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    And His name shall be called…

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    Hello My Friends!

    Giving at Christmas time can come in a variety of ways and reminds me of the scripture, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”  (Matthew 25:40)  Keep that in mind as I quickly share an experience from this past week. I went to visit my mother who now resides in a group home because of her health challenges.  

    My younger sister met me there and when we came to my mom’s room she was sleeping.  The lights were low and she had a plush yellow blanket placed over her, keeping her company in this 11-month journey of cancer.  As she heard our footsteps she opened her eyes and our visit began.

    My younger sister lotioned her hands and next her feet to help with circulation and muscle movement. 

    While we were there another sister called to check in on her.

    As we sat and visited next I heard fresh voices singing in the kitchen.  Young missionaries had come to bring Christmas carols to those who were housebound and in their sunset years.  Their voices floated the messages of Christmas throughout the home.

    Tears.

    A nurse called to schedule a tele-visit and wished my Mom a “Merry Christmas” in her most cheerful and best phone voice.  Sometimes, it’s just the little things, when one human simply shares kindness with another… that are often the most genuine gifts we can give.

    A few Utah truffles were shared (thank you Costco) and my mom was able to have a brief change from the constant new sameness in her life.  A life now filled with waiting.

    When it was time to go I just wanted to change everything back to ‘normal’, take her away and let her enjoy Christmas in the comforts of her own home.  But God has other plans for her and I know He’s with her.  You can see it in her countenance.  Yes, she’s had an experience with cancer but more importantly, she has the light of Christ.  She literally radiates.  She gave me back the gift of His light, when I simply went to give her a Christmas card that day. 

    With Dec. 25th fast approaching this week I wish you a Merry Christmas!  May your hearts and homes be filled with those you love whether in memory or those living.  What a wonderful time to gather, reflect and share.  I am grateful for this Christmas season and the opportunity to feel closer to Him.  I hope you have felt Him a little closer too.

    “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:  and the government shall be upon his shoulder:  and his name shall be called

    Wonderful,

    Counselor,

    The Mighty God,

    The Everlasting Father,

    The Prince of Peace.” 

    (Isaiah 9:6)

    It is life-changing to partner with someone with all of those titles and feel blanketed in His love.

    Action Opportunity this week:  Notice where Christ’s love shows up as you gather, reflect upon and share Christmas 2021.

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    Rudolph & the Naughty or Nice List

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    Seasons Greetings!

    When I was young Christmas-day-anticipation was real! I can remember hoping for toys and dolls to play with, looking through magazines, and just having wish upon wish of what might be wrapped up for me when Christmas day finally arrived. I was certain Rudolph would help Santa find my house and that I would not be forgotten. On December 24th I would go outside and look into the night sky to see if I could spy a blinking red light before going to sleep. The thought of being on Santa’s naughty list was a threat to my childhood joy and made it kind of hard to sleep on Christmas Eve. Was I good enough this year? Would there be any presents for me? See, I could sense all the times I took myself off the nice list between seasons. My siblings even noticed and during the December countdown I remember hearing, “You’re going to be on the naughty list if you don’t be good!”   Early childhood guilt happening right there.

    It’s laughable now but their efforts worked to some degree because it did help me understand that I could change the way I acted, just by making a simple choice.  If I really wanted to, I really could be ‘nice’. I was highly motivated to be in Santa’s good grace and tried so hard.  I’m certain in my young mind I decided that if Santa had a naughty list God must have one too and I was determined to stay off of it. But life is life, and choices are choices, and some days I’m sure I’ve made it on the proverbial naughty list as I was trying to figure out the gift of agency.

    May we remember, our omniscient Heavenly Father simply knows when we’ve stepped away from Him and already made provisions available for those moments. He doesn’t need a ‘list’ because he sees us from the beginning to the end. He sees all of our potential all at once and that is reason to hope. He gave us the gift of His Son, that no matter how good or bad we are, His love is constant and our value never changes. When we are ready to simply change and become better not only does the Savior help us overcome sin and death, but everything in between.

    As the years have passed by, my understanding of both Santa and God has changed. The first was a type and shadow of the other. The second, a Constant Creator of gifts and blessings to share for all eternity.  Perhaps this Dec. 24th you can go outside and look into the expanse of heaven and consider that Christ did not forget you. He already paid the price so you could feel His love, presence, and use the gift of His atoning sacrifice in ways big and small.

    Action Opportunity:  Pause the guilt trigger and ask God what HE loves about YOU this Christmas.  Remember ‘Christmas really is the day that holds all time together.’;  (Alexander Smith)  our past, present, and our future and is tied to the One who was born in a manger.  

    “Thanks be unto God for this unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor 9:15

    All my best,

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    Your heart, a shelf or a drawer?

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    I found myself reflecting this week on Christmas scenes long gone.  One Christmas morning as I excitedly unwrapped a present I discovered a treasure.  I received a cream, real leather wallet.  I could tell the high quality just from the way it felt on my teenage fingers. I didn’t want to tarnish it with use, so guess what?

    I never used the gift. 

    I missed out on the whole purpose of the gift! Instead, I let it remain untouched. Unused. I put it away in a drawer for safekeeping and figured out another way to carry my money.

    There’s some symbolism in this story. The whole reason for Christmas points us to the life of Jesus Christ, that He was born;  lived, and died and was a gift to this world. His offering in the Garden of Gethsemane and death on Calvary was personal; meaningful, and the means by which He accomplished His great atoning sacrifice. That gift is not something to be stored away or placed out of sight, and unused but meant to help us with our everyday burdens of life so we don’t have to carry them alone.

    My Christmas wish this year is for you to understand, the accessibility of the Savior more than you already do. As we partner with Christ to accomplish our highest and best outcomes, our lives are changed for good.  This past weekend I had the amazing opportunity to sing with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras in Arizona.  What a thrill it was to sing with over a thousand voices and an orchestra to share the reality of Christ’s birth along with the understanding that He will indeed return again one day.  The song “Joy to the World” was on the program and the following line struck me with great force: “…let earth receive her King!”   That is profound. What an invitation. May Christmas 2021 be one never to be forgotten, because you purposefully remember and receive Him each day in December and beyond.  You might be asking, “But how?”  How is it possible to connect with Him more?

    As I’ve inquired in prayer this past week (with a sincere heart and real intent, believing I will get an answer) I have been well taught.  I’ve simply prayed, “Help me to Receive the Savior today.”  Then I watch what happens throughout the day.  My heart and eyes have been open to see and comprehend the Savior in ways unexpected. I can feel when someone else is acting on His behalf providing acts of service or sharing kindness.  Let me give you a little example. Before and in between the four concerts this weekend we were in a holding room in a nearby church.  As I looked around I noticed tablecloths that were placed so we could be comfortable.  I could feel the intent of the people who placed them along with the simple Christmas decorations around the room and I literally had tears come to my eyes. What?  It was just a table cloth! It was just Christmas greenery! Why did that make me cry?!

    Normally I would have not even noticed these everyday tokens of modern life… but because I’m asking to receive the Savior, I am being shown where love is.  I was able to receive that gesture in gratitude and express thanks to the pastor and his wife after the concerts.  It was choice to have that interaction with them and recognize the preparations for their upcoming guests.  My friends that is just one of many examples of how my prayer has been answered.  It brings to mind the scripture, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me.” (Matt 25:40)

    A simple prayer said out loud,  “Dear God, help me receive the Savior today.  Help me receive my King,” can change everything.  It creates space to feel more of His love, light, and Messianic Message.  That is a gift I would like to receive in my heart each day.

    A gift I want to always use.

    How about you?

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    The Line that Takes Longer

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    Hello My Friends!

    I adore creating beautiful spaces so it will be no surprise to you that I found myself in a local craft/decor store recently.  I was on the hunt for supplies and once I had secured the needful items I went to pay for them.  There were two lines available.  As I was in a hurry I quickly thought, “Which one will be faster?”  Options:  stand behind a mom with a young son about 4 years old with a shopping cart filled with many little craft items, or get in a line that had 4 carts in it. I went for the one-cart-line. And yes, per usual, I picked the line that took longer; but on this day, in the end, I was grateful for the lesson I received.

    “Beep… Beep… Beep…”.  No, that was not a heart monitor on me revealing the rise of my heart rate as I had to wait, but rather represents the sound of the cashier adding up the customer’s total as she scanned each item. One tiny little thing after another, and another, and another. Suddenly when the young mother picked up the biggest box in her cart, her son completely lost his composure. His emotions overcame him and all eyes in the surrounding area of the store went directly to the scene. You see he screamed and yelled out as he wanted to hold a toy instead of getting it paid for and placed back in the basket for their departure. His displeasure was over-the-top in volume, desperation, and perplexity.  My heart went out to his mom. 

    What was fascinating was her response. SHE STAYED CALM. She then put her hand on her heart and looked him right in the eye and said, “You’re ok. You’re ok. You’re going to be ok.” She repeated this message until he understood and changed his focus, then he was able to calm down. He obviously knew what this cue meant and trusted his Mom. They had understanding in place prior to the stressful circumstance. He believed her and was able to work the problem out with her. My friends, he relinquished the toy and the cashier continued to add up the total.  It was amazing.

    It happened again, one more time before the order was complete. The mother repeated the same instructive interaction as before to calm down the 2nd fit. She put her hand on her heart, made eye contact and reassured her son. After seeing this again, I couldn’t stay silent anymore. I had to compliment her on what a good mother she is.  She then shared that her son has some behavioral difficulties due to autism so they have little”helps” they have practiced. Some days have been really hard, but her son is learning and together they keep trying.

    It reminded me that we have Heavenly Parents that also look upon us in our moments of frustration and outbursts when life isn’t going the way we think it should. When we have lack of understanding or put ourselves before God, sometimes in our frustration we cry out in perplexity, sorrow, and go to anger.  I trust our Heavenly Parents put their hands on their hearts many times saying with calm reassurance, 

    “You’re ok. 

    You’re ok. 

    You’re going to be ok!”   

    There’s been a Plan in place for a very long time and when we are willing to listen to God, ‘make eye contact’ so to speak, and trust, we can shift our focus and be calm and peaceful too, regardless of circumstance. I have experienced this time and time again.  I have practiced little ‘helps’ and understand heavenly cues so when those surprise moments pop up I know where to put my trust and attention.  It happened as a teenager when I lost a friend from a car accident; as a young mother when I was exhausted and felt utterly alone taking care of twins; it happened when I was losing my dad to lung and bone cancer; it happened when my husband lost his employment and the years of trying to get back on his feet; it happened when a son almost died from a car accident and the list goes on and on.  Because I had been taught where to put my focus, and who to listen to I had a way to successfully get through life’s surprises, disappointments and break-your-heart moments.

    That list I gave you is not all-inclusive, there are hundreds of more upsets in my life, but along with them hundreds of more victories where I was reassured and comforted by Heavenly means.   It was never intended that we work out our problems all alone. 

    I extend an invitation to be intentional about how you make God the priority in your life, regardless of the circumstances you are in.  I invite you to literally look to Him and what he’s trying to tell you.  (Alma 37: 37, 46-47)  

    Just take it one step at a time.  One thought at a time.  One prayer at a time.  One day at a time. My friends, if you do, it’s all going to be ok.  Trust there is a plan for you.   Symbolically, when you happen upon a line that you don’t want to be in, or are in an experience you think you want out of, see what there is to learn while standing in that line.  It might totally surprise you what God is trying to teach you.  He is beyond amazing. 

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    A little squeeze of Gratitude

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    What a week!

    Unbeknownst to me, one of my sons began hurting one week ago today and after an uncomfortable night was sent to the ER.  After he was admitted, we sat in the hospital, with curtains for walls, and could overhear practically everything being said by everyone in the near vicinity.  Monitors were going off so there were “Beeps” galore.  Blood was drawn.  A Covid test was given, temperature taken and assessments were made.  For the next 28 hrs until surgery, additional intercom announcements could be heard that switched between ‘Code Blue’…  ‘Code Red’…, and ‘Code Orange’. The last one came with blinking lights on the ceiling  –  alert indeed! 

    The hospital was prepared for every color-coded situation and the appropriate help was called for each specific need.  I realize that in life, we try to be prepared and self-sufficient but sometimes we need extra team members to gather and help us in times of need.   You know what I’m talking about right?   When those times hit gratitude is essential. Obviously, it’s a topic that has been on my mind this month and for the record, I practiced it during hospital visiting hours —  it made a big difference!

    “Some of the first things we feel when we experience gratitude are gladness, satisfaction, pleasure, serenity, and gratification.  Gratitude is so empowering that our lives feel more significant, with more depth and meaning and our spirituality is definitely increased.”  (Ed J. Pinegar)

    You see, even in a crisis, gratitude can make things better.  My son experienced a ‘Code Appendix’.  I’m not sure what color that would be in my crayon box, but it was indeed important that he get the help he needed, to literally save his life. 

    When we are willing, God walks us through each moment.  He gathers a team and knows how to perfectly support us through our challenges.  Sometimes we need professional help, prescriptions, sometimes friends & family, but every moment we need the Savior.   “Trust in the Lord with All thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  (Proverbs 3:5-7) We learn the most when we include Him along our journey and lean on and trust Him.

    I typically dislike going into hospitals because I’ve associated them with suffering and pain.  As I walked out after my son’s successful surgery, I realized what curious places hospitals are.  Sad things go on inside but miracles happen there too.  They are a place where people both enter this world and leave it, and God is in the timing of it all.  Modern-day wonders take place therein; hearts can be softened or challenged but when we partner with Christ, changed.  When we pray for God’s intervention and accept the tutorials life offers, he allows us to have more understanding and wisdom and I am grateful for that.  I had a lot of time to think about my blessings as I listened to the ticking of the clock, the beeping of blood pressure cuffs, and soaked up all the footsteps of hospital staff as they rolled gurneys to and fro.  I am grateful for my health and the opportunity to be a wife & mother.  I hope you’ll take some time to consider your unique blessings too.

    Action Opportunity: Squeeze in a little more gratitude this Thanksgiving.  After your Thanksgiving meal let each person share one thing they are grateful for.  Adding gratitude to your holiday feast will make it unforgettable.

    I send you off with the warmest Thanksgiving wishes!

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    Hello World –

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    What I’m All About:

    Welcome to my first Blog Post! I’m determined to have this published before my sourdough loaf comes out of the oven so let’s go!  (And if you think I’m a premier baker…. please know this is only my 2nd attempt.  I love to dable in the kitchen but this blog isn’t necessarily a cooking blog – but the journey of a woman who loves to help people feel better. Sometimes that happens from a fresh slice of home made bread, but more often than not it comes from the way we think.

    Before any more time runs out on the timer, let me explain.  Often we feel triggered, stuck, and disconnected.  You see,  if we aren’t careful, our emotions and thoughts can run our lives and often lend themselves to depression, anxiety, and complex struggle. Living intentionally, on purpose, every day, that’s what I’m interested in.  It’s been a joy to enter the field of faith-based Life Coaching and watch lives change since 2020.  Especially my own! Have you ever heard the quote, “If you only knew who you really were you wouldn’t act the way you do?” Sigh. Awkward pause. Shuffling of papers. Yes, that was me you just detected in a moment of introspection.  I have found a lot to look at and have changed the way I am showing up in life. In my practice, I am an advocate for personal development and increasing the power of Christ in one’s life so their true identity and purpose can be discovered and enjoyed.   Yes that was a big sentence, but it’s where the magic happens.  I have watched people move mountains in their lives by simply changing the way they think, talk, and act as they connect with their higher self and partner with Christ.

    With that said, I’ve met a lot of people who simply are carrying heavy loads and happiness doesn’t seem attainable. My friends, if we are made in the image and likeness of God — what’s going on?   He is a God of Love, the very author of the Plan of Happiness.  Could it be that we stepped away from Him in some way? Is it possible that we stopped listening to what He was trying to teach us in those moments of trial and testing, and started to put our focus elsewhere?   Is it possible that we started to believe things about ourselves and others that simply aren’t true?  That’s been powerful for me to consider.   When I stay connected to Him, the way I show up in life is completely different because He knows me best. 

    The Book of Mormon (one of my favorite scriptural witnesses of Christ) tells of a unique group of people called the Nephites and what their culture was centered upon.  

    H a p p i n e s s. 

    Infact, they are described as follows:  “And they lived after the manner of happiness.”  What did they do to create this culture of happiness? Collectively and individually? Is it possible for you and I to do the same, when circumstances are often out of our control? 

    I offer you the following to think about:

    Are you thinking after the manner of happiness? (i.e. are your thoughts positive or negative?)

    Are you talking after the manner of happiness? (i.e. are your words inviting or condemning?)

    Are you loving after the manner of happiness? (i.e. are you trying to connect with or avoid others?)

    Are you sharing after the manner of happiness? (i.e. do you treat others like you want to be treated?)

    These simple questions and more, allow you to see what you might do to increase joy in your life.

    I’m also going to give you a simple invitation today to increase the happy factor in your life. 
    S m i l e   m o r e   o f t e n. 
     
    There is so much research about the power of smiling.  Not only does it help you feel more gratitude, but also changes how people perceive and respond to you;  often it makes you more approachable and helps you put down your walls and connect with others.  

    Before I go please enjoy the following quote: “I doubt that Nephi intended his list of ingredients in a happy society to be exhaustive. There is no formula for guaranteeing happiness every day of our lives; in fact, scripture suggests that God did not intend for every day to be entirely happy (see 2 Ne. 2:15–16). There is eternal design and purpose to be seen in suffering, sadness, and adversity.”(Living after the Manner of Happiness, Elder Marlin K. Jensen) But through life, can we consider some small ways to improve the quality and happiness in our lives?  I say, “YES!”

    Remember, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives,”  Russel M. Nelson.

    At this point, my oven is beeping and my house smells amazing.  I only wish I could share a hot slice of bread with you and of course a smile!   

    All my best!  

    Marne

    Action Opportunity: Smile More Often!