Faith

I've been participating in a challenge to read the Book of Mormon cover to cover by October set forth by my local church leaders. This isn't the first time I've read the book cover to cover and it won't be the last. I make a sincere effort to do so once a year. Each time I read the Book of Mormon something extraordinary happens. I find something new. Maybe it's just that something new resonates with me. This time around, it was the subject of faith. One of the Book of Mormon prophets, Alma, teaches the people in Alma 32 about faith and how to grow one's faith. It is a great chapter and coupled with Hebrews 11, really helps one to understand  the concept of faith.

Faith is not just the religion someone practices.

Faith is not just a character on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

(Sorry, I just had to.)

Faith is an all-encompassing way of living one's life. Faithful is a word I want used to describe me. I strive daily to live by and increase my faith. I am a prayerful person and I don't just believe my prayers are answered, I know my prayers are answered. Quite often answers to prayers require a leap of faith.

Boyd K. Packer had this to say about faith. "Faith, to be faith, must center around something that is not known. Faith, to be faith, must go beyond that for which there is confirming evidence. Faith, to be faith, must go into the unknown. Faith, to be faith, must walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness. If everything has to be known, if everything has to be explained, if everything has to be certified, then there is no need for faith. Indeed there is no room for it.
"The prophet Alma said: 'Yea, there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe. Now I ask, is that faith? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for if a man knoweth a thing he hath no cause to believe, for he knoweth it... And now as I said concerning faith--faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.' (Alma 32:17-18, 21).
"There are two kinds of faith. One of them functions ordinarily in the life of every soul. It is the kind of faith born by experience; it gives us certainty that a new day will dawn, that spring will come, that growth will take place. It is the kind of faith that relates us with confidence to that which is scheduled to happen...
"There is another kind of faith, rare indeed. This is the kind of faith that causes things to happen. It is the kind of faith that is worthy and prepared and unyielding, and it calls forth things that otherwise would not be. It is the kind of faith that moves people. It is the kind of faith that sometimes moves things. Few possess it. It comes by gradual growth. It is a marvelous, even a transcendent, power, a power as real and as invisible as electricity. Direct and channeled, it has great effect.
"But faith must be faith. One man tried 'experimenting' with faith. He had spoken to his certainty that an event would transpire, and his desires were not brought to pass; the event he so much yearned for did not happen. Afterward, his bitter comment was, 'Well, you see, it didn't happen. I didn't think it would.'
"In a world filled with skepticism and doubt, the expression 'seeing is believing' promotes the attitude, 'You show me, and I will believe.' We want all of the proof and all of the evidence first. It seems hard to take things on faith.
"When will we learn that in spiritual things it works the other way about--that believing is seeing? Spiritual belief precedes spiritual knowledge When we believe in things that are not seen but are nevertheless true, then we have faith" (Boyd K. Packer, "What is Faith?" in Faith, pp. 42-43).

"Believing is seeing." I love that! Here's to being less skeptical and more faithful. If you're waiting for a sign to do something, maybe the Lord is actually waiting on you to take a leap of faith.

Gratitude

In my reading this evening, I came across this quote from Dieter F. Uchtdorf (a leader in the LDS Church). It was so good, I thought I'd share.

 

"We can choose to be grateful, no matter what. This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer. When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation... In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven's embrace... How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before  thanking God that there is rain? Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges. This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul." ("Grateful in Any Circumstances," Ensign, May 2014, 75-76)

Three Photos

 Miriam wearing her first nightgown. She loved it. I love how her little hand is holding onto her skirt. She's just adorable.

A view from my morning run. It is still difficult to get out of bed some mornings, but it is so worth it. I have more clarity and energy and patience and vigor for life. Mornings are my favorite.

Rode our bikes to the bakery last week. The children are thoroughly enjoying their cookies. I love them! (The children, not the cookies. Who am I kidding? I love cookies too!)

Service Required

Today's guest post was written by my dear friend and former colleague, Jim R. Jacobs. Jim recently wrote his first book, Driving Lessons for Life. The following driving lesson is not in the book, but gives you a sampling of what a gem this book will be. Pun intended!
A couple of years ago, I did a blog post on the ten most influential people in my life. Jim made that list. Here's what I wrote then,  "Jim was my first boss out of graduate school.  He was my supervisor as I pursued my licensure in clinical social work. He became a dear friend.  I see Jim as the older brother I never had.  I know his life isn't perfect, but it is lived with a faith I want to have."  
Jim taught me many driving lessons as we met weekly for my clinical supervision requirements. I learned so much from him and I am excited to get my own autographed copy of his book to cherish. It'll feel like I'm sitting across from him on the couch in his office (eating tuna fish for lunch) and learning from a great man how to become a great therapist, person, and friend. Enjoy!

Service Required

by Jim R. Jacobs

I cannot speak for everyone else, but I am not particularly pleased when one of those indicator lights starts to light up the dashboard of my car.  Normally, these lights communicate there is something wrong with the vehicle, which means I am going to be reaching into my wallet soon.  I don’t find the lights have ever brought me a feeling of satisfaction, peace, or harmony in my life.  Usually, I start to feel stressed.  Then, I wonder whether the light is mistakenly on.  I ignore it for some time, hoping it will just go off.  When it occasionally does, I feel satisfaction somehow in not having to do anything.  More often, it continues to flash at me, sending out waves of anxiety about what is wrong with my car.  While the lights are helpful to maintain my car and keep me moving, I do not like the feeling I get when they start to blink.  However, there is one light on the dashboard which sends a very helpful life message: “Service Required.”

If I could install an indicator light on the dashboard of my life, I would choose the “Service Required” light.  This message is powerful and key to living the most productive and happy life.  Service is truly essential.  When we reach out in loving kindness to others, not only does the world become better, but we grow too!  Service adds substance to each of our daily interactions.  Hearts are lifted, souls are strengthened, and hope is instilled.  When we, in generous service, reach out to someone around us, we feel a sense of confidence, assurance, and connection.  Nothing is more powerful than charitable service to another in need. 

Some of my greatest memories have been wrapped up in the opportunity to serve someone else.  As I look back on the roads of life I have traveled, I smile at the thought of opportunities to help one in need.  Let’s face it!  The road of life is sometimes hard to travel.  Would we all not be better, if we took more time to stop and help someone stranded on the side?  I will never forget heading to a church meeting dressed in my finest clothes and having this opportunity.  A woman was stuck on the side of the road with an obviously very flat tire.  She resisted my help, but in my suit and tie, I changed the tire for her.  She was grateful and was teary-eyed as she looked at my greasy hands and my soiled suit.  I wished her well and never saw her again.  Yet, I have not stopped thinking about that experience.  I was too late for the worship service, but went anyway.  I felt incredible as I walked into the building with my soiled hands and clothes.  I remember feeling just as grand washing my hands as I had felt in any religious service I had previously attended.  Service had made the difference.  It always makes a difference!

We need each other.  There are too many people in this world who tear down.  We need more who lift up.  There are enough people who find fault.  We need more people who build and strengthen.  Every day, you can find an abundance of people who act in selfish ways.  We need more people who give self-less service.  For within service is the very substance of life.  Greater joy, greater love, greater harmony, greater satisfaction, and greater peace all can be found by the service we do for others. 

Start today!  Install a “Service Required” light on your dashboard.  Attend to it right away.  Start with your family and those right around you.  Then, extend the marvelous influence of self-less service to those in your neighborhood and community.  Seek to make a difference.  For in a full and rich life, service truly is required.

 

Jim R. Jacobs is the author of the new book Driving Lessons For Life, a great new book teaching powerful life lessons from what we experience on the road.  Driving Lessons For Life is not your typical self-help/inspirational book.  Jim takes the common experiences we all have behind the wheel of the car, and weaves a powerful lesson into them.  There has never been such a book as this.  You read the lesson, you recall the story, and then you do what you always do—drive somewhere.  Literally, every time you head off in your car, a key life lesson will be reinforced in you.  Driving Lessons become Life Lessons as you reflect on them again and again.  These lessons are powerful because they are so connected to your everyday life.  Sign up for driving lessons today!  This book is a perfect gift for yourself, your friends, the new driver, the old driver, and everyone who gets in the car.  Get a signed copy today at www.DrivingLessonsForLife.com.

To contact Jim to share your experiences, to arrange a great speaker for your next event, or for a complimentary, no obligation coaching session, please send an e-mail to DrivingLessonsForLife@gmail.com. 

 

Good Form Running

Some of you may have noticed that I am trying to become a runner. (Thanks for all your cheers with liking/commenting on my Facebook posts. It really helps me stay positive and encouraged.) I am up to running about 26 minutes without a walk break and my mile is getting faster, but I still felt that I could be doing it better. So Type A of me, I know!

I found out that the Track Shack has lots of classes. Many are fee-based and last weeks, but the Good Form Running Clinic (GFR) was free and only took up one night of my life. I felt it was a great place to start and I was right. I learned a lot at the clinic and in my run today already noticed a difference in my performance and fatigue-level.

The instructors talked briefly about each step in the GFR system: Posture, Midfoot, Cadence, and Lean. This was ALL new to me. We then went outside to run and were filmed! That made me a little nervous, but it was so helpful. They freeze-framed each participant's run and showed you exactly what you were doing and where you needed to make changes. I highly recommend filming yourself to see what you're doing right and where improvements may be needed.

I pretty much need to work on each area of GFR. Posture is the easiest to master and will benefit you even if you're not running. Stand tall and keep your head up and gaze forward; shoulders should be relaxed and down. It is important to reset your posture throughout your run and also throughout your day. This also includes arm positioning. Arms should be light and elbows tucked in. Thumbs shouldn't go above your chest nor pinkies below your waist. Hands should not cross the middle of your body and fists should be loose and not tight.
I also understand Cadence pretty well. That is basically how many strides you are taking each minute. GFR suggests you aim for 180 strides per minute. The instructor said that the number seems high, but you will actually exert less energy if you take more strides vs. longer strides per minute. Apparently there are apps out there that will play music set to the 180 strides per minute cadence so you can keep time with the music. Or, you can use a metronome app to practice this skill.
Lean was the one I had the greatest difficulty understanding. The instructor likened it to bending at the ankle like a ski jumper versus leaning from your waist. Basically you are flexing your ankles to reduce muscle strain caused by toeing off.
Midfoot is also easy to understand. Instead of striking the ground with your heel first (this causes braking--think roller skate brakes--and all sorts of injuries and problems, including harm to your knees, hips, and toes) or with your forefoot (causing strained calves and Achilles), you want to land directly on your midfoot. Marching in place prior to a run can help you reinforce proper midfoot strike. Reaching forward with your heel to increase your stride will not make you faster. Speed actually comes from the back leg as you propel yourself forward. Watch the video on GFR's website of the 1500 meter Olympic semifinal, you'll see what I mean. These guys look like they are gazelles: Jumping more than they are running. It's going to take a long time for me to get there, if I ever do.
The instructors encouraged us to practice one new skill at a time, even switching it up during the run as to what we focus on. I ran about 3 miles this morning and switched between each skill. I found that after one day of  implementing these techniques, my run did not wear me out like it usually does and I was faster! I'm excited to see how continued effort on these skills improves my runs.

If you live in Orlando, you should definitely do to the clinic. Seeing yourself on video and also critiquing the other participants was very helpful. If you're not in Orlando, I bet a running store near you will have similar opportunities.

There's No Place Like Home

I'd been trying to plan a time to go to St. Augustine this summer and it really wasn't coming together for me. I had this perfect week planned where Jared would be off and we'd go to the beach and O'Steen's and the lighthouse and maybe even on a date just the two of us to the Purple Olive.  That week was not meant to be, but the week I got was pretty amazing too.

Grayson had gone up to spend his one-on-one weekend with Gigi and Papa, so we joined him on Monday evening and stayed through Thursday evening. On Tuesday morning, Aunt Teresa kept my older boys and Lauren kept the younger two so I could attend a funeral. The funeral was actually very uplifting and I cried tears of joy and sorrow. The mother of some dear friends passed away suddenly last week. My heart continues to go out to the Loveland family. The whole family was integral in my conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are kind and giving and such strong examples of integrity. I was privileged to know Christine and glad I could be there to support the family earlier this week. Hugging Ian reminded me what a real hug feels like! He is a professional hugger, I think.

We spent the rest of the week visiting with friends and family and swimming. I was able to see another childhood friend of mine, Jennifer Henry, now Lawrence. I should have taken a picture, but I forgot. We caught up in a short visit, too short really. I also spent time with cousins, Lauren and Amy. I love those girls. They are the older sisters I never had. The Russell's are always on my list to see and this trip was no different. Catie and I have grown to be great friends. I just love that girl!

Most of all I enjoyed taking a break from all my laundry (although I did two loads while I was at my parent's), cooking, and cleaning. And, visiting with my wonderful parents. Mom and I got to sit on the porch and visit for about an hour and a half after the children were in bed on Monday night. We talked about all sorts of things. I am so grateful I have a mom I can talk to. I love you, Mom!

We even got to see my hard-working brother a couple of times. Thanks for dinner on Thursday night, Tony. We love you so much. Here are some photos from the trip. We had a great time, but we missed Jared. Glad to be all together as a family again.

Enjoying her first ice cream cone. Peanut Butter Chocolate and so delicious!

 

Snuggle-time on the porch swing with Gigi and Papa.  Poor Miriam was sick the entire time. She had been sick and recovered over the weekend and got something new the second day we were there. I was really worried about her, but it's just a severe cold and we're powering through.

Landon dancing at the concert in the park in downtown St. Augustine.

Ancient City Slickers provided the music at the concert. I think their most recent song played was from 1929. Kazoos and Washboards were played. It was amazing.

Just sitting on a cannon.

Swinging at the park.

On a hike at the park.

Grayson in action at the park.

One last thing. This conversation happened and I am still chuckling about it.

While watching my dad push out pizzas, the boys had the following to say. 
Ethan: Wow, he's fast!
Grayson: He doesn't even make any holes in it.
Grayson: (in a whisper) He's a real chef and Mom's a pretend chef.
Ethan: Shhhh. He can hear you.
Me: (from the other room) I can hear you!
Grayson: Oh.

Solitude

We have been looking forward to celebrating July 4th for at least two months! We love this holiday. We love grilling out. We love fireworks. We love being with our family. We love America! Unfortunately, our little family has spent the last 28 hours creating our own personal fireworks. They are not pretty, instead they are pretty gross.
Having sick babies is not fun at all. It is truly a make or break moment in parenting. To watch your littles be sick and not understand what is happening to their little bodies is heart breaking. It is also pretty tough on your stomach. Lucky for me, I chose an excellent companion. He and I worked like a skilled team and we made it through the night.

 

Although moments like this are very difficult, there is a solitude that can be found. Normally rambunctious boys are happy to take a break and snuggle with their mama. We even got in a snuggle nap, which are my all time favorite. My sweet little girl didn't leave my side all day. And, when she awoke in the middle of the night I just held her and counted myself lucky to be her mama. It made my heart ache a little that she is so big now and that my middle of the night mama moments are numbered.

 

So, our holiday weekend didn't work out as planned. We're all a little bummed out, but we are enjoying the solitude.  Happy July 4th!