I have never been one for making and keeping my new years resolutions. I guess I have a short attention span and don't really keep my focus on 1 or 2 main things that I need to improve on. I guess maybe I am a little ADD (that explains a lot) but this year I am vowing to be different. Last week I started thinking about all the areas that need refining in my life and where I should put my focus. I had this real strong feeling to work even harder on my food storage/ 1 year supply and 72 hour kits. I have been going to the cannery the past 6 months and I have been working on it, but I know that I can be doing better. I had this feeling and thought keep coming to me "get your house in order." I don't know why but I better work on it. I noticed that I became excited at the thought of devoting more time and attention to this area of my life. Really when it comes down to it, I am the mother, I am expected to get things in order so that I can feed, clothe and take care of my family. I have started to research and find a lot of helpful information and it has made this process a lot easier. I am really praying to know what things to purchase for my family so that I can eliminate all of the unnecessary items that I may be tempted to purchase or focus on. SO, my goal or resolution, is to focus on something every week that will help me prepare and increase my food storage and home supply. I hope by the end of the month to have everything that I need for my 72hr. kits and by the end of the year, be able to say... "yes I have my food storage and we are prepared." That will bring a lot of comfort peace to me because one day we may need it!
I received a great book from my sister Lacey for Christmas. It is Sheri Dew's new book, God wants a powerful people. It has been very uplifting and thought provoking. I began thinking about what I must do to draw closer to my Heavenly Father so that I can be numbered among His powerful people. It is so difficult to "put off the natural man" and continually submit my will to His. I notice it is something that I haven't mastered yet, and maybe never will during this probationary state. One thing that I have noticed is that there is power in trying. I feel the power of the Holy Ghost as I look to the Savior and His atonement, recognize my weaknesses and ask for help. There is power in asking God for help. I read a section of this book last night that really made me think...
Sheri said, "The active pursuit of possessions, power, popularity, or pleasures of the flesh, often motivated by pride, can drown out the still, small voice, momentarily overshadow truth, and distract us from those things that bring REAL joy and lasting happiness."
That is so true to me. When I can cut through all of the "junk," or all the stuff in this world that really doesn't have lasting value, I am no longer worried about my possessions, popularity, pleasures of the flesh, and the pride that fuels this fire will eventually die. It is a continual process, one that I am committed to stick with.
This book also talks about the power that is in the restoration of the church. I began to think of all that I enjoy in life because of the restoration of the gospel and it is so true! The power of knowing that God still communicates to us through a living prophet is not only powerful to me, but also brings peace and comfort in this crazy wicked world. Knowing that because of the restoration, my husband has the great responsibility and opportunity to use the Priesthood to bless our family, in the name of Jesus Christ, and by His authority. That is pretty powerful! I have been anxiously working hard to notice the whisperings of the Spirit in my life each day. As I am repenting and refining my life I am noticing the Spirit much stronger in my life. There is great power in that! Knowing that I am guided and prompted each day gives me greater faith and trust in my Heavenly Father. It is amazing to think of all of the blessings we enjoy, or rather the power that comes because of the Restoration. I am truly grateful for this great gift and the opportunity I have to be a part of it. I realize that because of Christ and my obedience to my covenants, I am a powerful daughter of God. That is pretty amazing to me....
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