This week I was given the opportunity to reflect upon how much good this life has to offer. I was able to reflect upon how truly blessed I am to be a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I would like to take this opportunity to express the love that I have for my savior. I am so grateful to have a loving Heavenly Father who directs all my paths. I am grateful to have the Holy Ghost assist me in every aspect of my life. The gospel of Jesus Christ is one that changes the heart, this then changes our lives. When we truly understand the gospel and are committed to our Savior our actions begin to change.
May I suggest that when we love our Savior as he loves us, serving others, being kind, and charitable will not seem like a chore. It will not be a challenge to go around and do good. The gospel of Jesus Christ provides comfort, peace and sanctity. I am thankful that I was born into the true church upon this earth. I am grateful to have a best friend who knows the intentions of my heart, who knows my strengths and weaknesses.
The holiday season often gives us the chance to reflect upon how much we have. I would suggest that we take the time to reflect upon how much we truly have. Having an attitude of gratitude starts with positive thinking, take time to list things you are grateful for. Offer up prayers of complete gratitude, not asking for anything from our Father in Heaven. Our Heavenly Father wants to bless us, we need to be diligently thanking our Heavenly Father to become closer with him.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
What Stresses Stress Us the most....EEEK!!
There are two types of stressors that can occur with anyone. The first stressors are Internal Events...any ideas on what would be an internal stressor for you? Internal stressors deal with things such as a wayward child, drug abuse, a distant marriage or relationship with a child, aging, attending college, pregnancy. Internal stressors according to Lauern are events that begin from someone inside the family. External stressors would be events such as natural disasters, terrorism, stock market and minorities. External stressors are events that begin from someone or something outside of the family.
..... SO which is harder to deal with? Something residing from within your immediate reach or something completely out of your control?
Is it harder to deal with things we can't necessarily change or is it harder when we know we have an affect and have the power to change things?
Conflict and stresses can often have the "make it, or break it" affect. Some families cleave unto each other and support one another when tragedy or stressful events happen, others are destroyed by them. One study showed the top three stressors in Families are One, Death of a child. Two, death of a spouse or parent and three, divorce. Unexpected events can truly throw families for a whirl wind. Studies show that communication is one of the biggest indicators, this determines how well a family will cope with stress or tragic events. When families communicate and express their struggles and feelings they find something to connect and draw them together. Families who communicate are showing support (which is most important in times such as these). Relying on each other and seeking out hope in any religious affiliation can be a great asset to overcoming such heartache.
..... SO which is harder to deal with? Something residing from within your immediate reach or something completely out of your control?
Is it harder to deal with things we can't necessarily change or is it harder when we know we have an affect and have the power to change things?
Conflict and stresses can often have the "make it, or break it" affect. Some families cleave unto each other and support one another when tragedy or stressful events happen, others are destroyed by them. One study showed the top three stressors in Families are One, Death of a child. Two, death of a spouse or parent and three, divorce. Unexpected events can truly throw families for a whirl wind. Studies show that communication is one of the biggest indicators, this determines how well a family will cope with stress or tragic events. When families communicate and express their struggles and feelings they find something to connect and draw them together. Families who communicate are showing support (which is most important in times such as these). Relying on each other and seeking out hope in any religious affiliation can be a great asset to overcoming such heartache.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
What Do Mates Look For
Many people wonder what attracts the opposite sex to one another. Have you ever wondered what qualities are most attractive to your mate? Most males and females actually look for the same thing in eachother, surprised? An experiment asked men and women to rank top ten qualities in order. Both men and women ranked the first five exactly the same.
1. A mutual attraction, love
2. Dependable Character
3. Emotional stability, maturity
4. Pleasing disposition
5. Education, intelligence
Perhaps the most important qualities each sex looks for is dependability and character. "Good Looks" were both ranked as 8th by men, and 9th for women. Good looks are clearly not what keep men and women together. Once mates have found eachother what keeps them together? Studies show that opposites may attract initially, but these differences fade out. The Con's to opposites attracting eachother are as follows: Contrary interests and values generate arguments, you are more comfortable with people who share your own background and goals in life, and the more alike you are, the easier it is to understand and appreciate each other. Similarities provide common ground for couples to relate to. When disagreements and differences arise it is easier to fall back on similar grounds. May I suggest that differences may intrigue us to one another. However, couples should agree on major topics for the best chance of marriage success. It can be very challenging when two people are torn apart because of religion, politics and family.
Another factor that contributes to a successful marriage is not cohabiting before marriage. Many people believe they increase their rate of success if they "test" the waters, before fully committing and legally signing the papers. Research shows that the success rate for a lasting marriage decreases greatly for couples who cohabit before marriage. Perhaps cohabiting creates a casual mindset towards the relationship. Might I suggest that people who cohabit are less likely to give it their all if they know they can back out easily. Marriage sets a certain precedent, there are expectations and people are more likely to try harder if they are legally bound. Once married couples need to devote time to one another. Many couples forget to praise one another, they forget to talk and appreciate eachother. One researcher suggests that couples spend 2 minutes in the morning talking to eachother, and roughly 10 minutes at the end of each day talking to eachother. Five minutes should be devoted to telling eachother how wonderful one another is and there should be five minutes of kissing, each day. Couples who communicate often and show physical attention to one another are less likely to be contentious with one another. I would advise all couples to cherish one another, show love, respect and communicate! Those who put the extra effort into their relationship will reap the benefits.
1. A mutual attraction, love
2. Dependable Character
3. Emotional stability, maturity
4. Pleasing disposition
5. Education, intelligence
Perhaps the most important qualities each sex looks for is dependability and character. "Good Looks" were both ranked as 8th by men, and 9th for women. Good looks are clearly not what keep men and women together. Once mates have found eachother what keeps them together? Studies show that opposites may attract initially, but these differences fade out. The Con's to opposites attracting eachother are as follows: Contrary interests and values generate arguments, you are more comfortable with people who share your own background and goals in life, and the more alike you are, the easier it is to understand and appreciate each other. Similarities provide common ground for couples to relate to. When disagreements and differences arise it is easier to fall back on similar grounds. May I suggest that differences may intrigue us to one another. However, couples should agree on major topics for the best chance of marriage success. It can be very challenging when two people are torn apart because of religion, politics and family.
Another factor that contributes to a successful marriage is not cohabiting before marriage. Many people believe they increase their rate of success if they "test" the waters, before fully committing and legally signing the papers. Research shows that the success rate for a lasting marriage decreases greatly for couples who cohabit before marriage. Perhaps cohabiting creates a casual mindset towards the relationship. Might I suggest that people who cohabit are less likely to give it their all if they know they can back out easily. Marriage sets a certain precedent, there are expectations and people are more likely to try harder if they are legally bound. Once married couples need to devote time to one another. Many couples forget to praise one another, they forget to talk and appreciate eachother. One researcher suggests that couples spend 2 minutes in the morning talking to eachother, and roughly 10 minutes at the end of each day talking to eachother. Five minutes should be devoted to telling eachother how wonderful one another is and there should be five minutes of kissing, each day. Couples who communicate often and show physical attention to one another are less likely to be contentious with one another. I would advise all couples to cherish one another, show love, respect and communicate! Those who put the extra effort into their relationship will reap the benefits.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Rethink your relationship
We are often times so caught up in our busy lives that we don't take time to evaluate our love lives! It is vitally important to realize that there are different types of loves; Healthy and destructive. I feel very strongly that this Post would be most useful to teenagers. The teenage years can be so confusing in regards to relationships. Researchers have studied two distinct kinds of love, Passionate and Companionate. As you continue on in this post, evaluate your own relationship.
Passionate love is what helps keeps things going; however, this solely can't sustain a relationship. Passionate love is fueled by emotions, sexual desires, and often times jealousy. The passionate love is one that excites, it changes continuously and is usually short lived. Passionate love is very common for teenagers. We often times mistake drama and fights with excitement. We can easily confuse ourselves into thinking those fights bring us closer together, they show how much "passion" there is. DO NOT BE MISTAKEN BY THIS! The love that lasts is Companionate.
Companionate love creates strong emotional bonds, the sexual desire varies and you become each others best friend. This relationship is stable, dependable with little jealousy.
May I make a call to all females, do not go for the emotional roller coaster, do not mistake drama for excitement and passion. The relationships that are "Fantastic when its good, and Horrifying when its bad"... they are no good. It is so easy to get caught up, to feel needed and desired. Do not fall to this facade. Companionate love is just that.... a companionship. Your lover should be your best friend, your support system. Evaluate your relationship, what do each of you bring to the table? What do you offer to one another? Are you a better person with this person in your life? Take time to ponder these questions. Sometimes it is difficult to get out of the Passionate love cycle, especially if we are trying to fill a void someone else has left. Stay strong Ladies and have the courage to seek for the healthy relationships. One that pushes, edifies and enriches your life! YOU CAN DO BETTER!
Passionate love is what helps keeps things going; however, this solely can't sustain a relationship. Passionate love is fueled by emotions, sexual desires, and often times jealousy. The passionate love is one that excites, it changes continuously and is usually short lived. Passionate love is very common for teenagers. We often times mistake drama and fights with excitement. We can easily confuse ourselves into thinking those fights bring us closer together, they show how much "passion" there is. DO NOT BE MISTAKEN BY THIS! The love that lasts is Companionate.
Companionate love creates strong emotional bonds, the sexual desire varies and you become each others best friend. This relationship is stable, dependable with little jealousy.
May I make a call to all females, do not go for the emotional roller coaster, do not mistake drama for excitement and passion. The relationships that are "Fantastic when its good, and Horrifying when its bad"... they are no good. It is so easy to get caught up, to feel needed and desired. Do not fall to this facade. Companionate love is just that.... a companionship. Your lover should be your best friend, your support system. Evaluate your relationship, what do each of you bring to the table? What do you offer to one another? Are you a better person with this person in your life? Take time to ponder these questions. Sometimes it is difficult to get out of the Passionate love cycle, especially if we are trying to fill a void someone else has left. Stay strong Ladies and have the courage to seek for the healthy relationships. One that pushes, edifies and enriches your life! YOU CAN DO BETTER!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Do we really have to have it all?
The world is constantly telling us we can become whoever we want to be. We are told we can change ourselves and to always seek the absolute best. Why is it that we are constantly seeking to "one up" someone? I would ask you to ponder these thoughts before continuing on with this post.
I have seen countless of people exhaust themselves with trying to become the best. So many people are wasting away money, time and energy to prove something. Those who are involved in this life style will never be content. We must be careful with the spirit of entitlement. When we become used to living a lavish life and having it all; we often are subjects to never being content. When we focus all of our energies on the things of the world we must be leaving something out. What it is it we are neglecting? Our family? Spouse? Children? God? Sometimes our perspectives need to change. We need to refocus our attention on our divine purpose. We need to fortify our relationships and create peace in our homes. The scriptures, and prophets tell us that there is no greater joy than creating a heaven on earth; within our homes.
Let us be more careful at what we "need". We don't need that huge flat screen TV, the latest iphone, the newest pair of UGG boots. If we would spend our energy trying to "impress" or please God we would find much more happiness and peace in our lives.
TRY this week to make an extra effort to make God your number one priority, check in with him..he will tell you, you are enough and you have enough!
I have seen countless of people exhaust themselves with trying to become the best. So many people are wasting away money, time and energy to prove something. Those who are involved in this life style will never be content. We must be careful with the spirit of entitlement. When we become used to living a lavish life and having it all; we often are subjects to never being content. When we focus all of our energies on the things of the world we must be leaving something out. What it is it we are neglecting? Our family? Spouse? Children? God? Sometimes our perspectives need to change. We need to refocus our attention on our divine purpose. We need to fortify our relationships and create peace in our homes. The scriptures, and prophets tell us that there is no greater joy than creating a heaven on earth; within our homes.
Let us be more careful at what we "need". We don't need that huge flat screen TV, the latest iphone, the newest pair of UGG boots. If we would spend our energy trying to "impress" or please God we would find much more happiness and peace in our lives.
TRY this week to make an extra effort to make God your number one priority, check in with him..he will tell you, you are enough and you have enough!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Unity Between Spouses
Everyone knows that when two people are united things are much better. But how about spouses? How does unity between husband and wife effect the family as a whole? It is important to remember that children pick up on everything they see, hear and observe. When a husband and wife bicker, break each other down, and find fault with one another the effect on children is huge! Children will begin to accept what they see, we are creatures of our environment. Parents should never underestimate what a great influence they can be for their children. It is proven that when there is unity between husband and wife children fair better. Children are more likely to succeed in school, social environments and make better decisions when there is peace at home.
"Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children". When we look at our families as something ordained of God we are more likely to change how we run our home. Families are the most sacred gift the Lord has blessed us with, it is our job to make these homes a heaven on earth. Having family prayer invites the spirit and shows respect for everyone in attendance. Children should see their parents praying together, praising and uplifting one another. Parents should seek to agree on things, to come together for their children and their marriage. Let us remember that a marriage is sacred. Marriage is a beautiful gift and "Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."
"Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children". When we look at our families as something ordained of God we are more likely to change how we run our home. Families are the most sacred gift the Lord has blessed us with, it is our job to make these homes a heaven on earth. Having family prayer invites the spirit and shows respect for everyone in attendance. Children should see their parents praying together, praising and uplifting one another. Parents should seek to agree on things, to come together for their children and their marriage. Let us remember that a marriage is sacred. Marriage is a beautiful gift and "Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."
Monday, September 23, 2013
Putting Aside Selfishness
Lately in society I feel there has been this mindset that small families are ideal. The world is constantly portraying the perfect parents with two smart, athletic and preppy children. I have constantly wondered why parents are so wrapped up in this image. This image to create this small unit that looks perfect to everyone else. As I pondered more I looked into why I think families are having fewer amount of children. The best explanation as to why well educated, financially and emotionally stable parents are only having one - two children is simple, Selfishness.
Parents seem to want their children to do exactly what they want them to do; To speak a certain way, play a certain instrument.. the list goes on and on. Parents are more concerned with their appearance; how nicely they all dress, making sure their children have the latest iphone etc. What happened to teaching children morals? To making our children work for things they want. Many parents have allowed the spirit of entitlement to rule their homes. It is ok to not give your children everything they want. Our purpose is to bring up righteous, independent, hard working children. Put aside your expectations, stop caring about what your neighbor thinks of you and turn towards your family and work from within!
Becoming a parent used to be praiseworthy, an accomplishment, something to be proud of. Now days it seems as though it is almost a burden. Society is pushing so hard to tell woman that they have the same opportunities as men, that they should be able to do whatever they want. So I propose this question to you. When did our innate purpose as women, (to be a mother) become something so casual? We were put on this earth to learn and grow, to teach, nurture and bless...to CREATE families! The opportunities, growth, development and love that comes from being a parent is inmeasurable to any professional, corporate job. Ladies, please do not get the wrong message. To be a working mother is great. There is nothing wrong with getting your education and working. I however am suggesting we dig a little deeper. We as women should be proud to be mothers, proud to give up ourselves completely and put another human being first. Do not let society tell you what is acceptable. I promise that we would all gain greater blessings and lead happier lives if we put aside our own wants and needs and focused on something so much bigger... families!
Parents seem to want their children to do exactly what they want them to do; To speak a certain way, play a certain instrument.. the list goes on and on. Parents are more concerned with their appearance; how nicely they all dress, making sure their children have the latest iphone etc. What happened to teaching children morals? To making our children work for things they want. Many parents have allowed the spirit of entitlement to rule their homes. It is ok to not give your children everything they want. Our purpose is to bring up righteous, independent, hard working children. Put aside your expectations, stop caring about what your neighbor thinks of you and turn towards your family and work from within!
Becoming a parent used to be praiseworthy, an accomplishment, something to be proud of. Now days it seems as though it is almost a burden. Society is pushing so hard to tell woman that they have the same opportunities as men, that they should be able to do whatever they want. So I propose this question to you. When did our innate purpose as women, (to be a mother) become something so casual? We were put on this earth to learn and grow, to teach, nurture and bless...to CREATE families! The opportunities, growth, development and love that comes from being a parent is inmeasurable to any professional, corporate job. Ladies, please do not get the wrong message. To be a working mother is great. There is nothing wrong with getting your education and working. I however am suggesting we dig a little deeper. We as women should be proud to be mothers, proud to give up ourselves completely and put another human being first. Do not let society tell you what is acceptable. I promise that we would all gain greater blessings and lead happier lives if we put aside our own wants and needs and focused on something so much bigger... families!
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