inspiration

I have been blessed to be inspired in so many different ways over the past month. It started when I had the opportunity to attend the YW Broadcast with Ana & Keli. The talk which stood out in my mind the most was by President Monson. He was speaking to the YW of the church and was discussing the YW worth and possible bad decisions. At one point he told the girls that each one is a Cinderella and everyone has their "midnight". The blessing that comes from that is that everyone has a brand new day, a day where they can start over. If mistakes have been made that we can start the next day to do better. The very next day I gave a lesson in Relief Society on Covenants. I brought up the reference to Cinderella during the lesson. Sometimes, we all make mistakes but we each have a brand new day to be better. At the lesson it mentioned that the best compliment would be to be a "covenant keeper". I know that I am personally grateful for the repentance process and the plan which allows us to work harder to be "covenant keepers". The discussion that developed during the lesson was interesting because we discussed complacency. What are we doing now to continue to be "covenant keepers"? There are some who do what they need to to be married in the temple and then never return to renew those covenants. Some think that when they have been through the Temple that their future is assured. That is not the case. It is just a step in achieving the ultimate Celestial goal. We need to continue to try and do our best and live our lives in a Christ like manner. I don't mean where people can see your actions, but what you do when no mortal person is watching. I think sometimes people forget that God is always watching. God knows the intent of our hearts. I am grateful that he knows the intent of my heart. I know that this lesson just reminded me that I can do more. More inspiration came through General Conference. I was particullary impressed with some of the two word messages which came through the apostles "Don't Delay" and "Stop It". Elder Jeffrey Holland was the president of BYU when I was going to school there. (BTW I loved the BYU experience!) I appreciated his message on those who have dabbled with inactivity or have been exposed to the gospel and have just not joined as of yet. His simple yet power statement of "Don't Delay" is engraved in my mind. I could not help but think of those family members that are returning to a life filled with the gospel and those who have turned away from the gospel. My heart aches for those who have turned away and is so grateful for those who are taking those steps to commit themselves to living their lives the way God would have them live. "Don't Delay" meant to me that we can't take any day for granted. There may not be a tomorrow for some and may not have the opportunity for repentance or action here on earth. Those who have had the opportunity to enjoy the fullness of the Gospel on earth and have then turned away or refuse to act when they know of the truthfullness will have to answer for those actions. I learned this lesson and am constantly reminded of it. I was inactive for almost two years when I was in my 20s. Not because I did not believe but because I was not strong enough to stand up for what is right. It is like President Monson said in the October 2011 conference we need to "dare to stand alone" and I didn't. That is a mistake I have had to apologize for and yet I recognize what I have learned through that experience. I found my strength and what is important in my life. I have not been perfect in my actions in my life but because I have learned I recognize that imperfection and can improve. I literally pray for God's help every day, to help me, to help my children, to help my extended family to live as God would have us live. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to try and that I am trying not to delay in my efforts. Another talk which touched me was one by President Uchdorf. What a poignant talk he gave. I have seen part of that talk sent through emails and facebook with the quote of "Stop It". Although I appreciate that particular message and pray that some take it to heart and realize that there is a reason this topic was being discussed; the message of forgiveness was more poignant for me. This is an area that I am constantly striving on improving in myself. To find forgiveness for others so that I don't do the actions which President Uchdorf was stating to stop. I know that there are some who may find joy in my personal sorrows of my life. I would hope that someday the people involved will realize that finding joy in someone's sorrow is not Christ like. I literally pray that some people will realize this, but for me to find forgiveness I have turned it over to God. Sometimes in life we literally have to "Let Go, Let God". There are somethings in life that I can not change; for these things I just pray that God helps those involved to learn the lesson here on Earth so they don't have to answer for it on their "judgement day". In that same respect we have to find forgiveness for ourselves. I found it striking when he mentioned forgiving ourselves. How many people worry about forgiveness for others and dismiss ourselves? I know some who emotionally beat themselves up for things that are long in the past, repented for, forgiven for and have made determined steps to rectify mistakes. I think it is the hardest thing to do. I truly believe our prophets receive revelation and their words through conference were inspired. I am grateful that the different conferences, broadcasts, lessons, etc are there to influence my life. I am grateful that I can recognize my steps to not delay by putting myself where I can be graced with the lessons, talks, etc. I am blessed with the knowledge that my Heavenly Father loves me enough to put all of these things in place to influence my life and touch my heart. I am a better person today because of the gospel in my life.