Best challenge ever!

There has been over a week of reflection and greater understanding for me as I took a break from social media and all tv and movies. In the church that I belong, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we were challenged by the prophet to have a media fast and to study and work harder on certain things, I took on this challenge and I would like to share some of my experiences during this time. As I took more time for the things of greater importance, which is my family and my spiritual growth, I noticed that there was so much that I could do to improve, but I didn’t go about in a way of feeling down and overwhelmed, I felt strengthened, humbled and loved through it all. The lord showed me the things that would improve my relationships in all areas. As I studied more deeply the words in the scriptures and involved my children in a more meaningful study I felt the power of god speak through the words we read. I felt as though my heart and mind were opened. This feeling and sense of gratitude overwhelmed me and the teachings became easier to apply. I recognized myself at times being like one man I read about whose name is Alma the younger, though I have not done the same things he did, there are times I am rebellious and need a change of heart, and again though my experience isn’t exactly the same there are similarities, an angel visited him to stop him from doing the terrible things he was doing, it comes to me in different ways as sometimes my angels are my children reminding me of how I can be a better mother or my husband helping me see where I can improve in our relationship or something, and how my change of heart is similar to this Alma character, he chose after seeing an angel and being unable to speak or move for two days to repent (change his ways and apologize and make amends for all the wrong he did) and he went about sharing his experience and testifying that through Christ he had been saved. I feel like I too have had a change of heart in the way of letting go of things easier, being quicker to see my follies and to repent and wanting to improve my relationships and to share what I believe to be true. As I have done this I have felt peace even through some stormy moments, I have felt closer to God in my prayers, I have felt to sing the song of redeeming love because of all that Jesus Christ has made possible, through him we all get another chance, through him we all have hope for a better tomorrow, through him we can be saved and changed, through him we have the opportunity to have eternal life, through him our body and spirit will be restored to their perfect frame never to die again through the resurrection of Christ, through him we are changed from this natural being who is weak and gives in to temptation to a spiritual being who can overcome temptations and natural tendencies even addictions. I am eternally grateful for a loving Savior who wants me to succeed and to be the best version of me that I can be, I am grateful for the blessings available to me through the choices I make to follow gods commandments and strive to be the best I can be, I am grateful to be able to be open and share my love of this gospel and Christ’s teachings especially with my family. I am grateful for the time I have spent in more productive and meaningful things at home and with other activities I do outside of my home. I am grateful that during this time I have also noticed how much better I am feeling in this pregnancy. I think I may be over morning sickness and as I progressively feel better I accomplish so much more. I focus more clearly now on things that matter most and have been letting go of those petty things faster, I know this is as a result of following the challenge from a prophet of God, I feel relieved as I don’t sweat the small stuff as much and work more on patience and temperance. I feel the strength and power of my angels helping me and the spirit of the lord directing me and comforting me. I feel like I can do so much more when I spend my time wisely and conscientiously.  

#fromhairtosoul