I learned to get up each morning, put a smile on my face, and leave the past in the past. Everybody was given a “clean slate.” I tried to focus on today and expect the best in everyone. If a new problem occurred today, I tried to deal with it today and not bring up or recite a long list of grievances that had happened in the past.
Read MoreEach of us can define the woman we want to be today, tomorrow, and forever. This is my definition: “WOMAN—
BRIGHT. BEAUTIFUL. BRAVE. BOLD. BENEVOLENT.”
In 1983, Barbara B. Smith gave a talk entitled, “A Season of Strength” that inspired me when I first heard her speak when I was a young mother. Now, as a grandmother, I still find her words inspiring today. Whether we are single or married, young or old, the nurturing work we do as women can provide true friendship to the lonely, bring joy and love to a child, and instill hope into the hearts of discouraged souls.
Read MoreUnity doesn’t come all at once, but it will come. Sometimes, you will need to “agree to disagree” on a certain subject, and that’s okay, too! Let time go by. Not all issues need to be resolved right now. Be loving. Be kind. Be patient. Keep your eye on the goal of unity as you each progress in your individual lives. Marriage should always be a “win-win” relationship.
Read MoreMy husband David and I are continually saying, “Thank you!” to each other throughout the day. Around our home, we are always noticing what the other person is doing and try to make a point of showing our appreciation. It only takes a few seconds, but it reminds us to never take each other for granted.
Read MoreIf you aren’t currently doing any family history, begin now. Your life will be enriched by what you learn. I have gained much strength from reading the journal of my great, great grandfather Isaac Hill (1806-1879). As I reflect on all the trials and hardships he endured, it inspires me to never give up during my own trials.
Read MoreI had so many pent-up emotions since my childhood that I needed to talk through with someone I really trusted. Now I was married to my best friend, David, with whom I could share all my feelings. Night after night, I would cry. Night after night, David would comfort me. Night after night, I would talk about what was bothering me.
Read MoreThe true Spirit of Easter is the sure knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He lived. He died. He was resurrected. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we will all be resurrected and be reunited with our loved ones once again someday. Jesus is the “Master Healer” who heals us from both sin and sorrow.
Read MoreA negative attitude about work can be changed to a positive attitude about work as you look for role models, either in real life or in books, who can help you transform yourself and find the true joy of work. Leave the past in the past. You can start fresh!
Read MoreI have always loved this talk about motherhood that was given by Julie Beck in 2007. It is entitled, “Mothers Who Know.” It gave me great confidence in myself as I continued raising my children. I hope you will enjoy this excerpt!
Read MoreAnother image came into my mind. It was a beautiful, vividly-colored field of wildflowers. As I reflected on this exhilarating scene, a poem started forming in my mind about my children. I quickly typed it up and gave a copy to each of my ten children for Valentine’s Day that year. I called it, “My Wildflowers.”
Read MoreOne of the most important times to be optimistic is when you get married. There will be many situations in marriage that will cause you and your spouse to feel discouraged. But there is no problem that an optimistic wife and an optimistic husband cannot work out together with the help of the Lord.
Read MoreAll of us who call ourselves “Christians,” have a sacred responsibility to follow in Jesus Christ’s footsteps and take upon ourselves His name. This not always easy to do. We wake up each morning with a desire to follow Him, but bad habits, over-busy lives, and a multitude of distractions get us off course by the end of the day. We often go to bed feeling discouraged with ourselves because we haven’t lived up to the righteous desires of our hearts.
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2020 is the three-year anniversary of when my son, Matt, had to have emergency brain surgery to save his life. Each year at this time, we thank God that Matt is alive and still with us. We are grateful he is doing as well as he is. The main medical problem Matt is still plagued with are occasional grand mal seizures. Once I asked Matt how he deals with all these problems. He simply answered, “This is my reality, and it’s all good!”
Read MoreAll people need a touch of friendship. It can be a smile, a hug, a text or email, or even a note or card. If the thought of someone comes into your mind, act upon the impression you receive to brighten that person’s day. I love the quote by Marjorie Pay Hinckley, “Never suppress a generous thought.”
Read MoreMy husband and I have worked hard to spend quality time together throughout our married lives despite his time-consuming business career and raising our large, wonderful family of eleven children. We are proof it can be done! But it isn’t easy. We learned long ago to slow down a bit, cherish the simple things of life, and continually thank God for each other.
Read MoreMy hope and prayer for each of us in 2020 is that we will all get back up whenever we fall down—literally or figuratively. If your New Year didn’t start out being very happy (as mine didn’t), don’t give up hope. As I always say to my family, “There are good things up ahead!”
Keep having faith. Keep trying. Keep doing the best you can for that particular day. Try something new or return to something old that worked well for you in the past. And always remember to be “gentle” with yourself.
Read MoreIf you have not kept your commitments to marriage in the past, you can change. Through sincere prayer, humble repentance, and marriage counselling when necessary, you can learn to be a person of integrity. All commitments, big and small, need to be honored. Being where you say you will be, doing what you say you will do, and acting as you say you will act, are all part of keeping commitments. Complete faithfulness to your spouse in body, mind, and spirit, will bring an exultant joy in your lives.
Read MoreRead good books. Learn from history. Follow exemplary role models.
Be strong. Be courageous. Be cheerful.
And “Never, never, never give up!”
Read MoreOur family is our most important treasure. Teach your children the religious doctrines and moral principles you believe in so they will have a clear vision of how to live their own lives, which they can pass on to their own children someday.
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