How to Pump You Up to a Healthy Balance!

Transcription

1 How to Pump You Up to a Healthy Balance! Upon being asked to serve at a Sharing Station for the 2010Womens Conference at BYU I thought, You bet, I would be glad to help! However when they told me the topic I was to cover at my sharing station Maintaining a Healthy Balance, I started to giggle. Then I realized my project leader was serious so then I really started to laugh. I said, Not me I am not the one! She assured me I was and would do great so I m not sure if I am suppose to teach someone or if I am the one being taught. I told her I must have people fooled when they don t see my little melt downs here and there but I agreed to do my best. I was to ask another assistant to help me with this particular sharing station so I thought of my wonderful Mother-in-law who has and continues to raise 6 children and their spouses, runs a business in her home, is a supportive wife, amazing sister and friend and a fabulous grandmother to 14 and ¾ grandchildren. Her response upon being asked with a chuckle was, Kim you don t want me really, are you sure? So sisters, we are not perfect, we have not acquired this Christ-like attribute but we are sure trying. After much prayer, study, soul searching, and reliance on the Spirit this is what we have been directed to present. When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. (Pres. Benson) That is the underlying truth to achieving balance. Riding a bike with a flat tire will get you nowhere and so will living life without balance. We would like to pump you up to enjoying life with a healthy balance. Please choose which pump or pumps you need to be balanced. Know that these pumps are always available and do help with little leaks or flats we may get along the way on the road of life. Pump #1: Ponder and Pray Thoughts: Sisters, allow yourself a time out. Start the day out with prayer, put God first and He will guide you through your day. Elder Ballard said, Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there. Jesus, our exemplar, often withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. (Luke 5:16). We need to do the same thing occasionally to rejuvenate

2 ourselves spiritually as the Savior did. Write down these tasks you would like to accomplish each day. Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants you have made with the Lord as you write down your daily schedules. (Elder Ballard, Ensign, May 1987, 13) Scriptures: Moroni 10:3-5, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things,. II Nephi 4:16, Behold my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord. Alma 36:36-37, Yea cry unto the Lord for all thy support Pump #2: Humor Thoughts: Sister Marjorie Hinckley said, The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache. If we can t laugh at life, we are in big trouble. (At Home with the Hinckleys, Liahona, Oct 2003, 32) One of my favorite little comics shows a woman holding a grocery bag with food falling out of the hole in the bottom, her hair is a mess, her make-up is smeared, her clothes are wrinkled, and her stocking is falling down on one leg, she has a look of total exasperation on her face. The heading to the picture reads, Lately several bad days have been hitting me at once. I loved it and I have lived it. Don t forget to laugh. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught how to respond to adversity. Part of his counsel included: 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 ( Come What May, and Love It, Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 27). Laughter and a good sense of humor can soften the bumps along life s journey. (Quoted from Elder Steven Snow, Ensign, 2009, p Scripture: II Nephi 10:23, Therefore cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves.

3 Pump #3: Attend the Temple Thoughts: Attending the temple helps us get a proper perspective for maintaining balance. As a missionary I was nervous about returning home from my mission and finding that balance I would need. A sweet Sister from the ward I was serving in told me everything would work out. She said, Sister, just go to the temple when you get home and let the Lord love you. I have never forgotten that and know that it is true. President Benson has given us a promise about this. He said: Now, by virtue of the sacred priesthood in me vested I promise you that, with increased attendance in the temples of our God, you shall receive increased personal revelation to bless your lives as you bless those who have died. (Ensign, May 1987, p. 85.) Pump #4: Personal Scripture Study Thought: One way to put Christ first is to know Christ. By reading the scriptures we will develop a deeper understanding of Him. Elder Ballard shares this, Study the scriptures. They offer one of the best sources we have to keep in touch with the Spirit of the Lord. One of the ways I have gained my sure knowledge that Jesus is the Christ is through my study of the scriptures. Scripture: II Nephi 4:15, For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. II Nephi, 31:20 feast upon the word of Christ. Pump#5: Optimism Thought: In my ninety plus years, I have learned a secret. I have learned that when good men and women face challenges with optimism, things will always work out! Truly, Things always work out! Despite how difficult circumstances may look at the moment, those who have faith and move forward with a happy spirit will find that things always work out. (President Gordon B. Hinckley, Way to Be, p. 84) When I was young I loved playing sports, and I have many fond memories of those days. But not all of them are pleasant. I remember one day after my football team lost a tough game, I came home feeling

4 discouraged. My mother was there. She listened to my sad story. She taught her children to trust in themselves and each other, not blame others for their misfortunes, and give their best effort in everything they attempted. When we fell down, she expected us to pick ourselves up and get going again. So the advice my mother gave to me then wasn t altogether unexpected. It has stayed with me all my life. Joseph, she said, come what may, and love it. I have often reflected on that counsel. Joseph B. Wirthlin, Come What May, and Love It, Ensign, Nov 2008, Scripture: The Lord has told us to not be afraid. He is our rock. D&C 50:40-44, Verse 41 Fear not little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; Verse 44 Wherefore, I am in your midst and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall. Pump#6: Trust Thought: If a prophet said it, we believe it, and that settles it. Pres. Hinckley stated in a Regional Conference, It isn t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will work out. Put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us If we put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers. (President Hinckley, Jordan Utah South Regional Conference, Priesthood Session, March 1997) Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lead not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. D&C 11:12-14, And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good. Pump #7: Faith and Hope Thoughts: President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once said, If you are helpless, he is not. If you are lost, he is not. If you don t know what to do next he knows. It would take a miracle, you say? Well, if it takes a miracle, why not? Elder Ballard

5 said this to his child, Dad, sometimes I wonder if I will ever make it. The answer I gave her is the same as I would give to you if you have had similar feelings. Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain. (Elder Ballard, Ensign, May 1987, p.13) Primary Song: Even the Primary children are learning what faith and hope are all about. Faith, pg. 96, music and text by Beatrice Goff Jackson and Michael Finlinson Moody Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day, Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray. Faith is like a little seed; If planted, it will grow. Faith is a swelling within my heart. When I do right, I know. Faith is knowing I lived with God before my mortal birth. Faith is knowing I can return when my life ends on earth. Faith is trust in God above; In Christ, who showed the way. Faith is strengthened; I feel it grow Whenever I obey. Scriptures: Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Alma 32:28, Now we will compare the word to a seed, if ye give place that a seed may be planted in you heart. Pump #8 Charity Thought: Shortly after Elder Hinckley s labors began in England, he became discouraged and wrote to his father. After reading that letter, his father s wise reply closed with these words: Forget yourself and go to work. Thanks to noble parents and a crucial decision to remain, Elder Hinckley completed his mission with honor. Now he often states that the good things that have happened to him since have all hinged upon that decision to stay. (Go Forward with Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley (1996), 64. Prevention Magazine, January 2010 issue, In an article entitled Stress Busters. More than 60% of centenarians say they help others as a way to relieve stress, compared with 44 % of college seniors, found a recent survey that compared the lifestyle habits of the two groups. College students, on the other hand, were more apt to relax by setting aside, me

6 time than the centenarian group was. If it can keep you young it can also keep you balanced. We believe this service is charity. This magazine isn t a religious magazine but they can see the effect and benefit of serving and giving charity to another. A Relief Society sister who had moved to Texas to continue her education and then was moving again wrote to me this summer. She told of her experience with the sisters in her ward, of their quick action, willing hands, warmth, and kindness. But it wasn t what they did that prompted her letter; it was why. They loved her, and she could feel it. As they shared with her, multiplying their gifts, she too was strengthened in charity. Listen to her story, because it represents all of you and your quiet goodness: As I write these words, I have to squint at my computer screen and keep blinking away tears of gratitude. From the first day I attended the Austin Fourth Ward, I was touched by the spirit of love and caring I felt in the Relief Society. These sisters are very diverse. There are converts and lifelong members, native Texans and Mountain West transplants. They are married, divorced, and single, some with sufficient means, others with very few resources. Yet it doesn t seem to make any difference. I can t tell you of the untold kindnesses they ve done for me. They aren t earthshaking events, but an accumulation of small blessings: stopping by my apartment to take my dog for a walk, offering to take care of some mending, tracking down packing boxes for me, and including me in their personal prayers. This Sabbath day, the words of the hymn As Sisters in Zion [Hymns, no. 309] keep running through my mind. I want you to know that the sisters are indeed build[ing] up his kingdom with earnest endeavor, and comfort[ing] the weary and strengthen[ing] the weak (letter from Katherine Boswell, 11 Aug. 1996). (As quoted from, President Elaine Jack, Ensign, November 1996.) Scriptures: Moroni 7:47-48, But Charity is the pure love of Christ.. Pump #9 Wisdom Thoughts: I went fast, and then faster just trying to meet all the demands of a young mother with six young children, a demanding church calling and a home-based business. Our Stake Young Women were asked to do a display for General Conference that Spring, and I felt like I

7 was in over my head. I ran from early morning and dropped into bed exhausted at night. I can remember my mother, who was a temple worker at the time, telling me that Pres. Kimball had asked the temple workers to pray for the youth of the church in the temple, because the youth needed the prayers and faith to withstand the evils of the world. She bore testimony to me that although Pres. Kimball was very weak and was unable to be in his office and to make public appearances, he was still inspired and received revelation from the Lord. I realized then that many times I was too exhausted from running to even say my prayers at night or to read and ponder the scriptures. I was doing it all by myself I was not relying on the Lord for inspiration or wisdom I was doing what I thought was right rather than asking what the Lord wanted. I thought of President Kimball not having the physical strength to run, but he was able to be still and to know the will of the Lord. What a lesson I learned then! Elder Wirthlin said, Sometimes we feel that the busier we are, the more important we are as though our busyness defines our worth We can spend a lifetime whirling about at a feverish pace, checking off list after list of things that in the end really don t matter. That we do a lot may not be so important. That we focus the energy of our minds, our hearts, and our souls on those things of eternal significance that is essential. (Ensign, May 2002) Scriptures: Mosiah 4:27, And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. Pump #10 Gratitude Thought: President Monson quotes, We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. A favorite hymn always lifts our spirits, kindles our faith, and inspires our thoughts: (Ensign, Feb. 2000, p. 2)

8 When upon life s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged; God is over all. Count your many blessings; angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey s end. (Hymns, 1985, no. 241.) One particular day I felt overwhelmed by many responsibilities and a load of stress. It almost encompassed me and I felt like it was more than I could handle. I realized that in my course of actions I needed His help and I hadn t properly stopped and asked for it. As I knelt by my bed pleading for help to carry this load of worry I thanked my Heavenly Father for my loving and supportive husband, I then thanked Him for my 4 beautiful children, then I thanked Him for my health, employment, family, etc.a prayer that started in tears and discouragement had now turned into a prayer of gratitude and hope. There were still tears but they were of thanks. I felt lighter, like the weight was off my shoulders and so was the adversary that had led me to believe my life was so hard. Scripture: Alma 37:36, cry unto the Lord for all thy support, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord Sisters you are amazing! Always know Heavenly Father is there. In the words of a Primary Song He is always near me, though I do not see Him there. And because He loves me dearly I am in His watchful care. So I ll be the kind of person that I know I d like to be if I could see the Savior standing neigh watching over me. (If the Savior Stood Beside Me, Primary, Words and music by Sally DeFord) Matthew 11:28-30, Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Let Him carry your burden with you. His arms are always open to us and just like the Good Shepherd that He is; He is aware of our needs whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. He will always come when we call.

9 He is the Prince of Peace not the Prince of Stress or anything else that would cause our balance to be off. Any other feelings we feel other than peace are from another source. He loves you and wants you to be yoked with Him. Let Him into your life first and everything will fall into perfect balance.