Count YOUR Blessings

I loved Elder Hales' talk on staying out of debt and avoiding covetousness. He gave great counsel and really got me thinking about the importance of recognizing the blessings in our own lives.

It often is so much easier to see the blessings that happen in other people's lives when we ourselves are lacking good fortune in a certain area, whether it be a high paying job, children, a testimony, a home, great health, beauty, intellect, various talents, etc. If someone else has a blessing that we want, material or not, we can find ourselves coveting. That only leads to bitter feelings and resentment. We begin to develop pride and, therefore, animosity towards that person, which can ultimately destroy our relationship with them.

Of course, we are all human and it is hard to not want the bigger house, new car, six kids, or trim waist that our neighbor has. Life isn't fair. It's true and sometimes it's just rough, but there is no divine law that says we all should get the same out of life. We all have different blessings and trials. That's just how it works.

When we covet a blessing someone else enjoys, we are selfish and ungrateful to the Lord. Think of it this way. Children are the epitome of honesty. There have been times that I have picked out what I thought to be the "perfect" gift for each child based on their interests only to have said child open the gift, look at it with little reaction, and later exclaim they'd rather have what their sibling received. Ugh. I hate when that happens. After all my excitement and anticipation because I thought I found the perfect gift I get a big deflating punch to the stomach. So much for thinking I know that child well!

I believe that when we covet the blessings of others, we, in effect, do the same to our Father in Heaven. He knows us best and, therefore, knows what blessings and trials will suite best for our personality. When we pine after what someone else has, we are basically saying "Thanks, but I would have rather had the bigger house. You really don't know me as well as you think and your effort was totally wasted." Not the best thing to say to our Father, right? Kind of goes along with that whole scripture about how God gets really mad when we don't show gratitude.

Obviously it's easier to not covet some things than others. I've often looked at my happy husband and thought how amazing it would be to wake up and not have to battle with depression for just one day. What would it be like? Sometimes I get jealous. But then I have to remind myself that I have this trial for whatever reason the Lord deems fit. So what? It's mine for the keeping and I need to get out of it whatever the Lord meant for me to. He knows me better than I do so He must have had something in mind when He gave me this challenge. Wasting my days moping around because I don't have the blessing of happiness like my husband is going to cause me to miss out on some awesome spiritually growing experiences. And by focusing on what I do not have is going to make me neglect what I do have. It's a lose, lose situation.

Think of this blog the next time you find yourself coveting the blessings of others. Remember that the Lord has a personalized plan for each of us. It may be hard and frustrating at times to see others enjoy what for some reason we cannot get, like a depression free life, but the Lord knows what He is doing. We must put our trust in Him, live free of coveting, and learn all we can from our own blessings or lack thereof. Only then will we be able to find peace and true happiness.

There is no Prince Charming

My mom is sixty four years young and still in search of her "Prince Charming" after three failed marriages. She jokes that she will never cut off her blond tresses for fear her prince will never be able to find her without that trademark "princess" hair. Sadly, my mom, like a lot of women today, fails to realize that there is no Prince Charming.

There is no such thing as the perfect person. Everyone wakes up greasy in the morning with bad breath, has stinky toots, and forgets to throw their dirty socks in the hamper. None of us are immune to having faults. That's just part of this life. However, that doesn't keep some people from the exhausting quest of trying to find their perfect mate. It's a search that is long, lonely, and ends in heartbreak because such a person does not exist.

We live in a world of selfishness. We want all of our needs met NOW! When we get into a relationship and discover that our partner doesn't always satisfy our every whim, then we high tail it out of there for greener pasture. No one can make mistakes. We don't have time for it! And surely it must be the other person's fault for the failing match, not our own. We are, after all, walking perfection.

I like to live in a place called reality, somewhere beyond the realm of our current society. I was well aware that my husband had faults before we even married. Therefore, it wasn't some huge unpleasant surprise when he made mistakes in our marriage, whether it was saying something stupid that hurt my feelings or forgetting to clean up his dishes. Although such instances may have brought about some unhappiness, they were short lived. Why? Because I knew he wasn't perfect and so I didn't expect him to act perfect. What's the point of focusing on all the little things? His good qualities far outweigh whatever minor faults he may have.

I also knew that we'd both age. After eight and a half years of marriage, we both look a little different. I've brought four children into the world. My body has changed, but my husband finds me even more beautiful. Wouldn't it be stupid to demand his undying praise of my body and yet not allow him some room to change? He's lost some hair up top and grown a little soft around the middle, but I think he's far more handsome and sexy than he was when we first got married. He's still got it!

Besides, I don't think I would really want Prince Charming as my soul mate. I think all those love poems, singing, and need to slay wild beasts would get pretty old real quick. (I saw "Enchanted" and that prince got annoying.) I want someone to contradict me, tell me when I'm wrong, and argue with me over issues. When we were dating we always had fun matching wits. It was great and lots of fun! Plus I've got a man who is actually helpful. My guy can wield a plunger against the most ferocious potty problems, catch puke with his bare hands, and disarm the most beastly tantrum. That's a man worth keeping!

So sorry ladies, but Prince Charming is just only in fairy tales. I could say that my husband is my "Prince Charming", but I give him more credit than that. He's imperfect like me and I love him for it. Our journey through life and on to perfection is all the more fulfilling because we both fall short of the fairy tale ideal. That, my friends, is what makes a relationship work. That is living "happily ever after".

It's Over!

General Conference is over. It always seems like such a let-down after being spiritually fed by prophets and apostles for two days when Sunday night comes. As always, I gained great insight and wisdom from all those who spoke. From Elder Hales' counsel and warnings concerning materialism and coveting to Elder Holland's beautiful and vivid portrayal of the Savior's suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross. I loved seeing and feeling the powerful witness each person bore of the resurrected Christ and His restored Gospel. It touched my heart to hear President Monson, our dear prophet, share his love and concern for us all. It was a wonderful conference.

What did I gain? Too much and too personal than can be listed in a blog. Overall, I found peace and comfort in areas I have been seeking for a long time. I was also challenged and reminded of how I can be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and member of the church. I had the chance to pause from my busy life and be still, to receive the guidance and revelation I need for my life. My testimony grew as I watched prophets of God bear witness of His Son. Despite the chaos and evil that is abundant in our world, I felt hope and strength to press forward and put my trust in the Lord. I learned that I am never alone and that the Savior truly can succor His people. I felt more bound to other members of the Church who are striving to live righteously in this increasingly wicked world. I feel blessed and humbled.

Now the challenge will be to remember and write upon my heart the knowledge I gained. Last night as I went to bed I felt renewed and excited to face life, but as the days pass and General Conference becomes more distant in my memory, the test will be to keep it in my heart. How grateful I am that we have modern prophets. I know the Lord loves me because He gave us that divine connection to Him in this corrupted world. We can be joyful and have peace despite all the adversary hurls at us because we know we are not alone and we are given all we need to succeed through the Lord, His servants, and the Spirit. How blessed we are!

John Deere Baby

Our good friends, who moved to farm country Idaho a year ago, sent us this adorable and fitting outfit for Jacob. I put it on him for the first time this week. Isn't he a cutie? We miss you Zollingers!!!!!!