“Spring” in my world.

I have not always loved spring. To me when I think of Spring I think of wind. Grew up in beautiful Idaho, but yea, the wind blows alot. So this Spring I have enjoyed the weather. We left for Idaho last Thursday and came home to some cute little blossoms.

Got my Spring shelf done. Love how it turned out!!!

I loved being able to go to the cabin this weekend for Conference. It was amazingly good and it was fun hanging with the R’s.

Joyce and I worked on crafts and stuff. I went in to the bathroom and came out and my table was gone.  

Oh funny funny guys!! I just love the R’s and I am so grateful for them.

I loved conference.  There were so many talks that struck a cord, but I think the best one was President Uchdorf’s talk. Wow!

[the following found on LDS.org]

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: The Merciful Obtain Mercy

“We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children,” said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency in his address Sunday morning.

“This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon,” he said. “When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm—please apply the following: Stop it!”

Offering a talk titled, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” President Uchtdorf said strained and broken relationships are as old as humankind itself. “I imagine that every person on earth has been affected in some way by the destructive spirit of contention, resentment, and revenge. Perhaps there are even times when we recognize this spirit in ourselves. When we feel hurt, angry, or envious it is quite easy to judge other people, often assigning dark motives to their actions in order to justify our own feelings of resentment. Of course, we know this is wrong.”

President Uchtdorf said people can so clearly and easily see the harmful results that come when others judge and hold grudges. And they don’t like it when others judge them. “But when it comes to our own prejudices and grievances, we too often justify our anger as righteous, and our judgment as reliable and only appropriate.”

President Uchtdorf said the minute “we judge others, we condemn ourselves.”

“Refusing to forgive is a grievous sin—one the Savior warned against. … When the Lord requires that we forgive all men—that includes forgiving ourselves.”

He asked members of the congregation to forgive so they can be forgiven. “Because we all depend on the mercy of God, how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves?”

Forgiving, he said, is not easy. “In fact, for most of us it requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking—even a change of heart. But there is good news. This mighty change of heart is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring about.”

President Uchtdorf said the more Church members allow the love of God to govern their minds and emotions, the easier it is to love others with the pure love of Christ. “As we open our hearts to the glowing dawn of the love of God, the darkness and cold of animosity and envy will eventually fade.”

The pure love of Christ can remove the scales of resentment and wrath “from our eyes, allowing us to see others the way our Heavenly Father sees us: as flawed and imperfect mortal who have potential and worth far beyond our capacity to imagine. Because God loves us so much, we too must love and forgive each other.”

He said in a world of accusations and unfriendliness, it is easy to gather and cast stones. “Brothers and sisters, let us put down our stones. Let us be kind. Let us forgive. Let us talk peacefully with each other. Let the love of God fill our hearts. Let us do good unto all men (Galatians 6:10). ...

“Let us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, return good for evil. Let us not seek revenge or allow our wrath to overcome us. … As member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wherever we may be, let us be known as a people who have love one to another” (see John 13:35).

President Uchtdorf said there is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without adding to it through stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment.

“We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way.

“Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way.

“Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive.

“Lay your burden at the Savior’s feet. Let go of judgment. Allow Christ’s Atonement to change and heal your heart. Love one another. Forgive one another. The merciful will obtain mercy.”

I loved his talk!!!! I hate hate hate contention. I try to be kind and love others. I know in my life I have offended people and I hope someday they can forgive me. I would never do it on purpose.  I know that I will be working on the “no grudge, no gossip, forgive all  thing. I know it is usually jealousy. I know it is not my place to judge others. My goal the past 5 or so years is to find good in everyone I meet and know. It is a choice. We can let everyone around us offend us or we can find the good in them. It takes so much energy to be mad. I think it causes pre mature aging. LOL. But really.

When I look at family, I know it is a choice to always love and respect. I can walk away from a family get together mad…….or grateful to be part of that family.

I am so grateful. I love my family and my In laws. I am grateful that I have a loving and forgiving heart. I am grateful for the wonderful memories that it has brought me. I am grateful that my parents taught me to love and forgive. It is not an option. I know if I let others offend me, my parents and my Heavenly Parents would be disappointed in me. [I am not saying I don’t get offended, but I do know if I do it is my fault] It is a choice.  I’m grateful for my brothers. I love that I can see them and know that they love me and that I don’t have to worry about everything I say or do or don’t say or don’t do. It is such a blessing.

This problem is so rampant in our lives. It is in our families, wards, neighborhoods and our hearts. I loved how he said simply STOP IT!!!! 

Anyway, that is my food for thought. It is my goal. To love and forgive.

I am so grateful for a Living Prophet. I am so grateful to be lead by Him. I love the security I get from his words. I love his sense of humor.

It’s peace to me in a chaotic world.