Category: Personal Growth Page 11 of 21

Writing my post each sunday means I do a lot of thinking during the week. My writing has become very therapeutic for myself and hopefully beneficial to others as well. I consider myself a deep thinker. I analyze everything which sometimes is not beneficial. It is much better to trust your decisions and not go over them in your head fifty times. On a positive side, thinking outside the box can be very helpful to you and those you associate with. I think sometimes our thoughts and actions become very routine. We become very certain with where we stand on certain issues. That is good!!! But what if thinking outside the box…….taking a little more time before we respond or act could bring about something even better???

I believe that we can be inspired in ALL of our thoughts and actions. We can pray for guidance and act when we feel prompted and in the way the Holy Ghost inspires. I have found that divine inspiration sometimes is totally different than what my quick thought is. Our Father in Heaven knows each of his children and what will benefit them. I know he can help us to think outside the box or in other words, slow down, ask for guidance and take the time to listen. Then, act upon those thoughts that come and trust that you are saying or doing what the Lord would want you to do.

Words and actions have a very powerful effect and can change the outcome in any situation. Our thoughts govern who we are, how we act, and who we become. You can’t reverse a word spoken or undo a hasteful action, but as you take the time to really think about what you are facing, you can trust that you are moving forward in the right way. You may not always see the end results of your thoughts and actions but our Father in Heaven does.

Take the Time to Pray and Ponder Before You Act!

by Tanya Christiansen

Take a minute and think about someone you know who always has a smile on their face. I love being around those kind of people! Their positive attitude about life, (even when things are rough), makes me want to try harder to find the good in any given situation. Being around those kind of people lifts my mood and helps me reflect on those things I have to be grateful for. I want to be remembered as someone who chose to be happy even during difficult things.

Having dealt with depression for a big part of my life, it has been a breath of fresh air to finally feel truly happy! Happy with who I am. Happy with my life and where I am with my progression. And especially happy to know that I am part of our Heavenly Fathers plan! Slowly over a long period of time I have been able to face and discard all of my distorted thoughts, misconceptions, and negative remarks that I had taken to heart and allowed to become whom I thought was me. The thing that has helped me the very most was the encouragement, example and positive attitudes of those people around me. There always seems to be a few people who seem to find something positive during the worst experiences. I want to be like that!

Paying attention to your thoughts is a good place to start if you are struggling with being negative. You have the ability to shift your negative thoughts to more positive ones. Positive words and actions lift ourselves and others while negative responses tear down. Being positive is very closely related to Faith. There is power in being positive, even when and especially when, things are crumbling around us. We can have faith in better days ahead. We can have faith in ourselves and our ability to accomplish those things required of us. Your smile or encouraging words can truly make the difference and might give someone the courage to keep trying!!!

Are You Happy With What You See in The Mirror?

by Tanya Christiansen

I once thought of suffering as painful, dark, dreary, hurtful and anything but sacred. But somewhere along the way my suffering became sacred. Dont get me wrong…….the pain was still there, but there was also something greater than the distress. Ponder for a few minutes how you feel both emotionally and physically when you are in the middle of hard things. Our bodies respond to sickness, sadness and injury in an effort to heal us and relieve suffering. Tears release endorphins and oxytocin that help relieve emotional and physical distress. An Adreniline Rush is our bodies way of responding to pain or stress by heightening our abilities in what you may know as fight or flight. Suffering certainly isn’t pleasant. Grieving can drain our energy and even cause us to become ill. Severe suffering can bring on feelings of worthlessness.

On Sunday in my church meeting I heard the story of Job from the Old Testament who suffered greatly. For a period of time he felt that God had forgotten him. In years past I felt the same way. I have since then (through sincere and humble prayer) come to feel the comforting and strengthening spirit of the Holy Ghost. My most difficult suffering has become sacred to me because….during those times I have drawn closer to my Heavenly Father and felt His love and strength through the power of the Holy Ghost greater than any other time in my life. That divine help makes it possible for me to endure what ever hardship I am going through.

Calling upon God through prayer, having Faith that He can strengthen and comfort you during challenging times can bring you peace as you wait for better days. I know this is true. I have felt the comfort of the Holy Ghost. I know that suffering refines us and is for our benefit and a part of mortal life. God will not always remove the cause of our pain but He will always send the strength to endure if we humbly ask Him. In closing I wish to share the words from Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “No matter what our mortal experience may entail we can trust God and find joy in Him.”

Turn to God and Find Peace and Strength

by Tanya Christiansen

What makes a house a home? To me a home is much more than a house. A home is a place where you feel warmth, love, and safety. A home is a place where you can express your feelings. A home is a place where you can be yourself and escape from the influences of the outside world if only for a little while. Those people you live with can help make your house a home. Different personalities can determine the mood or atmosphere in your home. Physical appearance and cleanliness can help a home to feel warm and inviting. The type of social media allowed in your home can also make a big impact.

At a young age I thought my house was a home because I really didn’t have anything to compare to. My fathers passing when I was eight brought feelings of sadness and uncertainty into our home. Two years later my mom remarried and we moved away leaving the only home I ever knew. My mom and step father attempted to blend two families together which didn’t go very well. I remember alot of contention, swearing and arguing as five kids from very different backgrounds tried to get along with each other. My step father had a very hot temper especially when us kids were quarreling. I quickly became afraid of my step father.

It wasn’t until many years later when I started raising a family of my own that I learned of those things that invite a peaceful Spirit into ones house making it a home. Prayer invites the Spirit of the Holy Ghost which encourages showing love and kindness to anyone who resides there or comes to visit. Uplifting music brings peace and calmness. Our homes can be a little bit of heaven on earth where our families and friends can feel safe and happy!

Create an atmosphere in your home where the Spirit of the Lord can dwell bringing peace to all who enter!

by Tanya Christiansen

Shortly after my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer a neighbor who had moved away came to visit me. He had no idea that he was an answer to my prayers as I searched for understanding. After expressing his condolences he started teaching me about keeping an Eternal Perspective and encouraged me to look at the big picture. His words have came to me many times these past almost eight years of being alone. I find strength when I remind myself that mortality is but a small moment in time and that all sadness, sickness, and even death will someday be no more.

How blessed we are to be apart of God’s tapestry! This beautiful painting called Eternal life is glorious beyond description! If you look at the big picture you will find strokes of love, peace, hope, joy, strength and compassion. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Maybe we could all benefit from looking at the big picture even in our day to day events. Having the full story in our disagreements with others can bring compassion and understanding while dissolving the dispute. Looking at the big picture when a dream is shattered can open the door to other possibilities that might bring more growth than the original direction we were headed. God sees the big picture when he looks at us. He views his children with an Eternal Perspective. He knows who we really are and who we really can become.

Our mortal view often limits our perspective which can bring frustration, discouragement and even fear. That’s exactly how I felt that day when my husband and I left the Oncologist’s office. All I could see was shattered dreams. Life felt so unfair. The gospel of Jesus Christ turns shattered dreams into better dreams. Actually dreams that aren’t just dreams but reality!!! I know I will see my husband again and continue our relationship as husband and wife! I know this is possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I will keep an Eternal Perspective until that day comes!

We can’t see the end of the road because we are part of something bigger, something Eternal.

by Tanya Christiansen

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Having been one of the most introvert people I know, I have learned a thing or two about why you should stand tall and let your voice be heard! I thought for a lot of years that I really had nothing to offer to anyone and the cruelty of those who were quick to put me down, not listen and even verbally abuse, only validated the negative thoughts I already had about myself. It can take a lifetime to undo all the lies, misconceptions and negative remarks or actions that take a front row seat in your mind. Believe me….. this really can be true, because this is my story! Unfortunately I have lived this. And luckily I have risen above the damage caused to me as a person.

We have all been hurt at times by someone’s thoughtless words and I’m certain we have all been on the other end and said something we wish we hadn’t said. So make allowances and be forgiving!

Now getting to the good part of this post! And that’s YOU!!! STAND UP and SPEAK UP! Let the world know who YOU really are! Letting others know your experiences, what you believe, and what you value can open the doors of understanding, compassion and change! Words and actions are SO powerful. They can degrade or uplift. They can teach truth or instill lies. They can brighten ones day or fill a soul with darkness. Your opinion matters, your thoughts can enlighten. Living up to those valuable words you speak can influence others to change, to be better, to try harder. If you struggle with speaking up, believe in yourself. Believe that you have something worth saying. Follow those promptings within.

Perhaps those quiet whispers we hear in our mind and our hearts can be the loudest and the most influential of all. The deception of the adversary can make us think we are much less than we really are. On the flip side of that, the comforting and calming whispers of the Still Small Voice can bring peace and clarity and helps us to know of our divine nature as children of God. So Stand Up and Speak Up!!! Share those things you have learned during your journey on Earth!!!

Your words might be exactly what someone needs to hear!!!

by Tanya Christiansen

St. Luke 24: 1-6

“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass as they were much perplexed there about, behold two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here but is risen!”

The single most important event that has ever occurred or will ever occur happened when Jesus Christ was resurrected and overcame death. Is resurrection only for a select few? No, resurrection is for all mankind. I look forward with faith to that glorious day when we will no longer live amongst sorrow, sickness and sin. I know with certainty that I can be reunited with loved ones never to be separated from them again. This is because Jesus Christ atoned on the cross for all sins and suffering of every kind. I can not repay Him but I can honor Him by repenting and following Him. I show my love for Him by sharing His gospel with others!!!

I testify this Easter Sunday that Jesus Christ lives and was resurrected on the third day. And because he overcame death we can all be resurrected and live with our families Eternally. What a glorious gift the Father has given to His children in the gift of His Son!!!

Easter means to me: no more sickness.

Easter means to me: no more sorrow.

Easter means to me: no more sin.

Easter means to me: no more death.

Easter means to me: Eternal joy!!!

by Tanya Christiansen

Happy Easter to All!

There is so much turmoil and contention in this world today. I have been thinking alot lately about second chances. Where would any of us be if there were no second chances? Every night the sun sets and we expect it to rise again the next morning bringing with it another opportunity to be better than we were the day before.

It’s easy to extend to ourselves chance after chance to improve, to be kinder, more forgiving, better parents, and better neighbors…. but do we extend to others the same courtesy? I have to admit having been a victim of abuse I have had years of holding grudges and not letting things go. That has certainly been my number one challenge to overcome in this life……. with trusting again, my second challenge. Even those who deliberately hurt others deserve second chances, third and even fourth.

The gift of each new day comes from a loving Heavenly Father who loves all of His children and knows we will all make mistakes. He has given His Son to pay the price for all wrong doings and sins. It is our duty to forgive and let go of all ill feelings that keep us from giving second chances to those we come in contact with.

I testify that letting go of grudges and allowing others the same courtesy and respect that we desire for ourselves will bring more peace into your life. God will take care of all injustices. It is not necessary for us to carry those burdens. Jesus Christ has already paid for all suffering of every kind. His great Atonement offers repentance and forgiveness to all.

Let It Go And Find Peace

by Tanya Christiansen

I like to think of the Fruit of the Spirit as attributes and characteristic’s of our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. Developing these attributes require life’s experiences and our divine spiritual relationship to our Heavenly Parents, which gives us the capability to become like them.

Love is a basic human need and an attribute that we as children of God were exposed to in our premortal life. We were deeply loved by our Father in Heaven and because of that Love he allowed His Only Begotten Son to die for us so we could return and live with Him someday. Love can heal broken hearts and mend damaged relationships. Love can cast out hate. Love is powerful. Love is kind. Love is the leader of all the Fruits of the Spirit.

I John 4: 8 God is Love.

Joy triumphs over despair and sadness. Knowing who you truly are and keeping God’s commandments brings the deepest joy one can know. Joy is Optimistic! You can feel joy during difficult times. With a heart full of joy we can accept and adjust. A knowledge of Eternal life brings joy.

Long Suffering requires patience in this imperfect world. There will always be hurtful words, mistakes, accusations and misunderstandings. Developing the attribute of Long Suffering can restore peace in less than ideal situations. Always remember it takes more courage to be patient and endure, than to attack.

Meekness is internal peace that is constant and calming. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of meekness. In Matthew chapter 11 we read, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” We can achieve that internal peace by learning of Christ and following Him.

Faithfulness is trusting in God and His plan. It is believing and looking forward to the fruit or reward of our good works. We can develop faithfulness by being responsible and keeping promises and commitments. Our Father in Heaven has great blessings for those who remain faithful.

Developing Fruits of the Spirit brings us to an ideal character or closer to our divine person with the potential that God intends for all of His children to have.

Partake Of The Fruit!!!

by Tanya Christiansen

In 1952 a great swimmer, Florence Chadwick, attempted to swim 26 miles from the California Coast to the Catalina Island. As she swam she was followed by a boat with a team of people keeping a watch out for sharks and being ready to assist her if she became too tired or sore to continue. After Florence had been swimming for about 15 hours the fog set in and her confidence began to vanish. With the fog thickening and decreased determination to meet her goal, Florence asked to be pulled into the boat only 30 minutes before reaching the unseen shore.

Life often presents fog in our field of vision dimming clarity and blurring our focus of ‘our shore‘ or goal. Enduring to the end requires determination, courage, integrity, strength and even Faith. Faith in ourselves and faith in Jesus Christ. We will not always have 20/20 vision. Satan has the power to distort our view ahead or cast fog in our path in hope’s of throwing us off course. These things certainly can make enduring to the end more difficult. In those times of less than perfect clarity we may have to listen to our heart and mind and those heavenly promptings that will protect us from the sharks and guide us safely to shore.

Sometimes we can only endure the hour ahead or one day or one week or one year. We can look ahead to where we want to end up, but we all have to take the necessary steps to get there. Shortcuts rarely bring success. Often things worthwhile are not easy to obtain.

Florence Chadwick began swimming as a young child. She was in competitions by the age of six. She was determined to meet her goals. She slowly worked her way up to her 26 mile swim to the Catalina Island which she finally achieved on her second try.

God will help you reach your goals. He will protect you from the sharks, He will pull you in the boat when you become exhausted. God will help you as you endure to the end of mortality, keeping your eye on a glorious Eternity with blessings greater than anything imaginable. Do you only endure or do you endure well, having faith in a brighter day?

by Tanya Christiansen

As Dory would say, “Just keep swimming.”