There were two talks at April 2014 General Conference I really loved! This one by President Monson on love. He quotes John Greenleaf Whittier: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’” 
One of B's favorite movies is American Flyer. It is a movie about two brothers who ride bikes together. One of the brothers has a ranting time with his Mom about struggles in their family where he points out that they "could have" but instead choices in their family were Not that way, and that "could have" has been come an excuse they use over and over to justify to themselves for all the times they have fallen short! It could have, I could have, you could have, but it ISN'T! That isn't the reality of what has become because of our choices. (Note: this is an old movie, and does have two scenes which now would fall under a PG-13 rating - we fast forward those scenes!) What might have been. I don't want to look back over my life to "what might have been" and have personal regrets! I realize I can't change the actions of others, and I see the effects of choices made that have produced opportunities for our family say "it could have been, but that isn't the way it is!" Love, kindness, communication, understanding are all eternal truths! I try to live "I have wept in the night for the shortness of sight that to somebodies need I was blind, but I never have yet felt a tinge of regret for being a little too kind!" Kindness is simple. A phone call, a kind note, a heart felt touch. There are many ways to show Love! Thanks President Monson for your words to remind and encourage us! I appreciate the honesty and instruction in the talk by Elder Zwick as he tells of an incident with his wife. We all have times when we could take offense and be hurt! Communication is so vital! I love his advice to ask and listen, seeking understanding! Stephen Covey teaches in his 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that to live the higher law we should: Seek first to understand, and then to be understood! We must first seek to understand the viewpoint of another. If communication doesn't happen, then how can we understand. When walls are built and hate words spoken, barriers are constructed that make understanding difficult! We must have the courage, love and respect for others to take time to listen and understand, allowing them an opportunity to understand our viewpoint as well! Thanks Elder Zwick! I appreciate this article on building strong relationships. Stephen Covey talks about a "Relationship Bank Account" and how we can make deposits and withdrawals from relationships. Why do we so often think that relationships just happen? They don't! They take effort and time. Friendship is an action, an act of love.
I just needed to write today.This was after a fun 4-wheeler trip with our family last Saturday. We had other commitments in the middle of the afternoon which kept us from a bigger adventure so we opted to play in our own backyard - hahaha our own BLM river is soo fun! We are so grateful to live in such a beautiful place!
Beautiful. Whatever our battles, if we listen closely to the Spirit of the Lord and follow His guidence then we can rest assured that we are being protected! Those streams of light became in my minds eye angels coming from heaven to encircle us! I am so grateful for the scriptures. I am thankful for modern prophets and the power of the Priesthood on the earth today. I am thankful to have been baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I am grateful for the Gift of the Holy Ghost to lead me and to guide me! I am grateful for the morning doves and the song I sing often as I run lately that the Holy Ghost descended as gently as a dove. There literally are tons of doves nearby me! I am so blessed! This was cute story time yesterday. I was sad to leave for a few minutes but had to get payroll done and delivered for our employees. I love being their mom! I have many blessings to count!
