Feed my sheep....

When we hear the phrase ‘feed my sheep’ we often turn our thoughts to missionary work. I think this is a large part of what the Savior was teaching but not all. The Savior taught the gospel but he also served, encouraged and loved those he came into contact with. Our souls all hunger and need to be fed in different ways. I love these thoughts from Elder Ashton that teach about this principle. He taught,” Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’ (John 21:16.) You can’t feed them if you don’t know where they are. You can’t feed them if you give them reason to resist you. You can’t feed them if you don’t have the food. You can’t feed them if you don’t have charity. You can’t feed them if you aren’t willing to work and share. …

“Those who need help come in all age brackets. Some of His sheep are young, lonely, and lost. Some are weary, afflicted, and worn with age. Some are in our own family, in our own neighborhood, or in the far corners of the world where we can help with fast offerings. Some are starving for food. Some are starving for love and concern.

“If we give His sheep reasons to resist us, the feeding process becomes difficult, if not impossible. No one can teach or help with sarcasm or ridicule. Dictatorship or ‘I’m right and you are wrong’ will negate all efforts to feed a wandering sheep. A wall of resistance will be built, and no one will benefit. …

“By our actions we show our love. Expressions of affection are empty if actions don’t match. All His sheep need the touch of a shepherd who cares” (“Give with Wisdom That They May Receive with Dignity,” Ensign, Nov. 1981, 91)

Peace

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth , give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid ."- So much love and hope given in these few words.

I am so grateful for this scripture. It is one of my favorites. Who in this world is not seeking or wanting peace in thier lives? The world is not quick or often able to offer it. True peace comes from the Spirit and when we listen and rely on it we can find peace admist the difficulities and  heartache that is part of our journey. This week has not been an easy one and I was so grateful when someone posted a photo of this scripture on Instagram reminding me that there is peace to be found and I have  the Gift of the Holy Ghost  and the atonement of my Savior to bless me with it. 

There have been many times I have sought out this promised peace. Sometimes it's for me personally, others times for my marriage when things are not going as smoothly as I would want and lately in regards to my children as they seek more independence. I have yet to be denied the peace I seek when I ask in faith and am grateful for that blessing. 

Money, money, money....

It has been said that money is the root of all evil and this can be true when
 it is not used as it should be. It's amazing what an influence money has on relationships, and it is not uncommon to be a major issue in marriages. If a marriage can find balance in their finances and different spending habits, the marriage will be significantly stronger. Communication, flexibility and self control are key to avoiding marriage issues in the money department.
In the book "Till Debt Do Us Part", the author gives ten great financial principles to think about:
1. Financial problems are usually behavior problems rather than money problems.
2. If you continuing doing what you have been doing, you will continue getting what you have been getting.
3. Nothing (no thing) is worth risking the relationship.
4. Money spent on things you value usually leads to a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. Money spent on things you do not value usually leads to a feeling of frustration and futility.
5. We know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
6. You can never get enough of what you don't need, because what you don't need can never satisfy you.
7. Financial freedom is more often the result of decreased spending than of increased income.
8. Be grateful for what you have.
9. The best things in life are free.
10. The value of individuals should never be equated with their net worth.

Becoming one......

I read a talk by Elder Eyring this week about becoming one. In the talk he was not specific about becoming one in marriage until the end of his talk. However, the general principles of his talk can apply to not only a marriage but also relationships in general. The first is to have the Spirit with us. When my husband and I pray together to have the Spirit guide us in our decisions we find we can be unified in what is best for our family and if there are differences we are able to work through them in a way that is not contentious. Second is putting the Lord first in our lives. As we put the Lord first we are more likely to keep our covenants, serve one another, look past the imperfections, and do those things that help us draw closer together. Third we keep the commandments. I am not perfect in all of these principles. I see faults at times when I shouldn’t or forget to at times that Lord knows best for my spouse and I when things don’t make sense. However, I know can feel the difference when I am on the right track and grateful for the Atonement that allows me to figure it out.

When I think of an example of a unified couple I think of my parents. They are far from perfect but one thing they have always been unified in is their desire to live the gospel and this is what I remember most about my youth. They argued at times, and did not always see eye to eye but they were firm in their faith, and taught the importance of covenants, prayer, scripture study, and the Atonement. For me the unity is shown through their common goal of raising their children to know that they love the gospel and desire t