It's here!! Finally!!
Here is the link to my new blog and I already have several posts up! I am so excited for this new journey!!!
writinginthestillness.com
On my new website you can also connect to me with all of your favorite social media (Facebook, twitter, pinterest, instagram, google+, youtube).
In order for you to be updated on my posts over there you will have to subscribe to the new website. I won't be updating this blog anymore.
I hope you see you over at my new space, writinginthestillness.com.
It's my small and simple effort to bring a little more goodness into this ever-darkening world.
Thank you for your support and kindness!
Love,
Jamie
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Rain on Your Face...
Yesterday it rained peaceful all day. And I looked forward to the evening when a light would shine through the gray.
So at 4:00 I drove to the Church to help with a Humanitarian Service Project, eat dinner, and then listen to the proceedings of the meeting.
As the meeting started, I felt so grateful that I belong to this amazing organization...where I can hear the words of God. The meetings are free of charge and open to any who desire to come and be filled.
By the end of the meeting I had my notes all colored in with points that had struck deep chords in my heart--things I want to remember and always treasure. #ldsconf #womensmeeting #presuchtdorf
{To access this special meeting click here.}
One of the most inspiring points for me came in the form of an analogy by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He succinctly explained that when we think of following the commandments, many of us think that the blessings of heaven are locked up in a cloud, so to speak, and Heavenly Father will only unlock the key when we follow the parental directives He's given.
But in reality, it's not like that at all. The cloud is open and freely pouring down a rainstorm of blessings, but our doubts, fears, and sins act like umbrellas keeping us from the blessed hallowed rain that Heavenly Father is always sending forth.
I felt to consider--what is my umbrella? Is it the fear that my small and simple life will be too small to make a difference? Or the fear of fully raising my witness of my beliefs? Is it the doubt that I won't be enough to accomplish all the Lord has in store for me? Or the doubt that grace is not really sufficient for me? Is it my sins of gossiping? Or ingratitude? The list could go on. Because I am an imperfect person with a handful of umbrellas. But the beauty of the matter is, I hold the handles. And I can choose to push the button at any time. The button to pull down my sins and my doubts and my fears--all of which are untrue and all of which can be dispelled through the light of truth.
I decided in my heart, that I didn't want to keep my umbrella open any longer.
So I discarded my umbrella forever, with face upturned to the skies...to soak in the heavenly downpour.
Will you?
Is there a fear or doubt or sin you are holding onto like an illusory umbrella?
Isn't it time you felt the warm rain on your face?
In my faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we gather every six months for a General Worldwide Conference. The Saturday before the General Conference, we gather for a General Women's Meeting as sisters around the globe to hear the words of the Savior through our General leaders.
So at 4:00 I drove to the Church to help with a Humanitarian Service Project, eat dinner, and then listen to the proceedings of the meeting.
As the meeting started, I felt so grateful that I belong to this amazing organization...where I can hear the words of God. The meetings are free of charge and open to any who desire to come and be filled.
By the end of the meeting I had my notes all colored in with points that had struck deep chords in my heart--things I want to remember and always treasure. #ldsconf #womensmeeting #presuchtdorf
{To access this special meeting click here.}
One of the most inspiring points for me came in the form of an analogy by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He succinctly explained that when we think of following the commandments, many of us think that the blessings of heaven are locked up in a cloud, so to speak, and Heavenly Father will only unlock the key when we follow the parental directives He's given.
But in reality, it's not like that at all. The cloud is open and freely pouring down a rainstorm of blessings, but our doubts, fears, and sins act like umbrellas keeping us from the blessed hallowed rain that Heavenly Father is always sending forth.
I felt to consider--what is my umbrella? Is it the fear that my small and simple life will be too small to make a difference? Or the fear of fully raising my witness of my beliefs? Is it the doubt that I won't be enough to accomplish all the Lord has in store for me? Or the doubt that grace is not really sufficient for me? Is it my sins of gossiping? Or ingratitude? The list could go on. Because I am an imperfect person with a handful of umbrellas. But the beauty of the matter is, I hold the handles. And I can choose to push the button at any time. The button to pull down my sins and my doubts and my fears--all of which are untrue and all of which can be dispelled through the light of truth.
I decided in my heart, that I didn't want to keep my umbrella open any longer.
So I discarded my umbrella forever, with face upturned to the skies...to soak in the heavenly downpour.
Will you?
Is there a fear or doubt or sin you are holding onto like an illusory umbrella?
Isn't it time you felt the warm rain on your face?
Thursday, September 25, 2014
31 Days to Peace Index
I am so excited to share with you some small and simple ways to peace. Because isn't this what we all need so desperately in this world?
You can find a link to each of the 31 days' posts below so come here anytime you need to access all 31 days or a find a specific post.
Day 1: Peace in Becoming like Christ
Day 2: Finding You.
Day 3: Define your Success
Day 4: Believe.
Day 5: Connect to Heaven.
Day 6: Connect with You.
Day 7: Connect to Family.
Day 8: Have a Gray Day
Day 9: A Positive Lens Invites Light
Day 10: Have Fun
Day 11: To Serve
Day 12: Envision
Day 13: Create Your Rhythm
Day 14: Window to my Rhythm
Day 15: Book Ends to Your Day
Day 16: Inner Peace during Unrest
Day 17: Temple Peace
Day 18: Peace in the Present
Day 19: The Stained Glass Window
Day 20: Journaling Peace
Day 21: Best Day of Your Life
Day 22: Nourishing Food
Day 23: Music
Day 24: Be Still
Day 25: Out in Nature
Day 26: What Can I Give?
Day 27: Find Your Pond.
Day 28: Meditation
Day 29: Stand United
Day 30: A Forest of Burning Bushes
Day 31: Play Your Part.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Writing in the Stillness.
This is a brand-new blank space all ready for me to fill with my thoughts and ideas. My sole purpose in creating this space is to share what's in my heart. In this ever-darkening world, a ray of goodness is what we need. {#sharegoodness}
To back-up a bit, I have always been a writer. Ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil in my hand, I have been writing. One of my earliest memories is of sitting on the kitchen floor while my parents talked at the table. I picked up an old notebook and pen and began making squiggles across the lined paper. I didn't stop until I had filled the entire page with what I thought was beautiful cursive. I excitedly exclaimed to my parents, "Look! I can write!" And a writer was born.
The other day I sifted through old boxes of childhood belongings. Among the trophies, teddy bears, and music boxes, I found a manilla envelope in which my mother had carefully placed many of my hand-written, fully-illustrated stories. I gathered my children around me to read them the silly stories. Memories flooded my mind.
I can't count the books and stories and poems I created over the years. I entered a writing contest in 2nd or 3rd grade for the "best story to be turned into a movie." I wrote a fantasy complete with a trap door that led to a magical world and unicorns. And even though I never heard anything more from the contest, I kept writing. In 5th grade I submitted a poem about chickadees to a bird newspaper. I was elated when it was published! My reward was the edition of the newspaper where my poem was found. And even though I detested the smell and feel of newspaper, I wrapped it up and saved it in my box.
As a sophomore I submitted an essay about my great-great-great-great grandfather to a statewide essay contest. And when my grandmother opened the letter and read it to me over the phone (since I was living overseas at the time), I honestly couldn't believe I had won! The prize for this contest was $500 which I placed in a savings account. (Several years later, I used the money to buy my husband's wedding ring).
Yes, I have always been a writer. But somewhere along the line, I stopped writing. Not entirely, of course. My bottom dresser drawer continued filling up with various journals, and I kept up on a family blog regularly. But my creative writing, the writing of poetry and insights, mostly came to a standstill.
For a while I kept up on a personal blog that can be found here, but even that space was eventually set aside with three small children and the demands of being a homemaker, a photographer, and an active member in my church.
I told myself that someday I would write again. Maybe when all my children left the house and I had more time. But every time I told myself this excuse, I felt a pit in my stomach and everything kind of churned around in my heart. Writing wasn't a necessity, I continued. Just a hobby that could be put aside for half a lifetime.
But last week, something changed. And over the period of several days, a myriad of experiences led me to feel down deep in my soul, that I can't stop being a writer just because I'm busy. I wrote the following in my journal:
There is a message the Lord needs to share through me. There is something I need to share with the world. And even though I'm scared and have to battle through the discouragement that no one will ever even find these words, I will press on. Because if I can reach somebody, somewhere and offer them some little bit of encouragement and hope in this broken world, then my part will be worth it.
And while the entire scope of this blog is still somewhat hazy, I have been compelled to start now. And even though I do not know how this project will evolve or what it will entail, I do know one thing. My whole aim and desire that is burning brightly within is to serve. To lift. To inspire. To encourage. To teach the small things I have learned that may bless your life. I may be a small and simple girl, but the Lord can work through me to accomplish great purposes. (See Alma 37:6) Of this I know.
And so in the quiet of my peaceful bedroom seated at my desk, I begin today.
To write in the stillness.
{Let's Bring it Home Together: Do you have a brightly-lit passion that has been dimmed over time as you've repeatedly set it aside for a "better time?" If it's too unfathomable for you to pick it up yet, all you need to do for now is identify your passion. And be aware that it's still there for you.}
The other day I sifted through old boxes of childhood belongings. Among the trophies, teddy bears, and music boxes, I found a manilla envelope in which my mother had carefully placed many of my hand-written, fully-illustrated stories. I gathered my children around me to read them the silly stories. Memories flooded my mind.
I can't count the books and stories and poems I created over the years. I entered a writing contest in 2nd or 3rd grade for the "best story to be turned into a movie." I wrote a fantasy complete with a trap door that led to a magical world and unicorns. And even though I never heard anything more from the contest, I kept writing. In 5th grade I submitted a poem about chickadees to a bird newspaper. I was elated when it was published! My reward was the edition of the newspaper where my poem was found. And even though I detested the smell and feel of newspaper, I wrapped it up and saved it in my box.
As a sophomore I submitted an essay about my great-great-great-great grandfather to a statewide essay contest. And when my grandmother opened the letter and read it to me over the phone (since I was living overseas at the time), I honestly couldn't believe I had won! The prize for this contest was $500 which I placed in a savings account. (Several years later, I used the money to buy my husband's wedding ring).
Yes, I have always been a writer. But somewhere along the line, I stopped writing. Not entirely, of course. My bottom dresser drawer continued filling up with various journals, and I kept up on a family blog regularly. But my creative writing, the writing of poetry and insights, mostly came to a standstill.
For a while I kept up on a personal blog that can be found here, but even that space was eventually set aside with three small children and the demands of being a homemaker, a photographer, and an active member in my church.
I told myself that someday I would write again. Maybe when all my children left the house and I had more time. But every time I told myself this excuse, I felt a pit in my stomach and everything kind of churned around in my heart. Writing wasn't a necessity, I continued. Just a hobby that could be put aside for half a lifetime.
But last week, something changed. And over the period of several days, a myriad of experiences led me to feel down deep in my soul, that I can't stop being a writer just because I'm busy. I wrote the following in my journal:
"When did you stop believing that all the magic you'll ever need is right inside of you? When did you start believing that all the experts know better than you? When did you stop composing poetry and start compiling notes? The greatest treasures you could ever write about are buried deep within your soul. All you have to do is dig for the jewels."
There is a message the Lord needs to share through me. There is something I need to share with the world. And even though I'm scared and have to battle through the discouragement that no one will ever even find these words, I will press on. Because if I can reach somebody, somewhere and offer them some little bit of encouragement and hope in this broken world, then my part will be worth it.
And while the entire scope of this blog is still somewhat hazy, I have been compelled to start now. And even though I do not know how this project will evolve or what it will entail, I do know one thing. My whole aim and desire that is burning brightly within is to serve. To lift. To inspire. To encourage. To teach the small things I have learned that may bless your life. I may be a small and simple girl, but the Lord can work through me to accomplish great purposes. (See Alma 37:6) Of this I know.
And so in the quiet of my peaceful bedroom seated at my desk, I begin today.
To write in the stillness.
{Let's Bring it Home Together: Do you have a brightly-lit passion that has been dimmed over time as you've repeatedly set it aside for a "better time?" If it's too unfathomable for you to pick it up yet, all you need to do for now is identify your passion. And be aware that it's still there for you.}
Friday, September 19, 2014
Good News!
I'm back! It has seemed like I've been missing in action on this blog for so long...
But lately, I've been feeling the need to write and share what's in my heart. Not just for a day or a month, but forever. I've always been a writer at heart, and while I have regularly updated my family blog for 6 years, this one has been neglected as of late.
"Quest for Happiness" gave me a focus for several years--a theme to think and write about. But I've changed in the process and have outgrown this special space here.
So, next week I will have my new website up and running. When that day comes, I will be sure to post here and give you the link. It will be a wonderful day!!
Until then...
Have a fantastic weekend!!
Love,
Jamie
