Step 3:
"Key Principle: Decide to turn your will and your life over to the care of God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."
I never realized that I had a doubt but I did. I want to believe and I do believe though. I have overcome that doubt. I know I have been blessed and continue to be blessed everyday. I am afraid to turn over my agency to the Lord. This is a gift from Him and it is our right. I am afraid that if I do turn over my will He will make me do something I do not like. LOL But I know it would be better for me. My feelings are so conflicting. This step has hit me hard and when I first read it I felt like I was being slapped. HA! Not I really want to do this but not sure how exactly to get the that point of submissiveness to our Father in Heaven. A few areas that hit me are these:
"When we begin to submit ourselves by letting our wills be swallowed up in God's will, then we are really giving something to Him" ("Insights from My Life," Ensign, Aug. 2000, 9).
Everything we have on this earth was already given to us by the Lord. He is only loaning it to us so when we give it back it is like we are giving him back our own stuff or showing gratitude which is great, but what is truly ours is our Agency and to give that to Him is a true gift and He feels and shows us gratitude for doing so. Then He can truly being to use us for His work and help Him gather His children in.
President Boyd K Packer said, "Perhaps the greatest discovery of my life, without question the greatest commitment, came when finally I had the confidence in God that I would loan or yield my agency to Him-... In a sense, speaking figuratively, to take one's angency that precious gift which the scriptures make plain is essential to life itself, and say, 'I will do as you direct,' is afterward to learn that in so doing you possess it all the more" (Obedience, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [Dec, 7, 1971], 4).
I can actually understand this. I mean we want to do go so when we finally let go and follow the Lord as he directs we can stand for our beliefs even better. We have more strength to overcome our trials and seek through our challenges. We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. We can defend honor and truth speaking up when things are just not right. We won't have the natural man relying on man anymore, How do we get there. How do we let go? Practice?
"We face the truth that recovery was far more the result of the Lord's efforts than our own."
He wants to give us freedom from our addictions and weaknesses. All we have to do is let Him. He knows exactly how we feel and He knows us He knows our hearts. How do we let go of something we are use to?
Time and practice?
"Allow God to recover and redeem us." "Allow Him to direct our lives, remembering, of course, that He always respects our agency." " Decide to put our lives in His hands by continuing to follow this spiritually focused program of recovery."
Allow Allow and Decide. We have to consciously make the choice. Maybe several times a day. I know I need too. Let go!!
"We realize that changing our lives this much had to be our own decision." "We saw we had to be willing to stay clean and sober regardless of anyone else's opinions or choices."
I cannot make myself please everyone. It does not work. If I don't like something then I must change it or say something. Do not be mean be patient kind, and long suffering. Charity. My problem is is that I do good for a day or so then I flip flop and get sucked in again to my weaknesses. I am not sure how to become positive one day at a time when I flip flop so often. ARGH! It is so frustrating. I want to do as the Lord wants me to. I just have to let go relax have an open mind.
"Alma 5:13: 'They humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God.'" "As we take this step we feel terrified of the unknown." "Childhood was very difficult and we are terrified of becoming vulnerable as little children again ... Making a definite commitment is nearly impossible, given the insanity surrounding us in this world. We have seen too many commitments broken. We have broken too many ourselves ... Keep doing as our recovering friends are doing 'Don't use. Go to meetings. Ask for help.'
I want to go to more meetings but I feel like I have too many other responsibilities. Half the time by studying I feel I am taking up too much time from my kids. I can't do this alone though. I am truly struggling to overcome and be as the Lord wants me to be. I am struggling to give my will to Him. Mind over matter. HA! What a joke. It is Spirit over body but to do that we have to turn our lives to Him. The little things matter!! Nothing I do seems good enough. I am trying to live better and get good nutrition and good things in my life. I am trying to be a better mother and wife. I am trying to serve. Just do it. So much to overcome.
"They patiently wait for us to become willing to open the door to God just a little bit."
These are the friends that who see your struggles and know what and how to help you. These are also Heavenly Father and Christ. The Spirit comes when we open our hearts even a small amount.
Christ says: "I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him. and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).
This is how it is "At first our efforts are anxious and halting. We keep giving the Lord our trust and then taking it back . We worry that He will be displeased at our inconsistency and withdraw His support and love from us. But He doesn't."
"Each of us realize that we not only have to give up our addictions, but we also have to turn our entire will and life over to God. As we do so we find Him patient and accepting of our faltering efforts to surrender to Him in all things. Our ability to withstand temptation has to be grounded in continual submission to the will of the Lord. We need to learn to accept life on the Lord's terms."
This is slightly different than what is in the workbook, but it holds more to me when I put it in the present rather than the past. This is exactly how I feel right now. I must learn I must do because I cannot overcome by myself. I have already tried. I must be with the Lord for success.
"Elder Maxwell observed, this submission to the Lord is hard doctrine. It requires us to rededicate ourselves to His will at the start of each day and sometimes every hour or even from moment to moment. As we are willing to do so, we find the grace, or enabling power, to do what we could not do for ourselves."
Mine is moment to moment because I can flip a switch and be ruthless. It has to be a moment to moment. I must remember. I must.
"Continued submission to God's will reduces strife and brings more meaning to our lives. We accept and treat others as we would like to be treated, as the Savior would treat us all."
I will have to ponder on this one more because I need to figure out how He wants us to treat some others or how I would want to be treated in some cases because sometimes I do not know.
"Each day we renew our submission to the Lord and His will. 'One day at a time.' Decide to let go of the self-will and self-seeking that were at the root of our addictions and enjoy another 24 hours of the serenity and strength that come from trusting in God and in His goodness, power, and love."
I do some of the addictions to overcome frustration or to think through a problem, but it just makes me more frustrated. I need to study a little more on the self-will and self-seeking to understand what they are more so I can fix them.
The Alan Steele Family
I love this family of mine
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Studying Hope and Understanding
"Belief in God"
"Believe in God; believe that he is,and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend" (Mosiah 4:9).
"Many witnesses in heaven and in earth testify of God's existence.What evidences of God and His love have you experienced?"
Here lately I have felt peace and calming. When I look at my children and enjoy their sweet spirits I can feel the love the Lord has for them and me. When I feel their gentle kicks from within while pregnant I know they are coming from a wonderful home and I have close to God because we helps create these wonderful little bodies. When I think of the babies that have not survived and yet families have received comfort and know they are safe and with our loving Father and Brother. I know God is with us. There are so many unexplained miracles that are so wonderful and awe inspiring. I am one of these. I was born with a hole in my heart between the good and bad blood. In many cases the bad blood would flow into the good and the child would have to have life saving surgery while mine was reversed. The good blood was running into the bad and it saved my life. Many times also the holes do not close. Mine did. Very gradually but it closed!! 16 years. I think of my Mother is so many accidents and my father praying for her safety and though she was in the car accidents she was saved. Her ectopic pregnancy that ruptured and she was still awake she had lost so much blood! It was before Loraina and I was born. We are little miracles for my mother. I know as I was deployed He sent angels before me to prepare the way. I was so protected. I was so blessed that I could receive mine endowment before I deployed which also was a great protection. So many many things to be grateful for and to know God Lives Jesus is the Savior of the world and The Holy Ghost helps guide us to our true and everlasting salvation if we let it. I have overcome many things from my youth that many have not been able to. This is because the Lord was walking beside me and carrying me when I had no strength left. I would be dead if not for the Gospel. I would have killed myself long ago. I am blessed beyond what I even know. :)
"Faith in Jesus Christ"
"Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil , with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ' (Alma 37:33).
"Many of us tried to get out of our addictions through sheer will power or through having faith in a friend or therapist. Sooner or later we found that our faith in ourselves or others did not enable us to overcome our addiction fully. Write about your feelings today of being humble and willing to turn to Christ and His gospel above all other sources of help in your recovery efforts."
My addictions are not as others or I had not realized my addictions were addictions until I was married which mentioned in the section above here. It took me a while to drop my pride enough to realize that I was indeed needing help from a higher Power. Or Heavenly Father and Jesus our Savior. It was so hard and I did push it off a while. But I knew trials were coming and I knew I didn't have the Spirit with me at all times and I was getting more flustered and taking it out on my children. I am in desperate need of help. I knew no one else could help me they had already tried. I have to beg forgiveness every day. I want the Spirit in my life So I can be a good mother, wife, daughter, and sister. I want to have that peace and calming and have endless patience so I do not hurt my children in anyway and I can help them progress and be better than I was. I want to be able to support my Husband in everything he does or needs to do with long patience without complain. I want my home to be Christ centered!!PLEASE! He is the only one that can help me now. :)
"The Savior's Compassion"
"Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:24).
"This man sought help from the Savior and obtained it. Jesus did not rebuke him for his doubt. Write about the Savior's compassion and patience."
How many times have I screwed up? I can't even count the times. Even if you have just a slight belief in Him or in what He can do for you then He can help you expound on it and learn more. It is similar to the mustard seed. Even if you only have a slight desire He can help make it grow!! He is always there when we need Him the most. The Savior knows our struggles. He suffered for every single one of them. He feels our pain so He knows how to overcome and help us overcome. He has tremendous patience with us because I think of Jonah and I know He continuously waits for our return to help us. Every time we mess up and we return He takes us back without question. Endless patience. I desire to learn this with my life.
"How do you feel about sharing your feelings with the Lord?"
Many times I am afraid. I feel like He already knows my issues and doesn't need to hear them and I don't want to bother Him with them either. I don't feel worthy of His kindness. Then it becomes too much and I have to let go of them or they will eat me up so I tell Him and I feel a sense of calm and peace. I know He is giving me strength to carry on with my life.
"The Gift of grace"
"Let us...come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
"In the Bible Dictionary, grace is defined as "divine means of help or strength" given through the "bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ" ("Grace," 697). This gift of divine strength enables you to do more than you would be able to do if left on your own. The Savior will do for you what you cannot do for yourself. His grace is the means by which you can repent and be changed. In what way have you felt the gift of grace in your life?"
He has relieve much of my pain from abuse I relieved as a child. I have a desire to change where at first my desire was minimal. He has helped me overcome trials. I have overcome an addiction already through His divine help and gentle guidance. He helps us gain experience and strengthen ourselves against the adversary.
I have prayed for His divine strength and I have received it. I am a work in progress but I know He has helped me with my addictions already.
"How can the gift of divine strength enable you to maintain continuous recovery?"
I have to pray for it continuously throughout the day. It helps us overcome and think of better ways to handle the painful or perceived pain of life. Divine strength enables us to avoid our weakness. This is what I need to pray for every morning and evening. Even throughout the day.
"Healing"
Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation? ...If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed" (Alma 15:6, 8).
"When we think of healing, we usually think about our bodies. What else about you might require the healing power of Jesus Christ?"
My spirit needs healing because my body is connected to my spirit in our soul. If my body craves for something the spirit will eventually as well. The wounds are deep and need to heal for the soul or the body and spirit. As our Spirit and body heal our minds will then become clearer and heal as well. Our hearts need to heal as well they are the bodies connection or communication to the Spirit.
"Write about your need to draw on the redeeming (liberating, transforming) power of Christ."
I have a great need to call on this power because I am constantly struggling through my day to overcome my challenges. I have ups and downs. I just want to have a steady up so I can help my children to be happy and I want them to know I love them and discipline them without hurting them mentally or physically. It is sad that I have such a hard time letting go of my weaknesses because I am addicted to them. I must be better. My desire has grown but it is a difficult road and I have set backs. When you are use to it and those around you do it is hard to change, but I know if I just keep asking and praying and knowing or having faith I will get there and then I can teach others. Please stay with me. please. Need this to be successful in my family and work life.
"Awakening"
"If ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words" (Alma 32:27).
"Becoming aware-or awaking and arousing your faculties-is an important part of the process of learning to believe. In what ways are you more aware today of Jesus Christ and His power in your life than you were last week? last month? last year?"
From last week I know more than ever I cannot over come these addictions or weaknesses with our Him. From a month ago, I am learning that even though I might only have a slight desire to change it will grow. From last year I have learned even if I only have a slight belief in something that is good it will grow and I continue to pursue it. Or if I only have a slight belief in the power of Christ He will still help me and guide me to more belief and a knowing of Him and His glorious power.
"Deliverance from bondage"
"They were in captivity, and again the Lord did deliver them out of bondage by the power of his word" (Alma 5:5).
"The word of God will be powerful in releasing you from bondage. You can find the word of God in the scriptures and the talks you hear at conference and read in Church magazines. You can also receive God's word directly through the Holy Ghost. Write some of the things you are willing to do today to receive His word to you."
I am willing to read the Ensign, Pray often morning and evening before scripture study. Study the scriptures, study Church books. I would love to go to more recovery meetings.
"Believe in God; believe that he is,and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend" (Mosiah 4:9).
"Many witnesses in heaven and in earth testify of God's existence.What evidences of God and His love have you experienced?"
Here lately I have felt peace and calming. When I look at my children and enjoy their sweet spirits I can feel the love the Lord has for them and me. When I feel their gentle kicks from within while pregnant I know they are coming from a wonderful home and I have close to God because we helps create these wonderful little bodies. When I think of the babies that have not survived and yet families have received comfort and know they are safe and with our loving Father and Brother. I know God is with us. There are so many unexplained miracles that are so wonderful and awe inspiring. I am one of these. I was born with a hole in my heart between the good and bad blood. In many cases the bad blood would flow into the good and the child would have to have life saving surgery while mine was reversed. The good blood was running into the bad and it saved my life. Many times also the holes do not close. Mine did. Very gradually but it closed!! 16 years. I think of my Mother is so many accidents and my father praying for her safety and though she was in the car accidents she was saved. Her ectopic pregnancy that ruptured and she was still awake she had lost so much blood! It was before Loraina and I was born. We are little miracles for my mother. I know as I was deployed He sent angels before me to prepare the way. I was so protected. I was so blessed that I could receive mine endowment before I deployed which also was a great protection. So many many things to be grateful for and to know God Lives Jesus is the Savior of the world and The Holy Ghost helps guide us to our true and everlasting salvation if we let it. I have overcome many things from my youth that many have not been able to. This is because the Lord was walking beside me and carrying me when I had no strength left. I would be dead if not for the Gospel. I would have killed myself long ago. I am blessed beyond what I even know. :)
"Faith in Jesus Christ"
"Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil , with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ' (Alma 37:33).
"Many of us tried to get out of our addictions through sheer will power or through having faith in a friend or therapist. Sooner or later we found that our faith in ourselves or others did not enable us to overcome our addiction fully. Write about your feelings today of being humble and willing to turn to Christ and His gospel above all other sources of help in your recovery efforts."
My addictions are not as others or I had not realized my addictions were addictions until I was married which mentioned in the section above here. It took me a while to drop my pride enough to realize that I was indeed needing help from a higher Power. Or Heavenly Father and Jesus our Savior. It was so hard and I did push it off a while. But I knew trials were coming and I knew I didn't have the Spirit with me at all times and I was getting more flustered and taking it out on my children. I am in desperate need of help. I knew no one else could help me they had already tried. I have to beg forgiveness every day. I want the Spirit in my life So I can be a good mother, wife, daughter, and sister. I want to have that peace and calming and have endless patience so I do not hurt my children in anyway and I can help them progress and be better than I was. I want to be able to support my Husband in everything he does or needs to do with long patience without complain. I want my home to be Christ centered!!PLEASE! He is the only one that can help me now. :)
"The Savior's Compassion"
"Straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:24).
"This man sought help from the Savior and obtained it. Jesus did not rebuke him for his doubt. Write about the Savior's compassion and patience."
How many times have I screwed up? I can't even count the times. Even if you have just a slight belief in Him or in what He can do for you then He can help you expound on it and learn more. It is similar to the mustard seed. Even if you only have a slight desire He can help make it grow!! He is always there when we need Him the most. The Savior knows our struggles. He suffered for every single one of them. He feels our pain so He knows how to overcome and help us overcome. He has tremendous patience with us because I think of Jonah and I know He continuously waits for our return to help us. Every time we mess up and we return He takes us back without question. Endless patience. I desire to learn this with my life.
"How do you feel about sharing your feelings with the Lord?"
Many times I am afraid. I feel like He already knows my issues and doesn't need to hear them and I don't want to bother Him with them either. I don't feel worthy of His kindness. Then it becomes too much and I have to let go of them or they will eat me up so I tell Him and I feel a sense of calm and peace. I know He is giving me strength to carry on with my life.
"The Gift of grace"
"Let us...come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
"In the Bible Dictionary, grace is defined as "divine means of help or strength" given through the "bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ" ("Grace," 697). This gift of divine strength enables you to do more than you would be able to do if left on your own. The Savior will do for you what you cannot do for yourself. His grace is the means by which you can repent and be changed. In what way have you felt the gift of grace in your life?"
He has relieve much of my pain from abuse I relieved as a child. I have a desire to change where at first my desire was minimal. He has helped me overcome trials. I have overcome an addiction already through His divine help and gentle guidance. He helps us gain experience and strengthen ourselves against the adversary.
I have prayed for His divine strength and I have received it. I am a work in progress but I know He has helped me with my addictions already.
"How can the gift of divine strength enable you to maintain continuous recovery?"
I have to pray for it continuously throughout the day. It helps us overcome and think of better ways to handle the painful or perceived pain of life. Divine strength enables us to avoid our weakness. This is what I need to pray for every morning and evening. Even throughout the day.
"Healing"
Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation? ...If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou canst be healed" (Alma 15:6, 8).
"When we think of healing, we usually think about our bodies. What else about you might require the healing power of Jesus Christ?"
My spirit needs healing because my body is connected to my spirit in our soul. If my body craves for something the spirit will eventually as well. The wounds are deep and need to heal for the soul or the body and spirit. As our Spirit and body heal our minds will then become clearer and heal as well. Our hearts need to heal as well they are the bodies connection or communication to the Spirit.
"Write about your need to draw on the redeeming (liberating, transforming) power of Christ."
I have a great need to call on this power because I am constantly struggling through my day to overcome my challenges. I have ups and downs. I just want to have a steady up so I can help my children to be happy and I want them to know I love them and discipline them without hurting them mentally or physically. It is sad that I have such a hard time letting go of my weaknesses because I am addicted to them. I must be better. My desire has grown but it is a difficult road and I have set backs. When you are use to it and those around you do it is hard to change, but I know if I just keep asking and praying and knowing or having faith I will get there and then I can teach others. Please stay with me. please. Need this to be successful in my family and work life.
"Awakening"
"If ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words" (Alma 32:27).
"Becoming aware-or awaking and arousing your faculties-is an important part of the process of learning to believe. In what ways are you more aware today of Jesus Christ and His power in your life than you were last week? last month? last year?"
From last week I know more than ever I cannot over come these addictions or weaknesses with our Him. From a month ago, I am learning that even though I might only have a slight desire to change it will grow. From last year I have learned even if I only have a slight belief in something that is good it will grow and I continue to pursue it. Or if I only have a slight belief in the power of Christ He will still help me and guide me to more belief and a knowing of Him and His glorious power.
"Deliverance from bondage"
"They were in captivity, and again the Lord did deliver them out of bondage by the power of his word" (Alma 5:5).
"The word of God will be powerful in releasing you from bondage. You can find the word of God in the scriptures and the talks you hear at conference and read in Church magazines. You can also receive God's word directly through the Holy Ghost. Write some of the things you are willing to do today to receive His word to you."
I am willing to read the Ensign, Pray often morning and evening before scripture study. Study the scriptures, study Church books. I would love to go to more recovery meetings.
Hope in action.
"As you let go of pride and begin to consider bringing God back into your life, you will start to think in more prayerful terms."
I really want to pray more. I feel sometimes that I might pray too much and I should do things on my own occasionally, but I seem to get into trouble that way too. Maybe I wait too long. I would really like to think in more prayerful terms.
"At last you will begin to experience the healing effects of breaking out of self-imposed isolation."
I am looking forward to meeting new people and having friends that have some of the same goals or like minds. Look forward to having friends that are more positive and encouraging. Oh I know I will keep the friends I have but it would be great to have more encouragement and new ideas for progression.
"The desire to communicate with God will lead you to study the words of modern and ancient prophets."
I really want to study the Ensign which is sitting on the table here staring at me. I really need to find time to just sit and study. There is so much and I think I take too much time up. There is just so much I want to know and learn and overcome but never enough time. I will just have to keep going.
"As you write your thoughts, you will receive additional impressions from the Spirit, Study prayerfully and the Lord will give you answers to your questions and needs."
I need to pray in the morning and evening. Please stay with me because I really need the Spirit with me to accomplish what I need to. I Love studying the word of the Gospel. It is so empowered.
"A great place to begin your is with the verses at the end of each chapter in this guide."
I wasn't sure at one point if the questions counted because I want to do more but sometimes I do not have time to do more. :(
"Take a few minutes every day to seek what the Lord desires to communicate to you."
I am excited to learn more of what the Lord would have me do and to know what He thinks of me as I continue through my day. I am excited to overcome my addictions and be a better person.
"Believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost" " ...We at least had some knowledge of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. We may even had a simple belief in Them, but often we did not connect our personal struggles with our need for God's power in our lives."
This is so true I have struggled with many of these addictions for many many years and I did not realize that they were addictions until I began to have my own family. It just didn't occur to me that these would strain some of my relationships and upset my Husband and my children in many ways. I am seeking recovery and desire change or transformation for myself.
"Our testimonies are that you can come to know the perfectly united love of the Godhead by watching for evidence of Their love and power in your life and in the lives of others."
I am learning why we don't do certain things and why we do do some things. I need to let go of things so I can progress. Forgive and forget. Move forward with faith and be believe that everything is for our good.
I really want to pray more. I feel sometimes that I might pray too much and I should do things on my own occasionally, but I seem to get into trouble that way too. Maybe I wait too long. I would really like to think in more prayerful terms.
"At last you will begin to experience the healing effects of breaking out of self-imposed isolation."
I am looking forward to meeting new people and having friends that have some of the same goals or like minds. Look forward to having friends that are more positive and encouraging. Oh I know I will keep the friends I have but it would be great to have more encouragement and new ideas for progression.
"The desire to communicate with God will lead you to study the words of modern and ancient prophets."
I really want to study the Ensign which is sitting on the table here staring at me. I really need to find time to just sit and study. There is so much and I think I take too much time up. There is just so much I want to know and learn and overcome but never enough time. I will just have to keep going.
"As you write your thoughts, you will receive additional impressions from the Spirit, Study prayerfully and the Lord will give you answers to your questions and needs."
I need to pray in the morning and evening. Please stay with me because I really need the Spirit with me to accomplish what I need to. I Love studying the word of the Gospel. It is so empowered.
"A great place to begin your is with the verses at the end of each chapter in this guide."
I wasn't sure at one point if the questions counted because I want to do more but sometimes I do not have time to do more. :(
"Take a few minutes every day to seek what the Lord desires to communicate to you."
I am excited to learn more of what the Lord would have me do and to know what He thinks of me as I continue through my day. I am excited to overcome my addictions and be a better person.
"Believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost" " ...We at least had some knowledge of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. We may even had a simple belief in Them, but often we did not connect our personal struggles with our need for God's power in our lives."
This is so true I have struggled with many of these addictions for many many years and I did not realize that they were addictions until I began to have my own family. It just didn't occur to me that these would strain some of my relationships and upset my Husband and my children in many ways. I am seeking recovery and desire change or transformation for myself.
"Our testimonies are that you can come to know the perfectly united love of the Godhead by watching for evidence of Their love and power in your life and in the lives of others."
I am learning why we don't do certain things and why we do do some things. I need to let go of things so I can progress. Forgive and forget. Move forward with faith and be believe that everything is for our good.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Children
"Precious moments of opportunity to interact and converse with our children dissolve when we are occupied with distractions. Why not choose a time each day to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other? Simply turn everything off. When you do this, your home may seem quiet at first; you may even feel at a loss as to what to do or say. Then, as you give full attention to your children, a conversation will begin, and you can enjoy listening to each other."
"This divine privilege of raising our children is a much greater responsibility than we can do alone, without the Lord's help. He knows exactly what our children need to know, what they need to do, and what they need to be to come back into His presence. He gives mothers and fathers specific instruction and guidance through the scriptures, His prophets, and the Holy Ghost."
"One of the greatest influences a person can have in this world is to influence a child. Children's beliefs and self-worth are shaped early in their lives. Everyone within the sound of my voice has the power to increase a child's confidence in himself or herself and to increase a child's faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through the words they speak."
How do we stop yelling and screaming. Can we help them with every thing? I don't want to "baby" will it work if we do only encouragement? What about punishment? Very frustrating to figure out what to do and stick with it.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Hope
Many times I feel like I am losing hope with my daily struggles to be come better more pure and spiritual.
The Readings!
Hope:
The Second Step in the addiction recovery program is Hope or "Come to believe that the power of God can restore you to complete spiritual health."
A few points that I really like are:
..."turn to God and find hope in the Atonement of Jesus Christ." "Finally humbled, we reached out for help."
I need so much help sometimes I feel like I shouldn't even be in this program because my addictions seem so minor and insignificant where as many others have these huge ones right. No not at all my addictions affect my family just as greatly if not more so than others. I am loved and needing help I have to change I need the Atonement of Christ. A hope in Christ helps to accomplish using the Atonement. Then we will have faith to endure to the end and overcome our addictions.
"We are grateful to hear that if we would turn to the Lord, there would be "no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no offense exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness" ( Boyd K Packer, in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 22; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 19)
I have so many bad habits it is hard to see the tree for the forest or see the light at the end of the tunnel to let go. I have done so many bad things because I am so frustrated with myself that I just want to hide under a rock. I love my babies. I love my husband and I love my family. I have to be better so I can serve them and overcome these weaknesses and be successful in my life. I know if I turn to Christ He will help let go of all the hurt and pain because He knows what it feels like. He knows me and Loves me. Heavenly Father gave His only begotten son so that all His children could come back if we would just hold onto the Iron Rod and not let go for anything. Then we will reach Eternal salvation.
"We began to believe that He could deliver us form the bondage of addiction. We followed the example of our recovering friends. We attended meetings, prayed, renewed our activity in the Church, and pondered and applied the scriptures, and our own miracles began to happen. We found ourselves blessed with the grace of Jesus Christ to maintain our abstinence one day at a time."
I thought I was good because I was going to church and I was reading the scriptures, but it is not enough. I have miss understood and miss interpreted many things. I have to be better. I have to be better. I know I will be blessed if I can just get better one day at a time. If I mess up I can repent and start again. Move forward with a steadfastness in Christ. With Heavenly Father's help I can do this. I can get better. I love the gospel and the Atonement it does give us peace and hope.
"We became willing to replace trust in ourselves and our addiction with faith in the love and power of Jesus Christ. We took this step in our minds and in our hearts, and we experienced the truth that the foundation of recovery from addiction must be spiritual."
Recovery is definitely a spiritual one because our spirit and our body are connected as a soul. If our body cravings the addiction then our soul does as well. If our spirit is willing to change it can learn to control the natural man cravings of the body. I am feeling a definite change in myself and feel more of the Spirit as I continue on my journey towards recovery. I must keep the faith and PRAY often because as soon as I do not pray I slip. I have to keep it up I will keep it up.
..."you find yourself being restored to spiritual health through your newfound relationship with the Lord. His Spirit will help you begin to see your choices more honestly and clearly; you will make decisions in harmony with gospel principle."
I feel so much closer to the Lord as I study the scriptures and follow the steps to recovery. I feel more hope and joy. I will overcome. :)
"The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubles times in which we do now and will yet live."
I can see more of His mercies as I pray often and study the scriptures. I can feel that sweetness. Oh how wonderful our Heavenly Father and our brother Christ are. How much they do love us and want us to be happy. Thank Thee Lord for all you do for me.
"...We may falsely think that such blessings and gifts are reserved for other people who appear to be more righteous or who serve in visible Church callings. I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us" (in Conference Report. Apr. 2005, 106-7; or Ensign, May 005, 100-101).
Yes I felt his often but I have also felt that though I am trying to be good I do not receive as many blessings as those who are not going to church or following the Gospel as they should. I keep thinking I have missed something. We have been blessed so much though with wonderful opportunities and amazing callings to help and serve all God's Children our Spiritual brothers and sisters. We have progressed so that we can overcome our trials and challenges in life. We also have the gospel availability to go and partake of His spirit on regular basis.
The bolded sections are from the 12 step Addiction Recovery Program copyright 2005 pages 7-8
The Readings!
Hope:
The Second Step in the addiction recovery program is Hope or "Come to believe that the power of God can restore you to complete spiritual health."
A few points that I really like are:
..."turn to God and find hope in the Atonement of Jesus Christ." "Finally humbled, we reached out for help."
I need so much help sometimes I feel like I shouldn't even be in this program because my addictions seem so minor and insignificant where as many others have these huge ones right. No not at all my addictions affect my family just as greatly if not more so than others. I am loved and needing help I have to change I need the Atonement of Christ. A hope in Christ helps to accomplish using the Atonement. Then we will have faith to endure to the end and overcome our addictions.
"We are grateful to hear that if we would turn to the Lord, there would be "no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no offense exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness" ( Boyd K Packer, in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 22; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 19)
I have so many bad habits it is hard to see the tree for the forest or see the light at the end of the tunnel to let go. I have done so many bad things because I am so frustrated with myself that I just want to hide under a rock. I love my babies. I love my husband and I love my family. I have to be better so I can serve them and overcome these weaknesses and be successful in my life. I know if I turn to Christ He will help let go of all the hurt and pain because He knows what it feels like. He knows me and Loves me. Heavenly Father gave His only begotten son so that all His children could come back if we would just hold onto the Iron Rod and not let go for anything. Then we will reach Eternal salvation.
"We began to believe that He could deliver us form the bondage of addiction. We followed the example of our recovering friends. We attended meetings, prayed, renewed our activity in the Church, and pondered and applied the scriptures, and our own miracles began to happen. We found ourselves blessed with the grace of Jesus Christ to maintain our abstinence one day at a time."
I thought I was good because I was going to church and I was reading the scriptures, but it is not enough. I have miss understood and miss interpreted many things. I have to be better. I have to be better. I know I will be blessed if I can just get better one day at a time. If I mess up I can repent and start again. Move forward with a steadfastness in Christ. With Heavenly Father's help I can do this. I can get better. I love the gospel and the Atonement it does give us peace and hope.
"We became willing to replace trust in ourselves and our addiction with faith in the love and power of Jesus Christ. We took this step in our minds and in our hearts, and we experienced the truth that the foundation of recovery from addiction must be spiritual."
Recovery is definitely a spiritual one because our spirit and our body are connected as a soul. If our body cravings the addiction then our soul does as well. If our spirit is willing to change it can learn to control the natural man cravings of the body. I am feeling a definite change in myself and feel more of the Spirit as I continue on my journey towards recovery. I must keep the faith and PRAY often because as soon as I do not pray I slip. I have to keep it up I will keep it up.
..."you find yourself being restored to spiritual health through your newfound relationship with the Lord. His Spirit will help you begin to see your choices more honestly and clearly; you will make decisions in harmony with gospel principle."
I feel so much closer to the Lord as I study the scriptures and follow the steps to recovery. I feel more hope and joy. I will overcome. :)
"The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubles times in which we do now and will yet live."
I can see more of His mercies as I pray often and study the scriptures. I can feel that sweetness. Oh how wonderful our Heavenly Father and our brother Christ are. How much they do love us and want us to be happy. Thank Thee Lord for all you do for me.
"...We may falsely think that such blessings and gifts are reserved for other people who appear to be more righteous or who serve in visible Church callings. I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us" (in Conference Report. Apr. 2005, 106-7; or Ensign, May 005, 100-101).
Yes I felt his often but I have also felt that though I am trying to be good I do not receive as many blessings as those who are not going to church or following the Gospel as they should. I keep thinking I have missed something. We have been blessed so much though with wonderful opportunities and amazing callings to help and serve all God's Children our Spiritual brothers and sisters. We have progressed so that we can overcome our trials and challenges in life. We also have the gospel availability to go and partake of His spirit on regular basis.
The bolded sections are from the 12 step Addiction Recovery Program copyright 2005 pages 7-8
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Addiction recovery
"Encompassed by temptations"
Do you feel encompassed or trapped? When do you feel this way most often?
I feel trapped when unexpected situations come. When a situation arises that I cannot control. Or if anyone in my family is sick or stressed out. Or I do not grasp the concept of a situation or information that is being presented or I am trying to learn. I even feel trapped when I am excited or relieved about something. If I do not feel the spirit.
What situations or feelings weakened your so you gave into your addiction?
Stress, Uncertainty, Anxiety, disappointment, tired, pondering, loneliness. Seemingly never ending duties for church or work or school or house hold chores. Cranky and/or sick family member (s). Upset with someone or myself. When I cannot see or feel progress. When I do not reach my goals that I work so hard for. Perceived pain. Many things to accomplish in a very short amount of time. Annoyance, frustration, nervousness, Knowing a change is needed but not sure how to go about doing it. Confusion, fear.
When Nephi felt overwhelmed, in whom did he place his trust? What can you do to place more trust in the Lord?
Nephi trusted in the Lord. He asked the Lord for help constantly and had faith enough to gain the experiences to gain knowledge of the Lord and gain spiritual confirmation. He overcame persecution from his own family members. He trusted completely in the Lord. :) It seems to simple to place our trust in the Lord but we make it difficult. Read the scriptures, pray, go to church and fulfill your callings, worship the Lord our God and have no other gods before Him. Pay tithing, give of your substance to others that they may be blessed by the Lord through us.Hang out with more positive people. Gain friends that have some of the same goals. Reach out to others that do not the blessings we do so they can partake of the glories of God. Let go of yourself and work to gain the Kingdom of God.
"I know that man is nothing"
"It came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again receive his natural strength like unto man; and he said unto himself: Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed" ( Moses 1:10)
How did Moses describe himself as compared to God?
He was nothing and his own strength was no match for the Lords. It took hours for Moses to get his natural man strength back. It is interesting the he would say natural strength of the man, I makes me think that the Lord gives us strength to take things on that we did not know we could bear. It is like Christ in the Garden He was not alone. Angels came and supported Him. If Christ had support and He was Half God then why do we suppose that we can do all things by ourselves. It is NOT POSSIBLE!
How can little children be of infinite worth and still be nothing when compared to his or her parents?
It is their potential to do good! They do not understand at this moment but if we teach them to rely on the Lord they can accomplish such great feats. They can be anything and do anything. They can be stronger than their own parents. Love greater. They will eventually teach their own parents. But as children they still have to learn from their parents.
In what ways are you nothing when you do not have the help of God?
My weaknesses become overwhelming. I am more irritable and do not have the focus I need to successful with my family, church, or work. I am unable to get out of a depressive state, I am unable to overcome my faults or trials. I feel loneliness, unworthy, void of love and peace. I have a hard time forgiving. I cannot move forward or progress and I feel stagnant and begin to slip into a black whole or I feel I like I am rotting.
In what ways are you of infinite worth?
I am a daughter of a KING! I have so many opportunities to become great. I can have all that Heavenly Father has. I can give to others that do not have as much as I do. I can help others. I can have an eternal family. I can become as the Savior and have charity for all.
Write about how recognizing your helplessness to overcome your addiction on your own can bring you to admit your own nothingness and become as a little child.
I can see and I know how I am unable to overcome my addictions without the Lord because it is like water constantly running and on whatever the water running on it is being cut and their will forever be a grove or a scar. I constantly revert back to my addiction when something I want to hide from becomes present. It is a survival mechanism, but I don't need to survive I need to be successful. I have to submit my will to the Lord as a child eventually submits his will to the parent because most of the time the Parent knows the best way to hand the situation. The difference is that Heavenly Father does know the difference and He will help us if we align our lives to His wonderful will and use faith.
Hunger and Thirst
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6).
"And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that I reached the heavens" (Enos 1:4).
In the scriptures, we learn that our souls can hunger. Do you ever feel empty inside, even when you are not physically hungry? What causes that emptiness?
Yes I feel many times empty. The emptiness is caused because I do not have the spirit with me at that time. I have not been doing as the Lord would have me do like reading and studying the scriptures and praying personal or family. I feel unworthy to speak to our Father in Heaven because I have made mistakes. Then everything doesn't work like it needs to I lose time and patience and I can't even focus. I feel my life spinning out of control and I cannot go on anymore and I break down because I know I am nothing compared to our Father in Heaven and Christ. I have to have help.
How can your hunger for things of the Spirit help you be more honest?
If I do as the Lord commands I can receive the spirit and with every day living and learning to change and wanting the Spirit with us constantly we can be honest with ourselves and others more often. We will be able to recognize the mistakes we make more quickly correct them and repent faster. To have the Spirit with us or to hunger desire to have the spirit with us we would be compelled to be honest to keep it with us because we would be unclean if we were dishonest and the Spirit could not dwell with us.
Honesty
"Some may regard the quality of character known as honesty to be a most ordinary subject. But I believe it to be the very essence of the gospel. Without honesty our lives...will degenerate into ugliness and chaos" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "We Believe in Being Honest," Ensign, Oct. 1990, 2).
Write about ways you have lied and attempted to hide your addiction from yourself and others. How has this behavior caused "ugliness and chaos?"
I have or would avoid people. I would wear clothes hiding my addictions. I wouldn't talk to anyone. I would hide from my husband and children and even extended family and friends. I have lost friends because of my hiding. I have scared myself. I have lost opportunities to gain clients and friends. I feel ashamed and can't bring myself to look myself or many others in the eye. I have lost time. I lose energy. I do not accomplish anything.
Humility
"Because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved" (Alma 32:13).
Write about the circumstances that have compelled you to humility and to seek repentance. What hope does Alma give you? How can you find or receive that hope?
I nee more time to accomplish my tasks such as my family to clean my home to work and help support my family. I see how it affects my family and we know trials are ahead and we need the Spirit with us at all times and if I can get rid of these addictions and have the spirit continually with me then we will overcome the trials and challenges that await us. We will receive the mercy that we so desperately need to enter into the Kingdom of God. I will be about to feel the hope and peace I need to overcome. But to receive these blessings I will need to put my heart mind and soul and constantly ask for His guidance and learn to be patient in our recovery. I need to feast upon the holy words and gather my family to me to feel of their support. Reading and pondering the scriptures and the words of the prophets so I know which direction I need to turn. :)
The Lord's Delight
"Lying Lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight" (Proverbs 12:22).
Writing the answers to these questions has called for a deep level of honesty about yourself. How does this passage of scripture relate to this kind of honesty? How can you become the Lord's delight?
To lie means we chase the Spirit away. The Lord loves it when we are honest with ourselves and others. If we continue to be honest with ourselves then we will progress and move forward and be successful in our lives. I will be able to identify my weaknesses and mistakes faster and repent faster than I did before.
The Questions are from the LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing (copyright 2005 Section Honesty step 1). The answers are my own.
Do you feel encompassed or trapped? When do you feel this way most often?
I feel trapped when unexpected situations come. When a situation arises that I cannot control. Or if anyone in my family is sick or stressed out. Or I do not grasp the concept of a situation or information that is being presented or I am trying to learn. I even feel trapped when I am excited or relieved about something. If I do not feel the spirit.
What situations or feelings weakened your so you gave into your addiction?
Stress, Uncertainty, Anxiety, disappointment, tired, pondering, loneliness. Seemingly never ending duties for church or work or school or house hold chores. Cranky and/or sick family member (s). Upset with someone or myself. When I cannot see or feel progress. When I do not reach my goals that I work so hard for. Perceived pain. Many things to accomplish in a very short amount of time. Annoyance, frustration, nervousness, Knowing a change is needed but not sure how to go about doing it. Confusion, fear.
When Nephi felt overwhelmed, in whom did he place his trust? What can you do to place more trust in the Lord?
Nephi trusted in the Lord. He asked the Lord for help constantly and had faith enough to gain the experiences to gain knowledge of the Lord and gain spiritual confirmation. He overcame persecution from his own family members. He trusted completely in the Lord. :) It seems to simple to place our trust in the Lord but we make it difficult. Read the scriptures, pray, go to church and fulfill your callings, worship the Lord our God and have no other gods before Him. Pay tithing, give of your substance to others that they may be blessed by the Lord through us.Hang out with more positive people. Gain friends that have some of the same goals. Reach out to others that do not the blessings we do so they can partake of the glories of God. Let go of yourself and work to gain the Kingdom of God.
"I know that man is nothing"
"It came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again receive his natural strength like unto man; and he said unto himself: Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed" ( Moses 1:10)
How did Moses describe himself as compared to God?
He was nothing and his own strength was no match for the Lords. It took hours for Moses to get his natural man strength back. It is interesting the he would say natural strength of the man, I makes me think that the Lord gives us strength to take things on that we did not know we could bear. It is like Christ in the Garden He was not alone. Angels came and supported Him. If Christ had support and He was Half God then why do we suppose that we can do all things by ourselves. It is NOT POSSIBLE!
How can little children be of infinite worth and still be nothing when compared to his or her parents?
It is their potential to do good! They do not understand at this moment but if we teach them to rely on the Lord they can accomplish such great feats. They can be anything and do anything. They can be stronger than their own parents. Love greater. They will eventually teach their own parents. But as children they still have to learn from their parents.
In what ways are you nothing when you do not have the help of God?
My weaknesses become overwhelming. I am more irritable and do not have the focus I need to successful with my family, church, or work. I am unable to get out of a depressive state, I am unable to overcome my faults or trials. I feel loneliness, unworthy, void of love and peace. I have a hard time forgiving. I cannot move forward or progress and I feel stagnant and begin to slip into a black whole or I feel I like I am rotting.
In what ways are you of infinite worth?
I am a daughter of a KING! I have so many opportunities to become great. I can have all that Heavenly Father has. I can give to others that do not have as much as I do. I can help others. I can have an eternal family. I can become as the Savior and have charity for all.
Write about how recognizing your helplessness to overcome your addiction on your own can bring you to admit your own nothingness and become as a little child.
I can see and I know how I am unable to overcome my addictions without the Lord because it is like water constantly running and on whatever the water running on it is being cut and their will forever be a grove or a scar. I constantly revert back to my addiction when something I want to hide from becomes present. It is a survival mechanism, but I don't need to survive I need to be successful. I have to submit my will to the Lord as a child eventually submits his will to the parent because most of the time the Parent knows the best way to hand the situation. The difference is that Heavenly Father does know the difference and He will help us if we align our lives to His wonderful will and use faith.
Hunger and Thirst
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6).
"And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that I reached the heavens" (Enos 1:4).
In the scriptures, we learn that our souls can hunger. Do you ever feel empty inside, even when you are not physically hungry? What causes that emptiness?
Yes I feel many times empty. The emptiness is caused because I do not have the spirit with me at that time. I have not been doing as the Lord would have me do like reading and studying the scriptures and praying personal or family. I feel unworthy to speak to our Father in Heaven because I have made mistakes. Then everything doesn't work like it needs to I lose time and patience and I can't even focus. I feel my life spinning out of control and I cannot go on anymore and I break down because I know I am nothing compared to our Father in Heaven and Christ. I have to have help.
How can your hunger for things of the Spirit help you be more honest?
If I do as the Lord commands I can receive the spirit and with every day living and learning to change and wanting the Spirit with us constantly we can be honest with ourselves and others more often. We will be able to recognize the mistakes we make more quickly correct them and repent faster. To have the Spirit with us or to hunger desire to have the spirit with us we would be compelled to be honest to keep it with us because we would be unclean if we were dishonest and the Spirit could not dwell with us.
Honesty
"Some may regard the quality of character known as honesty to be a most ordinary subject. But I believe it to be the very essence of the gospel. Without honesty our lives...will degenerate into ugliness and chaos" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "We Believe in Being Honest," Ensign, Oct. 1990, 2).
Write about ways you have lied and attempted to hide your addiction from yourself and others. How has this behavior caused "ugliness and chaos?"
I have or would avoid people. I would wear clothes hiding my addictions. I wouldn't talk to anyone. I would hide from my husband and children and even extended family and friends. I have lost friends because of my hiding. I have scared myself. I have lost opportunities to gain clients and friends. I feel ashamed and can't bring myself to look myself or many others in the eye. I have lost time. I lose energy. I do not accomplish anything.
Humility
"Because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved" (Alma 32:13).
Write about the circumstances that have compelled you to humility and to seek repentance. What hope does Alma give you? How can you find or receive that hope?
I nee more time to accomplish my tasks such as my family to clean my home to work and help support my family. I see how it affects my family and we know trials are ahead and we need the Spirit with us at all times and if I can get rid of these addictions and have the spirit continually with me then we will overcome the trials and challenges that await us. We will receive the mercy that we so desperately need to enter into the Kingdom of God. I will be about to feel the hope and peace I need to overcome. But to receive these blessings I will need to put my heart mind and soul and constantly ask for His guidance and learn to be patient in our recovery. I need to feast upon the holy words and gather my family to me to feel of their support. Reading and pondering the scriptures and the words of the prophets so I know which direction I need to turn. :)
The Lord's Delight
"Lying Lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight" (Proverbs 12:22).
Writing the answers to these questions has called for a deep level of honesty about yourself. How does this passage of scripture relate to this kind of honesty? How can you become the Lord's delight?
To lie means we chase the Spirit away. The Lord loves it when we are honest with ourselves and others. If we continue to be honest with ourselves then we will progress and move forward and be successful in our lives. I will be able to identify my weaknesses and mistakes faster and repent faster than I did before.
The Questions are from the LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing (copyright 2005 Section Honesty step 1). The answers are my own.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
I struggle to keep my bearings as I continue to stay here. I feel trapped in myself and unable to push through my addictions and overcome. I cannot overcome without the help of my Lord. I cannot progress without the spirit in my life. I watched 17 miracles today and Porter Rockwell. The saints went through so much and to keep the faith and had so many miracles through their journeys. Bring people back from the dead and feeling Angels push them towards Zion. I have felt such things in times of lonely while in the Army i felt arms surround me and tell me everything will be ok. Every will work out. And it has. I have lost sight of many of our goals and fallen into a state of neglected faith and depression that I have a really hard time getting over those feelings and moving forward. I have come to understand they are an addiction that I must overcome to have the spirit with me at all times. I have to work towards the Kingdom of God to become successful in anything that I do. We have been so blessed. I just have to keep studying the scriptures and writing the thoughts that come to my mind and heart and I will move forward. "Pride and honesty cannot coexist." "The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives."
"The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior than the a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior." ~ President Boyd K. Packer.
Step 1 to the recovering from my addictions is "Honesty: Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addiction and that your life has become unmanageable."
"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things." Alma 26: 12
"The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior than the a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior." ~ President Boyd K. Packer.
Step 1 to the recovering from my addictions is "Honesty: Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addiction and that your life has become unmanageable."
"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things." Alma 26: 12
17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great agoodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O bwretched man that I am! Yea, my heart csorrowethbecause of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have atrusted.
20 My God hath been my asupport; he hath led me through minebafflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.
2 Nephi 4:17-22
Blessed be the Lord God for ALL THINGS are possible with Him. :)
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