September 14, 2017
Some Thoughts on Grace
I saw this quote from Brad Wilcox: “Jesus walked on the water, but mortality was not designed to enable us to walk on water. It was designed so that we would sink. Only then would we reach out and grasp the arm of grace extended to us.” (“Changed Through His Grace,” p. 133)
This was eye opening for me. I didn’t realize until I read this that at some point in time I placed the expectation on myself to be able to walk on water. That if I had enough faith, I would be able to do this, that somehow it would prove how much faith I had!
It’s a relief to know I don’t have to prove my faith by walking on water – at least in this lifetime. And an excellent reminder that the Savior is not waiting for us at the finish line, but is with us every step of the way. Grace isn’t something that is waiting for us after we have done everything we can. It is waiting for us because we are trying to do the best we can.
(But I would be lying if I said I didn’t care about walking on water.)
For more on Brother Wilcox’s eloquent thoughts on grace, I recommend this summary of an address he gave at a BYU devotional.
Living an Intentional Life
I’ve been focusing more on living my life with intention. I have sometimes been accused of living it too intensely, but that’s different than living with intention. It is no longer enough for me to just float through life, waiting for the next thing to come along.
Instead, I am actively pursuing the things I want to accomplish. One of those ways is to actually write goals. Why write them down, rather than just think about them, though?
The two hemispheres of our brains are connected by neural fibers called the corpus callosum. It is that wide, flat bundle fibers that act as conduit for the electrical signals between the imaginative right brain, and the literal left brain.
These electrical signals then move into the fluid that surrounds the brain and travels up and down the spinal column. And then those signals communicate with every neuron and cell in your body, including the consciousness that can transform thoughts into reality.
The right side, the creative side of the brain loves that. But if you think about something and then write it down, you’re also inviting the other half of your brain to the party. That’s how your consciousness receives the signal of your desire, your intentions.
And then, you can see opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise be aware of if you solely think about your goals.
“Create of your life a masterpiece. Brothers and sisters, the abundant life does not come to us packaged and ready-made. It’s not something we can order and expect to find delivered with the afternoon mail. It does not come without hardship or sorrow. The abundant life isn’t something we arrive at. Rather, it is a magnificent journey that began long, long ages ago and will never, never end.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Abundant Life,” April 2006)
Want to live the life you’ve always wanted? Make a plan! Write it down! Then go out and get it.
Things of My Soul
Nephi said, “And upon these I write the things of my soul…For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.” (2 Nephi 4:15)
It is for that exact purpose – of delighting the soul by becoming more familiar with the gospel – that we created our exclusive gospel study tool and journal.
Do you have yours yet? It’s the perfect companion for General Conference which is just a few weeks away. Remember to use your discount code “friends-family” at checkout.
What’s bringing joy to you this week? Head over to our Facebook page and share it with us!
Love and blessings,
Laura
