When your dreams seem far away.

There are moments when my house is clean and serene.
But then there are other times...

And sometimes during those "other times" I feel down on myself--for not being more talented, or more on top of things, or better at this or that--{like creating a home that is a candidate for the cover of Country Living Magazine}. Do you ever feel that way?

But when I look a bit deeper and let myself "feel" what my home is like instead of viewing it through the eyes of critique, I realize that my although my house may not be perfect, my home is pretty close.

My home is lived in and loved. It is cozy and colorful and loving.

It is messy and glorious all at the same time.

Do I dream of someday living in and decorating a Country Living cover farmhouse? Yes. Because dreaming gives me a bright glow of hope. And because a good dream is like chocolate to the soul.

But this? Here? Right now? This is where my heart is. And when I wake up each morning, I make the choice to embrace this crazy beautiful life.

Because right here, right now, this is exactly where I'm supposed to be.

The Thanks Giving Project.

So a few days ago I was listening to the wonderful messages at church and smiled to myself at the general theme of gratitude. I love the holidays and Thanksgiving kicks off the most wonderful time of the year for me. I was blessed to have two of my children during the holidays (my son 4 days after Christmas and my daughter a few days after Thanksgiving). And while it makes for some pretty crazy days of trying to simultaneously plan Thanksgivings, Christmas activities, and two birthday parties, I feel so blessed.

After church though I came home and felt a bit melancholy. There was no apparent reason, just a slight touch of sadness. And as I reflected on what to do when I start feeling this way, a prompting from the Spirit came simply and quietly--you need to practice thanks giving.

I hesitated. I have read the studies on gratitude (you must see the infographic at the end of this post via mindvalley.com). The science behind living in gratitude is amazing.

This one simple principle can impact life in enormous ways. I have participated in countless gratitude lists and journals and have tried to follow my mother's counsel to look for 5 things to be grateful for daily. And in so doing, I have noticed my joy levels rise.

So why was I hesitating when the prompting came to practice thanks giving? If I believed in the power of gratitude to add joy to my life could I believe in the power of gratitude to be a quick and effective happiness boost for those moments of stress, sadness, or frustration?

This deserved to be a project I decided. So on Monday I began the "Thanks Giving Project."

Let me explain how it works.

Every time I start to feel a negative emotion (such as anger, sorrow, stress, etc.) I stop the thought right in its tracks and redirect my thoughts to ones of gratitude. I reflect upon my many blessings, or any blessing that I can pick up and place in my heart....

In the few short days I've engaged in this project, I have witnessed my negative emotions literally melt away every time. I hope to make this "giving of thanks in the hard times" a habit by Christmastime as my gift to my Savior and I can't wait to witness the miracle that may transform me. I truly believe that if I can practice this giving of thanks, then I will be given even more experiences for which to be grateful. It will be a positive cycle of "thanks giving to thanks living" and then back again to thanks giving.

Would you care to join me on this path?

May you have the most wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones this year is my sincere desire.

Love,
Jamie

LOVE: Create a Masterpiece

I am so thrilled and honored to be guest posting on the amazing Multiply Goodness blog today!

Each precious child born into this world is a masterpiece.

I remember so clearly—so vividly—those first few perfect moments when my own babies were placed in my arms. I remember looking into their angel-blue eyes. All of heaven seemed to be encompassed in and emanating from this soft perfect bundle.

Whether it’s in those first few minutes of life, or more gradually as they grow, we witness in each child a unique masterpiece coming to life.

I recognized a brilliant sun shining from the countenance of my first son and a tranquil ocean of peace in my second son.

My daughter came to me as a star lighting up the world around her.

And they’re not alone....

Click here to read the rest of this post on Multiply Goodness. 

Come In.

One day as I was window shopping I found this sign on the door of one of my favorite local shops. Because of its inviting charm, I instantly felt welcome. So I stepped inside, chatted with the owner for a few minutes, found out we knew each other through a family connection, and made a purchase of an ornamental plant and two wreaths.

I've since wondered what my door feels like to those approaching. Do they notice the dust and dirt and dried leaves from the latest storm? Do they notice the vintage charm of the blue chair, my rustic bench, and the worn ladder? Do they feel welcome when they knock and I open the door to invite them in? Or not?

To take it even deeper, how does our Savior feel when He approaches the door to our hearts? Does He feel welcome as we instantly open the door to His gentle knock? Does He feel ignored when He knocks and knocks with no answer?

What sign do we figuratively hang on the doors of our hearts? Do we too often miss the opportunity to speak with our Lord and Savior because He finds these signs:

• "Busy--come back later."
• "We're sleeping--do not disturb."
• "No Trespassing"

Could we examine the state of our hearts and take down those signs, to instead replace them with one of the following:

• "Come in, I am always open!"
• "Welcome! Please come in, I've been so excited to talk to you."
• "You don't even need to knock--just come right in!"

Revelation 3:20 is one of my all-time favorite verses:

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

For today, consider placing a special sign on your door just for the Savior--one that's there to stay. You decide what your sign will say.

Open up your heart and let Him in. Let Him come in and sup with you. Let Him abide with you. 

And once you let Him in? What then?
This is the topic we will explore tomorrow...

Snow Angel.

When I woke up yesterday, the day loomed like an Everest.

And as it progressed through the typical routine of school volunteering, mounds of laundry, toys strewn in land mine piles, stacks of dishes and a crumb-sprinkled floor, I wondered how I would squeeze in what was most important to me:

Connection with my Children.

Connection is one of the over-arching themes that guide my life, and when I am not connected, I'm not happy. Connection plays out in so much that I choose to do as a mother--choosing to be a stay-at-home mom, family meals together, Monday night family home evenings, family MTC's on Sundays, special holiday traditions, weekend activities, daily afternoon story times...

But the one part of connection that doesn't yet come easily to me is the daily one-on-one playtime with my children. This time of sitting down together and asking my children, "What is something you would like to do with me? What should we do together today?" I do it occasionally, but not nearly enough. And yet, even though it feels difficult, I crave this playtime so much. It's just that the cares of the day press in so harshly, that I too often connect with my to-do list instead of my children.

But through much prayer and fasting, the Lord has given me some new ideas to try--ideas that will hopefully help playtime become a little more consistent in our home...Like a little hand-sewn bag with activities I know they would enjoy doing with me written on popsicle sticks. I'm hoping to give them their "gift of time" on Thanksgiving to express my gratitude for each one of them.

But until I get the bags finished, I've been trying to connect daily so I can get in the habit before Thanksgiving arrives. And this is why yesterday tugged at me so much.

There was just so much to do and so little time. An internal battle waged within when I put my daughter down for a nap. My eyelids were drooping and I felt more than ready to curl up on the couch for a quick power nap. But then I glanced at the computer and knew how many tasks were waiting for me there. Then I noticed my son standing a ways off and was presented with yet another choice. Good, better, and best. It's what I face constantly. I hesitated for a moment and then pulled my son in close for a hug. "What would you like to do with me today?" I whispered in his ear. Today would be a "best" choice.

Before long I was knee-deep in the midst of a mountain of legos building cars for a "competition." The time flew so swiftly and I found myself enjoying every second.

After a while, my oldest son walked in from school and this time I didn't even let myself hesitate. We bundled everyone in coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and snow pants, and armed with my phone as a video camera, we stepped out into the magical winter wonderland of the first snowfall.

We slipped and slid and laughed and made snow angels till we were all sopping wet and cold.

Back inside, I taught my children how to lay out their wet clothes to dry, and then we all gathered in the warm kitchen for hot chocolate with sprinkles. It was one of the happiest times of my life...that is, until I noticed the microwave clock blaring the time: 4:50.

I had only a few short minutes before Patrick would be home and I hadn't even started on dinner yet. I threw the bread in the oven, started trying to cook the semi-frozen chicken breasts. The dinner mess was added onto the already large hot chocolate mess and chaos ensued inside me.

The rest of the evening was kind of a blur as we ate a hurried dinner so Patrick could go shovel snow at the church. The rest of us tried to clean up the kitchen and get ready for bed simultaneously. Then when Patrick returned, he helped the boys with their homework while I tried to organize my piano lesson things so we can begin lessons in the next few days. Family scripture study and prayers and then off to bed. I was nearly ready to collapse. The day had made a full circle--going from daunting to magical to stressful to spent.

I wasn't too bright or energetic as I tucked in the little ones. But as I knelt by my middle son's bed and gave him a hug, I whispered, "Thank you for building lego cars with me today."

Then as I was about to stand up, he held onto me and said, "I want to tell you a secret."

So I leaned in close and he whispered angelically in my ear, "You're the best mommy in the whole world!"

I melted inside. The chaos, the unchecked to-do list, the messes, the stresses...they were all worth it. Because at the end of the day, I was "the best mommy in the whole world" in the eyes of my son.

And these connecting memories we choose to make?

They will be the glue that fastens and holds our family together.

3000 Days

It was on Monday that I opened an app on my phone to see how many days before Thanksgiving...and I noticed this:

3000 days? Really? It's only been 8 1/2 years....but I never would have guessed it's been 3000 days!

I forgot to tell Patrick the news until the next day, but when I remembered, I texted him:

Reaching this landmark really caused me to reflect on the journey my sweetheart and I have traveled. Together we have:

• lived in 8 different residences and 2 states
• owned 2 cars
• welcomed 3 children into our family
• adopted 7 pets
• traveled to 3 different states
• worked at 10 different jobs
• finished 2 bachelor's degrees and 1 doctorate degree
• and held 16 callings in our Church

But the numbers are only a representation of the stories behind them. And we have experienced so many wonderful stories....

Like the time we ran out of gas on our honeymoon, and later were pulled over by a small town deputy because we didn't have a license plate on the front of our car. Or how our families moved us into our second apartment the day we were in the hospital for our first son's birth. We've had scary stories like when our oldest son fractured his skull, or the day our second son split his forehead, or when we had an intruder in our house. We've also had countless days of miracles, like the day we found out we were having a little girl, or when Patrick was accepted into his doctorate of Physical Therapy program, the day he passed his boards, or the day he was offered his dream job right down the street from where we were building our home.

The memories could go on. There are just too many to enumerate. Great, big grand ones, and small and simple little ones. Each year has added layers of friendship, trust, and endearment to our love story, and I'm just so grateful that I get to be with my very best friend for eternity.

I don't know who I would be today if I had lived 3000 days without my best friend. He has loved me, encouraged me, supported me, listened to me, and shaped me into the woman I've always dreamed of becoming. 

"Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." ~1 Corinthians 11:11

I can't wait to see the countless pages of our love story that will be added in the next 3000 days...

What stories have been written for you over the past 3000 days? Can you see how far you've come and the amazing person you have become? What stories will you write in the next 3000 days? Consider writing your hopes and dreams for the future in your journal tonight...

Day 31: Play Your Part.

This month has been an extensive journey for me. I hope that as you've read along in this series, you have come to feel an increase of peace in your heart. Maybe you've had a spark of an idea come to your mind, or an impression to add some peaceful ritual to your daily life. I hope you have gained some insight into who you are and how you personally experience true peace. From here, I encourage you to continue the quest for peace and write down additional insights in your journal. As you seek, you shall surely find.

Today I want to leave you with one final thought at the conclusion of this series.

Be your very best self!!

I hope you know that you don't have to be someone else to be happy or full of peace. You just have to be the very best version of YOU that there is.

You are amazing. You have sparks of divinity within you. You were sent to this earth to accomplish a specific mission that no one else could ever do.

Your job as you rise each morning is to "be who you really are and do what you really love." (to borrow a phrase from Bernadette Logue.)

I love the song that plays at the end of the new film, "Meet the Mormons," (which I HIGHLY recommend). It's called "Glorious" and sung by David Archuleta. I have loved and poured over this song for several years (performed by Russ Dixon). The words and melody are so powerful and poignant.

Click on this link and listen to this song if you haven't already. You will be changed:

There are times when you might feel aimless
You can't see the places where you belong
But you will find that there is a purpose
It's been there within you all along and when you're near it
You can almost hear it.

It's like a symphony just keep listening
And pretty soon you'll start to figure out your part
Everyone plays a piece and there are melodies
In each one of us, oh, it's glorious

You will know how to let it ring out as you discover who you are
Others around you will start to wake up
To the sounds that are in their hearts
It's so amazing, what we're all creating

It's like a symphony just keep listening
And pretty soon you'll start to figure out your part
Everyone plays a piece and there are melodies
In each one of us, oh, it's glorious

And as you feel the notes build
You will see

It's like a symphony just keep listening
And pretty soon you'll start to figure out your part
Everyone plays a piece and there are melodies
In each one of us, oh, it's glorious

What part will you play? What melody lives within you that you need to let shine forth? Who were you sent to this earth to be?

"What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part."

As you live each day as your highest, truest self, I can promise that peace will be yours to keep forever.

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 30: A Forest of Burning Bushes

Several years ago I read a life-changing blog post from author Ann Voskamp. It was about comparison. She says:

“There will always be people who see everything in the world as a measuring stick of their worthiness, instead of as a burning bush of God’s gloriousness.

"If your life looks like a mess – to them — they whip out a measuring stick and feel confident of their own worthiness. 

"If your life looks like a monument – to them — they whip out a measuring stick – and start cutting you down for their own empowerment.” 

This principle, "the measuring stick principle," has stuck with me ever since. And in truth, it has entirely changed the way I view myself as well as the way I view others.

I can't speak for men, but as women, comparing is almost as effortless as breathing. But only if we live by the "measuring stick principle" instead of the "burning bush principle."

Do you remember the story of Moses and the burning bush?

"And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

"And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

"And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."  Exodus 3:2, 4-5

What could change in our lives if we saw every glorious person as an expression of God's love? As a child of God? As a burning bush being purified and sanctified for wise purposes that we may not see? What if we realized that deep within each person is a spirit that deserves utmost respect and awe?
Including ourselves.

What if instead of cutting people down to increase our own stature, we built them up for the glory they are bringing God through their wonderful lives? And what if we chose not to look down on others but instead quietly noticed that God is shining through them as well--as He works His miracles through them? And what if we chose to see ourselves in the same light? As a small and simple, yet glorious burning bush?

Consider how your life could change and how your peace could increase a thousandfold if comparison were dropped from your vocabulary...

In the words of Ann Voskamp:

“The world isn’t a forest of measuring sticks. The world is a forest of burning bushes. Everything isn’t a marker to make you feel behind or ahead; everything is a flame to make you see GOD is here.

"That God is working through this person’s life, that God is redeeming that person’s life, that God is igniting this work, that God is present here in this mess, that God is using even this.” 

Today I challenge you to open your eyes with a fresh perspective and see all the trees
ablaze around you...as well as the one blazing within you.

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 29: Stand United

A few nights ago, my oldest son gave us a family home evening lesson about Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty. He compared it to The Family: A Proclamation to the World and how we need to know what we stand for as a family.

So we took out my giant roll of brown kraft paper and made ourselves a family banner....

As we colored and wrote words and phrases about the things that are most important to us, peace streamed into our home.

And now it's hanging above our banister in all it's imperfectly glorious perfection. I don't know how long it will stay there, but I love it because it's ours. It came from our hearts and it represents what we believe and hold rooted deep in our hearts as a family.

What does your family stand for? Are you united in your standards and beliefs?

As we anchor our families to the values we hold most dear, we can be a strong, support network for one another and even become very best friends.

Truly, a family united is a peaceful family...

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 28: Meditation

When we set aside a little bit of time each day to breathe deeply and meditate, our health and happiness skyrockets.

At a recent BYU Education Week, Hank Smith spoke about the "science of happiness." He also spoke about the effects of meditation:

“Through MRI technology over the last 10 years, brain scans have become absolutely wonderful. Your frontal lobe is where happiness is located. When someone is really sad, the right side of the frontal lobe lights up. And when someone is happy, the left part of the frontal lobe lights up. Happiness and sadness occur in different places of the brain. Meditation will fire up the left frontal lobe and flood your brain with dopamine."

There are countless scientific studies and articles about the power and benefits of regular meditation. My purpose today is not to cite source after source, (you can research those on your own), but to inspire you to try meditation and deep breathing for yourself. When we quiet our minds in meditation, and slowly breathe, we release the stresses of the day, we let go of our worries, and we allow ourselves to relax.

There is a stillness that comes from pausing to meditate on a daily basis. And I have found an exponential increase in peace, happiness, and calm since beginning a daily meditation practice. It's definitely a habit worth cultivating.

When could you find a slice of time to dedicate to mediation and deep breathing? Just before bed? When you rise in the morning? During an afternoon break? A consistent time will provide best results and establish the habit more effectively.

I have tried morning and evening and everything in between, and have found that currently, the most conducive time for me to set aside is in the evening just after I tuck my children into bed. It's a natural way for me to unwind my day.

Now the question--what to meditate about? Really, there isn't a right or a wrong way. Whatever comes easily and naturally to you. There are guided meditation podcasts you can download on your phone (and many of them are free!) There are apps you can download as well. I use both of these methods on a nearly daily basis as well as my own personal way. I love to meditate about my Savior's life, my dreams for the future, the unfolding of a perfect day, gratitude, forgiveness, love, my purpose and missions in life. I often receive very clear personal revelation when I ponder a question that has been on my mind. And sometimes meditation involves clearing your mind completely and simply thinking about nothing.

You decide which method(s) work best for you and the time of day you prefer. And if you endeavor to install this new practice in your life for 30 days, I can promise that your life will drastically change for the better.

Day 27: Find Your Pond.

Do you have a special place to which you can retreat when you need to think or ponder or meditate or commune with the Lord?

When the Savior lived on this earth, he often retreated to "a desert place"to rest, be alone, speak with His Father, or teach His disciples. Our Master, Jesus Christ, always sets the supreme example for us.

I love the admonition He gives His apostles on one occasion:

"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desertplace, and rest a while:" --Mark 6:31

I have always loved this story from Elder L. Tom Perry from a General Conference talk entitled "Let Him Do it with Simplicity" (2008):

I remember a particular period of my life when I was under unusual stress. There were troubles with my employment, and at the same time, my wife was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. This was one of those times when it felt like the adversary had mounted a frontal assault against me and my family. On days when the stresses and anxieties of our tumultuous life were about to get the best of us, my wife and I found a way to relieve them.

We drove to a place just a few miles from our home to get away for a few moments of relief from our troubles, talk, and give emotional comfort to each other. Our place was Walden Pond. It was a beautiful little pond surrounded by forests of trees. When my wife was feeling strong enough, we’d go for a walk around the pond. Other days, when she did not feel up to the exertion of walking, we’d just sit in the car and talk. Walden Pond was our special place to pause, reflect, and heal. Perhaps it was partly due to its history—its connection to the efforts of Henry David Thoreau to separate himself from worldliness for a period of years—that Walden Pond offered us so much hope for simplicity and provided such a renewing escape from our overly complex lives.

This story is so tender and poignant to me. Can you imagine moments of bitterness turning to sweet peace in the hollow of this one special pond?

Where is your pond? Do you have one? Not a literal pond perhaps. But ponds of peace come in all shapes and sizes. Your pond could be a favorite backyard tree, a nearby hilltop, a quiet corner in a city park or even your starry window.

If so, picture it in your mind for a moment and describe it to yourself. What do the surroundings look like? More importantly, what does it feel like when you pause within this special sanctuary? Would you consider sharing about your pond below in the comments?

If you do not yet have a peaceful pond, consider where you might retreat to turn inward, be still, and reflect. Pray for inspiration, and the Lord will reveal to your heart a special space just for you.

I have moved so many times over the past decade that I'm not sure I have ever established a permanent pond. But today I will begin the search. Because I need a lovely, quiet place to envision, muse, dream, and contemplate--I need my very own pond of peace...

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 26: What Can I Give?

The mark of a true disciple of Christ and a sure way to peace is love.

Christ loved us so much that He paid for our sins and died for us. His love is infinite and ever-present. He sees each of us as who we can become. He loves us for it and loves us even in the midst of our messiness. He is love--the perfect embodiment.

To love as He loves is the great possibility of our lives. I think it's one of the reasons we came to earth.

Love is at the very center of our beings. Sometimes we cover it up with layers upon layers of comparison, jealousy, belittling, anger, and unrealistic expectations of others or ourselves. But deep down inside, it's still there. Glowing brightly underneath all those suffocating layers.

So how do we peel away the layers to reveal the love that is inherently inside of us?

We give love away.

We give it freely and often.

We give it in this moment and the next and the next--never ceasing and never expecting any sort of reward or compensation.

We remove the "What can I get?" and replace it with "What can I give?"

It's only natural to want others to serve us or to get some measure of praise or prize for serving. But that's not who we really are. That's just a layer of fog. We can love ourselves and others unconditionally--just as Christ loves us.

Give yourself the love you need to feel secure. Let yourself experience the all-encompassing love of Jesus Christ so you can feel good enough. And once you feel it for yourself deep down inside, you will naturally desire to pour this love upon all around you.

There was a day last year when I had a flu bug of some sort and was resting in bed. It was around breakfast time when my husband and oldest son left for the day. Shortly after my sweet second son tiptoed in to see where I was. I told him I was sorry I wasn't feeling well and that I would come make him breakfast in a minute.

He left the room and pretty soon I heard dishes clanking and cupboards closing. I wondered what he was doing. I thought I heard the toaster and thought how responsible he had become in the last little while. I smiled to myself thinking he was making himself and his little sister breakfast without even being asked. Within just a few minutes, he was back in my room with a bowl in hand and a piece of toast he had made especially for me.

The toast was cold and made from the very small end of the loaf. It was burnt all along the bottom with a a cold chunk of butter in the very center and a rather large pile of sugar with a smidgeon of cinnamon.

And it was the most delicious toast I have ever eaten in my whole life. Because it was made by my son--from the perfect tenderness of his loving heart.

It doesn't matter what you do. Just give. Let the love flow from your heart and watch it come soaring back a hundredfold...

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 25: Out in Nature

There's something so utterly refreshing and peaceful about immersing yourself in nature...

I have always been such an indoor girl, but my heart often yearns to step outside my comfort zone and embrace all of God's magnificent creations. And every time I do, I never regret it.

I have sat on the shores of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; I have waded in lakes and streams and creeks; I have walked through wheat fields and corn fields and gazed out over expansive plains; I have hiked hills and mountains; I have rested under the shade of trees and napped on the sand.

These outdoor spaces have been perhaps the most peaceful of my life and I have felt closer to heaven than anywhere else--except for the holy temple.

God's handiwork is magnificent. And just stepping out into the wonderland of His creations electrifies me with awe.

Today we enjoyed a family day--eating at a restaurant, going to a movie, and weaving our way through a corn maze.

I was revived with the fresh air and tranquility.

How do you connect with nature?

If you ever need to come alive and strike a fresh sense of marvelous within you, step outside.

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 24: Be Still

Yesterday I wrote briefly on the power of uplifting, positive music to heal, comfort, and bring peace. Music is one of the essential tools to peace that I keep in my "toolkit," but today I submit to you another essential tool that is the exact opposite--stillness. These two tools have never failed me and together, they operate in a balanced harmony.

Stillness is one of my absolute favorite words. {Maybe that's why I used it in the title of this blog space.} Stillness does not just mean quiet or the absence of noise. It has a deeper meaning to me. One of the definitions of the word "still" is:

"free from turbulence or commotion; peaceful; tranquil; calm:"

Do you make stillness a regular part of your day? Are there times when the TV is off, when the phone is silenced, when even the music is hushed? With little children, my home is usually humming with laughter, activity, and play (and sometimes quarrels too...). But there are a few peaceful parts of my day that emit considerable more stillness than any others.

The first is early morning. I love to wake before my children (except on Saturdays) and revel in the stillness. It's my time and I use it well. I love to study my scriptures, pray, and meditate. My morning stillness powers me up with positive energy to live my day well.

The second time is naptime. Has there ever been a more glorious word invented for young mothers?? When the little ones sleep and the older ones quietly play by themselves for while, there is a golden glow of stillness that fills my home and my heart. My big picture windows face south and the afternoon sun streams in golden hues all around me at this still time of day. I relish this time of stillness to write, to dream, to plan, to read. I fill my well by taking some time to care for myself and ready myself for the afternoon whirlwind of homework, snacks, cleaning, and dinner. This afternoon stillness quiets my mind and refreshes me.

The last time is bedtime. After we put the little ones to bed, the house is still once more. The littles don't always go to sleep immediately, but the evening stillness is not in jeopardy. I use this time to unwind with meditation, a warm bath or shower, and time spent with my sweetheart. We love reading novels together or watching one of our favorite shows on TV. We almost always have a little dessert and talk about everything....(I talk, Patrick patiently listens.) When the hour gets late (which happens far too quickly), we get ready for bed, read scriptures together, have companionship and personal prayers, and then turn in for the night. This last stillness segment of my day infuses me with peace, excitement, and relaxation--the perfect end to a day.

"You all know the scripture, 'Be still, and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10). You and I may translate that into what is our equivalent of, 'Be quiet.' It is not that. It is to 'be still.' In that special stillness there comes a subduing and a focusing." ~Elder Neal A. Maxwell

I hope that you will take time to reap the rewards of stillness, for they are many. Take a small sliver of each day to rest in the stillness...for in that sliver of stillness resides true peace.

Day 23: Music

I have loved music for as long as I can remember. There's something familiar about the rhythm, the notes, the melodies and harmonies--it's a part of me in a very real way. Maybe it's because I started piano lessons at age 4 and learned the notes and "language of music" before I even learned how to read. In a way, music was my first language.

I have done two separate research papers on the healing benefits of music therapy. The power of music that I read about in studies astonished me but didn't really surprise me. Good music truly is uplifting and healing. There's something miraculous about the way music can get into the hidden places of one's heart and resonate with a poignant wave of sentiment.

How do you use music to increase your peace? Is it a regular part of your life?

I love music when I cook, do chores, have a family dance party, edit photos, when we drive, and when I write. We love so many different types of music. I especially love sacred music that invites the Holy Ghost.

I think my absolute favorite time to listen to music is when I'm feeling downtrodden or discouraged. When sadness threatens to sweep through my day, I have a special little ritual that works every time:

I turn on my iTunes playlist.

Because the Lord is the Master of my shuffle button.

He always gives me the exact songs I need to bring me hope, give me courage, offer me comfort--whatever I need, He is there.

I believe the Lord "reaches our reaching" in a way that we can easily understand, a way that connects and resonates with us. And music just happens to be my way. It's the language I most understand.

And He always reaches my reaching, giving me the peace I seek.

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 22: Nourishing Food

I know this seems like kind of a silly topic for a series about peace, but I think it's relevant. When we nourish our bodies with healthy, nutritious food, our bodies and minds feel amazing and full of vitality, allowing us to experience more inner peace as a result.

Food is always a debatable subject and society is continually changing their opinion about what is healthy based on new discoveries and findings.

I find comfort, however, in the fact that the Lord has already given us the perfect plan for health found in the 89th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. This "Word of Wisdom" has stood the test of time and offers for me a perfect blueprint.

I encourage you to read it (if you have never read it before) and study it (even if you have). I have studied it in detail over the past several years as I've confronted different health challenges. And I have found that the more closely I align my diet with the Word of Wisdom, the greater my health, the clearer my mind and emotions, and the more energy I have.

This has been the healthiest year our family has ever had, and I can't wait to see the blessings that flow from further living the Lord's law of health.

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 21: Best Day of Your Life

We have a favorite song in our family as of late. It's called "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors. We sing it often and use it as a soundtrack when we do a quick pick-up of the house. The tune is catchy and the lyrics are fun. But I think what I love best about it is the epiphany that came to me one day as it played on the radio.

I was on my way to the grocery store on some ordinary day when it played. I remember singing along and thinking,

"This is going to be the best day of my life?! But today is pretty plain--nothing exciting happening."

And then it occurred to me that it doesn't matter. Every day has the potential to be the "best day of my life." And ever since then I wake each morning with a smile on my face, trusting and knowing that this is going to be the best day of my life.

Because every day can be the best day.

I can't tell you how much this has changed my paradigm and shifted my world to the positive. To maintain this outlook is really quite liberating and allows miracles, coincidences, celebrations, and good things to unfold for me every day.

Could this day be the best day of your life? What if you chose to adopt this perspective too? What amazing wonders would come to pass for you today? And every day? Try it for yourself.

This could really be the best day of your life...

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 20: Journaling Peace

I have found through personal experience that one of the best ways to peace is through journaling.

The benefits of journaling are many. A personal journal is a medium to process our feelings and thoughts as we write them on paper. The blank page is like a welcoming friend--inviting us to spill the contents of our hearts. The memories recorded allow us to remember and relive them again and again in the dark or trying times of our lives. And perhaps most importantly, our journals serve as a recorded legacy for our posterity--declaring that we lived and loved, struggled and overcame, and drop by drop acquired the wisdom of a lifetime.

Throughout the years I have more or less been a regular journal-keeper. I have entries dated back to when I was just 4 years old and volumes upon volumes of assorted books piled lovingly in my bottom dresser drawer. Even though I seldom write in a physical journal these days I have kept my family's history on a blog since 2008.

Whenever I start to feel out of sorts, cross, overwhelmed, or frazzled, I know that updating my journal is long overdue. It takes a little effort and self-motivation, but the rewards are so worthwhile. The instant I begin writing, I feel more balanced, calm, and centered. Somehow everything in my life gets sorted on the page. I guess it's just the miracle of journaling.

Do you have a regular journal practice? How often does it occur? What time of day is best for you to write? Do you experience peaceful benefits from recording? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Maybe today you can take a few quiet moments to write in your journal. It doesn't have to be long or lengthy--just a few short sentences. Then notice the peace that results.

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 19: The Stained Glass Window

Gratitude. What comes to mind? I think of Thanksgiving, making lists, having "an attitude of gratitude," searching, joy, finding the silver lining...

What comes to your mind when you think of gratitude?

How do you practice gratitude? {Because I do believe that gratitude is a practice and takes practice}.

When I was in grade school I only really thought about being thankful at Thanksgiving time, when my teacher would give us a list of the alphabet and our goal was to write something that started with each letter for which we were grateful.

A few years down the road, when I was 13 or 14 I decided to dedicate a whole journal to gratitude. Each day for months I wrote about one thing for which I was thankful.

A few more years passed and I decided to dedicate a personal prayer each week to only thank the Lord for my blessings. This practice was humbling and purifying.

Several more years passed and after reading One Thousand Gifts, I took the challenge to list 1000 things for which I was thankful. It took me months and culminated when my daughter was born. She was my #1000. This challenge resulted in my year's theme of eucharisteo.

A practice I enjoy now is to mindfully notice everything around me and give thanks in my heart or in a short, silent prayer. This has been further refining for me.

However we choose to practice gratitude, the result is the same. Not only do we increase our happiness levels and invite inner peace, we are presented with more and more experiences for which to be grateful. This has been such a surprising effect of being grateful. It's a positive cycle and as you feel and express gratitude, and live with thanksgiving in your heart, you become a powerful magnet of good and gratifying experiences. And while we may still have days of challenge, for the most part our days can be overlaid with a warm, golden glow.

This overlay reminds me of a beautiful Sunday morning in Autumn last year. My family was sick, so I went to church by myself. I sat in Sacrament meeting a few benches behind where we usually sat. As the meeting started, I noticed a warmth and a glow I had never felt before. I looked up and to my left and saw that I was sitting below a beautiful stained glass window. The sun was in the perfect position to be shining through the glass, casting a warm glow on my face. It was a tender mercy from the Lord that I was grateful to experience. I made a goal to have my family sit there more often so I could feel the glow again.

We too can sit by the window of gratitude. Our experiences stay the same, just as the sun is always shining. But the medium of the gratitude stained glass window filters our experiences, making them glow and shine upon us...

Will you take the challenge? Will you commit to living just one day by the window of thanksgiving? What do you notice when you do this? Do you attract more and more goodness and abundance into your life by so doing? Do you feel a glowing warmth even in the midst of your daily experience because of the stained glass gratitude filter? I would love to hear your experience...

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 18: Peace in the Present

Today, in all you do, in all the places you go, in all the wonder you experience, stay present. Resist the urge to project yourself into the future or fall into the past. It's so easy to become victim to living in the past or the future. But these spaces are not reality--they do not exist except in our minds, and when we dwell there, we miss the opportunity of relishing the moment for what it is.

Of course, I'm not suggesting that we never plan for the future or reminisce on the past. These are worthwhile endeavors and can reward us with great dividends. But when we "live" in the past by reliving bad memories or negative situations we give away our power to truly enjoy the present moment. And when we "live" in the future with incessant worry and fear for what will come (most of which never comes to fruition), we also give away our power of peace in the present moment.

Two years ago, my theme for the year was "Moments." For a whole year I focused on enjoying each and every moment and I tried with all my might to see the beauty in each moment. When I decided on this theme in January of 2012, I had no idea how much I would need this theme. My daughter had recently been born, and I found myself in the throes of postpartum depression by March. It was a very discouraging and dark time for me--but searching for the jewel in each moment sustained me. Eventually my real self returned, and by July I didn't have to search as hard. The moments seemed ripe with wonder.

I encourage you to adopt the same practice. Look for the good. Smile when you see it.

Notice the little sounds of children's voices.

Hear the sounds of the autumn leaves rustling in the trees.

Look up and notice the colors of the sky or the moving of the clouds.

Smell the aromas of the fresh outdoor air and revel in it for just a minute.

See the glow of the rising sun filtering through your windows.

Feel the textures beneath your fingers.

Taste and savor each morsel of food.

Breathe in all the wonder of each present moment and peace will be yours to treasure forever.

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 17: Temple Peace

There's nothing that compares to the overwhelming peace of the temple for it is the Lord's house. This is the place where heaven touches earth. This is the place where peace wraps around and encompasses me. We are so blessed each time we enter those doors.

 I think that's why there is great opposition whenever we try to attend. We had planned to go to the temple for weeks and had our reservation set for yesterday. My parents were planning on coming over to babysit, but my mom got sick a few days before and so did my daughter. We decided to just reschedule for a more opportune time, but Wednesday night brought challenges that left me looking out over the city lights from my living room picture window. I decided maybe this could be my new "star chat window."

As I talked to my Father in heaven while gazing at the lights below, I saw the tiny glimmer of the temple 20 miles away against the backdrop of the mountains and knew we needed to be there the following evening. It was a strong impression and I knew the Lord would bless us if we sacrificed.

When yesterday dawned, I was grateful to see my daughter had improved. Though not 100%, her fever was gone and she was playing as usual. After half a dozen phone calls, I finally found a babysitter. The rest of the day was stressful and busy trying to get the house clean. By the time 4:00 rolled around, I was exhausted and a little short on patience. I was frantically trying to tie up the last few things when my oldest son came into my room.

As I quickly combed my daughter's hair he said, "Mom? It's a good thing you're going to the temple. You'll come back much nicer."

I grimaced. "Am I not being very nice?"

"Well, yes. You're always nice, but you won't be as frustrated," he diplomatically clarified.

I smiled and knew he was right.

The House of the Lord elevates our views, gives us a much-needed rest, offers respite and from the world, slows time, enlightens our minds, strengthens our resolve, and truly fills us with peace.

When I returned home several hours later I asked my son if I was "nice" again. He said, "Yes! You're not frustrated any more!"

I am grateful for the ultimate peace-filler, the House of the Lord, the temple of God.

To learn more about temples and why we build them, click here.

31 Days to Peace Index

Day 16: Inner Peace during Unrest

Trials, challenges, heartaches--these are all part of our lives. There is no escaping the opposition that confronts us while on this mortal journey, but at the same time, during these hard times, we do not have to give our power away.

I used to be so scared of the "next trial" waiting for me around the corner. Every time life was going blissfully, I was anxious that life would throw an unexpected curve ball at me. So I lived in this constant fear, and when trials did come along, I responded so negatively. Everything felt like a crisis. Subsequently, it took me far too long to see the silver lining and pass through the challenge a better person.

Recently I have been polishing my inner peace (hence why I decided to write this series and share my experience). Inner peace reminds me of the light in a lighthouse. It shines brightly or dimly--depending on how clean we keep the windows through which it shines. I think my problem was foggy, dirty windows.

The answer? Clean the windows.

Layer after layer of grime is removed when we start realizing our negative, limiting beliefs are not serving us. We need to replace them with truth.

What negative thoughts instantly pop into your head when a trial arises?

Woe is me.
Why is life so hard? This is too hard.
Why does everything bad happen to me?
How is it that no one else has problems?
Why does everybody but me get all the lucky breaks?
I can't handle one more thing.
I can't do this.
My life is miserable.
What's the use? What's the point?
I feel like giving up.

All of these beliefs stick like grime to our windows and impede our light of faith and peace from shining through. So every time you hear a negative voice inside your head, replace it with one of these:

I have faith.
I accept this challenge with grace and ease.
Life is good and beautiful.
I have confidence.
I can do this. We (The Lord and I) can do this.
Challenges are given to me as an opportunity to learn.
I will grow from this.
I may not have the answer to this problem and that's okay. The answer will come in the perfect time.
The Lord is with me. I am never alone.
I am loved no matter what.
I am strong. I am capable and there is nothing that life hands to me that I do not have the inner resources to rise above.
This too shall pass.
I will triumph!

Notice the difference in your reaction to the second set of beliefs versus the first. When you say to yourself one of the positive, empowering beliefs, it's like taking a cleaning cloth to your lighthouse windows and clearing the film that has collected over time. Sometimes saying one of the positive beliefs feels almost like a lie when you first start saying it, because deep down inside, you don't know if you really believe it. But over time, with practice, the smudges will disappear, and the empowering beliefs that once felt awkward will become rooted deep inside your heart.

Next time a challenge arises, take a deep breath and pause. Imagine your Heavenly Father in all His glory smiling upon you and showering down the light of His peace. Accept it. Embrace it. Let it feel your soul with peace. Then confront this challenge knowing, believing that everything will be okay. And trusting that when you look back on this time, you will see the growth, the love, the compassion, the strength, and the perspective you have gained through this experience. You may not be able to be completely happy in the midst of trying times, but you can rely on the inner peace glowing deep inside of you to see you through. It will sustain you with a radiance of calm.

31 Days to Peace Index