilt is to cause spiritual pain or disease which alerts us to the need for repentance. Without guilt we would all be spiritual lepers oblivious to the sting of sin. However, once we have repented of our sins, we need to trust that the Lord has forgiven us and then forgive ourselves. 

Lingering guilt can turn to shame and rob us of joy. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “Sometimes, of all the people in the world, the one who is the hardest to forgive as well as perhaps the one who is most in need of our forgiveness is the person looking back at us in the mirror.”

... My dear friends, let us repent of failing to trust in God’s power and willingness to forgive us of our sins. ... If you have repented with full purpose of heart and real intent and continue to struggle with guilt, let go so that your guilt will not interfere with your joy."

Stay Tuned next time.

Hold On Thy Way

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

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

I would like to encourage you to ask yourself, think about and answer the following question either now or own time. The question is, "What is your definition of Hold on Thy Way?"

This post is on a October 2015 General Conference talk and it is called, "Hold on Thy Way by Elder Koichi Aoyagi." I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the talk and I hope you will learn something new. 

Elder Aoyagi mentioned, 

"We are warned that disasters, wars, and countless difficulties in the world will occur. When trials such as these suddenly come upon us, we may question, “Why do these things happen to me?” or “Why do I have to suffer?” 

I was able to clearly comprehend our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and understand anew this important principle. In Abraham, the Lord God declared, “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.”

The principle is that the God who created the heavens and the earth knows the grand design of this earth, that He has dominion over all things in the heavens and the earth, and that in order to bring to pass the plan of salvation, He provides us with many different experiences including some trials while we are on this earth.

"Put God first, regardless of the trials you face. Love
God. Have faith in Christ, and entrust yourself to Him
in all things." - Koichi Aoyagi. 

And the Lord said the following to Joseph Smith: “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. “Therefore, hold on thy way for God shall be with you forever and ever.”

The trials of this earth including illness and death are a part of the plan of salvation and are inevitable experiences. It is necessary for us to “hold on [our] way” and accept our trials with faith.

However, the purpose of our lives is not merely to endure trials. Heavenly Father sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Redeemer so we could overcome the trials we face on this earth; in other words, He makes our weak things become strong, He atones for our sins and our imperfections, and He makes it possible for us to obtain immortality and eternal life.

President Henry B. Eyring stated: “The test a loving God has set before us is not to see if we can endure difficulty. It is to see if we can endure it well. We pass the test by showing that we remembered Him and the commandments He gave us.” “Hold on thy way” is a key choice during times of trial. 

Turn your heart to God, especially when you face trials. Humbly obey the commandments of God. Show faith to reconcile your wishes with the will of God. Put God first, regardless of the trials you face. Love God. Have faith in Christ, and entrust yourself to Him in all things. 

Moroni makes the following promise to such people: “And if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ.”

I would like to encourage you to read the talk in your own time, here is the link.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/hold-on-thy-way

Stay Tuned until next time.

Grateful in Any Circumstances

 Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

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

First and foremost; "Are you grateful for any circumstances that you are currently facing?" This post is based on a April 2014 General Conference talk, and it is called "Grateful in Any Circumstances" by President F. Uchtdorf.

I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the talk. President Uchtdorf. He has mentioned the following; "Have we not reason to be filled with gratitude, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves?

We Can Be Grateful

Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful!

Being Grateful for Things
But some might say, “What do I have to be grateful for when my world is falling apart?” Perhaps focusing on what we are grateful for is the wrong approach. It is difficult to develop a spirit of gratitude if our thankfulness is only proportional to the number of blessings we can count.

True, it is important to frequently “count our blessings” and anyone who has tried this knows there are many but I don’t believe the Lord expects us to be less thankful in times of trial than in times of abundance and ease. In fact, most of the scriptural references do not speak of gratitude for things but rather suggest an overall spirit or attitude of gratitude.

“In His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting
beginnings.” - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances whatever they may be.

Gratitude as an Act of Faith

Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God. 

It requires that we trust God and hope for things we may not see but which are true. By being grateful, we follow the example of our beloved Savior, who said, “Not my will, but thine, be done.” True gratitude is an expression of hope and testimony. It comes from acknowledging that we do not always understand the trials of life but trusting that one day we will."

If you want to read the talk in your own time, here's the link below:
www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/grateful-in-any-circumstances

Stay Tuned until next time.

#GIVETHANKS ~ Day Four to Day Six

  Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

Day 4 - I am GRATEFUL for my Religion; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

I am grateful for what my religion has taught me and helped me to learn so much throughout my life so far, I am grateful for the standards (such as no swearing), and I am grateful for the covenants that I have made in the past. 

I am grateful for Seminary, I am grateful for Institute, I am grateful for the knowledge of doing Family History, I am grateful for the standard works a.k.a the scriptures (The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price, and King James Version - Holy Bible, and the Word of Wisdom.

I am grateful for the past General Conference talks, I am grateful for the Temples, I am grateful for current prophet, I am grateful for past prophets, I am grateful for current apostles, I am grateful for past apostles, I am grateful for the Relief Society organization, I am grateful for the youth organization, I am grateful for my current church callings, and I am grateful for my past church callings. 

Day 5 and Day 6: I am GRATEFUL for the Opportunities to Travel and Methods of Transportation. 

I love traveling in methods of transportation. I was able to drive whilst I was living in Australia, I was able to drive for about ten days in a car rental whilst I was visiting Utah in February 2018, I was able to driven a little bit whilst I was visiting Texas in November 2018, I have been able to go on walks (even though it is for short distances), and I have been able to go bike riding.

Prior to when I've met my husband for the first time in person; I had the opportunities to travel. I remembered when I was nine years old; I attended a school camp with students of the same grade as me, we went to Sunshine Coast, and I remembered while I was at that school camp, we went to Underwater World.  

I remembered when I was twelve years old, I went to another school camp with my class and another class - the students were aged eleven years old and twelve years old, and we went to Canberra. I remembered my experience for the first time flying in the plane because I was so excited and I kept counting down the days.

I really enjoyed the activities that was set up and places to go and visit during that school camp, I was able to go to Australian War Memorial, Australian Old Parliament House, Australian New Parliament House (the one that is current one), Royal Australian Mint, Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre, Australian Institute of Sport, and other places. 

I remembered when I was eighteen years old; I had the opportunity to fly again but this time was from Brisbane to Perth, and I was able to attend End of Year Young Single Adults (YSA) Convention. 

I had so much fun, I have made many friends throughout the convention (I seemed to lose some of the friends that I have made sometime in the past years after convention), and I really enjoyed participating in Devotionals, Activities, Dances, and so forth. 

I had the opportunity to go to Rottnest Island, I really enjoyed spending some time with the friends that I have made, and I took many photos throughout convention. 

About four months after I returned back to Brisbane from convention, I flew back to Perth for a longer stay and at that time I was nineteen years old. I even made more friends, I was able to have fun experiences such as going to Perth Temple more than twice, I was able to go bowling, I was able to go to institute often, I was able to travel to various locations, and so forth. 

I remembered when I was twenty-one years old; I had the opportunity to travel to Utah on my own. On the way to Utah, I flew from Brisbane to Nadi Fiji for the first layover, followed by I flew from Nadi Fiji to Los Angeles for the second layover, followed by I flew from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City, Utah. 

I had opportunities to meeting my husband for the very first time, I finally got to meet several friends that I have been friends on social media for about four years ish (long story short, we have similar past histories and got us to meet on the same facebook groups), I made new friends, and I had opportunities to drive on the RIGHT side (on the opposite side than what I was used to in Australia) whilst I was in Utah.

I attended sessions whilst I was visiting many different Temples during my stay in Utah. My husband and I went to Provo City Temple, Oquirrh Mountain Temple, Salt Lake City Temple together before it marked one month when my husband and I was in boyfriend and girlfriend stage. 

Kharissa and I went to Manti Temple, Payson Temple, and Salt Lake City Temple together - Kharissa drove us to those Temples. 

JaLisa and I went to Provo City Temple and Draper Temple together, - I drove us to those Temples. 

I drove myself to the following Temples; Brigham City Temple, Vernal Temple, Mount Timpanogos Temple, and Ogden Temple. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

#GIVETHANKS ~ Day Seven to Day Eight

   Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

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

Day 7: I am GRATEFUL for technology. Technology certainly has change a lot over the past twenty years and more. I have multiple reasons why I am GRATEFUL for technology. I love owning two cameras and two phones to take photos, take videos, and making memories. Technology is a great resource to use while studying online, to communicate short distance and long distance friends and short distance and long distance relatives, and so forth. 

My husband and I felt privileged to be able to see and talk to each other via skype, talk and see each other on video calls via Facebook Messenger, and messaging each other often whilst we were in our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement. 

Whenever I get to see my family members and friends on video calls via Facebook Messenger; it certainly DOES makes me feel so much joy because it has helped me to remember the memories, and the fun times that my husband and I had whenever we were able to video call to each other during long distance.

DAY 8: I am GRATEFUL for Animals especially Pets. My favourite animal is Dolphins and my husband's favourite animal is Eagles. While my husband and I was in our long distance relationship; my husband found a abandoned puppy (German Shepherd mixed Labrador) at my in-laws' house which was where my husband was living at the time.

My husband and I tried to work out a name for the puppy until one day, my husband decided to name the puppy, "Tarzan." My in-laws allowed my husband to look after Tarzan if he cares about providing food and drinks for Tarzan, which was great. I was able to see Tarzan via a video call on Facebook Messenger several times. He was definitely a playful and handful puppy. 

I felt joy and I was so happy when I was able to finally gotten to meet Tarzan in person during my visit in Texas United States in late October to towards end of November 2018. I was able to play with him at times whilst my husband was at work. When the weather has dropped to starting to get colder temperatures in preparation for winter season, my husband made sure that Tarzan was warm enough overnight. 

My husband had a blanket, and a small heater fan by the side of the kernel. There was days when Tarzan did not come back to my in-laws' in late afternoons while I was visiting. Sometime after I flew back to Brisbane, Tarzan started of not coming back to my in-laws' house persistently.

My husband and I think that Tarzan either gotten shot or ran away or died. It was sad news when I found out that Tarzan was not coming back, and I do not know if Tarzan gotten enough attention with love or not. My husband and I both decided that we would not get another puppy. A photo of Tarzan is on this blog's header. 

In early December 2018, I have been thinking about whether I should get a pet or not. I had a four bedroom place to myself, and I did not have any roommates who has moved in yet. I had a high expectation that I would hope that I would not get too emotionally attached to a pet prior to whenever I gotten my k-1 visa in my procession and moved to United States. 

I would like to have an ownership of a pet, and it took me a short while to make up a decision of getting a pet or not. I have decided to get a parakeet. I remembered during my teen years; a older young woman from church in the ward that I was in at the time was giving away parakeets. I remembered that I had two parakeets and I did not do a great job of looking after them.

Somehow the parakeets flew away from my family's home and then they flew back, but this time under the house. One day, the parakeets did not ever come back again. I thought it was a good idea for me to get one parakeet and hopefully I would do a better job of looking after one. 

On December 18th, 2018 - it is a week before Christmas and I was ready to pick up a parakeet after my shift from the Temple in the evening. I felt so excited and I really looking forward to it. When I arrived to the breeder of the parakeets; I was able to see other parakeets and those parakeets are siblings in one big cage. 

As I was approached to the cage; I asked "which one of you would you like to come home with me?" I saw a parakeet from the back of the cage and seemed interested of the question. I selected a parakeet, I was able to put the parakeet into the new cage, and drove home. I was able to tell the new parakeet that his name was "Bluey" repeatedly on the way home. 

Bluey was able to settle well into a new location and environment. I hand tamed Bluey a lot, I would put him on my shoulder whenever I gotten him out of the cage before he started getting training to go on my finger and then put him on my shoulder. 

I made sure that he has gotten a lot of love attentions, and I made sure that he was constantly loved. Bluey and I had great memories and fun memories together.

I remembered during a hot summer day, he would play with his food. One day, I decided to purchase several bird toys and I was thinking that he would not play with them at all. He proved me wrong, he played those toys and always having great times. I would wake him up during his sleep when I gotten home from work to tell him that I am home. 

Overtime, I taught Bluey how to talk. My husband and I decided it was best to tell Bluey that "we are Mummy, and Daddy" I constantly told Bluey this "Mummy and Daddy loves you, and misses you." I taught him how to say of these words of the following, I would just share some words, "Mummy, Daddy, Dad, Dadda, Goodnight, Millie, Meow, I love you and Mum." 

Bluey has its funny moments to make me laugh a lot. One time, I would tell Bluey "Goodnight, you go to sleep." Bluey says "You go to sleep." He knows that I would repeat on some words so that he can be a quick learner. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

#GIVETHANKS ~ Day One to Day Three

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

Day 1 - I am GRATEFUL for my husband. I have always appreciate everything that he has done for me. I love having his support, I love hearing his mission stories whenever he feels like talking about his mission, he has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of scripture passages that I didn't fully understood in the past, I love at times when he ensures me that everything will be okay when things aren't going the way that I would like it to. 

I love the ways of how he always me feel happy often, I love the ways of how he always make me laugh often, I have always appreciated that he reminds me often that he cares about me, he's such a great listener whenever he chooses to listen, he listens to my concerns carefully, so close to everytime he knows when it is the best time to give me a priesthood blessing, and so forth. 

He always shared compliments with me so often (each morning after we wake up, and each night before we go to sleep), he has been a wonderful example towards me, he always quick to forgive, he always says "I love you" and he always means it, I always have admired him for having a reliable full-time job (despite how early we wake up from Monday mornings to Friday mornings every week for my husband to go to work), and so forth.

Day 2 - I am GRATEFUL for my Immediate Family members, Extended Relatives, and In-laws. 

To my immediate family members and my extended relatives: 

I have always appreciated your useful advices or suggestions, I have always appreciated your righteous examples to me, your constant love for me, I have always appreciated your constant care for me, I have always appreciated your constant support for me, I have always appreciated your kindness towards me, I have always appreciated for you to be using your time to spend some time with me, I have always appreciated your sacrifices that you have shown, I have always appreciated our conversations (whether it is via phone calls or via handwritten letters or in person or emails or messages via social media account or text messages - I have always enjoyed talking to you, and so forth. 

Thank you to my parents for raising my siblings and myself up with having a religious background and the religion is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I always enjoyed family home evenings (even during times when I don't show that I have enjoyed family home evenings), but I do remember learning so much during family home evenings. 

To my in-laws: 

I would like to apologize of me for not getting to know y'all very well but I am sure that I would have plenty of opportunities to get to know y'all.

I have always appreciated the kindness that y'all have shown to me, I have always appreciated their care for me, I have always appreciated our conversations (whether it is via in person or phone call or Facebook messenger or text messages or in person - I have always enjoyed talking to y'all, and so forth. 

I know that I definitely do appreciate of my mother-in-law and my father-in-law for raising my husband and siblings up in the same religion as me - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

Day 3: I am GRATEFUL for all of my friends including my close friends and my best friends.

To all of my friends:

To Best Friends: I have two current best friends, and they are my husband and Marah. I have been best friends with Marah for seven years, and I have been best friends with my husband for three years. I love y'all so much. I have always appreciated your constant love that y'all have shown to me, I have always appreciated your constant care towards me, I have always appreciated your kindness that y'all have shown to me, I have always appreciated our conversations (whether it is via emails or in person or phone calls or text messages or social media) - I have always enjoyed our conversations and being grateful that we can communicate to each other about anything, and so forth.

To Close Friends: I seemed to have more than five current close friends. I would just share several of who they are. There is Bethany K, Christine A, Emily S, JaLisa L, Sia L, and Sofronaiia W. I have always appreciated your kindness that y'all have shown to me, I have always appreciated your support for me, I have always appreciated your care towards me, I have always appreciated our conversations (whether it is via emails or phone calls or in person or text messages or social media) - I have always enjoyed our conversations, and so forth. 

To All of my Other Friends: I have always appreciated your kindness that y'all have shown to me, I have always appreciated your care towards me, I have always appreciated your support for me, I have always appreciated our conversations (whether it is via emails or in person or phone calls or text messages or social media) - I have always enjoyed our conversations, and so forth. 

Stay Tuned until next time.