I keep thinking about miracles lately. I think about how they are happening all the time, and can be found in literally everything around us, if we just have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to understand.
I suppose it's "Flashback Friday" for me this morning, because I decided to take a stroll down memory lane through my old blog and read the things I posted under "miracles".
It was fun to read some things I wrote when we first moved to Provo. It's interesting to see then where I thought we would be now. We never did end up moving out of State. We're still here... but I'm not complaining. Now, I honestly never want to leave this place...
Besides, somehow I can't help but think that our staying is part of another much bigger miracle.
http://artofchristianity.blogspot.com/search/label/miracles
-Alicia
Friday, February 13, 2015
Thursday, February 12, 2015
I give it all in surrender.
"Lift My Life Up" by, Unspoken
.......
.......
You brought me this far so why would I question You now
You have provided so why would I start to doubt
I've never been stranded, abandoned or left here to fight alone
So I'm giving You control
I lift my life, lift my life up
I give it all in surrender
I lift my heart, lift my heart up
You can have it forever
All my dreams, all my plans
Lord I leave it in Your hands
I lift my life, lift my life up
Have Your way in me
Have Your way in me
If peace is a river then let it sweep over me
If I'm under fire I know it's refining me
When I hear You calling out I follow now wherever the road may go
I know You're leading me home
I lift my life, lift my life up
I give it all in surrender
I lift my heart, lift my heart up
You can have it forever
All my dreams, all my plans
Lord I leave it in Your hands
I lift my life, lift my life up
Have Your way in me
Have Your way in me
Take my life and let it be all for You
Take my life and let it be all for You
I lift my life, lift my life up
I give it all in surrender
I lift my heart, lift my heart up
(Take my life)
I lift my life, lift my life up
I give it all in surrender
(Take my heart)
I lift my heart, lift my heart up
You can have it forever
All my dreams, all my plans
Lord I leave it in Your hands
I lift my life, lift my life up
Have Your way with me
Have Your way with me
Have Your way with me
Have Your way with me
Take my life and let it be all for You
........
........
"Every one of us is more beloved to the Lord than we can possibly understand or imagine. Let us therefore be kinder to one another and kinder toward ourselves. Let us remember that as we wait upon the Lord, we are becoming “saint[s] through [His] atonement, … submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to his father.”36 - Elder Robert D. Hales - Waiting upon the Lord: Thy will be done
So Grateful for Prayer
I can't think of any other time of day that I value and treasure more than the moments I have to kneel down before my Maker, to vocalize everything that is in my heart, to thank Him, to praise Him, to seek His counsel, His wisdom, His guidance, His direction, His forgiveness, and feel His love and peace. God is as real to me as I am alive. He is my Rock and my Fortress and I know He lives.
I love this Gospel and how we are taught to pray. Personal prayer is never rote. It is our "soul's sincere desire". Every time I hear Elder Richard G. Scott speak about prayer, I feel like saying, "Exactly, my brother, exactly!" His pattern of praying is truly the Lord's way. I have experienced it for myself, it works, it really does!
Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer
Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer
The Power of a Strong Testimony
Trust in the Lord
How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life
Recently, I've been praying for the Lord to open my eyes and help me to feel sincere gratitude for the smallest things and to help me see all the good that surrounds me. I've been praying for the Lord to help me embrace the here and now and the moments I am given from minute to minute. I'm so thankful prayers are answered because I have truly felt enabled with that power. I feel like shouting hallelujah! I am so richly blessed!
-Alicia
I love this Gospel and how we are taught to pray. Personal prayer is never rote. It is our "soul's sincere desire". Every time I hear Elder Richard G. Scott speak about prayer, I feel like saying, "Exactly, my brother, exactly!" His pattern of praying is truly the Lord's way. I have experienced it for myself, it works, it really does!
Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer
Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer
The Power of a Strong Testimony
Trust in the Lord
How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life
Recently, I've been praying for the Lord to open my eyes and help me to feel sincere gratitude for the smallest things and to help me see all the good that surrounds me. I've been praying for the Lord to help me embrace the here and now and the moments I am given from minute to minute. I'm so thankful prayers are answered because I have truly felt enabled with that power. I feel like shouting hallelujah! I am so richly blessed!
-Alicia
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
God Will Lift Us Up
We all face adversity. It is the common thread among the entire human family. It is part of our mortal probation. Some struggles and challenges may be obvious to others while some may be silent battles fought in the solitary chambers of the heart. However this adversity comes is not what matters most, but rather how we come out of it. God will test us and try us to prove our faithfulness.
Sometimes the tests we face will come in ways that we never would have expected, and in such circumstances we may discover weaknesses we never realized we had. How painful these discoveries can be! But it is a loving Father who shows us them. We might question our ability to endure and endure faithfully. Regardless of how much we doubt our own abilities, the spiritual stamina we seek will grace us as we submit to the Lord and surrender our will to His.
Our most difficult challenges may come at the realization that what we so desperately want for ourselves may not be what the Lord wants for us. If this is the case, then so be it. "Greater is He that is in [us]." He will lift us up. Do we believe this? He will lead us right. We can trust this truth with full faith and confidence and do as Elder Holland has said;
"Go forward. Don’t fear, don’t vacillate, don’t quibble, don’t whine... With the spirit of revelation, dismiss your fears and wade in with both feet. In the words of Joseph Smith, “...Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!” (D&C 128:22).
I bear witness of the God of Glory, of the redeeming Son of God, of light and hope and a bright future. I promise you that God lives and loves you, each one of you, and that he has set bounds and limits to the opposing powers of darkness. I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the victor over death and hell and the fallen one who schemes there. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and it has been restored, just as we have sung and testified this morning.
“Fear ye not.” And when the second and the third and the fourth blows come, “fear ye not. . . . The Lord shall fight for you.” “Cast not away therefore your confidence.”
This video was on the Young Women lesson page. I love the promises the apostles give in this clip. I believe these promises with all of my soul.
I also love this girl's incredible example of facing her challenges in such a way that she grows greater in love, greater in compassion, greater in patience, and ultimately greater in Christ. I want that kind of heart!
-Alicia
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Accentuate the Positive
Speaking of focusing on the good... This song is an absolute classic in my eyes! It has been a favorite of mine to sing around the house before I ever had children. You'd think my kids would be used to it by now but they always roll their eyes at me when I belt out into song. Regardless of their attempt to show me their irritation, they can't hide their smile. Deep down, they love it.
"Nothing like a little Andrew Sisters to start the day," I always say!
"Nothing like a little Andrew Sisters to start the day," I always say!
Be Thou My Vision
I believe there are pivotal stages and transitional ages, as we grow into maturity: Birth (0), the age of accountability (8), the age of adolescence (12), and the transition into adulthood (18).
As a mother, it is absolutely fascinating for me to watch my children move through different phases of their lives. In an effort to capture these moments and help my children hold them sacred, I write each of them a special letter at each stage. I do so to help them have a vision for who they are and the gifts they have been given. I call these letters their "Mother's Blessing".
The year my oldest turned eight, my husband and I discussed that we not only wanted a vision for each of our children at these stages but a vision for our family as a whole. We decided to write a mission statement of who we are and what it means to be a part of the Rawlins Team. We refer to our family as a team a lot to help our children understand the importance of unity. We want them to understand that we work with and for each other, not against or in isolation. We want our children to steer clear of competition among themselves and instead establish the habit of cheering for each teammate. This is why the first line of our mission statement is, "We are a family of sincere listeners who champion each other."
I've been thinking of another line in our mission statement lately. "We choose to find the good in others and in ourselves, remembering always 'The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.'"
What does it mean to find the good? Does it seem like a simple task? Sometimes our vision gets cloudy and it is hard to see others with an eye of optimism and we fall into the destructive trap of nagging cynicism. Now, there are times, especially as parents where it is absolutely essential we give correction or where something may need to be said to a spouse. These things have to be done delicately and always in the spirit of love and prayer. I've had plenty of moments in my life where I've had to apologize immediately for my poor way of correcting.
I firmly believe though that we will ultimately find what we look for. If we look for faults in others, we will find them. If we look for strengths and beauty, we will find them. It is our choice! "We choose to find the good..."
President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, "My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generouly compliment and endorse virtue and effort."
Whenever I read this quote, I can't help but think of the story in John where Jesus heals the blind man. Perhaps it is because with my mortal limitations and my weaknesses, I don't always see the good. I become blinded by my pride, I become too focused on myself, or what I deserve. In these moments I pray, "Dear Father, please open my eyes, heal me of my blindness, help me to see what I am not seeing. Give me a new heart, a fresh vision outside of myself. Please give me eyes to see. Help me to focus on the good."
This Sunday in our church choir we are singing the old Irish hymn, "Be Thou My Vision". We will only be singing verses 1, 2, and 5. I wish we could find an arrangement for verses 3 & 4 too because I love all the words to this entire hymn.
This song is my prayer! It articulates the deepest desires of my heart.
"Be Thou My Vision"
1. Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
As a mother, it is absolutely fascinating for me to watch my children move through different phases of their lives. In an effort to capture these moments and help my children hold them sacred, I write each of them a special letter at each stage. I do so to help them have a vision for who they are and the gifts they have been given. I call these letters their "Mother's Blessing".
The year my oldest turned eight, my husband and I discussed that we not only wanted a vision for each of our children at these stages but a vision for our family as a whole. We decided to write a mission statement of who we are and what it means to be a part of the Rawlins Team. We refer to our family as a team a lot to help our children understand the importance of unity. We want them to understand that we work with and for each other, not against or in isolation. We want our children to steer clear of competition among themselves and instead establish the habit of cheering for each teammate. This is why the first line of our mission statement is, "We are a family of sincere listeners who champion each other."
I've been thinking of another line in our mission statement lately. "We choose to find the good in others and in ourselves, remembering always 'The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.'"
What does it mean to find the good? Does it seem like a simple task? Sometimes our vision gets cloudy and it is hard to see others with an eye of optimism and we fall into the destructive trap of nagging cynicism. Now, there are times, especially as parents where it is absolutely essential we give correction or where something may need to be said to a spouse. These things have to be done delicately and always in the spirit of love and prayer. I've had plenty of moments in my life where I've had to apologize immediately for my poor way of correcting.
I firmly believe though that we will ultimately find what we look for. If we look for faults in others, we will find them. If we look for strengths and beauty, we will find them. It is our choice! "We choose to find the good..."
President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, "My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generouly compliment and endorse virtue and effort."
Whenever I read this quote, I can't help but think of the story in John where Jesus heals the blind man. Perhaps it is because with my mortal limitations and my weaknesses, I don't always see the good. I become blinded by my pride, I become too focused on myself, or what I deserve. In these moments I pray, "Dear Father, please open my eyes, heal me of my blindness, help me to see what I am not seeing. Give me a new heart, a fresh vision outside of myself. Please give me eyes to see. Help me to focus on the good."
This Sunday in our church choir we are singing the old Irish hymn, "Be Thou My Vision". We will only be singing verses 1, 2, and 5. I wish we could find an arrangement for verses 3 & 4 too because I love all the words to this entire hymn.
This song is my prayer! It articulates the deepest desires of my heart.
"Be Thou My Vision"
1. Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
2. Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
5. High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
...............
3. Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
4. Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
.............
-Alicia
Monday, February 9, 2015
Come What May
"I used to complain that I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet." This is an old Indian Proverb that I love to repeat in my mind whenever I start to focus on what is missing in my life.
There is always someone who has struggles far worse than my own. I have discovered, the greatest cure for sorrow in my heart is to look for someone who is in a worse situation and help them. In doing so, I am able to forget about myself. And oh, how I need to forget about myself more! I came into this world with nothing, so the smallest things are truly blessings and gifts that I am undeserving of. Besides, I have my Savior, I have His true Gospel... with this alone. I hold a treasure far beyond any price and I am deeply humbled to thank my Father in Heaven all my days for it.
The following are quotes from a man who truly understood what gratitude was because he lived it to the fullest. I love Elder Wirthlin! He inspires me to be more humble and to gratefully receive whatever the Lord sees fit to allot unto me.
"Over the years I have learned a few things that have helped me through times of testing and trial. I would like to share them with you."
Learn to Laugh
"The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."
Seek for the Eternal
"Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others....Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome."
The Principle of Compensation
"The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."
Trust in the Father and the Son
"He who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort and uphold us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He will make weak things become strong... The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him"
"Come What May, and Love It:" Address Given by Elder Wirthlin at October 2008 General Conference
There is always someone who has struggles far worse than my own. I have discovered, the greatest cure for sorrow in my heart is to look for someone who is in a worse situation and help them. In doing so, I am able to forget about myself. And oh, how I need to forget about myself more! I came into this world with nothing, so the smallest things are truly blessings and gifts that I am undeserving of. Besides, I have my Savior, I have His true Gospel... with this alone. I hold a treasure far beyond any price and I am deeply humbled to thank my Father in Heaven all my days for it.
The following are quotes from a man who truly understood what gratitude was because he lived it to the fullest. I love Elder Wirthlin! He inspires me to be more humble and to gratefully receive whatever the Lord sees fit to allot unto me.
...................
"Come What May, and Love It:"
Address Given by Elder Wirthlin at October 2008 General Conference
"Over the years I have learned a few things that have helped me through times of testing and trial. I would like to share them with you."
Learn to Laugh
"The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."
Seek for the Eternal
"Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others....Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome."
The Principle of Compensation
"The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."
Trust in the Father and the Son
"He who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort and uphold us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He will make weak things become strong... The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him"
"Come What May, and Love It:" Address Given by Elder Wirthlin at October 2008 General Conference
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Water and Rock
My friend, Carolina, stood on a beautiful rock on the shores of Hawaii as she gazed out to the sea. "Who am I?" she asked herself, "What is my part in this life as a woman?" She noticed the gorgeous rock beneath her feet. It was solid and firm, she felt safe there. She listened to the waves cascade over the shore. There was something beautiful, something Divine about this relationship between the ocean and the rocks. What was it? A feeling of pure light washed over her and she could see now. The thought came to her as clear as day, "Carolina, the ocean is a symbol of woman and the rock a symbol of man."
I listened to my friend share this experience with us yesterday evening with a group of several other women and some leaders from United Families International. She then shared the first few minutes of this video with us and said it was after that revelation that came to her that she happened upon this clip. It was a confirmation of what she had already felt in her heart.
......................................
I love what Dr. Peter Kreeft says;
"We're sitting on one of the most masculine things in the world, a rock. And we're looking at one of the most feminine things in the world, the sea. And they're deeply satisfying together. We can't quite analyze why we find that satisfaction, that peace, and that sense of rightness. The Iroquoi have a word for it: the word is "Orenda". It means the spiritual power that the Great Spirit put into physical things to attract us. They said it's especially in the sea, and the stars, and trees. We can't live in the stars, we can't live in the sea, we don't live in trees. Why do we love them? Why do we want to be in the presence of them? It's the orenda there! It fits our spirit. It's like we're iron filings and that's the magnet... and we're home."
"We're sitting on one of the most masculine things in the world, a rock. And we're looking at one of the most feminine things in the world, the sea. And they're deeply satisfying together. We can't quite analyze why we find that satisfaction, that peace, and that sense of rightness. The Iroquoi have a word for it: the word is "Orenda". It means the spiritual power that the Great Spirit put into physical things to attract us. They said it's especially in the sea, and the stars, and trees. We can't live in the stars, we can't live in the sea, we don't live in trees. Why do we love them? Why do we want to be in the presence of them? It's the orenda there! It fits our spirit. It's like we're iron filings and that's the magnet... and we're home."
I've been so impressed by this concept that I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.
Water = Feminine Archetype & Rock = Masculine Achetype.
Water = Feminine Archetype & Rock = Masculine Achetype.
It is amazing how this is before our eyes in everything that is beautiful in our sphere. We cannot exist without one or the other. And when men and women work together in a harmonious way, "it is glorious and beautiful!" Just think of all the creations that are magnified in their brilliance and awe when this "masculine and feminine" attain symbiosis: beautiful sculptures in caves and caverns above and beneath the ocean, geodes, crystals, land formations, geysers, waterfalls, white flowing streams and the rocks that give them shape and form.... the list goes on forever. Plants, animals, people, and all living things are formed out of earth and water.
I opened my scriptures to Moses where the creation of the earth is described. There is one other element I discovered that makes this glorious relationship possible. It surrounds both water and land, we cannot see it but without it there would be no life. It is the "firmament" or atmosphere. God calls it "heaven." Moses 2:6-10 This makes perfect sense because a celestial relationship must have the element of Heaven, of God, interwoven into and surrounding everything in its structure to make it eternal and perpetually in creation.
All of this is a witness to me of how amazing God is. Literally, from the very beginning, our Father in Heaven has been trying to teach us something about our roles as men and women and how powerful we can become and what we can create when we work with full unity of heart, soul, and mind. We are not meant to be alone just as an earth with only ocean or a planet made of only rock could never reach it's full potential of sustaining and giving life.
I read this just the day before I heard Carolina tell her story. But since then, it too has taken on new meaning to me:
“President Lorenzo Snow, the fifth President of the Church, said this to the Relief Society Sisters of the Church: 'You
have ever been found at the side of the Priesthood, ready to strengthen their
hands and to do your part in helping to advance the interests of the kingdom of
God; and as you have shared in these labors, so you will most certainly share
in the triumph of the work and in the exaltation and glory which the Lord will
give to His faithful children.' As women participate in Relief Society, they
serve as valiant disciples of Jesus Christ in the work of salvation. Like the
women in the ancient Church, they work alongside men who hold the priesthood to
increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and
seek out and help those in need”
(Daughters in My Kingdom, page 7)."
(Daughters in My Kingdom, page 7)."
In the two greatest most influential and Divine organizations, the family and the Church, we can see that men and women are meant to work together, along side each other, each one bringing out the best in the other. It's awesome to think that the evidence of this has been around from the very beginning.
..........................
I will never look at water, rock, or the atmosphere the same. Now I can see so much more on earth that which was and always has been in heaven.
Now, I will gaze at the beauties of creation that surround me in a new light. Now I will always see "man" and "woman" and my heart will rejoice in the Divine relationship we share! "It is glorious and beautiful!!"
"Unto" and "Recieive"
This post has been sitting on my draft board for three days now. I couldn't figure out how to end it. But maybe that last line is all I really needed to say.
Know this, that ev'ry soul is free
........................................
Know this, that ev'ry soul is free
To choose his life and what he'll be;
For this eternal truth is giv'n:
That God will force no man to heav'n.
Perhaps one of the hardest discoveries we learn in the family setting is that no one can make anyone believe or do anything.
[We can] call, persuade, direct aright,
And bless with wisdom, love, and light,
In nameless ways be good and kind,
But never force the human mind.
This is a good thing though because agency is what we fought for, right? It is just difficult when we see loved ones fighting against the very things that will make them free! And nothing can be more heart-wrenching when we have done everything we could to convince them, persuade them, with wisdom, love, and light or when we have exhausted all our energies and still "they would not."
Notice the word that occurs in these two scripture references when King Benjamin addresses his people: It says he "speaks unto" - Mosiah 2:1, Mosiah 3:1, -
The word is "unto".... not "into". It is placed before us, it connotes "personal choice".
As I pondered on this and other scriptures that use the word "unto", I noticed another significant word "receive".
"If he come unto you receive him" - Colossians 4:10
"him whom I have appointed unto you to receive" - D&C 43:2
Also, when we were confirmed a member of the Church we hear the words in the blessing "and say unto you receive the Holy Ghost" - John 20:22
How many thousands of times do we hear in the Gospel the word "receive"?
What does it mean especially in terms of receiving the Holy Ghost? receiving Christ, receiving a blessing... Or receiving His image in our countenance ?
What does it mean especially in terms of receiving the Holy Ghost? receiving Christ, receiving a blessing... Or receiving His image in our countenance ?
Friday, February 6, 2015
12 Things I Believe
Twelve Things I Believe
I believe in FIGHTING...
With everything I've got to keep my family together.
I believe in HATING...
The sin and not the sinner.
I believe in GIVING UP...
Trying to predict the future, and instead,
Embrace every moment I'm given here and now.
I believe in DYING...
That I might live through Christ.
I believe in FEAR...
Of God and God alone -
For fear of man only breeds cowardice, jealousy, and greed.
I believe in QUITTING...
Any habits that erode my agency & sense of self-worth,
Or anyone else's for that matter.
I believe in SURRENDERING...
My will to God's will, He sees the bigger picture.
I believe TRAGEDY...
Can lead to triumph.
I believe HEARTBREAK...
Can lead to healing.
I believe DARKNESS...
Has no power over light.
I believe in MY PAIN...
I can learn empathy and compassion for others.
I believe I AM NOTHING...
On my own and in my own strength, I am weak,
But through Christ, I can do all things.
-Alicia Rawlins
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Knowledge > Understanding > Intelligence
I'm half-way through a wonderful book by, David A. Bednar called "Increase In Learning". I love everything about it so far and this particular section where he speaks of "Knowledge > Understanding > Intelligence" is especially meaningful to me. In my mind he illustrates so perfectly the seed planted in the good ground in Matthew 13.
He teaches that to be fully converted and changed into "new creatures in Christ" we must move from just knowing the Gospel in our minds to feeling it and understanding it in our hearts and then when our hearts are changed, "the glory of God" which is "light and truth" will be what we have become and intelligence will flow through us, shining in all that we do.
He says it so much better:
Jesus is the living Christ and...
This intelligence, this light and truth which is the Glory of God, is the evidence of true conversion. It is a very real and visible light. I have witnessed it for myself in the countenance of others. They cannot hold it back, it radiates out from their entire being. No doubt that there is nothing more beautiful in all of creation!! If "light and truth" is what we sincerely desire and seek to become, no wonder our souls long to be around such people who feel the same. It is the natural order of heavenly law.
"For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light" -D&C 88:40
When we are converted our motives are not out of duty but out of love: Love for His word, love of communion with Him through sincere prayer, love of serving without need of recognition, love of learning more of Him, and love of keeping and holding sacred our covenants.
May we always receive the word into our minds and hearts and let it change us into new creatures of a Celestial sphere, so that the pure light, truth, and glory of God always shines through us.
-Alicia
He teaches that to be fully converted and changed into "new creatures in Christ" we must move from just knowing the Gospel in our minds to feeling it and understanding it in our hearts and then when our hearts are changed, "the glory of God" which is "light and truth" will be what we have become and intelligence will flow through us, shining in all that we do.
He says it so much better:
"You and I may know the right things to do, but intelligence involves more than just knowing. If you and I are intelligent, we will consistently do the right things. Knowing that the gospel is true is important, good, and necessary. Intelligence is consistently being true to the gospel that we know.
Knowing that the principles of the gospel work in our lives is a good thing. However, intelligence is consistently working to apply the principles of the gospel in our lives.
We may know and understand that we should be active in the Church. Intelligence is living in such a way that the doctrines of the Church are active in us - an active and integral part of who we are, and what we are, and what we do, and what we think."
- David A. Bednar
Jesus is the living Christ and...
"Appropriately seeking for knowledge, understanding, and intelligence is essential for each of us to become a living member of the Savior's living church."
-David A. Bednar
Knowledge > Understanding > Intelligence = Mind > Heart > Action-David A. Bednar
This intelligence, this light and truth which is the Glory of God, is the evidence of true conversion. It is a very real and visible light. I have witnessed it for myself in the countenance of others. They cannot hold it back, it radiates out from their entire being. No doubt that there is nothing more beautiful in all of creation!! If "light and truth" is what we sincerely desire and seek to become, no wonder our souls long to be around such people who feel the same. It is the natural order of heavenly law.
"For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light" -D&C 88:40
When we are converted our motives are not out of duty but out of love: Love for His word, love of communion with Him through sincere prayer, love of serving without need of recognition, love of learning more of Him, and love of keeping and holding sacred our covenants.
May we always receive the word into our minds and hearts and let it change us into new creatures of a Celestial sphere, so that the pure light, truth, and glory of God always shines through us.
-Alicia
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
The Will of the Lord
It's funny how the Lord tutors... how I can be having patterns of thought and begin to dismiss them as my own but then open the scriptures or text from a sermon and have it be exactly what I have been pondering already. I say "it's funny" because it feels me with so much gratitude for how aware the Lord is of us that I can't help but laugh for joy.
I've been thinking a lot about adversity and pain and how they are the gateway to glory and beauty. You can't have one without the other. "There must be opposition in all things." Even last Friday night, I listened to a gentleman instruct a group of us on the compound nature of God, that even our Father in Heaven feels great love and great pain at the same moment. He sighted Moses 7:28-32 and noted that God wept because He loved so deeply, that it pained Him to see His children separate themselves from each other and from Him.
This last Sunday too, it seemed in every single sermon, someone said something that coincided exactly with my personal studies of these recent days.
Then this morning, I decided to open up the lessons in Young Women's for February. I glanced over the topics lower down on the list since I would be teaching later in the month. The heading "Why do we have adversity?" naturally stood out to me because it has been so present in my mind.
There, I opened to that topic, and low-and-behold, one of the talks was entitled, "Mountains to Climb". I couldn't help but smile because I had just written about that in my post from yesterday.
This kind of coinciding is not mere coincidence to me. It's this very synchronizing and harmonizing that becomes solid evidence my prayers are heard and that "God is in His heaven and all's right with the world." - Browning
With that in mind, let me go back to my focus on struggle and adversity, hope and healing:
When we think of adversity, it's easy to imagine the kind that happens outwardly, in our physical lives: persecution, physical limitations, tragedies, illness, disease, loss of property, or loss of loved ones. This is the kind that most likely comes to our mind first.
I believe, though, that the greatest adversity we will ever struggle with is deep within our hearts, unseen to almost all around us and possibly even hidden to those we live with. And what is this great struggle I speak of? It is in the submission of our own will to our Father in Heaven that brings the greatest heartache. It is in surrendering the thing that we are least willing to give up. Letting go fully and completely what we want and desire so desperately to the realization that it may not be what the Lord wants for us. The process of laying down "our will" may very well be more painful, more heart-wrenching, and more agonizing than the laying down to the grave our loved ones. This is bold for me to say but could it be possible? Yes, and upon such realization, it may surprise us. Christ gave the perfect example of full submission to the Father all throughout His life right up to the final test when the pain was so great that it caused him to be sore amazed . He called out "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death." Then with perfect humility He prayed, "Not my will, but thine be done."
We must remember it is in learning this kind of submission, learning meekness, laying down our will (what we most desperately want) and taking up instead what the Lord wants, trusting wholly and completely that He knows best. This sweet surrender is where we come to find rest to our souls. This is the essence of faith at its fullest. Here we can be at peace knowing that God truly hears our heartfelt pleadings and will provide the very best outcome for us, whatever and whenever that may be.
In the grand design of things, there really is nothing to fear, for that which is of God is eternal and that which is bound eternally can never be broken. It is an irrevocable law of the universe. This temporal sphere is such a small sliver of what is to be seen. One day there will come the unveiling of a much greater and glorious picture. We do not see what God sees or know what He knows. Nevertheless, "He Knows" therefore, I pray with all of my heart and soul "Lead kindly Light... I do not ask to see the distant scene - one step enough for me."
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/lead-kindly-light?lang=eng
-Alicia
I've been thinking a lot about adversity and pain and how they are the gateway to glory and beauty. You can't have one without the other. "There must be opposition in all things." Even last Friday night, I listened to a gentleman instruct a group of us on the compound nature of God, that even our Father in Heaven feels great love and great pain at the same moment. He sighted Moses 7:28-32 and noted that God wept because He loved so deeply, that it pained Him to see His children separate themselves from each other and from Him.
This last Sunday too, it seemed in every single sermon, someone said something that coincided exactly with my personal studies of these recent days.
Then this morning, I decided to open up the lessons in Young Women's for February. I glanced over the topics lower down on the list since I would be teaching later in the month. The heading "Why do we have adversity?" naturally stood out to me because it has been so present in my mind.
There, I opened to that topic, and low-and-behold, one of the talks was entitled, "Mountains to Climb". I couldn't help but smile because I had just written about that in my post from yesterday.
This kind of coinciding is not mere coincidence to me. It's this very synchronizing and harmonizing that becomes solid evidence my prayers are heard and that "God is in His heaven and all's right with the world." - Browning
With that in mind, let me go back to my focus on struggle and adversity, hope and healing:
When we think of adversity, it's easy to imagine the kind that happens outwardly, in our physical lives: persecution, physical limitations, tragedies, illness, disease, loss of property, or loss of loved ones. This is the kind that most likely comes to our mind first.
I believe, though, that the greatest adversity we will ever struggle with is deep within our hearts, unseen to almost all around us and possibly even hidden to those we live with. And what is this great struggle I speak of? It is in the submission of our own will to our Father in Heaven that brings the greatest heartache. It is in surrendering the thing that we are least willing to give up. Letting go fully and completely what we want and desire so desperately to the realization that it may not be what the Lord wants for us. The process of laying down "our will" may very well be more painful, more heart-wrenching, and more agonizing than the laying down to the grave our loved ones. This is bold for me to say but could it be possible? Yes, and upon such realization, it may surprise us. Christ gave the perfect example of full submission to the Father all throughout His life right up to the final test when the pain was so great that it caused him to be sore amazed . He called out "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death." Then with perfect humility He prayed, "Not my will, but thine be done."
We must remember it is in learning this kind of submission, learning meekness, laying down our will (what we most desperately want) and taking up instead what the Lord wants, trusting wholly and completely that He knows best. This sweet surrender is where we come to find rest to our souls. This is the essence of faith at its fullest. Here we can be at peace knowing that God truly hears our heartfelt pleadings and will provide the very best outcome for us, whatever and whenever that may be.
In the grand design of things, there really is nothing to fear, for that which is of God is eternal and that which is bound eternally can never be broken. It is an irrevocable law of the universe. This temporal sphere is such a small sliver of what is to be seen. One day there will come the unveiling of a much greater and glorious picture. We do not see what God sees or know what He knows. Nevertheless, "He Knows" therefore, I pray with all of my heart and soul "Lead kindly Light... I do not ask to see the distant scene - one step enough for me."
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/lead-kindly-light?lang=eng
-Alicia
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
"I Have Confidence"
One of the most beloved and classic movies from Rodgers and Hammerstein is "The Sound of Music." It was certainly a classic for me when I was growing up. I remember my mom would always change the name from "Maria" to my name as she would sing "How do you solve a problem like Alicia?" It never bothered me, I knew she meant it in an endearing way. I didn't know what a "flibbertigibbet" was but it I liked the sound of it. Besides, Maria had become one of my heroes, I loved everything about her; her zeal for life, her sense of adventure, her style, her thrift, her creativity, her clumsiness, her bravery, her willingness to face her fears, her genuine love, her approachable nature, and most of all her faith in and love of God.
The soundtrack to this movie was one of my great treasures I took with me when I moved away from home. I remember many times driving to college, blaring its music and matching every note with my own voice in equal volume. It's hard to choose which song was my favorite on that soundtrack. But, I remember one particular day playing "I Have Confidence" on repeat until I had every last word completely memorized. The details of that day are gone to me, but I remember feeling very low in my own confidence and somehow singing along to this piece gave me courage.
I love how the scene to this song opens: Maria is ready for what lies ahead in her future, no matter how monumental and insurmountable the task may seem. She's climbed many mountains before and this one would be the greatest test of her character she would ever have. Before setting out on her journey, she takes a deep breath and says reassuringly to herself, "When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window." Venturing out slowly at first, she addresses her fears, but then brings herself back around...
"Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack
The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I'm worthy
And while I show them
I'll show me
So, let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence they'll put me to the test
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me"
With every step she grows more vibrant and excited for the challenge that awaits her. Confident in her God and trusting that confidence in herself will soon come, she dances her way into the next scene with wild animation and climactic wholeheartedness.
Then, it hits her. She reaches the gate of the VonTrapp family home, stops dead in her tracks and is breath-taken. As she comes to realize exactly what lies ahead, she humbly says my favorite part in the entire song, "Oh help." It was a small and simple prayer yet deep and sincere. Then with sweet assurance she was doing the Lord's will, she walks through that gate with more confidence than ever and all she trusts she puts her heart to. With Maria's child-like faith, sincerity of heart, and devotion to God, she ends up playing a pivotal role in rescuing an entire family from complete and utter ruin.
The mountains I face this year are larger in scale than I have ever ventured before. But like Maria, I go forward in my own journey no matter how frightening the climb might be. I can do this, with God, I know I can. Whatever His will is..."I have confidence!" It is that same confidence in God that Moses had to lead the children of Israel out of bondage, the same confidence that Nephi had to build a ship and against all odds and set sail to an unknown land. Like so many in the scriptures, they too had fears, they had doubts in their capabilities, and plenty of insecurities. Like Ammon I confess, "I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things." - Alma 26: 11,12 I trust this with all of my heart. He has never failed me. He is faithful, true, and good, oh so good.
-Alicia
The soundtrack to this movie was one of my great treasures I took with me when I moved away from home. I remember many times driving to college, blaring its music and matching every note with my own voice in equal volume. It's hard to choose which song was my favorite on that soundtrack. But, I remember one particular day playing "I Have Confidence" on repeat until I had every last word completely memorized. The details of that day are gone to me, but I remember feeling very low in my own confidence and somehow singing along to this piece gave me courage.
I love how the scene to this song opens: Maria is ready for what lies ahead in her future, no matter how monumental and insurmountable the task may seem. She's climbed many mountains before and this one would be the greatest test of her character she would ever have. Before setting out on her journey, she takes a deep breath and says reassuringly to herself, "When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window." Venturing out slowly at first, she addresses her fears, but then brings herself back around...
"Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack
The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I'm worthy
And while I show them
I'll show me
So, let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence they'll put me to the test
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me"
With every step she grows more vibrant and excited for the challenge that awaits her. Confident in her God and trusting that confidence in herself will soon come, she dances her way into the next scene with wild animation and climactic wholeheartedness.
Then, it hits her. She reaches the gate of the VonTrapp family home, stops dead in her tracks and is breath-taken. As she comes to realize exactly what lies ahead, she humbly says my favorite part in the entire song, "Oh help." It was a small and simple prayer yet deep and sincere. Then with sweet assurance she was doing the Lord's will, she walks through that gate with more confidence than ever and all she trusts she puts her heart to. With Maria's child-like faith, sincerity of heart, and devotion to God, she ends up playing a pivotal role in rescuing an entire family from complete and utter ruin.
The mountains I face this year are larger in scale than I have ever ventured before. But like Maria, I go forward in my own journey no matter how frightening the climb might be. I can do this, with God, I know I can. Whatever His will is..."I have confidence!" It is that same confidence in God that Moses had to lead the children of Israel out of bondage, the same confidence that Nephi had to build a ship and against all odds and set sail to an unknown land. Like so many in the scriptures, they too had fears, they had doubts in their capabilities, and plenty of insecurities. Like Ammon I confess, "I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things." - Alma 26: 11,12 I trust this with all of my heart. He has never failed me. He is faithful, true, and good, oh so good.
-Alicia
Monday, February 2, 2015
When the strife is fierce...
There is something Divinely spiritual about singing with a choir. I love the sensation of harmonizing with a host of others, especially in songs of reflection and praise for our God. I notably enjoy the moments when the accompaniment ceases and the choir resounds with voice alone. It strikes a chord within me that testifies of the Divine living inside of us. Yesterday, our church choir performed the hymn "For All The Saints". The fourth verse we sang a-capella. This verse grabbed a hold of me and was so meaningful, maybe in part, because I love a-capella but I think it was also due to my recent studies on suffering and the beauty that can come of it.
Today, that particular verse continues to play in my mind.
"And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong."
Sometimes, it may be extremely difficult to imagine glory and beauty born of strife and suffering. I reflect on the scripture in D&C 19:15- 19 that speaks of the suffering our Savior bore to atone for us. Look at what came of that, was there nothing more beautiful and glorious?!
Of course, some suffering is needless, some we bring upon ourselves from ignoring God's counsel, but I am speaking of the sorrows and suffering that come despite our efforts and faithfulness. There may be those in our life who struggle with infirmities (of mind or body), who we have plead and poured our hearts out for heaven to heal them. And when that healing doesn't come, we may be tempted to believe that God has abandoned us or that He doesn't care. But I testify, He does care, infinitely and personally! He does hear our cries! And if you listen, you will hear "the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again and arms are strong."
That word, "brave," what does it mean?
Being brave certainly doesn't mean that you are not afraid, that you don't suffer, or that you don't feel pain. It means you keep moving, keep trying, keep believing, keep loving, and shining, in spite of all your fears, your doubts, and your pain, however long and hard the road may be. Yes, it means staying the course in full understanding that this struggle could very well be for the rest of your life.
I have someone who I love very much, who doesn't believe in himself, who would never consider himself as "brave." He often feels defeated because he gets depressed. He feels purposeless because he feels so much pain, and feeble because he fears. But he keeps moving, day after day, one foot in front of the other, in spite of all he struggles with. I gave him an extra long hug this morning, cradled his face in my hands, looked him in the eyes and said, "You are brave... so much braver than you know! You have more courage than you realize because you haven't quit. You are stronger than you think you are. You're going to make it... you are making it!" He looked at me disbelievingly and my heart broke. But I believe there is no such thing as wasted words, wasted service, or wasted effort, if those things are done in the spirit of genuine and sincere love.
I know that these things are not easy... but it is so very worth it. The truth is, I blog probably more for myself than for anyone... (I imagine that very few people, if any, even see the things I post here.) But if someone does stumble across this place, I pray these words I write to bring the much-needed healing and hope to my own soul will also somehow, somewhere, strengthen a brother or sister along their journey as well.
So... When the strife is fierce....Keep on charging ahead!!
And now with that... here is my song of healing and hope for today:
Today, that particular verse continues to play in my mind.
"And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong."
Sometimes, it may be extremely difficult to imagine glory and beauty born of strife and suffering. I reflect on the scripture in D&C 19:15- 19 that speaks of the suffering our Savior bore to atone for us. Look at what came of that, was there nothing more beautiful and glorious?!
Of course, some suffering is needless, some we bring upon ourselves from ignoring God's counsel, but I am speaking of the sorrows and suffering that come despite our efforts and faithfulness. There may be those in our life who struggle with infirmities (of mind or body), who we have plead and poured our hearts out for heaven to heal them. And when that healing doesn't come, we may be tempted to believe that God has abandoned us or that He doesn't care. But I testify, He does care, infinitely and personally! He does hear our cries! And if you listen, you will hear "the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again and arms are strong."
That word, "brave," what does it mean?
Being brave certainly doesn't mean that you are not afraid, that you don't suffer, or that you don't feel pain. It means you keep moving, keep trying, keep believing, keep loving, and shining, in spite of all your fears, your doubts, and your pain, however long and hard the road may be. Yes, it means staying the course in full understanding that this struggle could very well be for the rest of your life.
I have someone who I love very much, who doesn't believe in himself, who would never consider himself as "brave." He often feels defeated because he gets depressed. He feels purposeless because he feels so much pain, and feeble because he fears. But he keeps moving, day after day, one foot in front of the other, in spite of all he struggles with. I gave him an extra long hug this morning, cradled his face in my hands, looked him in the eyes and said, "You are brave... so much braver than you know! You have more courage than you realize because you haven't quit. You are stronger than you think you are. You're going to make it... you are making it!" He looked at me disbelievingly and my heart broke. But I believe there is no such thing as wasted words, wasted service, or wasted effort, if those things are done in the spirit of genuine and sincere love.
I know that these things are not easy... but it is so very worth it. The truth is, I blog probably more for myself than for anyone... (I imagine that very few people, if any, even see the things I post here.) But if someone does stumble across this place, I pray these words I write to bring the much-needed healing and hope to my own soul will also somehow, somewhere, strengthen a brother or sister along their journey as well.
So... When the strife is fierce....Keep on charging ahead!!
And now with that... here is my song of healing and hope for today:
"To The Dreamers"
We're beat up but won’t be broken
Lonesome but always searching
Homesick but nobody’s heading home soon
Keep on, keeping on, keeping on
Long days and too many short nights
And wrong ways that almost felt right
Lovesick but nobody’s holding you
Keep on, keeping on, keeping on
So sing along, sing along, sing along… Yeah
To the dreamers
Wide-eyed believers
Hanging onto hope by a thread
To the soulful
Heart open hopeful
Keep on charging ahead
‘Cause, when you feel it, once you see it, and you breathe it
It’s unforgettable
When you know it, once you know it, and you hold it
It’s unforgettable
God knows you question your courage
And some days I can’t walk for stumbling
If we could only see what we’re becoming
Keep on, keeping on, keeping on
So sing along, sing along, sing along… Yeah
When you feel it, once you see it
It’s unforgettable
When you know it, once you know it, and you hold it
It’s unforgettable
I was wondering and I was wandering
So down and out, I was lost not found
History said, oh someone said, that you could never exist
But then a whisper, the start of a kiss
Came to me in all of a sudden like a dream, a fantasy
That day didn’t feel quite real
You took a half dead soul and You made me believe
I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe
To the dreamers
Wide-eyed believers
Hanging onto hope by a thread
To the soulful
Heart open hopeful
Keep on charging ahead
Sunday, February 1, 2015
The Purpose-Driven Soul
Ever have moments where you feel as if God has you by the shoulders and He is leading you in a very clear and unmistakable direction? I have had a number of those moments come to me all throughout my life, but I've never had them quite so numerous and frequent as I have had within this last year.
Yesterday, I basked in the wisdom of some incredible mentors at a conference for homeschoolers up at Weber State University. Oliver and Rachel DeMille, the founders of Thomas Jefferson Education, were the keynote speakers. What an incredible couple! I absolutely love and admire the synergistic relationship those two have! No doubt that this is why they've become such a powerful force for so much good.
I understood that these speeches, yesterday, were prepared to train me on how to better educate my children but so much of it seemed to be exactly what I needed to hear for my own journey. One particular speaker counseled that an important element of success was to "seek mentors way over your head." Those words, I've heard them before... Oh yeah, It's the voice of my mother, "Alicia, you are in way over your head!" But this time, instead of calling me out, they are calling me in. The Lord has placed some incredible mentors in my path this last year who are definitely "way over my head"... and with a smile on my face and God's hand on my back, I'm jumping in and I'm going for this!
I'd have to say my favorite class yesterday was "Unleashing Your Pen" by, Kathy Mellor. She has a website unleashingyourvoice.com. Kathy spoke of the beauty and impact we can have on people's lives through the art of writing and speaking. She taught the process of "The Writing Cycle" and the available means of persuasion based on "Aristotle's Rhetoric Triangle." As I scribbled down notes, I flashed back to being 19 again, sitting in my college writing class, wondering if everyone else in the room felt as giddy as I did about what we were learning. I can't wait to go to back to school!
In another class, I learned the difference between Vocation and Occupation.
Despite what most people believe today, these two words are not one in the same or even synonyms. They are completely different. Here's why:
Occupation - is defined as "our workplace or profession."
Vocation - (the old definition as it originally meant) is- "The thing that God has told you to do - your life mission."
In the public school system, what are we told the main purpose of school is for? - to get an occupation.
And their method of doing so looks like this:
First, give the kids a foundation of "skills" like reading, math, science, and writing etc. Cram these into them while they are young by forcing upon them work papers and bubble-answer test sheets. Then, when they get to high school, they can begin exploring their passion. But too often by this time, they are so concerned about measuring up to testing standards and rote practices that the passion is little (if any) and they eventually settle with mediocrity or less.
Poor Education Structure =
Skills > Little Passion > Mediocrity
The public schools have it wrong. And it's obvious by the statistics that there is a fundamental flaw in the system.
The primary focus and foundation, the pathway of true education starts with a solid ground of virtues. Lives built on virtuous principles prepare them for their vocation.
First, instill within children virtues of strong faith in God, true identity, Divine nature, integrity, hard work, respect, creativity, gratitude, simplicity, sacrifice, standards, patience, thrift, innovation, patriotism, compassion, selflessness, and the list goes on and on. Of course, the very best method of teaching is always by example.
Over time, they will get a sense of passion for something. Pay attention to what that is. Feed this passion within them until they feel a drive to do whatever it takes to be amazing at it. Then, they will naturally want to learn all the "skills" to see that dream fulfilled.
Education Success Structure =
Virtue > Passion > Skills > Greatness
This way of educating is not a revolutionary concept... it is revelatory- an education foundation based on faith, on personal revelation and guidance from our Father in Heaven.
Aim for greatness. Greatness does not mean famous; It is a quality of solid character, of a direct righteous purpose-driven soul.
It is that "purpose-driven soul" that I love!
-Alicia
Yesterday, I basked in the wisdom of some incredible mentors at a conference for homeschoolers up at Weber State University. Oliver and Rachel DeMille, the founders of Thomas Jefferson Education, were the keynote speakers. What an incredible couple! I absolutely love and admire the synergistic relationship those two have! No doubt that this is why they've become such a powerful force for so much good.
I understood that these speeches, yesterday, were prepared to train me on how to better educate my children but so much of it seemed to be exactly what I needed to hear for my own journey. One particular speaker counseled that an important element of success was to "seek mentors way over your head." Those words, I've heard them before... Oh yeah, It's the voice of my mother, "Alicia, you are in way over your head!" But this time, instead of calling me out, they are calling me in. The Lord has placed some incredible mentors in my path this last year who are definitely "way over my head"... and with a smile on my face and God's hand on my back, I'm jumping in and I'm going for this!
I'd have to say my favorite class yesterday was "Unleashing Your Pen" by, Kathy Mellor. She has a website unleashingyourvoice.com. Kathy spoke of the beauty and impact we can have on people's lives through the art of writing and speaking. She taught the process of "The Writing Cycle" and the available means of persuasion based on "Aristotle's Rhetoric Triangle." As I scribbled down notes, I flashed back to being 19 again, sitting in my college writing class, wondering if everyone else in the room felt as giddy as I did about what we were learning. I can't wait to go to back to school!
..............................
Despite what most people believe today, these two words are not one in the same or even synonyms. They are completely different. Here's why:
Occupation - is defined as "our workplace or profession."
Vocation - (the old definition as it originally meant) is- "The thing that God has told you to do - your life mission."
In the public school system, what are we told the main purpose of school is for? - to get an occupation.
And their method of doing so looks like this:
First, give the kids a foundation of "skills" like reading, math, science, and writing etc. Cram these into them while they are young by forcing upon them work papers and bubble-answer test sheets. Then, when they get to high school, they can begin exploring their passion. But too often by this time, they are so concerned about measuring up to testing standards and rote practices that the passion is little (if any) and they eventually settle with mediocrity or less.
Poor Education Structure =
Skills > Little Passion > Mediocrity
The public schools have it wrong. And it's obvious by the statistics that there is a fundamental flaw in the system.
The primary focus and foundation, the pathway of true education starts with a solid ground of virtues. Lives built on virtuous principles prepare them for their vocation.
First, instill within children virtues of strong faith in God, true identity, Divine nature, integrity, hard work, respect, creativity, gratitude, simplicity, sacrifice, standards, patience, thrift, innovation, patriotism, compassion, selflessness, and the list goes on and on. Of course, the very best method of teaching is always by example.
Over time, they will get a sense of passion for something. Pay attention to what that is. Feed this passion within them until they feel a drive to do whatever it takes to be amazing at it. Then, they will naturally want to learn all the "skills" to see that dream fulfilled.
Education Success Structure =
Virtue > Passion > Skills > Greatness
This way of educating is not a revolutionary concept... it is revelatory- an education foundation based on faith, on personal revelation and guidance from our Father in Heaven.
..............................
Our primary responsibility as parents is to help our children understand who they truly are and who they can become. Every child ever born into this world has genius inside of them. Each one of them is destined for greatness! And the essence of education is helping them discover their unique life purpose and mission.Aim for greatness. Greatness does not mean famous; It is a quality of solid character, of a direct righteous purpose-driven soul.
It is that "purpose-driven soul" that I love!
-Alicia
Friday, January 30, 2015
They That Wait
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31
For the last few days this scripture continues to impress upon my mind. I've been pondering what it means to "wait upon the Lord". Perhaps the reason I've been thinking about this is related to the two funerals I've attended in the past week.
Waiting is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It helps us develop the glorious virtue of patience. But it can be oh so painful... especially when that waiting means we will be separated for a time from someone we dearly love, either in death or in the necessary paths of living. It's a truth, "The only way to take the sorrow out of death [or parting] is to take love out of life." -Russell M. Nelson - Hearts sewn together with threads of the purest kind are bound to feel sorely torn at parting. This pain, however, is as needful as the prize. For we would never know the sweet if we did not taste the bitter. "Time goes by so slowly and time can do so much." - Unchained Melody
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." - Psalms 30:5
Those who wait are those who hope even despite all odds, They stay because they truly believe in what will come.
Yes, "time can do so much" for it is that channel all things must flow through in order to grow and progress. Time is the essence of mortal life but it is only to be passed through for we are not bound to it. We are creatures of eternity.
Night must fall and trail our sky
Before the dawn of each new day.
The shadows of the eventide
Break and fade from morning ray.
A seed that's planted in the ground
Pushes through black of soil,
Through time, through love, and faith unbound,
Through sweat, and tears, and toil
Springing forth, grown to a tree,
Its branches touch the sun.
And time is now a memory
Within this story spun.
- Alicia Rawlins
Waiting upon the Lord means promising never to forget Him. It means keeping Him always and forever in our hearts, always anticipating the day we will again see him face to face and feel His loving embrace.
Those who wait are those who keep hope alive, even despite all odds. They stay the course, never drifting, because they truly believe in what will come.
"Test and trials are give to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, 'all these things shall [be for our] experience, and... [our] good."
Does this mean we will always understand our challenges? Won't all of us, sometime, have reason to ask, 'O God, where art thou?' Yes! When a spouse dies, a companion will wonder. When financial hardship befalls a family, a father will ask. When children wander from the path, a mother and father will cry out in sorrow." - Robert D. Hales
For the last few days this scripture continues to impress upon my mind. I've been pondering what it means to "wait upon the Lord". Perhaps the reason I've been thinking about this is related to the two funerals I've attended in the past week.
Waiting is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It helps us develop the glorious virtue of patience. But it can be oh so painful... especially when that waiting means we will be separated for a time from someone we dearly love, either in death or in the necessary paths of living. It's a truth, "The only way to take the sorrow out of death [or parting] is to take love out of life." -Russell M. Nelson - Hearts sewn together with threads of the purest kind are bound to feel sorely torn at parting. This pain, however, is as needful as the prize. For we would never know the sweet if we did not taste the bitter. "Time goes by so slowly and time can do so much." - Unchained Melody
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." - Psalms 30:5
Those who wait are those who hope even despite all odds, They stay because they truly believe in what will come.
Yes, "time can do so much" for it is that channel all things must flow through in order to grow and progress. Time is the essence of mortal life but it is only to be passed through for we are not bound to it. We are creatures of eternity.
Night must fall and trail our sky
Before the dawn of each new day.
The shadows of the eventide
Break and fade from morning ray.
A seed that's planted in the ground
Pushes through black of soil,
Through time, through love, and faith unbound,
Through sweat, and tears, and toil
Springing forth, grown to a tree,
Its branches touch the sun.
And time is now a memory
Within this story spun.
- Alicia Rawlins
Waiting upon the Lord means promising never to forget Him. It means keeping Him always and forever in our hearts, always anticipating the day we will again see him face to face and feel His loving embrace.
Those who wait are those who keep hope alive, even despite all odds. They stay the course, never drifting, because they truly believe in what will come.
"Test and trials are give to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, 'all these things shall [be for our] experience, and... [our] good."
Does this mean we will always understand our challenges? Won't all of us, sometime, have reason to ask, 'O God, where art thou?' Yes! When a spouse dies, a companion will wonder. When financial hardship befalls a family, a father will ask. When children wander from the path, a mother and father will cry out in sorrow." - Robert D. Hales
When I think of being carried as "on the wings of eagles", I think of the strong steady shoulders of my Father in Heaven.
This song "Shoulders" by, "For King and Country" is absolutely beautiful and gives me strength. Its message is true and because I know this, I can humbly accept the Lord's will and timing in my life whatever it may be.
"Shoulders" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40wYfjv6yt8
"When confusion's my companion
And despair holds me for ransom
I will feel no fear
I know that You are near
When I'm caught deep in the valley
With chaos for my company
I'll find my comfort here
‘Cause I know that You are near
My help comes from You
You're right here, pulling me through
You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders
Your shoulders
You mend what once was shattered
And You turn my tears to laughter
Your forgiveness is my fortress
Oh Your mercy is relentless
My help is from You
Don't have to see it to believe it
My help is from you
Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true"
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13
This song "Shoulders" by, "For King and Country" is absolutely beautiful and gives me strength. Its message is true and because I know this, I can humbly accept the Lord's will and timing in my life whatever it may be.
"Shoulders" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40wYfjv6yt8
"When confusion's my companion
And despair holds me for ransom
I will feel no fear
I know that You are near
When I'm caught deep in the valley
With chaos for my company
I'll find my comfort here
‘Cause I know that You are near
My help comes from You
You're right here, pulling me through
You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders
Your shoulders
You mend what once was shattered
And You turn my tears to laughter
Your forgiveness is my fortress
Oh Your mercy is relentless
My help is from You
Don't have to see it to believe it
My help is from you
Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true"
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13
-Alicia
Thursday, January 29, 2015
"His Priesthood and His Church"
As I put "The Living Christ" into memory, I noticed that not only did I feel the witness of Jesus Christ's Divine mission but I felt a powerful and undeniable witness that Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the restoration and that we have prophets on the earth today.
In "The Living Christ" I love the way Joseph Smith describes the attributes of the Savior from first-hand experience; His eyes, His hair, His countenance, and His voice. Wow, can you imagine what that would have been like? I long for that day! But even here and now, I believe I have seen glimpses of my Savior in the faces of those who love Him, and I can only imagine all of that beauty and glory combined billions of times over into one being. There would be no strength for me to stand. I would fall to my face and my heart would sing, "Oh, love effulgent, love Divine! What debt of gratitude is mine!"
His Spirit bears witness to me about the wonderful gift we have been given to have apostles who speak and testify in Christ's name and authority today. The sentence, "We bear testimony as His duly ordained apostles that Jesus is the Living Christ", brings peace into my heart. I can't think of a time in all human history where the world has had greater need for prophets and apostles on the earth than now.
 |
| Gethsemane 2007 |
In the summer of 2007 my friend, Nathan, took me and my husband with him to the Holy Land. There, I "walked the roads of Palestine." I strolled the streets of Bethlehem, I waded in the waters of Galilee, prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, gazed upon the hill of Calvary, and sang hymns in the empty tomb. Words are not sufficient to describe what an experience that was!
But, do you know where I felt the Spirit the strongest?
Surprisingly, that overwhelming Spirit that causes your heart to leap inside your chest and heaven wash over your entire soul, was felt the most as I walked into sacrament meeting at the BYU Jerusalem Center. I felt as if I stood inside the Temple. The design of the room was unlike any other. I entered from the back of the chapel, the seats were in an steep theater style so the podium where the sacrament talks are given was down at the bottom of the room in front of me like on a stage. Behind where the podium stood, there was no solid wall, choir seats, or organ pipes like we often see. Instead, it was all glass, an open window to the world and, you could see from any point a perfect panoramic view of the Old City, Jerusalem.
.jpg){kind=link}
Also from where I stood in the back of the chapel, below the vertical pipes for the organ, there were pipes that looked like trumpets jetting out and facing the direction of that great city. When the organ played I looked back at these trumpets and expected to see angels on the other side, I thought of the angel Moroni who stands on all our temples proclaiming in great glory that the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ had been restored to the earth! I wanted to join in and shout it with those angels!
If you want to go to a city that has almost every possible religion represented there, go to Jerusalem. The scripture that came to my mind when I thought of the countless numbers of religions in that place is Jacob 5:30 where the Lord in His vineyard sees a tree with many different kinds of fruit but none of them the right fruit the tree was supposed to bear. It was so awesome meeting people of all kinds of faith and I will forever cherish the discussions I had with them. But as I stood on that Sabbath day in the chapel of that dedicated building, and as I looked out over the Holy Land, I wanted to fall to my knees in reverence and humility for all that I have been given. I cried tears of gratitude to know that I had the fullness of the Gospel, His Priesthood and His Church.
I testify that His Gospel, His Priesthood, is the key to unifying the nations of the earth and the tool to bringing people together of all faiths.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)