Anyone who reads my blog knows the struggle I have with seasonal depression. Knowing this has made me more aware of how the weather affects me. The other day I was thinking how annoying it was that a cloudy day was getting me down so quickly. If only it didn't have to affect me that way. Suddenly the words to hymn #227 came into my mind and hit me in a way I had never thought of before.
"There is sunshine in my soul today, more glorious and bright than glows in any earthly sky, For Jesus is my light."
I have sung this song all my life and never once thought about the message. This is not merely a song of gratitude for glorious sunny days, but more a boost of mental sunshine because of our joy in having the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a glorious way to learn. We have no control over the weather or the sky outside, but no one can take the sunshine out of our souls as long as we allow Jesus to be our light. What a wonderful and beautiful thought. What an inspired gift from God to give me that light and understanding at that moment. How blessed we are by the hymns of the restored gospel!!!
I had to go sit down to the piano and play that song. I wanted to listen to the music and ponder more on those words. As I got into the spirit of the music I moved on to the next page in the hymnbook and these were the words I read, "You can make the pathway bright, Fill the soul with heavens light, If there's sunshine in your heart; Turning darkness into day, As the shadows fly away, If there's sunshine in your heart today. If there's sunshine in your heart, You can send a shining ray that will turn the night to day; And your cares will all depart, If there's sunshine in your heart today."
The thought entered my mind that not only can I have sunshine in my life, but I can go and share that sunshine with others. Why wouldn't I want to share love and joy with others if Jesus is my light and my joy. He Lord truly is my light and why should I fear? (The Lord is my Light, hymn 89).
The scripture that inspired the hymn, There's is Sunshine in My Soul Today is in Isaiah 60:19 (and I'll add verse 20) "19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
20 Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."
If ever a down and depressing day comes your way think of the "sunshine & light" hymns and you too will find that "there is sunshine in your soul today!"
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Life's Lessons
It's interesting to me how the Lord gives personal revelations to us. My friend had subscribed to an email that would share Christian messages that always began with "On this day I believe the Lord wants you to know..." I'm sure the person writing these had the best of intentions, but they just never seemed to hold the truth that the Lord truly wanted ME to know. One day while reading an email the thought came to my mind, 'How does he know what the Lord wants me to know better than I know what the Lord wants me to know?' The answer was that he didn't, but the idea inspired me with the idea to write "Daily Letters" from God to myself.
Now this only sparked the idea I hadn't started to write these "Daily Letters," until I was having a very difficult day on February 14th. As I laid down that night the Lord reminded me that there was something he wanted me to know, by means of my own writing. I got out the paper a pen and wrote something that I'd like to share with you in hopes that it will inspire you to ask God what he would want you to know in your life.
"My Dear Daughter Marlies,
Today you struggled and allowed Satan to control your mind. I wish you had knelt down and prayed for my strength and protection. I love you! You are my beautiful daughter whom I designed in my own image. I desire for you to remember just how much I love you.
This afternoon you cried and asked 'why should I care about my life when no one else does?' Marlies, there are MANY people who care VERY much. Your spirit has touched the life of so many people. Even still it wouldn't matter if the entire world was against you for I give you all; your food, your shelter, your family, your friends, the love in your life, and everything you have. I am perfect and I love you and that should be enough.
Please come to me and allow me to strenghten you through these trails. I desire to bless your life. Did you not see that I put into your husbands mind to ask you to go on a walk with him? I also asked another child of mine to drop off cookies to you to remind you that I am not the only one who loves you. Marlies, love me, listen to me and allow me to make you into the daughter I want you to be. You'd be amazed what I can make of you. I love you my daughter and I pray that you know that and that you might spread that message to others!
Love, Your Father in Heaven"
I pray that you know that your Father in Heaven loves you and that you may be reminded of the difference you make in the lives of those you touch. You have more capacity for good than you can imagine. Keep sharing that love and message with all those you come in contact with. I love you all!
Marlies
Now this only sparked the idea I hadn't started to write these "Daily Letters," until I was having a very difficult day on February 14th. As I laid down that night the Lord reminded me that there was something he wanted me to know, by means of my own writing. I got out the paper a pen and wrote something that I'd like to share with you in hopes that it will inspire you to ask God what he would want you to know in your life.
"My Dear Daughter Marlies,
Today you struggled and allowed Satan to control your mind. I wish you had knelt down and prayed for my strength and protection. I love you! You are my beautiful daughter whom I designed in my own image. I desire for you to remember just how much I love you.
This afternoon you cried and asked 'why should I care about my life when no one else does?' Marlies, there are MANY people who care VERY much. Your spirit has touched the life of so many people. Even still it wouldn't matter if the entire world was against you for I give you all; your food, your shelter, your family, your friends, the love in your life, and everything you have. I am perfect and I love you and that should be enough.
Please come to me and allow me to strenghten you through these trails. I desire to bless your life. Did you not see that I put into your husbands mind to ask you to go on a walk with him? I also asked another child of mine to drop off cookies to you to remind you that I am not the only one who loves you. Marlies, love me, listen to me and allow me to make you into the daughter I want you to be. You'd be amazed what I can make of you. I love you my daughter and I pray that you know that and that you might spread that message to others!
Love, Your Father in Heaven"
I pray that you know that your Father in Heaven loves you and that you may be reminded of the difference you make in the lives of those you touch. You have more capacity for good than you can imagine. Keep sharing that love and message with all those you come in contact with. I love you all!
Marlies
Gratitude, Blessings & Service Rendered in February
Sun 28 *I am thankful for the wonderful time spent with family. It is such a joy to watch family sit down and enjoy each others at a family dinner. My service today was missing out on my ward conference to support Kent's dad being called to the position of Bishop.
Sat 27 *I am thankful to watch Braxton and his grandma enjoy each other! My service today was taking the time to stop off and visit Kent's Grandma Jean. We decided we need to take the time to visit Grandpa Phil and Grandma Jean more often.
Fri 26 *I am thankful for those moments when I catch a true glimpse of the wonderful and handsome man I married. I am so blessed to have such a great man in my life. Today my service was sharing my peanut butter sandwich with Braxton as I hadn't realized until we were on the way to Meadow that Kent hadn't fed Braxton when he ate.
Thur 25 *I am thankful I was able to get out and take a walk as I listened to conference on my MP3. My service today was taking the time to stop by and visit my neighbor to see how she was doing on such a gray and dreary day. I also took the time to visit with a friend on the phone, and Kent and I watched three kids for two difference friends.
Wed 24 *I am thankful I was able to get some rest so I could get rid of my migraine. My service today was first taking care of myself so I could get better and secondly sending out a text to many women in the ward reminding them that there was a Relief Society meeting that night.
Tue 23 *The Lord blessed me today with more naps for both of the girls although short it was nice to get a quite break. My service today was taking the time to visit with my neighbor and introducing her to our other neighbor who can help her through her divorce.
Mon 22 *Today I have been blessed with fantastic mental health. I don't know how the day could have gone more perfect. I feel really good about my day today! My service was giving up my healthy dinner so we could make it to see the Princess and the Frog. What a great time we spent together.
Sun 21 *The Lord has blessed me with a better nursery group than primary group and a great sacrament meeting. My service was going over and helping Melissa cheer up when her really good friend left to move to CA. I also took the time to reassure the Primary President she was not the only one being avoided by my other neighbors.
Sat 20 *Today I was blessed with some great shopping for Kent, Braxton and even more so myself. My service today is not getting mad that Kent wanted to go to bed at 8:00 pm.
Fri 19 *My day has been blessed by the Lord giving me the strength of mind to get in at least 20 minutes of exercise. My service today was dropping a loaf of bread and a card to a woman who suffers more from depression than I do.
Thur 18 *I have been so blessed to have wonderful friend who make time for me even though they have moved away. My service today was attending the temple especially when I just wanted to stay home.
Wed 17 *I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who loves me and takes care of me when the day has not gone well. My service today was taking the time to visit with a friend who wanted to talk.
Tue 16 *I am thankful for 30 years of a wonderful life with great friends and wonderful family. The Lord also blessed me with the most georgous sunshine today. My service today was to make waffles for my friends and provide a brunch for all of us to spend time to together. I also served myself by taking time to go running.
Mon 15 *I am thankful for a full day with friends. I was able to go to Ikea with Emily, lunch with Tia, and talk on the phone with Jay. My service was putting off chores to spend time with friends.
Sun 14 *I am thankful that I have been surrounded by family this evening. My serivce today was dropping off gifts for new mothers of babies and preparing for a family night with my siblings and their families.
Sat 13 *I am thankful for a day with nice temperatures and the opportunity to get out of the house. My service was helping my friend pack and move to her new home.
Fri 12 *I am thankful Braxton was able to get a much needed nap so he could feel better after being sick this morning. I am also thankful for the skills of those who put together the olympic opening ceremonies. I have enjoyed spending time with my brother Devin today. My service today was waking up at 4:30 am to allow my neighbor to bring her kids over to my house to sleep while she went to work. Anyone who knows me knows that is quite a sacrific even if I do get to go back to sleep.
Thurs 11 *I am thankful I was able to get some Valentine's in the mail from Braxton. My service was taking the time to visit with a friend on the phone.
Wed 10 *I know that my Father in Heaven is helping me to find joy & strength in this time of year. I am grateful for His help and a great workout today. My service today was waking Kent up since he was late to work and asking what I could do to help him get ready.
Tue 9 *I am thankful for a very productive day here at home. My service today was taking the time out of my day to lay down with the babies.
Mon 8 *I am thankful Kent suggested we take a much needed walk this evening, and I am thankful for the enlightenment the scripture bring to my mind. My service today was taking the time to get Discovery Toys packages mailed out, ordering a replacement part for someone, and mailing out another persons party invitations.
Sun 7 *I am thankful for a nice long nap to get some of my rest back. My service today was cleaning the house while I allowed Kent to enjoy watching the Super Bowl.
Sat 6 *I am so thankful for a wonderful weekend provided by Kent's parents. It's nice to have a fun activity with the family. My Service today was working hard to not be grouchy due to Kent waking me up WAY too early.
Fri 5 *I am thankful that my son has learned to love his Grandma. There is nothing better than having your son see his Grandma and take off running! My Service today was taking the time to call my friend back when I was busy packing things to get out of the house.
Thur 4 *It's amazing how the Lord blesses Kent and I in our finances. A bill we should have had the money to pay off is now paid off and we have been able to pay all the rest of our bills also. My service today was taking the time to cut up vegetables so my family will have quick and healthy snacks.
Wed 3 *I was blessed today with the ability to schedule my so as to get more accomplished than I thought I'd be able to. My service was giving my time to help out a friend with her dance class Braxton attends.
Tue 2 *I am thankful for the understanding my mom gave me and the insight she helped me to have as to her feelings. My service today was allowing my neighbor to use my shower since her hot water was turned off.
Mon 1 *I am thankful for a needed call from my Tia which I am certain was prompted by the spirit, overcoming my depressed spirit and getting out into the sunshine to go running, and sitting down to practice the piano (something I need to do more in my life). My Service today was the service of taking care of myself when I needed a little love and care.
Sat 27 *I am thankful to watch Braxton and his grandma enjoy each other! My service today was taking the time to stop off and visit Kent's Grandma Jean. We decided we need to take the time to visit Grandpa Phil and Grandma Jean more often.
Fri 26 *I am thankful for those moments when I catch a true glimpse of the wonderful and handsome man I married. I am so blessed to have such a great man in my life. Today my service was sharing my peanut butter sandwich with Braxton as I hadn't realized until we were on the way to Meadow that Kent hadn't fed Braxton when he ate.
Thur 25 *I am thankful I was able to get out and take a walk as I listened to conference on my MP3. My service today was taking the time to stop by and visit my neighbor to see how she was doing on such a gray and dreary day. I also took the time to visit with a friend on the phone, and Kent and I watched three kids for two difference friends.
Wed 24 *I am thankful I was able to get some rest so I could get rid of my migraine. My service today was first taking care of myself so I could get better and secondly sending out a text to many women in the ward reminding them that there was a Relief Society meeting that night.
Tue 23 *The Lord blessed me today with more naps for both of the girls although short it was nice to get a quite break. My service today was taking the time to visit with my neighbor and introducing her to our other neighbor who can help her through her divorce.
Mon 22 *Today I have been blessed with fantastic mental health. I don't know how the day could have gone more perfect. I feel really good about my day today! My service was giving up my healthy dinner so we could make it to see the Princess and the Frog. What a great time we spent together.
Sun 21 *The Lord has blessed me with a better nursery group than primary group and a great sacrament meeting. My service was going over and helping Melissa cheer up when her really good friend left to move to CA. I also took the time to reassure the Primary President she was not the only one being avoided by my other neighbors.
Sat 20 *Today I was blessed with some great shopping for Kent, Braxton and even more so myself. My service today is not getting mad that Kent wanted to go to bed at 8:00 pm.
Fri 19 *My day has been blessed by the Lord giving me the strength of mind to get in at least 20 minutes of exercise. My service today was dropping a loaf of bread and a card to a woman who suffers more from depression than I do.
Thur 18 *I have been so blessed to have wonderful friend who make time for me even though they have moved away. My service today was attending the temple especially when I just wanted to stay home.
Wed 17 *I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who loves me and takes care of me when the day has not gone well. My service today was taking the time to visit with a friend who wanted to talk.
Tue 16 *I am thankful for 30 years of a wonderful life with great friends and wonderful family. The Lord also blessed me with the most georgous sunshine today. My service today was to make waffles for my friends and provide a brunch for all of us to spend time to together. I also served myself by taking time to go running.
Mon 15 *I am thankful for a full day with friends. I was able to go to Ikea with Emily, lunch with Tia, and talk on the phone with Jay. My service was putting off chores to spend time with friends.
Sun 14 *I am thankful that I have been surrounded by family this evening. My serivce today was dropping off gifts for new mothers of babies and preparing for a family night with my siblings and their families.
Sat 13 *I am thankful for a day with nice temperatures and the opportunity to get out of the house. My service was helping my friend pack and move to her new home.
Fri 12 *I am thankful Braxton was able to get a much needed nap so he could feel better after being sick this morning. I am also thankful for the skills of those who put together the olympic opening ceremonies. I have enjoyed spending time with my brother Devin today. My service today was waking up at 4:30 am to allow my neighbor to bring her kids over to my house to sleep while she went to work. Anyone who knows me knows that is quite a sacrific even if I do get to go back to sleep.
Thurs 11 *I am thankful I was able to get some Valentine's in the mail from Braxton. My service was taking the time to visit with a friend on the phone.
Wed 10 *I know that my Father in Heaven is helping me to find joy & strength in this time of year. I am grateful for His help and a great workout today. My service today was waking Kent up since he was late to work and asking what I could do to help him get ready.
Tue 9 *I am thankful for a very productive day here at home. My service today was taking the time out of my day to lay down with the babies.
Mon 8 *I am thankful Kent suggested we take a much needed walk this evening, and I am thankful for the enlightenment the scripture bring to my mind. My service today was taking the time to get Discovery Toys packages mailed out, ordering a replacement part for someone, and mailing out another persons party invitations.
Sun 7 *I am thankful for a nice long nap to get some of my rest back. My service today was cleaning the house while I allowed Kent to enjoy watching the Super Bowl.
Sat 6 *I am so thankful for a wonderful weekend provided by Kent's parents. It's nice to have a fun activity with the family. My Service today was working hard to not be grouchy due to Kent waking me up WAY too early.
Fri 5 *I am thankful that my son has learned to love his Grandma. There is nothing better than having your son see his Grandma and take off running! My Service today was taking the time to call my friend back when I was busy packing things to get out of the house.
Thur 4 *It's amazing how the Lord blesses Kent and I in our finances. A bill we should have had the money to pay off is now paid off and we have been able to pay all the rest of our bills also. My service today was taking the time to cut up vegetables so my family will have quick and healthy snacks.
Wed 3 *I was blessed today with the ability to schedule my so as to get more accomplished than I thought I'd be able to. My service was giving my time to help out a friend with her dance class Braxton attends.
Tue 2 *I am thankful for the understanding my mom gave me and the insight she helped me to have as to her feelings. My service today was allowing my neighbor to use my shower since her hot water was turned off.
Mon 1 *I am thankful for a needed call from my Tia which I am certain was prompted by the spirit, overcoming my depressed spirit and getting out into the sunshine to go running, and sitting down to practice the piano (something I need to do more in my life). My Service today was the service of taking care of myself when I needed a little love and care.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)