DAY 40!!! Happy New Heart!!!

40 DAYS TRANSFORMATION AND CHANGE OF HEART

DAY 40!!!

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2016

Janus: The Roman god of beginnings and transitions. 
He is usually depicted as having tow faces, 
since he looks to the future and to the past. 
The Romans named the month January in his honor. 

The past cannot be changed. 

The future is shaped by our current thinking.

If we want a joyous life,

we must think joyous  thoughts.

If we want a prosperous life,

we must think prosperous thoughts.

If we want a loving life,

we must think loving thoughts.

 

What do you want to let go of from 2015?

What are you looking forward to in 2016?

I hope that these past 40 days have been a journey of transformation and change of heart for you.

 I hope I at least gave you somethings to think about. After all we are all on this adventure of life together- I lift you and you lift me and together we ascend.

I've done some soul searching to know what to blog about.

It's been a big challenge to blog everyday, but a great experience to really think about what "transformation and change" look and feels like. There are a few virtuous I didn't get to that I wanted to like Integrity, Time management, laughter, leadership and fasting. Maybe another day.

Happy Change...

I honor the divine light within you... Namaste!

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love; 

when there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope; 

where there is darkness, light; 

where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that I may not so much 

seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand, 

to love as to love; 

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying (to ourselves) that we are born to

Eternal Life. 

Day 39: Unity

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 39: Unity

"I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine."
Doctrine & Covenants 38:27

Chinese myth of the Red Ribbon
According to this myth, the gods tie an invisible red cord around the ankles of those that are destined to meet one another in a certain situation or help each other in a certain way.

I love this idea that we are bond together with some invisible red thread. 

I remember writing in my journal when my daddy pasted away about a thread I felt that connected us. 

This thread began in our premortal existence and weaved into life and then after death

 and continues on into the eternities. 

I like to think of them as heart strings-  uniting us.

As humans we aren't meant to be alone; we need one another.

"What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?" -George Eliot

We need each other along this journey, there are times I fall and need to lean on you, and there are times I have to strength for you to lean on me. Together we climb, alone we struggle.

Who needs you to reach out? 

Is your heart open to receive others reaching out to you?

We Need One Another... Reach Out and Grab On! There are three million species of animals living in the tropical rain forests, and one of them, the red fire ant, lives underground, under constant threat of annihilation from flash floods. Nature doesn't care. If a species wants to survive, it has to prove it deserves to. When the floods come, the fire ants hold on to each other, creating a living raft that can float until the water recedes. Months, if necessary. So how does a species figure something like that out? Instinct? Trial and error? Was there one fire ant who was being swept away by the rushing water... and grabbed on to another ant, only to find that together they could float? As humans we need each other in the floods of life... to help each other out- to reach out and grab on to one another. We recognize ourselves in each other, and are programmed for compassion, for heroism, for love.

Day 38: Choice & Accountability- Taming of the Bronco

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 38: Choice and Accountability

-Taming of the Bronco-

I heard a man who was a WWII Vet fighter pilot, age 93 speak to a group of youth. He was vibrant and strong physically and spiritually. He captured our attention and imaginations with his stories from the war. He spoke of how we each come into this life to obtain a body- which he called the "Bronco" and the test is in taming our Bronco. In other words- learning Choice & Accountability. Letting our appetites and fears rule us it can be like a wild bucking bronco, and all you can do is hold on for dear life. When we learn that we are in charge with our choices and learn how to tame and own up to our choices- we then take the reins and calm the beast and can actually enjoy the ride!

So many in society claim we are victims of our human nature and surrounding circumstances. "Go with what makes you feel good. you're choices only effect you. satisfy your appetites and you will be happy. it's not your fault you are the victim" just some of the lies of the advisory whispered to us. 

So, Whose in charge of your Bronco?

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." Helen Keller

Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

I will choose good over evil and will accept responsibility for my decisions.

Day 37: Optimistic!!!!

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 37: Optimistic!!!

"I feel Peaceful & Optimistic about the Future!"

I admit it- I'm a talk radio junkie. Lately though I haven't had the time. And I've been trying a internet, radio, and Netflix diet- only small portions. I have to do this because it can feel like our world is spiraling out of control. What's good is called evil and what's evil is called good- topsy turvy. And it's hard for me to keep my hopes up and not give into fear. So, my antidote is reading and listening to things that are virtuous, lovely and of good report, mediate, pray & ponder as well as just simply think "Happy Thoughts" 

"Turn those frowns upside down" something so simple you learned it in primary.

We have to practice the talent of garbage sifting- called discernment. And also practice the art of positive thinking. One of the most optimistic people I know was President Gordon B. Hinckley. Who said, "Our future is as bright as our faith." Another fine example of taking really hard life situations and turning them around with such optimism is Helen Keller who said,

"Each day comes to me with both hands full of possibilities." 

Think about it- each day is a New Beginning!  And you are it's Creator!

What's it going to be today?

"The Sun does not shine for a few tress and flowers, 

but for the wide world's joy, including yours."  

-Henry Ward Beecher

'Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastnessin Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a loveof God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.' 2 Nephi 31:20

What can you look at in your life today in a new light?

Dedicated to another Optimistic soul- Lauren Webb- Whose Smile is missed!
When life is always missing something (or someone)

Day 36: What is Your Legacy?

40 Days of Transformation and Change of Hearts

Day 36: What is Your Legacy?

Today I helped my fragile mother into the shower and stood outside the shower just in case she fell. I thought about all the times as a little girl she bathed me and my sister and sang "oh I wish I was a fishy in the sea.." which I sang to my children and have sung to my grandchildren as I bathe them. I've thought about the things I learned from my mother that I have passed on to the next generation and the next. And what will they remember about me? What day in and day out things have I done that they have picked up on? Have I taught kindness, joy and faith? As a parent your children are everything- your world rotates around them. Then one day you wake up and they've grown. And I can't remember the last time they needed me to bathe them or sing them goodnight. And what if I would've know that night or that bath that it was going to be the last, would I have done things different? Have I taught them what they will need?  And after today I realize I will probably need them in the far future to do for me what I can't do any longer- and I hope I've taught them well.

"For the Arrow is flown and the Moments are gone." (Hymn #217 Come, let us Anew)

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces,

     I would still plant my apple tree."   -Martin Luther

We all leave behind us a legacy- good or bad- we are planting seeds for our future generations. 

What will be yours? What will your children and family say and remember of you? 

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." -Winston Churchill

"Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good."   -Helaman 5:6

Day 35: Individual Worth

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 35: Individual Worth

How much time and money do you invest in your appearances?
I had an uncle who when I was a young girl would always tell me how beautiful I was, then would tell me I was more beautiful on the inside. Do you know someone who by the standards of the world are beautiful- but have neglected their inner beauty?
Is it we have to keep up appearances to feel of worth?

When what is most essential to our happiness and feelings of self worth are not seen, it lies underneath the skin.

I'm a true believer that there is the light of Christ in all people- a goodness, a potential, and great worth.  In today's world it's easy to forget that- about ourselves as well as others. 

If I can honestly believe I am a child of God and are of infinite worth... I have to accept others as children of God also. 

When I first heard about positive affirmations, one of the first exercises I was taught to do was to look in the mirror right into my eyes and say, " I love and accept myself just the way I am!" At first it feels like a lie, a little uncomfortable and silly. I now practice saying that in my mind as I look into others eyes. Remember our thoughts our very powerful- and we create our lives with them good or bad. So, give it a try! Awaken your Individual Worth and begin seeing it in others. 

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" 

Doctrine & Covenants 18: 10

“You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!”    —President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Day 34: God Bless Us Everyone!

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 34: God Bless us Everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My favorite Christmas story is the story of Scooge- and his mightiest change of heart. May we learn to live Christmas in the past, present and future- without needing to be haunted by spirits. Live in the Spirit of Chirstmas daily in our hearts. Make room for the Holy, express gratitude, and Love as He does.

"Scrooge was better than his word... He became as good a friend, as good as a master, and as good a man as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough in the good old world.... and it was said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless us, every one!" 

 Charles Dickens -A Christmas Carol

And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? Alma 5:14

I wish I could gift to you all a righteous, loving and kind heart

Merry Christmas Dear Friends...

Day 33:Gather Light

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 33: Gather Light

Tonight is Christmas Eve. I love the tradition of Christmas lights. They remind us of the Savior, the light, hope and life of the world. It's so fitting to celebrate Christmas with lights.

In a neighborhood in Fruit Heights they line the street with luminaries- we drive through it on our way home. I so appreciate the work and dedication this neighborhood puts into this tradition for others. They must work together to cover so much area, it's obvious when someone decides not to participate leaving a gap amongst the trail of light.

For us to be a light to the world it takes work and dedication also. And unity to light the path together. so as part of my change of heart and transformation I want to be a light gather and shiner to light the path for others and to be like our Savior.

Merry Christmas

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.   John 8:12

Day 32: Declare Glad Tidings of Great Joy!

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 32: Declare Glad Tidings of Great Joy!

I'm betting today is a busy day for all of us- hustling to get Christmas ready. 

I'm hoping as part of my change of heart to not get so caught up in the busy that I forget the reason.

 I want to have my words and actions today to be like the angels that rejoiced in song declaring 

"Glad Tidings of Great Joy!"

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." Luke 2:7-20

"Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation."   Doctrine & Covenants 31:3

We can be like Mary and Joseph by doing what God wants us to do.

We can be like the shepherds and Wise Men by following Jesus Christ.

We can be like the angels by telling others the real story of Christmas.

And we can be like Jesus by following His example!

What will your words and actions declare today?

Day 31: Trustworthy

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 31: Trustworthy

Are you Trustworthy? 

Can God rely upon you?

When I think of Joseph and his role and responsibility as the guardian earthly father of Jesus Christ. I imagine that he was a kind, gentle giant of a man. He's often overlooked in the Christmas story. His Faith was tested, he rose above public criticism, cared and provided safety and shelter for Mary and baby Jesus. He had to have been Trustworthy for such a responsibly and calling as Teacher, Guardian,  Provider and daddy to the Savior of the world. 

How can we follow his example?

We must always be trustworthy. We must also learn whom we can trust to help us make right choices. Perhaps the most important thing of all is that we must let Heavenly Father know that He can trust us—that He can trust us to do the things that are right, that He can trust us to keep His commandments to be loving and kind and obedient and honest and to set a good example for all those around us. Heavenly Father wants us to be trustworthy, and when we are, we will receive the wonderful blessings of peace and joy and happiness that He has to share with all His children.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."       Proverbs 3:5-6

Day 30: Forgiveness

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 30: Forgiveness

One of the trickiest change of heart for me is forgiveness. holding on to old hurts and mistakes and beating yourself up over and over again- is like walking in the mud and then walking in your house and realizing your mistake- you take the mud off and keep it in a baggie with you to remind you of the ugly stupid mistake you made. silly but really what are you caring around with you that's just mud? Prayer can help- ask for the strength to forgive those who have wronged you. Abandon feelings of anger, bitterness, or revenge. Instead seek out the sunshine- look for the good in others rather than focusing on their faults and magnifying their weakness. Allow God to be the judge of others' harmful scions. It may be difficult to let go of hurt feelings, but you can do it with the Lord's help. You will find that forgiveness can heal terrible wounds, replacing the poison of contention and hatred with the peace and love that only God can give. One of the greatest tools I have found is to seek gratitude for the experience or the person that forgiveness needs to be applied to- like a healing balm that needs to go on before the band-aid. I found this poem that to me is a great example of the process of forgiving and moving on.

Moving On

1.

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I fall in.

I am lost...I am helpless... It isn't my fault.

It takes forever to find a way out.

2.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don't see it.

I fall in again.

I can't believe I am in the same place again, but it isn't my fault.

It still takes a long time to get out.

3.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I see it is there.

I still fall in... it's a habit.

My eyes are open... I know where I am... It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

4.

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

5.

I walk down another street.

                                                -Portia Nelson

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt lovethy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you..." Matthew 5:43-44

Day 29: Live in the spirit of Christmas

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 29: Live in the spirit of Christmas

"This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. 

Write a letter (to Elder Cooley). Give a soft answer. 

Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. 

Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. 

Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. 

Think first of someone else. Be kind, Be gentle. 

Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stinger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again."   President Howard W. Hunter

What a great to do list for our Christmas.

As I reflect upon Living in the Spirit of Christmas, I think of the whole plan of Life- to be born and receive a body to house our spirits. To be tested if will we develop Faith in Jesus Christ or not? What a perfect experience- our choices and thoughts everyday determine the outcome of that test. The Savior was born a baby in lowly circumstances... born to be our Savior from sin and death. He is our example of how to live day to day. If you believe in Him you conduct your life differently. When we live in the spirit of Christmas daily when we remember Him and take upon His will and do His work.  

Day 28: Reach Out

40 Days of Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 28: Reach Out

We can't help but wonder how much difference one person makes in the world. We look inside ourselves, questioning if we have the capacity for heroism and greatness. But the truth is every time we take an action, we make an impact. Every single thing we do has an effect on the people around us. Every choice we make sends ripples out into the world. Our smallest acts of kindness can cause a chain reaction of unforeseen benefits for people we've never met. We might not witness those results, but they happen all the same.

The point when all things are possible; the moment when a choice was made or an action taken; the breath inhaled before a first step forward. And the most lasting chain reactions that are started by those moments. And actions and choices are always the ones that are started by love.

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visitedme: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.     -Matthew 25:35-40

This has to be one of my all time favorite music video- 

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly 

Day 27: take a time out- unplug

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart
Day 27: take a time out and unplug

Day 26: Dream Big

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 26: Dream Big

On this day in 1903 the Wright Brothers took flight.

Their first flight was shorter than a Boeing 747's wing span. 

Look how far we've come from that first flight!

Big Dreams begin with small steps 

and persisting on moving forward with faith. 

Do you have a "Big Dream?"

okay, I realize we're all not Wilbur & Orville and flight is a really huge dream, but why not you? We all have dreams and desires. Some, I even am crazy enough to believe we were born for. I also believe in the heavens before we were born we were instructed and taught to be able to fulfill that dream.

What are the small steps you're taking to get "lift" to soar?

Most people thought Flight for man was impossible. The Wright Brothers heard the naysayers and still dared to work, and believed in the impossible.

"The thing about smart people

 is that they seem like crazy people

 to dumb people." 

Are you letting obstacles, fear and doubts of others get in your way of your dream?

"If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true is really true, there would be little hope of advance." 

-Orville Wright

What would you do if you weren't afraid?

And Christ hath said: "If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." Moroni 7:33

Forget all the reasons it won't work 

and Believe the one reason that it will work.

Yoga Today

The heater was broken in my class today so it was 47degrees in the room. you can't move enough to ever get warm enough to get a safe stretch at that temperature. 

So, simply do your yoga in a warm comfortable setting, never stretch beyond the edge where force = injury, and remember to breath. Do yoga today so, you can do yoga tomorrow. Learn to Modify the poses that feel uncomfortable beyond your edge. 

Namaste 

Day 25: Enjoy the Moments

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 25: Enjoy the Moments

"He who binds to himself a Joy does the winged life destroy.

But he who kisses the Joy as it flies lives in Eternity's sunrise."

-William Blake

Today I built a gingerbread house, made snow angels in the untouched snow, and went on a polar bear hunt with my grandchildren. My head was screaming at me "You have so much that needs to be done!" but what does a mom do when her daughter needs her help? I'm exhausted and wonder how I use to do that day in and day out and didn't die young. 

Over the years I've asked several times for time to stand still so I could hold it just a little longer to enjoy a kiss, my babies sweet smell, a dance by full moonlight, braiding hair, laughing till you cry, walks with heartfelt talks and a hug goodnight. But I have to admit enjoying the moment doesn't come easy for me. I wish as a young mother I would've slowed down and played more with my children. 

I'll try to kiss the Joy as it flies by. We don't have yesterday and we don't have tomorrow we are only guaranteed the "now" so we better enjoy the moments. 

My transformation today was I was able to leave the dishes to play in the snow.

"Therefore continue your journey and let you hearts rejoice; 

for behold, I am with you even unto the end." -D&C 100:12

Day 24: Balance

40 Days Transformation & Change of Heart

Day 24: Balance

Like this Cairn- sometimes balance is delicate and defies logic.

I spend most of my day trying to get it ALL done. And I don't even work full time. How do we balance the have to's and the want to's? This is something I've struggled with my adult life especially as a mother, wife, grandma, daughter and house owner, then add on top of that teacher, church member, talents, friends, exercise time, blogs, emails, skiing, Christmas shopping and sleep. 

I remember teaching my children with a mason jar of rocks and sand - if they put the big rocks in first the sand will fit in around it better. Whereas, if they put the sand in first the big rocks don't fit in the jar. the lesson of the jar of rocks and sand is;

the rocks are the things that matter most: Family, God, Education, Work the 'have to's' ... the sand is the "fillers" like  friends, hobbies, free time- the 'want to's'

Get the Big rocks in first and the others either fall away or some how magically fit in. 

I know it works- I've experimented on it. 

Then I loose my balance and the big rocks seem bigger and the sand is over spilling, and maybe the jar might even crack. 

In yoga I tell my class in order to do the balance poses- you have to simplify- drop the brain and simply focus on the breath. 

we can be really hard and critical of ourselves when we can't strike that perfect balance. How about we try for simply doing the best we can instead, and let go of having to be it all and do it all.

I'm not advocating idleness- just the opposite- get moving the big rocks in place first. I get distracted by the sand and want to play in it. 

Joy will come when you find a balance

Dropping the brain is letting go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self-worth and the weight of needing to be Perfect. There is no perfect balance- there is movement and correction in balance.

Focusing on the Breath is remembering the Relationships, Experiences & Memories, and Knowledge & Testimony are all we take with us-so they are the Breath of Life.

Easy- never.

What Big Rocks can you focus on today?

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?   Isaiah 40:12

Day 23: Hazardous Road Conditions

40 Days of Transformation and a Change of Heart

Day 23: Hazardous Road Conditions

I'm writing this while traveling home along I-15 from St. George in adverse conditions.  (Don't worry I'm not driving) I understand I'm headed into a doozie of a snow storm!

It's got me thinking about how the road we travel on in life sometimes can become hazardous and we are forced to move forward in stormy conditions. And sometimes it's not of our choice or making. Some conditions can be "white knuckle gripping" and all you can do is keep a safe pace and eyes on the road and pray like crazy! But what about the times when the lines in the road can't be seen, the windshield wipers can't beat it back fast enough, and you feel like you're spinning out of control? 

In yoga we teach about being grounded, having balance, staying focused and staying with the flow of breath, all great mental, emotional and physical abilities to have in the stormy road conditions of life. 

Faith in the Storm

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Mark 4:37-41

YOU ARE IN GOD'S SIGHT

No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, God will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not in His character. He is an unchangeable being; the same yesterday, the same today, and He will be the same through out the eternities. We have found that God. We have made Him our friend,by obeying His gospel; and He will stand by us. We may pass through the fiery furnace: we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and purer for them, if we only trust in our God, and keep His commandments.     -Joseph Smith

Day 22: True Love Sight

40 Days Transformation and Change of Heart

Day 22: True Love Sight

"On the First Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me A Partridge in a Pear Tree."

Today marks the First Day of the 12 days of Christmas.

 I always thought that song was just some deranged  love song from the 16th century written about a man who had large amounts of money and no common sense, who gives their true love 'Ten Lords a Leaping" or "four calling birds"- really? I could understand the "Five Golden Rings!"  

Today I got curious and researched the symbolism behind this song. There's still so much mystery and unknown behind this song. One theory is it was a religious memory game passed on to teach the true meaning of Christmas...  

You also need to know the fancy Christmas tree that stood in the front window of my home growing up my mom decorated with pears, partridge birds, golden bells and orange pom-poms. There was no traditional red to be found. And to make it even more unique (embarrassing) sometimes my Dad even flocked it a light orange instead of the traditional white flock. It was beautifully strange. Had I only known the meaning behind the madness.

"On the First Day of Christmas, 

my true love gave to me A Partridge in a Pear Tree."

Our True Love is God the Father. The Partridge is a bird know for it's readiness to die for it's you and represents Jesus Christ. The Pear Tree Symbolizes the Tree of Life or the Cross.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Begotten Son, that whosever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

So what does that have to do with Transformation and a Change of Heart?

What in our life are we not seeing correctly? 

What or Who would change if we were to see through God's eyes with true love?

I thought of a few that I have experienced:

A mean person that really is screaming out for love and acceptance.

The rude sales clerk who just lost her husband.

A beautiful girl who looks 'perfect' on the outside, is staved for friendship on the inside.

A struggling student that appears lazy who actually is homeless.

The speeding crazy lady on the freeway who is speeding her sick child to E.R.

The walls & rejection from your child who is struggling for independence and the load of heavy life decisions.

An invitation forgotten or text message not responded to because of an dead phone.

And crazy orange Christmas trees with birds and fruit on it. 

"Be Kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -Marjorie Hinckley  

It's comforting to know God knows the hearts, 

and there's no greater "True Love" to give us sight.

Day 21: Become Childlike

40 Days Transformation & Change of Heart

Day 21: Become Childlike

Do you remember the Magic of Christmas as a little child?
This photo is my precious grand-babies visiting Mr. & Mrs. Clause.
Their smiles and hugs light up my home and heart! Their enthusiasm and anticipation for Christmas is tangible, I want to just scoop up that joy and preserve it in a mason jar so I never forget it.

Why do you think Christ asks us to be like a little child?

These precious children of God come to us with believing hearts. They are full of faith and receptive to feelings of the Spirit. They exemplify humility, obedience, and love. They are often the first to love and the first to forgive.

To Be Childlike is to have Humility- To be able to submit to God's will. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that you know where your true strength lies. You can be both humble and fearless. you an be both humble and courageous.

To Be Childlike is be Believing- in Miracles, the Spirit of Santa Claus, the Goodness of Mankind, the Magic of Forgiveness , that Prayers make a difference and that there's Hope in Jesus Christ. 

To Be Childlike is be Obedient- to the laws of the land, to your Parents, by Keeping the Commandments, to Rules of your Home and work place, and Faithful to one another. 

To Be Childlike is be Forgiving- to those who hurt and wrong you, to yourself when you mess up again and again, of organizations and governments, of your enemies, and most of all to our families and loved ones.

To Be Childlike is to Have a Changed Heart.

You notice this list of what it is to be Childlike is not what the world finds popular or attractive, it's certainly not promoted, sought after or advertised for. But, in the end it will be some the most valuable attributes we will want to have.

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 18:3-4

Is Yours a Childlike Heart?