Councel with the Lord in All Thy Doings

How do I describe my feelings this week?  There is so much going on in my life right now.  I have been doing more studying than ever in my scriptures and trying to get a handle on how I can become better, how I can grow to become more like my Savior.

I have to admit that I have had a few meltdowns this week.  I have felt that Satan really does not want me to succeed.  He is trying night and day to discourage me.  And bless my sweet husband, he is so understanding, he helps me gain perspective and is such a great support. 

As this New Year has rolled around I am determined to make my life more meaningful in many different ways.  First off, like everyone else, I want to get healthy.  I have struggled with this for several years.  I was diagnosed with Celiac disease about 8 years ago and once I began eating to heal, I began gaining weight.  I am not so far gone that I can’t change.  Thank Heavens.  But it is a struggle.  Secondly, I want to gain more knowledge.  This is why I am beginning the Pathways program once again.  I need to gain not only secular knowledge, but also I want to grow Spiritually.  Thirdly, I need to continue to magnify my calling as a ward missionary.  This is very intimidating to me.  I'm not the kind of person that can just teach the Gospel at the drop of a hat.

In my reading this morning, I read in Alma 37:37 and it says, “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things ye shall be lifted up at the last day.” 

What a beautiful promise.  I am taking it literally.  I have begun to pray about my diet, my exercise, my studies, and about how I can be of service more to others.  I know that we have to make our own choices, that God will not take our free agency away.  However, I think he does and is willing to inspire us as to things that can help us.  I would go so far as to say that when we counsel with Him, he will even take our temptations away from us so that we have peace and can continue on with our days.

I know I need to repent for the ways in which I have treated my body.  I need to begin to think of it as a Temple that the Lord has given me.  If I take care of it, if I eat right and exercise, read good things and keep my mind on him; then His spirit will have a place to dwell.   

In Alma 38:12  we are taught to bridle all of our passions and to refrain from idleness.  This is something that I need to work on.  I love food.  I freely admit it.  And with all of my children moved out, it is easy to be idle.  There are days when I could just sit and read all day long.  But that won't help me in my goals.  Then in verse 11, we are not to be prideful.  I need to be meek and teachable so that I can learn how to better take care of myself.  I feel that if I do these things and do them in the correct way, I will be able to receive the inspiration that I need to serve others.  To be the daughter Heavenly Father needs me to be.  Then my focus will no longer be inwards, but will move outwards in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in serving my fellowman. 

I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father.  I am grateful for the scriptures that I can read and glean knowledge from; that they lead and direct me. 

It is a beautiful day ~ life is good!