Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop: Food for Thought

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Food for Thought

"Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity,

those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times,

becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result."

-Joseph B. Wirthlin

7 comments:

Annalee Kelly said...: Thanks for sharing! How are you guys doing, by the way?; 9:28 AM
Charlotte said...: I knew that was your picture. Thanks for sharing.; 9:51 AM
Candace said...: MIndy, I KNEW this picture belonged to you!!! So sorry I haven't participated in the blog over the past week or so, things were just crazy with me getting ready to go to DAllas and then being in DAllas and not getting home until the late afternoon Sunday. I love these vibrant cherries of yours! :) And again, as soon as I saw that picture, I was like... yep, that's Mindy!!! :); 9:59 AM
Tanya said...: hey there mindy! i know you are going through so much and i truley hope you are doing ok. and i know that you posted this quote for you...but can i tell you that i am in tears right now? i have been going through a lot lately and this is exactly what i need right here right now. thank you!; 12:41 PM
Becky said...: Wicked awesome quote!! Remember that you aren't alone in this crazy world, angels are watching over you and your family. You are precious and priceless in the eyes of God!; 1:39 PM
carol said...: Oh my stars, I needed to hear that today. Thanks Mindy. You always have a knack of posting stuff I need to hear. I hope things are going well for you. I know this stuff all has a way of working out in the wash (hopefully sooner rather than later, right?).; 3:02 PM
Shannon said...: Your photography site is beautiful Mindy. Great job. You really have great talent.

Your quote on this post reminded me of a quote by President Hinckley that I love (and need to remember). Mind if I share?

“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.

“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”

Easier said than done sometimes... My prayers are with you and your family!; 12:02 PM

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To Do Today

* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

from "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit by F. Enzio Busche