What we insistently desire overtime, is what we will eventually become and what we will receive in Eternity. Neal A. Maxwell
I love this quote, it gives great hope, to know if I put forth the effort to seek after my best self, that I can achieve my greatest desires.
So how does a person come to that conclusion of what it is they desire to become? Well for me it started at Motherhood. I started thinking differently I could feel the responsibility that was in front of me.
As a youth I dreamed of what I wanted to become but all of a sudden I came face to face with reality and then it became decision time. I had to look honestly at myself and decide what I needed to do to become that dream.
I wanted to be a Wife and Mother,not just any Wife and Mother but the best I could give, why? I cant explain it, I just had a drive that I was supposed to give it my all. So I have spent my life working at it, and it is work. But it is the most satisfying work. I have always told my family I want to be the little old Lady sitting in the front row with all my peeps behind me in one large family picture. And we are off to a good start.
I have also made a ton of mistakes, to many to name. I have learned many a lesson from my mistakes. I am thankful my family has been so patient and loving as we all grow together.
I found this quote when looking up the word honesty I thought it was sweet
Honesty... We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.
In order to gain what we desire we need to look at ourselves with transparency seeing all the flaws and weaknesses, embrace them with vigor and tackle them. I think the Lord will help us as we earnestly seek his guidance as to how we can overcome our challenges.
If we look at ourselves with rose colored glasses on we will miss the opportunity to grow,
At the same time we need to see our victories and be pleased with all the goodness that we possess. I think the adversary would have us focus on all the negative trying to steer us away from trying to improve. If we honestly seek the Lord and ask him to show us how we can improve through the Holy Ghost he will show us. God knows our hearts and knows when we are being honest with him. He will show us when he knows we are truly ready for the commitment that change requires.
I have the privilege of watching two of my sons prepare for missions, they have both had to look at themselves and see where they could make changes, knowing that Heavenly Father would help them. Justin's challenge was physical and spiritual. Physical because he needed to loose at the minimum of 80 pounds, since October he has lost 65 pounds. It has required him to mentally, physically, and spiritually change. It his a humbling experience to watch. I can't be prouder of him. He has looked in the mirror per say and had to rely on the spirit for strength to change inside and out. He already had the foundation of the gospel to build upon,he just needed to become clay in the potters hand.
Both boys told me within several months of each other that they had decided to serve missions. I knew they had both had to look inward to come to that place where they could make that decision. They were not going because they felt they should. They were going because of personal choice.
When making a change we usually are trying to change a behavior that we don't like or needs improvement in ourselves. Pres Boyd K Packer said " The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than the study of behavior will improve behavior"
Don't you just love that Quote? It just makes sense. If we focus and study the doctrines of the gospel, example prayer, reading our scriptures, paying tithing, service etc... Our focus turns and we can then see clearly how to change our behavior.
I think we all want to be our best selves, sometimes we can become a little lost, sidetracked per say from our goals. We are all born with the light of Christ; that spirit will lead us back to our path, it we but seek it.
Two really great scriptures that speak of hunger and thirst for righteousness:
Matthew 5:6 "Blesses are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled"
Enos 1:4 " And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul, and all the day long did I cry unto him, yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens"
We all know what it feels like to be hungry and thirsty, if we wait to long to physically feed our bodies, our bodies react to lack of nourishment, we can suffer from all types of different physical aliments. Not to mention a sour attitude, impatience all things I personally feel when I withhold nourishment. Our spirits too require proper nourishment to flourish and support and sustain us. Just like our bodies our spirit will give us signs that we need spiritual nourishment.
It makes such a difference in my day if I pray and read my scriptures, I know my heart is softer when I keep it turned to the Lord.
If we honestly get to know ourselves we will be able to see ourselves through spiritual eyes, we can see the royal within us and have a greater desire to stay connected to our Heavenly home.
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