A Daily Beacon of Light and Hope...
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May this shining beam of light and hope help brighten those stormy days of life...
If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.
-Vincent Van Gogh
~~~~~A Time to Think~~~~~
How many of us listen to that voice inside that seems to have such a great power to discourage us? We all know it's source and yet we tend to believe what it tells us. The only way to overcome that voice is to prove it wrong. Maybe that's why I love this thought so much (must be my rebellious nature showing through!) We each have so much untapped potential within us that will never be discovered unless we ignore those negative thoughts that frequent our minds and silence them with proof that we can rise above them.
~~~~~A Time to Act~~~~~
The next time you hear a voice inside (or outside for that matter!) that tells you you can't, take it on as a challenge to prove that you can. You may surprise yourself with what talents you have hidden deep inside.
~~~~~A Time to Pray~~~~~
Ask for the strength to be able to rise above the negative and discouraging words inside that are thrown at you each day. Pray that you will be able to find your abilities and talents that are just waiting to be discovered.
Make it great!!!
~Jodi
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A Daily Beacon of Light and Hope...
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May this shining beam of light and hope help brighten those stormy days of life...
The Best Day Of My Life
Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever! There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did I'm going to celebrate!
Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.
I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart.
I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.
Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I'll make someone smile. I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know.
Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.
Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me.
I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.
Tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.
As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be ......
The Best Day Of My Life!
~~~~~A Time to Think~~~~~
When I first read this I wondered to myself if this person was on something or maybe living in another realm somewhere! 
But then I realized anyone can feel this way. It's all a matter of choice. Each day has the possibility to become the best day of our life or just as easily the worst day, simply by our choices. When we wake up each morning, no matter how we feel, we have the power to choose our attitude and our actions. When we focus on making it a great day, it will be. Even when obstacles slip in - which they will - we can still choose to see the good that is always there if we take the time to look for it. It may take a conscience effort to adjust our thinking at times, but if we do, we will be rewarded and benefit greatly!
But then I realized anyone can feel this way. It's all a matter of choice. Each day has the possibility to become the best day of our life or just as easily the worst day, simply by our choices. When we wake up each morning, no matter how we feel, we have the power to choose our attitude and our actions. When we focus on making it a great day, it will be. Even when obstacles slip in - which they will - we can still choose to see the good that is always there if we take the time to look for it. It may take a conscience effort to adjust our thinking at times, but if we do, we will be rewarded and benefit greatly!
~~~~~A Time to Act~~~~~
Decide right now that today is going to be the best day of your life! Forget your worries and concerns and think about all the goodness there is in your life. Anticipate how great you will feel as you go through the day while focusing on the positive. Expect there will be some problems to overcome, but determine now that you will not dwell on those when they occur, but shift your focus to the good that will come from them.
~~~~~A Time to Pray~~~~~
Say a prayer of thanksgiving for the wonderful life you have been given. Pray that you will be able to lift another person's burdens. Express your sincere gratitude for the gift of today
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A Daily Beacon of Light and Hope...
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May this shining beam of light and hope help brighten those stormy days of life...
Two Days We Should Not Worry
There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.
One of these days is Yesterday with all its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains.
Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday.
We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone forever.
The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and its poor performance; Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control.
Tomorrow's sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in Tomorrow, for it is yet to be born.
This leaves only one day, Today. Any person can fight the battle of just one day. It is when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities Yesterday and Tomorrow that we break down.
It is not the experience of Today that drives a person mad, it is the remorse or bitterness of something which happened Yesterday and the dread of what Tomorrow may bring. Let us, therefore, Live but one day at a time.
We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday's burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it. ~John Newton
When I am anxious it is because I am living in the future. When I am depressed it is because I am living in the past. ~Author Unknown
~~~~~A Time to Think~~~~~
Dwelling on the past or worrying about what the future may bring are both energy depleters. The past is done and over and no amount of worrying will change it. Not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow, therefore why put so much time and energy into it worrying about what "might" happen? I love what Mark Twain said: "I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened." To worry is futile - it's like a rocking chair....it gives us something to do but gets us no where. Yet how many of us try to load ourselves down with all the problems we have had, all we have now, and all we expect to have? The only problems we have immediate control over today are today's problems. Let go of the rest. When we take it just one day at a time, we can be released from the worries of the past and those of the future - which most likely won't happen anyway!
~~~~~A Time to Act~~~~~
When you catch yourself stressing about the future or dwelling in the past stop and ask yourself if you have any control over either. If the answer is yes, then do whatever you can to fix it. If the answer is no, then redirect your thoughts and stop worrying about it! Take life just ONE DAY AT A TIME. And if things get too overwhelming.... take it just one HOUR at a time. Commit now to stop wasting useless energy on things you have no control over.
~~~~~A Time to Pray~~~~~
Ask for added strength to be able to live today for today and to be able to keep yesterday and tomorrow where they belong.
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A Daily Beacon of Light and Hope...
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May this shining beam of light and hope help brighten those stormy days of life...
If you don’t like the weather, then change it.
~~~~~A Time to Think~~~~~
Change the weather? Wow...wouldn't that be amazing if that were possible? Well, it is! At least in your mind. You can do whatever you want today. You can step out the door into a cold, dreary day that makes you want to go back to bed....OR you can step out into a crisp, invigorating day that refreshes every fiber of your being. It doesn't matter what the weather report says, what matters is you. You can be stuck in a frustrating traffic jam, angry that you are going to be late (as your blood pressure rises!)....OR you can enjoy the unplanned time to meditate and ponder on those things you never seem to have time to really think about. You can have a tough job, that's unfulfilling and boring, where you're under appreciated, and have to deal with difficult people....OR, you can have a wonderful job, where you have an opportunity to make a real difference, where you're challenged, and where you can have a positive influence on people. The circumstances are still the same. The difference is you.
It's your day. It's your life. It's your choice.
~~~~~A Time to Act~~~~~
Next time you are in a situation that is initially frustrating to you, do what you can to change it. If you can't change it then change the way you think about it. Then allow the power of your thoughts to change the way you respond to it.
~~~~~A Time to Pray~~~~~
Pray for the strength to respond better to life's difficulties by altering your attitude and thoughts.
Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. 
~Anthony J. D'Angelo
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A Daily Beacon of Light and Hope...
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May this shining beam of light and hope help brighten those stormy days of life...
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
“For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
What a comfort and a delight to know that you and I are not too insignificant, not too far away, not even too unclean to communicate anytime with him! What a blessing and a comfort to know that each and every one of us, as his child, has the right and the responsibility." to discover and develop the ability to communicate with our Father.”
~~~~~A Time to Think~~~~~
Whenever I gaze into the sky on a clear night and see the beautiful glistening stars, it always amazes me how many there are. Then when I try to comprehend the other billions of galaxies that I can't see, I begin to feel like such a tiny, minuscule, insignificant part of this incredible and massive world God has created. And yet, the creator of it all, knows who I am. He knows ME! And He knows YOU! He created each of us and loves us more than we can even begin to comprehend. Not only that, but He has given us the gift of being able to communicate DIRECTLY with him. We don't have to wait in a long line, or to be approved by some authority, or go through a tight security check like we would have to do to meet with those we esteem in this world to be of great importance. All we have to do is pray. He is always there. We never have to leave a voice mail or wait until it's convenient for Him. Whenever we are in need to talk to Him, He is there waiting for us. Imagine, the greatest being in the entire universe, is waiting at ALL times, to communicate with us! No matter how insignificant we may feel, or how hard it is to comprehend, we are each individually known to Him and loved by Him.
~~~~~A Time to Act~~~~~
When you pray today and ask for blessings you are in need of for yourself or for others, remember to Whom you are requesting these blessings from. Think about all that He has created and is able to do. Allow that knowledge to expand your faith in what He can and will do for you.
~~~~~A Time to Pray~~~~~
Thank Heavenly Father for the blessing of being able to communicate with Him on such a personal level. Ask for the faith needed to have a sure knowledge He can do all things. Then pray with the faith that what you ask for will be given if it be right.
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A Daily Beacon of Light and Hope...
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May this shining beam of light and hope help brighten those stormy days of life...
One night a group of nomads were preparing to retire for the evening when suddenly they were surrounded by a great light. They knew they were in the presence of a celestial being. With great anticipation, they awaited a heavenly message of great importance that they knew must be especially for them.
Finally, the voice spoke, "Gather as many pebbles as you can. Put them in your saddle bags. Travel a day's journey and tomorrow night will find you glad and it will find you sad."
After having departed, the nomads shared their disappointment and anger with each other. They had expected the revelation of a great universal truth that would enable them to create wealth, health and purpose for the world. But instead they were given a menial task that made no sense to them at all. However, the memory of the brilliance of their visitor caused each one to pick up a few pebbles and deposit them in their saddle bags while voicing their displeasure.
They traveled a day's journey and that night while making camp, they reached into their saddle bags and discovered every pebble they had gathered had become a diamond. They were glad they had diamonds. They were sad they had not gathered
Finally, the voice spoke, "Gather as many pebbles as you can. Put them in your saddle bags. Travel a day's journey and tomorrow night will find you glad and it will find you sad."
After having departed, the nomads shared their disappointment and anger with each other. They had expected the revelation of a great universal truth that would enable them to create wealth, health and purpose for the world. But instead they were given a menial task that made no sense to them at all. However, the memory of the brilliance of their visitor caused each one to pick up a few pebbles and deposit them in their saddle bags while voicing their displeasure.
They traveled a day's journey and that night while making camp, they reached into their saddle bags and discovered every pebble they had gathered had become a diamond. They were glad they had diamonds. They were sad they had not gathered
more pebbles.
~~~~~A Time to Think ~~~~~
Why is it sometimes so hard to realize what great blessings we have until after they are gone? Maybe it's because many of the greatest gifts in life are initially disguised as pebbles and we just don't understand their worth at the time. Or maybe it's because we think we will always have plenty of time to gather pebbles, because after all pebbles aren't exactly a rarity. Often it takes a long time or even losing something to fully appreciate it's value. The pebbles we gather today that will become tomorrow's diamonds can be many things. But some of the greatest pebbles of all are the happy memories we make with others. Time always changes those into precious diamonds. Are we taking the time to "gather them" while we can? Are we going to wish we had gathered more?
~~~~~A Time to Act ~~~~~
Now is the time to make memories. Don't wait for "another" day when you are less busy, less tired, less stressed... or more prepared, more in shape, more energetic. If you wait until all your excuses are gone to start building precious memories, then one day you will be wishing you had gathered more pebbles while you could, but it will be too late. Take some time today to do something that will one day become a cherished memory for you and those you love. It may take some extra effort, but do it anyway. Don't put it off another day. Today is the day to gather those magical pebbles!
~~~~~A Time to Pray ~~~~~
Pray for the inspiration to know what special memories you can build today.
Make it great!!!
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A Daily Beacon of Light and Hope...
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May this shining beam of light and hope help brighten those stormy days of life...
I'd look at one of my stonecutters hammering away at the rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet, at the hundred and first blow it would split in two, and I knew it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.
--Jacob A. Riis
Great works are not performed by strength but by perseverance.
~Samuel Johnson
~~~~~A Time to Think~~~~~
I spent most of my day yesterday on one of those "fun" home improvement projects.....laying decorative pavers in our backyard. It was the kind of project that the more you do, the less it seems you have done. It wasn't difficult, just laborious. As we kept going, I wondered if we would ever finish. It seemed at the time it would never end. We had six pallets to lay, each holding over a ton of pavers, that we had to hand set (each and every one!) by hand. That was an overwhelming feeling just knowing how many had to be placed. But as we kept going, laying just one brick at a time, we got down to the final pallet. I was surprised to see how much we had accomplished because when we first started I didn't think it was possible to get through even half in one day. But as each brick was placed, we got one brick closer to being done. Slowly but surely. It made me aware that no matter how big the project, taking it just one step.....or one brick at a time is much easier than focusing on how large or difficult it will be. We can climb the highest mountain if we take it just one step at a time. How many times have you wanted to give up or stop before you have experienced success with what you are doing? It is so easy to tell ourselves, "I can't do this anymore", or "I am not strong enough to keep going", or "It's just hard", or "Will this ever end?" It's easy to get frustrated when we don't see signs of progress or the light at the end of the tunnel. But when we keep going and persevere and persist, just one step at a time, then we will witness the end result we hoped for. Calvin Coolidge said: "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent." It seems being successful is more a matter of hanging on and sticking it out when you want to let go.
~~~~~A Time to Act~~~~~
Is there something you are putting off because it seems to overwhelming to accomplish? Decide today how you plan to achieve it and BEGIN it this week. Take it just one step at a time. Don't stress about how long it will take, but rather focus on getting started. Remind yourself that anything can be accomplished just one step at a time. That's all you need to do..........ONE STEP AT A TIME!
~~~~~A Time to Pray~~~~~
Ask for help in being able to persist in those things that are hard for you. And then pray that someone will offer to give you a massage AFTER accomplishing them!!!
We conquer--not in any brilliant fashion--we conquer by continuing.
--George Matheson
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A Daily Beacon of Light and Hope...
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May this shining beam of light and hope help brighten those stormy days of life...
"We don’t call this earth life “the lone and dreary world” for nothing. We are strangers here, homesick for our heavenly parents, our heavenly home. In our mortal bodies we are subject to all kinds of difficulties and infirmities, both mental and physical and emotional. Our spirits struggle too. We are tempted, we make mistakes, we sin. And we are also subject to the mistakes and sins of others. All too often, it’s all too easy to feel that we are far, far away from the Lord, from his goodness and comfort, his peace and his joy. The Lord is all around us and even within us. He speaks these words repeatedly in the scriptures: I am with you. I am in your midst". ~Kathryn Lynard Soper
(Picture of Christ)
(Picture of Christ)
We do live in the "lone and dreary world" but we are not alone. When we feel surrounded by the darkness of this world - we can't see God - but He is with us. If we are feeling separated from the Lord, it's because we are not making the effort to feel connected. It is us that has moved away, not Him. When we focus on and remember His blessings, we are reassured that He is, was, and will always be with us. There will still be times that no matter how diligent we are or how hard we try, we just can’t seem to break through the gloom. Why? Sometimes the Lord is simply allowing us to see what we’re made of. In Mosiah 23:21 we read, "The Lord seeth fit to chasten [or teach] his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Brigham Young once counseled us to be faithful even if circumstances are “darker than 10,000 midnights.” But even in that darkest of all darkness, we always have a light to reach for. That light will penetrate through the darkest night. If we seek it, His light will be there to illuminate our darkest sorrows. He is our beacon of light and hope.
~~~~~A Time to Act~~~~~
When darkness seeps in your life, instead of dwelling in the dark, refocus your mindset on the blessings you have been given which will invite the light in. Remember that you are never alone and that "He is in your midst."
Look up and mark the following scriptures:
John 14:18
Mosiah 24:13-15
D&C 121:7-8
2 Nephi 2:1
Remember this powerful testimony from the Apostle Paul which he gave to the people of Corinth:
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; “Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” (2 Cor. 4:8-9) What made such a perspective possible? Paul gave the reason: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:6)
~~~~~A Time to Pray~~~~~
Pray to be strengthened in your trials and ask for the ability to see the light in the darkness.
~Jodi
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A Daily Beacon of Light and Hope...
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May this shining beam of light and hope help brighten those stormy days of life...
One of the ways to keep happiness in your life depends on how you approach and react to life itself. As Marcus Antoninus once said, "The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts."
If your reactions are usually negative in that all you see is the 'bad' in every situation, you are setting yourself up for continual unhappiness.
If your thoughts are, 'Why did this happen to me?', you are engaging in the "poor me syndrome".
When you have a positive approach to life, that is you look for and are able to see the good in all situations, you will find that you will be much happier more often.
"There is little difference in people,
but that little difference makes a big difference.
The little difference is attitude.
The big difference is whether it is positive or negative."
but that little difference makes a big difference.
The little difference is attitude.
The big difference is whether it is positive or negative."
W. Clement Stone
~~~~~A Time to Think~~~~~
How you react to lives challenges largely determine how big of a "challenge" they turn out to be. If you react with, "Okay, this happened to me but I know there is a blessing in here somewhere and I will find it", you WILL find it because you are focusing your thoughts on looking for the positive in the situation rather than being focused on "why me!" There is great power in your thoughts. Having a positive attitude will not prevent you from having to face life's challenges, but it will help you cope with the challenges you face so you can take advantage of the opportunities within them. John Amatt summarized this thought well - he said:
"Adventure isn't hanging on a rope off the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude that we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life - facing new challenges, seizing new opportunities, testing our resources against the unknown and in the process, discovering our own unique potential."
~~~~~A Time to Act~~~~~
When you are tempted to ask, "why me?" when confronted with a challenge today, try and focus on the half of the glass that is full rather than empty. It may not always come easily, but you can find the good in every situation. Find that good and allow the positive thoughts to force out the negative.
~~~~~A Time to Pray~~~~~
Pray that you will learn what your challenges are meant to teach you. Ask for help in being able to see the good even in bad situations.
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A Daily Beacon of Light and Hope...
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May this shining beam of light and hope help brighten those stormy days of life...
As you feel the need to confide in the Lord or to improve the quality of your visits with him—to pray, if you please—may I suggest a process to follow: go where you can be alone, go where you can think, go where you can kneel, go where you can speak out loud to him. The bedroom, the bathroom, or the closet will do. Now, picture him in your mind’s eye. Think to whom you are speaking, control your thoughts—don’t let them wander, address him as your Father and your friend. Now tell him things you really feel to tell him—not trite phrases that have little meaning, but have a sincere, heartfelt conversation with him. Confide in him, ask him for forgiveness, plead with him, enjoy him, thank him, express your love to him, and then listen for his answers. Listening is an essential part of praying. Answers from the Lord come quietly—ever so quietly. In fact, few hear his answers audibly with their ears. We must be listening so carefully or we will never recognize them. Most answers from the Lord are felt in our heart as a warm comfortable expression, or they may come as thoughts to our mind. They come to those who are prepared and who are patient.---H. Burke Peterson
~~~~~A Time to Think~~~~~
Prayer is not meant to be a complicated thing, but there are always things we can do to improve our communication with our Father in Heaven. How often do we feel that we are talking to the air or just going about some daily ritual that has become a habit without a lot of thought or feeling involved? Are our prayers often rushed and hurried so we can get them out of the way and move on with our day? Do we take the time to pause and just listen when we are finished with our personal prayers? Do we find a spot where we can be totally alone so we are not self-conscious that someone will overhear our pleadings? Do we take a moment before beginning our prayer to try and remember that we are literally talking to our Father in Heaven who knows and loves us dearly? Just doing that one thing has a tremendous power to change the way we communicate with Him. When we honestly believe we are talking to another person - albeit a supreme being - then our prayers will become more heartfelt and sincere.
Begin to improve your daily personal prayers today by following Elder Peterson's suggestions:
- Find a spot where you can be alone so you can speak out loud to Him (vocal prayers are the greatest way to keep your thoughts from wandering.)
- Have a sincere heart felt conversation with Him. Open up to Him about your deepest feelings. There is nothing you are feeling that He hasn't already felt. Be sure to thank Him for your blessings.
- Pause and LISTEN patiently for answers.
~~~~~A Time to Pray~~~~~
Thank your Father in Heaven today for the great gift of being able to communicate with Him. And then do it!
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