Monday, October 8, 2007

Here's a happy one for you!

So, yesterday (oh, such fond memories) was part II of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where all of our leaders, great men and women, speak to us. I was inspired and moved by many of the them (Elder Wirthlin's total exemplification of his topic of Charity, Sis. Beck's reaffirming and reminding "Women Who Know", Oakes totally-for-me "Good, Better, Best") but the one that I'm focusing on today is Elder Eyring's talk. He spoke about how he has spent every day journaling a few lines, recording how he saw God's Hand in his life that day. He reminded us that as we watch for Him, we will see Him more. We will be more grateful, more humbled, more able to teach our children that He knows and loves us.

So...I'm in: With all the mess of the last few days...here are some ways I've seen God's hand in my life.

1. Our van was found.

2. We had friends who whisked our kids away, so we could concentrate, and then had a yummy lunch all ready for us when we finished the police business.

3. Tammy and the new purse: brightening my day and teaching me how to "comfort those who stand in need of comfort." Mosiah 18:9

4. A sweet "family special time" where we discussed what had happened, why and what we learn from it. Gabe said, "I thought that even if we couldn't find our car and couldn't go anywhere because our car only has 5 seats, we could walk to church instead and still be a family." It was a great opportunity to teach and testify that we are known and loved of Heavenly Father.

5. Being reminded again what an unselfish oldest child we have.

6. Waking up happy, instead of bummed out.

7. AND LISTEN TO THIS: when Emma was walking out the door to school this morning, she looked down at the newspaper lying there and said, "Mom!" Tucked into the sleeve of the newspaper, was my license! So much easier to get through this stuff with photo ID and so much less of a worry that people are cashing my checks and getting into over 21 dance clubs with my license.

It is completly naive to think that we can avoid bad things just by trying really hard to do what is right. This life is a time to learn and grow and sometimes we can only grow as we have challenges placed in front of us. There are way worse stuff that could have happened...I'm grateful that God gives us what we can handle. I have seen His Hand in my life this weekend and many times before.

12 comments:

Annie said...

Hi Jessica,
Thanks for checking out my blog...nice to meet you. Gorgeous family!

Glad you got your car/license back. What a weekend you had!

Brigitta said...

I loved Pres. Eyring talk too and thought of how I want to be more grateful each day and recognize God's hand in my life each day. Thanks for the uplifting works. Now to the car situation, that just happened to some lady I know from school. Definately get those locks to your house changed. And could your kids be anymore righteous and sweet? I love that Jane gave you money and that she was worried you wouldn't have any. kids are the cutest.

Carie said...

Oh how I wished we lived in the same city. You are amazing.

I loved Pres. Eyring's talk too (I am a serious journal writer myself so we are kindred spirits).

That family picture is darling.

Hollyween said...

What a beautiful family and a beautiful outlook on the whole situation that could have really wrecked you for a while. Way to turn it into a positive! I loved Pres. Eyring's talk as well. It really helped validate my journaling need.

Penny said...

What an awesome attitude you have! It would be so easy to focus on the things lost, instead of what was gained...you had a wonderful teaching moment for your children and well as yourself. And even though our kids seem so self-centered and selfish sometimes, it is times like these we see how sweet and giving they are. If only more people had the outlook that you and your family do, the world would be a better place.

Adrianne said...

you're stealing my idea to steal pres. eyring's idea...

Sunday conference was fantastic. Saturday I watched in Spanish so was a little less enriching, let's say.

You and Ryan look like beautiful bronzed models.

zeeny said...

I really liked that talk as well. I'm glad everything is working out with the car. You always inspire me to be a better mom!

Ilene said...

Funny how some talks really just speak to so many of us every conference. I was trying to think about God's fingerprints in my life last night too. Way to take the opportunity to teach your kids-I admire you for that.

Also, you must know that those blue sandals of yours are awesome. How can you not be happy wearing such cute shoes?

Celia Fae said...

You dressed up? Did you have to go to the church? Bless you my child.

Henry Eyring is my favorite. Are we allowed to have favorites?

Anisa said...

I'm really glad you have a blog and that you post spiritual reminders on there. You wouldn't believe how much I learned from the comments that you would make in Relief Society. But, since you're not here and I'm not in Relief Society, I can learn and grow and be reminded by reading your blog... thanks!

Paige said...

That's funny, because I thought Eyring was talking about blogging, a form of journaling. Now I need to write good things on it, like you do. Tammy is such a fun friend.

kara jayne said...

Thank you so much for this sweet reminder of looking at the positive. I wish we lived by each other. I know we'd be great friends.