Time well spent!

7 days spent so far with the family and i have honestly enjoyed every minute. I actually love my family! Within the first few days i spent time with my little brother. We took advantage of the snow by building an amazing snowman together. I think my brother enjoyed throwing snowballs at me more than anything, even i couldn't stop laughing as the snow ran down my back. Great is my joy, my family are eternal! This Christmas will not be remembered for the presents or the food. This Christmas i will remember time well spent. I look forward to the new year. Goals have been set and i will achieve all of them. I am excited! 2010 will be the year of huge personal development. Can't wait!

Trust!

Watched an amazing film with a few good friends last night. Avatar! Very impressive, especially in 3D.

It made me think about what we are willing to accept in life.

The sky people(natural man) invade a world populated by blue aliens. It's interesting because at first they use diplomacy to have access to a rare and expensive mineral found under the aliens home. They speak that which may seem appealing, even flattering. However, when diplomacy doesn't work they send someone to gain the trust of the natives to obtain military advantage.

The trust was betrayed! The only way he was able to regain that trust was by earning it, that effort was displayed by action.

I've decided that i'm not giving away trust so freely anymore. For me it's only led to disappointment. There's nothing wrong with trying to see the best in everyone but i feel there should be a line between hope and assumption. I assumed too much, from now on my trust will be given to those who earn it with the hope it can be kept.

There is only one individual who i seek approval and trust from. I know He will never abuse or betray mine. I know He will be honest in all things. I know that he will instruct and correct when it's needed. I know He lives! He is the Ever Living Father!

I'm trying!

Laughter!

Laughter is a great balm for the soul!

This can be true when the laughter is not aimed at someone else. I think it's a common assumption that if we laugh at someone else we find escape from our own troubles. The assumption is wrong. The only escape from troubles and pain is to laugh at oneself.

I find a smile getting bigger even now knowing that i have allowed myself to be acted upon. I have come to a knowledge that i allow people to walk all over me. Not anymore! I'm going to learn the word no. I will develop boldness but not overbearance so that when it's needed i will not shy away.

Today is a new day, lets hope i may stand firm in what i know and what is right. If i can laugh at myself then i can recieve insult without taking offence. Let it begin.

Why? How?

While i have written each new post i have come to understand more fully which direction i need to be heading. I know more of what i want for my future and also the why of affliction and how to overcome it in my life.

WHY?
The usually plea 'why me' can be quickly answered by 'why not'. Who are we to say what we need in our lives to mold and shape us? I understand at times we can find it difficult to see past the here and now but there is a reason. I have a certain type of tribulation that has caused pain throughout my life yet with it i have made a resolve to be firm and steadfast. Nothing will convince or persuade me to deny the conviction i have in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know.

HOW?
No simple solution or remedy can be given. Plod on! If you can find what you can learn from it then you are on the right path. The afflictions in life can become blessings. A friend often told me that 'what you think about you bring about'. If you think you are blessed then that's what you will become because you begin to see what you are blessed with.

At this Christmas time i wish to celebrate the gift of the Only Begotten Son. I know He lives! I pray that i can become like Him. I beg that my heart can be forgiving and my words are always kind.

Learn... live... prepare!

Learn from the past!

We are blessed with the opportunity to grow. Each experience is a stepping stone to fulfilling our potential. Mistakes will be made but it's not the mistakes that define us. What helps define us is what we choose to do about it!

Live in the present!

Learn from your past, don't live in it. Everyday we have choices to make, moving forward involves action. As they say 'don't put off tomorrow what can be done today'.

Prepare for the future!

Set goals. Have a plan. Create what will be! A common assumption of patience is waiting. Patience is a principle of action. Patience is the preparation in hope of something happening. The future is what you make it so make it great!

I know where my life will lead... consistency in service with a desire to always give!

Understanding!!

Truth sometimes hurts. I am sincerely grateful for the preparation that an All Loving Heavenly Father provided to a naïve man who failed to accept what he saw. Recently I have seen. Now I know. Finally I accept.

Understanding comes with time. In my 24 years of mortality I have come to appreciate pain. I have come to understand that through pain we receive a greater joy. Blessings come through unexpected experiences.

I awoke this morning with emotional clarity. I have no hatred for anyone. Individual pain is no excuse and holds no justification to feel hate towards another. This is a principle I live by. My fear is that in a moment of weakness I may say what I will live to regret. We often lash out at those we care for because we ourselves are hurting. I resolve to be more thoughtful in word and deed.

The process of finding true happiness is a process that begins from within. Some of the decisions we make now have an eternal consequence. Now is the time to decide.

I know what I want!

The start of change

There is a first time for everything!!

I understand the need for change is crucial for my happiness. I feel grateful for the opportunity i have had this week to study and the choice i made to apply what was learnt.

Hopefully this will be a great way to release the emotion that i am constantly directed by. I have a choice and i choose to be great!!