Where I find peace...

There have been many times in my life where I have had to ponder on what direction my life should take, what I believe in, or come to terms with how things have transpired in my life. My favorite place to go and think is on the beach. There is something that is so peaceful about walking along a sandy shore, listening to the wind and waves. It is in those quiet moments that I am able to contemplate so many things and especially that of what my Heavenly Father would have me do. It is where I can turn to him for forgiveness, support for the path that I have been led too, and just to feel his love and the peace that only He can bring.

 I don't always get to go to the beach as often as I like, so I am trying to make it a point to find quiet moments in my home where I can ponder where my life is and where it is going. As I am writing this post I had an ahhh-haaa moment. My home is painted in different shades of blues, white, and grays. These are all colors that I find at the beach, my peaceful and happy colors. The colors that let me be able to have a sanctuary in my home.

I often find that I need to have those moments of contemplation in order to deal with the stresses in my life and to reconnect with my Father in Heaven. This past week, I have seen how important it is to have those moments, those experiences, to reconfirm my faith in my  Savior and in Heavenly Father's plan for us.  I never thought of those moments as having an Enoch experience, but that is what those walks on the beach, and those periods of contemplation at home have been for me. I am grateful that I have the scriptures to learn from. It is always a comforting feeling to know that you aren't alone and aren't the only one who has had struggles throughout one's life. We see over and over just how much He loves us and all that He did for us so we can return to live with Him one day.

Line Upon Line

This week in my Pathways Gathering class, we partially broke into song as we were talking about what we learned this past week as we were studying - 2 Nephi 28:30 is what set us on our musical break. Many of us in the class are familiar with the song, "Line Upon Line" from Saturday's Warrior, a Mormon-themed musical written by Douglas Stewart and Lex de Azevedo. The lyrics are:

Line upon line, precept on precept
That is how He lifts us
That is how He teaches His children.
Line upon line, precept on precept
Like a summer shower
Giving us each hour His wisdom.
If we are patient we shall see
How the pieces fit together in harmony.
We'll know who we are in this big universe
And then we'll live with Him forever!
Line upon line, precept on precept
That is how He lifts us
That is how He teaches His children.
Line upon line, precept on precept
Like a summer shower
Giving us each hour His wisdom.

This concept of our learning line upon line, building on what we have learned really touched my heart. Sometimes in school, at work, at church, or just life there are lots of things that we have to learn, and more often than not, we can get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things that need to be accomplished or learned.  Being reminded that if we go slow, little by little and build upon what we have learned, that it really will come all together for us.  

When we teach our children, we most often are mindful of this concept. We don't give them a chapter book as their first book. We start with picture books, teach them the alphabet, move onto simple words, then sentences....we build and we teach, line upon line. Why is it then, that we don't do the same thing for ourselves? I know that I often get frustrated when I attempt to do something for the first time, and it doesn't go according to plan. Isn't that crazy? I am expecting to succeed in everything the first time when that is simply not realistic.  I may simply not have the skills or knowledge to do so something yet, and that is okay. Learning is a process and life is full of learning. I am truly grateful for the reminder that correct way to learn.

Mountain Country Bazaar 2015

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of a wonderful show, the Mountain Country Bazaar that benefits Mary Bridge Children Hospital. The fees that vendors pay, plus 20% of all sales made at the sale go to Mary Bridge. As Daylyn was helping me cut out the tags for, she remarked, "Oh, this is the feel good show!" I love that she knows that this is one of my favorite shows to do. The feeling at the event is different, everything is handmade and the Eatonville Community comes out to support the kids. I am grateful I get to be a part of such an event!

There are so many cute items, and so many talented crafters and artisans in the area. I also love that I get to hang out with the wonderful ladies of the Mary Bridge Brigade who work so tirelessly to put on the fabulous event. I look forward to seeing them each year.