Thoughts to Consider

The other day I was in a "iffy" mood,(angry, depressed, discouraged, ......etc) and I had tried to come up with some reason, but couldn't seem to figure out what I I was thinking.  Even my PT must have wondered because I'm usually happy when I go there.

We were listening to an audio book in the car called, Walk" the 1st book in a series of books written by Richard Paul Evans.  At one point,the main character was mugged & stabbed by a group of guys, (who probably had nothing to do but "sitting around, being bored"!  The book was starting to upset me, & I said, "See, there's nothing good in the world anyone"!!  Then Ben said, " You should be happy, you're in the church aren't you?   I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of  Latter-Day Saints.  I know this church is true, you can find out more about it from individual members or missionaries, blogs like mine, or there are also computer websites which can answer your more specific questions .  (The church finds this process to be more effective in today's media.)  So, please take advantage of these tools!

Nature and Us

Nature is all around us, however, you may not notice it unless you're looking for it.

A few years ago, I was not interested in nature at all, but I wondered why other people had such an interest in it. I didn't like how nature was such a dirty and difficult thing to experience. Being in a wheelchair, nature always put up different obstacles and struggles in my way, so I couldn't enjoy it properly. Because a friend started going on walks with me, I began to feel the peace that nature brings. My eyes were opened then. All the beauty from these simple walks; the creatures, the sights, the feelings, and the closeness to the Spirit, brought new and exciting emotions to me. My friend even showed me the different features of the leaves, and some of the cool things and facts about their color and texture, and really showed me what an intricate sight nature truly is on this earth.

I don't know how many of you have gotten the privilege to see Niagara Falls up in New York, but it is truly one of the wonders of the world. Standing on the precipice of the falls and hearing the thunderous sounds of the water, was definitely an experience. The Falls are one of my favorite places to visit and see, just because of the sheer force and awe of nature's power. I'm so grateful for my friend, and for God for creating all these stunning and wonderful sights in nature.

I just love the calming aura that nature emulates. Think about the last time you've taken a walk through the woods, or gone sightseeing in the country; what did you feel? I know for me, there's been many times where I've felt so bad or sick to my mind, and had many confusing emotions within myself, that nature helped me calm my feelings. Amazing. Something so simple, has such awesome power to calm the mind and to induce those tender feelings of joy that come from seeing the calm view of nature.

I don't know what I would do if I still held my previous views about nature. A simple act by my friend, led me to experience the joy and the great things that come from paying attention to nature. This life has so many distractions and things that blast against us. It's so hard to appreciate nature and beauty today. I challenge you to, if you can, take a moment to look out the window, take a walk down that forest path, or feel the wind on your face. Marvelous. I know that I've gotten so much out of something so simple. I hope you can experience this marvel.

I testify that nature can bring about a spiritual enlightenment that can bring one closer to God's creations, and can help clear the mind of confusing thoughts and different distractions that hamper us in this present day. I thank you for your support of my blog, and I really hope that it maybe opens your eyes to the wonder and marvel that nature is, and the Spirit that you can feel. I wish all of you a wonderful week, and a great rest of summer!

Materials: You Can't Take It With You

I was in Rhode Island recently. There were many beautiful things there. One of the things that we did was go to some mansions. We got to go to three of them around the state. The first one was "The Breakers" Mansion. When we went there, it felt like there was a family-like spirit, but when I looked at some of the pictures around the house, people were dressed in fancy or period clothes. I was thinking about how the Great Depression was coming, and they had no idea it was coming. So they just lived really comfortable lives and didn't know that the depression was approaching, and that there money might be taken away from them through no fault of their own.

Today it seems like people who are in the "lime light", and those who follow them, think that they are superstars in everyone's life. Do you think they are truly happy? The only thing that can make us happy is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can truly find answers there, and you can know everlasting principles that can be with you through life and forever. I know this is true, because I am a member of this church and have been taught these things through my life and through my experience in the church.

I would like to relate my experiences in another mansion. For example, the "Rose Cliff" mansion had other purposes. The setting was definitely centered around money. Ballrooms, entertainment, and other furnishes, expressed the spirit of this mansion.
The guides would go around saying, "This is so and so's bedroom, or this is where people took a bath. If they wanted to see the bath, they pulled the string and showed it to people. If they wanted hot or cold water they would pull this certain string." You could certainly tell that they never thought of tomorrow or the future or losing their money. Another weird thing was that all these people died at very young ages. I don't think they valued their life or knew
what life was really all about.

As I said previously, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has showed me the true meaning of life and love, and we've been counseled to look to the Lord to pray for the spirit and for strength. Because we know that everyone has problems and imperfections-the rich and the poor, I hope you can relate to the feelings and expressions I've talked about in this post. What is it all about? If we can't relate or even try to relate, that is up to and that is a question that you must ask yourself and find your own answer to.

A Mother's Love

"My mother is a wonderful person"  I'm sure these words were spoken, telephoned, e-mailed. or even sent on a Hallmark Card,("when you care enough to send the very Best" this is in a commercial from Hallmark, if you didn't know already.

Let me tell you a little bit about my mother.  She is beautiful both inside and out!! She's ALWAYS been there for me! She taught me the meaning of love through her sweet nature!!  She has accepted me when others didn't. She has strong faith in Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father and is always saying, "See how Heavenly Father always takes care of us"?  She doesn't even know this, but sometimes when she says good night to me, I say in my mind, "Goodnight, my little sugar cube"  Oh, my goodness....

In perhaps the same way, there was a very loving relationship between Jesus and his mother, Mary.  We know that she was very young, and a virgin when her Son was born. She was also a very mild person, and it is said of her, "Mary pondered all these things and kept them in her heart"  (Luke 2)

Another scripture that mentions His Mother, is in Mosiah 3:8 in the Book of Mormon.  It says:

"And He shall be called, Jesus Christ,the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary".

Our mother's love and care for us, I'm sure Mary did the same for Jesus, but I wonder if she knew her little baby would take upon himself the sins of the world?  Of course, we'll never know, but I wonder if this was the very thing, "Mary pondered all these things and kept them in her heart".

Our mother's don't know what we will experience in life, but they are in our hearts and our lives for a reason. I love my mother, and am grateful for the example and the courage she's taught me as she nurtured me throughout my life. Make  sure you tell your mother's how much you love them, they are one of God's greatest examples and blessings in our lives today!

Handling Anger with Christ's Help

Hello!  I'm Bruce. I'm 50 years old, and I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
I have 2 disabilities:

1. Cerebral Palsy
2. Bipolar Disorder

Even though these disabilities are very different, they may sometimes cause similar emotions; anger, deep
sadness, and loneliness are just a few.

Usually, I can handle this, but sometimes it's overwhelming!!  I've said, "Why Me"? plenty of times.  I've always wanted to be "normal", but never felt like I fit in.  I've seen in the last little while that everyone must find answers for themselves. I turn to my God in prayer. Sometimes it takes a while to get my prayers answered. He answers my prayers by comforting me with his love and spirit. God's love helps me to continue, overcome, and press on.  Answers to prayers have helped me to know that Heavenly Father is there. That He lives!

The Lord spoke in plainness, "Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love." (D&C 6:20) We all want to feel the comfort of the Savior's embrace. (Elder W. Craig Swick; of the Seventy, October 1995)

There are many ways to deal with anger that comes with physical disabilities. Because of the knowledge of the restored gospel there is hope for people who think that their disability will last forever. I know mine won't. There is a life after this where we all will be able to have each part of our body in perfect form. This is possible because of Jesus Christ. This knowledge gives me hope to press on, and comfort to fit in.




Many, many Blessings to you,
Bruce