Beacons of Light shining brightly from a lighthouse serve as a navigational aid to warn boats and ships of dangerous areas. Sea captains depend on that light to help keep them safe.

As we navigate our way through life we have not been left alone without light to guide us and warn us of danger. We have all been born with the light of Christ and if that light is nourished it will illuminate the correct path we should take. But without nourishment the light will grow dim and eventually burn out.

Our bodies are the house where our spirit dwells. Is there Light in your house? Does your testimony and faith in Jesus Christ radiate light in your countenance for others to see? This navigational gift our Father in Heaven has given each of his children can not only keep you safe but can guide others to safety as well. Where there is the light of Jesus Christ there is no darkness.

This past weekend I was able to spend a few glorious hours feeling, hearing and seeing the warmth and light of Jesus Christ shining from others through word and song. These powerful testimonies strengthened and fed my spirit!

I testify that striving to live the teachings of Jesus Christ will fill your soul with more and more light. And as your light increases you will know exactly where you are headed and your path will be bright and your future will be illuminated with the blessings and promises of Eternal Life!

D&C 50:24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”

by Tanya Christiansen

I once read a story about a plant in Palestine called The Rose of Jericho. This plant lived under the most diverse conditions. It was often referred to as the resurrection plant because it would appear to be dead and then show signs of life. It survived in the hot dry desert. It survived in rock crevices and through fierce high winds. Sometimes it would be torn from its place and flung out to sea and it still survived. It was tossed to and fro and yet it lived!!!

How did this plant survive? It survived because it accepted and adjusted to its circumstances. Do you ever feel you are tossed to and fro facing the trials and hardships of life? You might even feel that you can’t endure anymore. When I find myself in this situation I find strength in my Savior Jesus Christ. Through prayer, serving others and knowing that God loves me I have come to accept the loss I have experienced as stepping stones towards becoming the person my Father in Heaven would like me to become.

Hardships can pull us down if we allow them to. We can find joy in any circumstance through our faith in Christ and by thinking outward and helping others. As we serve we will find that our own troubles feel lighter. Accepting and adjusting to our circumstances will come eventually and we will find peace.

Psalms 28:7- “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”.

Accept and adjust or be miserable!

by Tanya Christiansen

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could send a text message to our Father in Heaven and get a quick response back? Although seeking after divine inspiration isn’t quite that simple, there are ways provided by the Lord to communicate and receive inspiration and guidance.

In my experience over the years I have found that those times I have acted on my own without praying for guidance have often resulted in a poor outcome. I am a slow learner and truly putting my trust in the Lord has taken me a lifetime to learn. When I say ‘truly’ I mean with my whole soul, trusting that God knows better than I do what action I should take, if any. I rely heavy on the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost in all that I do.

Our Father in Heaven loves His children to call home and counsel with Him. He is always ready to give divine inspiration to those who seek after it. That inspiration will not always come when we expect it or in the way we expect it, but it will come. I often receive answers through the words and testimonies of others.

I am far from perfect but I do strive to live my life in a way that will qualify me to receive divine guidance. I desperately need inspired help from my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in all that I do!

I testify that the Lord loves you and will direct your journey on earth if you ask in faith!

Listen With Your Heart!!!

by Tanya Christiansen

As I am quickly approaching the winter of my life I have often pondered the saying ‘The Golden Years‘. I have even said to family and friends, “What is so ‘Golden’ about growing old. As far as I can tell those advanced years come with alot of aches and pains! The bad knees, backaches, can’t see, can’t hear, thinning hair, bunions, age spots and arthiritis to name a few. And then there’s the mental decline, where you get lost in your own house, can’t remember for more than 30 seconds, and you start finding things in odd places. And there you have it…..The Golden Years!

This past week as I have been trying to clean out the four story house of my parents, I haven’t found any golden eggs but I have begin to have a glimpse of what is ‘Golden’. Although this house is full to the brim with everything imaginable, there is also a strong statement spoken here of simplicity, wisdom and values.

My mother loved her dogs, probably more than her kids. Millie Sue’s treat was cheerios wrapped up in a white napkin ready for treat time. I am finding these little white napkins containing cheerios everywhere. A simple gesture yet a symbol of love and kindness.

My step father clipped and saved newspaper articles that were important to him, as was learning about the events going on in the world. If you have an hour or two he would be happy to teach you about any historical event or share with you stories of his ancestors.

Old dishes and containers were not to be thrown away. (Nor have they been). The faded colors and bubbled plastic gives the item character. If it can still be used then you keep it. Rolling coins was something I remember helping with as a child. The kitchen cupboards contain a variety of neatly wrapped coins.

One corner of the patio still has a layer of birdseed that spilled from the bird feeders above. Watching my mom take the time to enjoy watching doves and other birds was something I will always remember.

These examples could all be considered golden moments that took place in our home. Even though I am just now recognizing a little about what those words ‘The Golden Years’ mean, I would have to say that part of it most certainly is about those golden memories of the little things that really matter. Maybe that’s why God made mortals to age and slow down long enough to see things clearly before they enter into the next phase of Eternal Life.

Look For Those Golden Moments!!!

by Tanya Christiansen

A turtle carries quite a load on his back! Infact he carries his house all the time, every day! He never removes it to take a rest. It’s no wonder he moves so slow!

What do you carry on your back? Is your load too heavy? Can you remove it at least while you rest? I found that there are advantages to keeping busy and active but there are also advantages to slowing down a little and taking a real rest every once in a while. Unfortunately I tend to wait a little too long before I take that much needed rest!

So how can we determine (before we are totally exhausted) that we need to change our pace and Breathe? I found that my body gives me warning signs. Some of those are: easily irritated, emotional, fatigued, restless, feelings of failure, sadness and sometimes even nausea. 😢

Society often gives us the impression that in order to ‘fit in‘ you must be accomplished in every area. Teens now days struggle with those kinds of pressures constantly. Sadly many feel that if you can’t keep up and excel you are a nobody. Actually the opposite is true!!! Going at your own pace, not comparing yourself to others and knowing when you need to slow down are the traits of someone who will accomplish great things in life!!!

Jesus Christ carried the greatest load of all when he suffered and died on the cross. He is there to help you when your load feels like more than you can handle. Slow down and turn to Christ!

It’s Okay To Sometimes Move As Slow As A Turtle!!!

by Tanya Christiansen

Is your life mundane and routine, or are you anxiously engaged in a good cause? Are you driven by your own thoughts and goals or are you driven by others? How do you feel when you awaken each day? Do you feel you have a purpose in this mortal life? These are questions that most have pondered at some point.

I personally need to improve in this area. For the most part I feel anxiously engaged to do good and serve others but there are still those days that I feel a little overwhelmed and lonely. We all have those days I’m sure. The important thing is that we find our strengths and allow them to give our lives purpose and meaning by sharing them with others. For me…..that was when I began to realize my full potential and purpose in life.

As children of God we have the power within us to inspire, guide, teach and help change lives for the better. We can be the Lords hands to help and encourage those around us to do good. This world needs kindness! This world needs Love! Find your purpose and be anxiously engaged in using that purpose for a good cause. You may never actually see the results of your efforts but I can guarantee you will feel a fulfillment like none other!!!

Don’t Allow Past or Present Circumstances To Determine Your Future!

by Tanya Christiansen

A face can tell us alot about a person. Especially the eyes remarkably reveal feelings of excitement, sadness, fear, hope, joy, illness and even anger. When coupled with the mouth, the face can tell almost as much as words can express. For alot of years I feared this very fact not wanting others to know those things I was not ready to share. I became quite skilled at dodging confrontations while making eye contact as little as possible.

I envied those people who showed enthusiasm and joy in their faces. I knew without any doubt that the source of their peace and joy was truly feeling the love of their Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. I felt that too many of the wrong things had happened in my life for me to ever have that same peace…..so, I just went on the best I could doing good but never quite getting there. I spent alot of years in that dreary place, hiding my face and laying as low as possible. I certainly did Not want to be in the spotlight.

Difficult trials continued to come into my life only causing me to draw within myself deeper. Sometimes I even felt that I was receiving exactly what I deserved. I could not see the miracle that was taking place. My Heavenly Father did in fact love me. He knew that in time these trials would soften and humble me to the point that I could accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and allow the healing power of His Atonement to work for me personally.

As I have made repentance a part of each day and I have learned to forgive others, allowing them the same courtesy I would hope to receive myself, I can stand up tall showing my face to the world. I hope others can see something peaceful in my countenance. I hope they can see peace and joy even through those moments of sadness that we all experience from time to time. I hope they see me as a daughter of God!

Let the Light of Christ show in your countenance!

by Tanya Christiansen

How do you let Freedom Ring? Is there a price to pay? Living in this great country is a priviledge. So many paved the way! First, those who sacrificed much to settle here in this promised land, and second, those who have served in battle to keep us free!

Some lost their lives, others lost their limbs, sight, the ability to walk, take care of themselves and do those things they once enjoyed. Freedom is not free!

Being a true American comes with responsibility. We can let freedom ring by serving our neighbor, by respecting our leaders and being grateful for living in such a great country. We can move forward with faith and courage ready to make sacrifices if necessary. We can stand tall with integrity, expressing proudly our standards and values to the world!

Thank you to God our Heavenly Father who had a plan that included this great nation where we have agency to choose for ourselves, and a place where we can worship as we desire. We are Americans by choice, not chance.

I’m Proud to be an American!!!

by Tanya Christiansen

Mental Fatigue is defined as a state of tiredness that sets in when your brains energy level is depleted. I can only try to solve the Rubik’s Cube for a couple of minutes before I feel that mental tiredness. I definitely have no desire to expand my thinking and study the solution to solving it. On the other hand my grandson took the time to study each step necessary to solve the cube until he could successfully complete the puzzle. His record time now is 36 seconds. I love watching him solve it! I have other grandsons who can do the same.

Our brains, just like the rest of our bodies need rest. If you are like me your brain contains multiple thoughts each hour of everyday. It seems that the busier I get the more crowded my head feels. I spend alot of time trying to focus on one thing at time. It’s a fact that I can quickly get a bad headache from too much thinking about multiple things at the same time.

Mental Fatigue can even bring about physical sickness in varied ways. I have personally experienced a chronic illness that many health care professionals believe can be brought on by mental fatigue. It has taken me a lifetime to heal both mentally and physically and learn the necessary skills to reverse the damage caused.

Be kind to yourself both mentally and physically. Learn to say no. It’s okay to not take on more than you can handle. Rest can rejuvenate your mind and body. We all need rest!!! It seems that this fast paced world often takes us to lengths that are not in our best interest. Seek professional help if necessary.

Life’s best decisions are made when we are mentally healthy!

by Tanya Christiansen

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Life offers an abundance of opportunities, challenges and teaching moments where adults as well as children and teens will choose how they will respond. We have probably all had moments when we would just like to jump to the finish line. Unfortunately most things require time, patience and perserverance as we take one step at a time. It is beneficial to have a goal or idea of where you would like to end up. The steps we take don’t always lead to good things, so it is important to know what you desire and where you are headed. If you find that you are off course you will have to take additional steps in reverse to get back on the right path.

It has been said that it takes 21 consecutive days to form a habit. Our age and maturity play a big part in the way we respond to different situations and how patient we are as we strive to reach our goals. Let me share a few examples. If you are going to school to gain a skill in a particular area you cannot jump to the finish line. There are tests to pass that require developing good study habits. There are many steps you must take before you graduate. Challenges are the same and require patience, self control and a plan of what you are going to do as you take one day at a time. Illness requires the steps of rest and possibly someone with the skills and knowledge to help you get well. Sometimes all you can do is wait. Desire is the first step if you want to strengthen a relationship. Most things of worth are not easy to obtain!

Likewise there are steps we must take to gain Eternal Life with our families. The Holy Scripture’s outline those steps. Sometimes it may be necessary to take a few steps in the darkness before we see the light. Trusting in God and his timing can give us the strength to put one foot in front of the other as we patiently move forward. Repenting of our mistakes and sins also require certain steps. There is no shortcut to Heaven!

You will never be beat… unless you quit!!! Keep moving forward!

by Tanya Christiansen