I am usually a pretty upbeat guy. When an attitude is to be chosen, I usually fall on the side of optimism. I figure things will always work out, and they always do. However, sometimes it takes more time and effort to get to that place – that place that is usually pretty easy to find.
This has been a rough week. Without going into detail, I will just say that I had a lot of bad things happen that have tried hard to overpower the good things. (Sorry, I am not one for vaguebooking, but the last thing I want to do is discuss my details in open forum. Going for a bigger concept here.)
Frustration is fatiguing, and it is no way to live. So, rather than put on a happy face and blog away like I have all the answers and not a care in the world, I am just going to shift the focus back. The easiest way for me to explain it is by quoting an Apostle, specifically Elder Neil A. Anderson. He said:
“A few weeks ago I boarded a plane for South America. The flight attendant directed our attention to a safety video. “It is unlikely,” we were warned, “but if cabin pressure changes, the panels above your seat will open, revealing oxygen masks. If this happens, reach up and pull a mask toward you. Place the mask over your nose and mouth. Slip the elastic strap over your head and adjust the mask if necessary.” Then this caution: “Be sure to adjust your own mask before helping others.”
“There will be family members and friends who will need your help. Now is the time to adjust your own spiritual oxygen mask so that you are prepared to help others who are seeking the truth.” (link)
I consider you my friends, and family in the spiritual sense. As soon as I get my oxygen flowing, I will be back to preaching. For me, it is convenient that this short-term funk is coinciding with the Thanksgiving season where the focus on gratitude is so contagious.
Please don’t overreact, nothing tragic is happening, no Kickstarter campaign is required. No cookies are necessary – wait – scratch that. I know that cookies would help. A lot.
Have a great Sabbath, and a wonderful Thanksgiving. See you later in the week!
Here
Looks like there is a lot of testing and training going on among us. It’s surely been tough around here for awhile. Can’t be a coincidence, can it? Makes me wonder what we’re being trained for.
I think I’ll review last October’s conference and maybe a few scriptures. And I’ll probably have to pray a little to guess which scriptures to study. We’ll meet back here right after this session of boot camp.
Try being raised all your life in California, in a desert but loving cold and never seeing snow and after my EC decided he liked the “world” better than Eternity I moved to Utah….Course, no one cued me into the fact that winter in Utah is heavier so since i was on oxygen at the get-go, I know my 02 is getting a bit of a challenge. Course, it’s more of a challenge to not get twisted up in the tubing while getting around the house with a standard Concentrator LOL ……For Thanksgiving, I know I am grateful for so much. I have been blest to find the Gospel when i was 16. Have 4 great kids, 8 grandkids and as of a month ago a great-granddaughter. My health , well, if i were a car, I’d be a Pinto ;D But I like the under-dog. I love people and to hear their stories. I adore the Gospel videos (course can’t lately, the sound is broken and have no idea how to fix..sorta need a book for dummies. Everyone remember, If you have a way of sharing with some who are in need, He’s/She’s our Brother or Sister. We are all family and we all need family. I pray for the inspiration of our President Monson and wish his heart is strong knowing we support him and love him as a True Prophet of God. Everyone think of what your Thankful for and things “of the world” don’t count so no BIG screen TV’ guys. What God has done or given you or taught or what inspired you to strive to do and be better and a good example. Remember, Christmas and Thanksgiving are both Seasons to count what shines your heart and share it. I could sure use hearing good news. Praying for MMM and the family that the trails lighten up and learn from it. Hugs for this older Lady……..Hugs, Sister Sue
Sorry. ) :
Your post reminded me of a youtube video from Smarter Every Day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUfF2MTnqAw Hope you can get your O2 flowing soon.
Sorry to hear you’re heat is being turned up but I’m sure it’s only to make you shine brighter. Sending prayers and virtual chocolate chippers your way!! (Unless there’s an address to send them….) Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones. We all appreciate you!!!! <3
Must have opposition in all things, sad huh? Take a small break and then you will be ready to move onward and upward!
Hang in there. I’m having a week like that too. Things will get better.
Hang on, very hard and never let go. This will pass and time will cure, especially with prayers from everyone of your followers including mine. We need you
Whatever you caught, it’s been going around. The same thing is happening in our neck of the woods. Sheesh! Like you, I can almost always see the bright side of the situation, or find a good gospel message in the middle of the mess. I’m hoping you’ll find yours, and I’ll find mine.
Take care, my friend. I look forward to hearing from you.
Where do you need the cookies to be sent or will you just drop by to pick them up?
Remember, it is only temporary! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Pfft cookies? How about bacon?
I know that feeling. In the words of Elder Holland, Hang in there. Things will get better.
Cookies? Or a pecan pie ?
Either! Both?
“You do you” as my teen would say. Rest up, we are very fond of you.
I’ve been feeling the same. Thanks for showing me how to do a gracious reset. Prayers for all of us.
Kinda like: This is a test. This is only a temporary test (of our faith in and ongoing need to read the MMM blogs). Had this been a real emergency, you would have instructed us where to go running and what to be screaming about!
Have a great Thanksgiving and keep the oxygen mask on tight!
thanks for your insights.