We did go forth with all our might

"And we did take courage, and were fixed with a determination... And thus we did go forth with all our might..." Alma 58

Marv and I have a little grandson named Chase who is not quite 2, and is a determined little sort.  Nothing deters him from getting what he wants, or thinks he needs.  He just goes for it.  I love that about him.  He wakes up each morning, ready to take on the world.  Oh, he has obstacles from time to time.  He has a big brother and sister.  For a not quite 2 year old, they can be HUGE obstacles.


Here is a picture of Chase when he comes face to face with his nemesis--Big Bird.  But look at his stance.  Look at those shoulders, and the head held high.  No one, not even a giant yellow bird is going to get in his way.

We all have Big Birds in our lives.  For some of us, it's an exam that seems impossible to pass.  For others, it may be an unresolved relationship issue at home or at work.  Whatever your Big Bird is, it would be well to remember Chase and his fixed determination, meeting challenges not only head on, but with head held high. 

 This little guy is my inspiration and my joy.

 

 

You are what you feed

This is an epiphany I learned from my friend Kathy A:   It is a fact in life that what you feed, grows.  You feed your children, they grow.  You feed your husband, hopefully he won't grow as big as he eats; but that's another topic.  You feed your plants, they grow.

This phenomenon also works in the spiritual realm.  Whatever you feed your spirit, it will grow.  If you feed your bitterness, resentment, anger, hurt, or jealousy, it will grow.  Unfortunately, I have seen this over and over again in the lives of the people around me.  Feed an insecurity and it will grow.

But here is the wonderful thing:  the flip side is true, too!  Feed your joy, gratitude, and general well being, and it will grow.  Feed your love for your family, and it will grow.  Feed your confidence, your love for fellowmen, your faith in God; well, the list is endless.

There is one more thought that goes along with this.  It's ironic, but whatever you feed will eventually grow to consume you; be that bitterness or love, faithlessness or calm assurance, misery or joy.  Whatever you feed your spirit, it will grow to consume your every thought and every deed. 

 When I heard this from my dear friend (whose family picture, by the way, is in this post), I determined that I would make a conscious choice each day to feed my spirit what would make me happy.  I choose to listen to beautiful uplifting music.  I choose to call a friend and tell them that I am thinking of them.  I choose to hug my husband and tell him he is the most important person in my life.  I choose to help the guy who drops all of his canned goods in front of me on the way out of Target. So far, so good! Thank you, Kathy!