Ready for Change? Happy New Year.

As TODAY’s ChangeMakers (TCMs), we can look forward to a lot of joy in this new year. As we follow our guiding purposes, we empower ourselves to create positive change. For TCMs everywhere, I hope you will stay true to your guiding purposes as TODAY’s ChangeMaker which are to

Glean wisdom from the past rather than stay stuck in it.
Be happy and live a purpose-filled life as TODAY’s ChangeMaker.
Prepare courageously and confidently for the future—come what may.

This wonderful reminder from Jeffrey R. Holland is perfect for TODAY’s ChangeMakers. It is a perfect fit for the first guiding purpose of gleaning wisdom from the past rather than staying stuck in it.

He says, “As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives.

So a more theological way to talk about Lot’s wife is to say that she did not have faith. She doubted the Lord’s ability to give her something better than she already had. Apparently, she thought that nothing that lay ahead could possibly be as good as what she was leaving behind.

To yearn to go back to a world that cannot be lived in now, to be perennially dissatisfied with present circumstances and have only dismal views of the future, and to miss the here and now and tomorrow because we are so trapped in the there and then and yesterday are some of the sins of Lot’s wife.”

Let us embrace our present moments as we elevate our daily life circumstances throughout the year.

To your happiness in this new Year,
Carolyn

If you’re looking for some guidance and support in 2018, check out my upcoming ReNEW YOU Classes and Joyful Breakthrough Membership Circles by CLICKING HERE.

The Book of Mormon and Generational Healing

I feel so happy!

I finished reading the Book of Mormon again. It clearly shows the generational influence of daily choices on physical, emotional and spiritual health and happiness.

My work serves people who feel lost in a sea of uncertainty, wandering without purpose, or who feel that they have never been taught what they really need to know to sustain lasting happiness. I’m preparing to teach an inner worth class that will offer ways to elevate thought patterns, habit patterns and family patterns. My emphasis is generational healing and freedom.

I believe and know that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of Jesus Christ, His mission and message. I actively study the teachings found in both books. Yesterday, I just finished reading the Book of Mormon again. The patterns of daily behavior that ripple out from belief or unbelief in Jesus Christ and His teachings in the peoples who lived anciently are very apparent. The ripple effect on generations becomes very clear.

This time in the world’s history

We are each on earth in THIS stage of life’s history. As we choose to believe and follow Jesus Christ and His teachings, we are led to embrace those principles that govern happiness in ourselves and in relationships. It leads to deliverance and freedom. When we don’t seek God’s help to change the INner man or woman, we sink into discouragement, despair, depression, and despondency. It eventually leads to oppression and destruction.

New INsights

While reading it this time, I have come to love the Book of Mormon in a new way. My thoughts were led to see, with clarity, the generational influence of daily choices on physical, emotional and spiritual health and happiness–both for individuals and families. I also saw, clearer than ever before, the vital need for record keeping as pertaining to sustaining family stability and direction. (And for those of you who know I’m an advocate for JOURNALing, you can see why this would reinforce my enthusiasm for the subject of keeping personal and family records.)

As always,

I love reading about the Savior’s influence on people.
I love taking those teachings into my heart and feeling the light of God’s love and seeing my own life change for the better.
I love the close relationship it allows me to experience with Him in my present moments.
I love the hope and encouragement I feel and the perspective I get by reading daily.
I love the insight it gives me about generational healing vs generational degeneration.
I love the uplift I get from the hope and encouragement I glean about doing my best.
I’m grateful to be able to feel closer to God when I read from its pages.
I appreciate the insight, understanding and light that is available to all of us.

For our day

This is a record that was intended to come forth in OUR day. I am grateful for the sacrifices of all those who kept the records and also for those who brought it forth for us to be able to read and learn from now.

I can’t wait to start reading The Book of Mormon all over again.

Have a happy day!
Carolyn

PS For easy access to the texts for the Book of Mormon and the Bible, click the Scriptures and Study tab at www.lds.org

Forgiveness: It’s Never Too Late

Have you ever wondered if forgiveness was something everyone else could claim except you? ReNEW your Spiritual Vitality with this hopeful thought by Jeffrey R. Holland.

“… however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.”

There is hope and peace found within when one repents in order to access forgiveness. Freedom from guilt and shame is available.

I INcourage you to take a step at being AT ONE with Christ today. It is the way to happiness. Forgiveness is available in your present moment. Only Jesus Christ helps us discharge the heavy weight of sin and oppression through his offering each of us forgiveness. He can heal the heart. He guides and directs us toward accepting the gift he offers us. Will you heed His call, and set yourself free from the weight of sin today?

Is it Time for a Change? Happy New Year.

Glean wisdom from the past rather than stay stuck in it.
Be happy and live a purpose-filled life as TODAY’s ChangeMaker.
Prepare courageously and confidently for the future—come what may.

Let us embrace our present moments as we elevate our daily life circumstances throughout the year.

To your happiness in this new Year,
Carolyn

If you’re looking for some guidance and support in 2017, check out my upcoming
ReNEW YOU Classes and Joyful Breakthrough Membership Circles by CLICKING HERE.

Keep Christ in Christmas. Nativity video.

Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by watching this beautifully done Nativity Video.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
To your happiness,
Carolyn

One Christmas Eve (and Recipes)

On this Christmas Eve, I hope you will enjoy this video of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

While I was raising my children, we always had a little spiritual program Christmas Eve night followed by fun, songs or games when we were at our own home. We had a traditional dinner of enchilada pie (a tradition that began with Grandma Mary Jane Kilgore), tossed green salad with Ranch dressing, tortilla chips, and Uncle Chuck Murphy’s Salsa most years. Grandma Kilgore’s Lemon Cake drizzled with a lemon glaze usually followed.

I remember the year my mom was passing away from kidney failure caused by congestive heart failure and who also had cancer. My Marissa was praying that she would be with us until Christmas. I said something like, “Oh no, Sweetheart, we need to let her pass when she’s ready. It’s not good for her to stay with us all that time until Christmas.” I quickly went to the copy shop and made paper copies of songs we could sing around my mom’s bedside.

Shortly thereafter, we sang Christmas Carols to her and got to pre-celebrate our last Christmas together with song and with love in our hearts for that gentle, kind, loving, other’s-focused soul whom I was privileged to call my mother. I know that that was a very sacred time for all of us. Earth and heaven seemed very intertwined.

I’m grateful that Jesus Christ was born, filled His mission on earth, and was resurrected—overcoming both physical and spiritual death and bridging the gap for us between earth and heaven again. Making it possible for us to also return, as He did, to live with our Heavenly Father once more. Because of Him, death will have no sting, and I will be able to see my mom, dad and other friends and family again someday. For me, in Christ, there is both hope and peace. I am very grateful.

Here’s our recipes in case you’d like to try them.

ENCHILADA PIE

Grandma Mary Jane Kilgore’s recipe from Lawry’s.
We use this on Christmas Eve.

Lawry’s Enchilada Sauce Mix packet Ripe olives

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey 1 can tomato sauce – 8 oz.

1 medium onion, chopped 6 corn tortillas

1 clove garlic, minced 2 cups shredded cheese

2 T. margarine or butter 2/3 cup water

1 tsp. Salt ¼ tsp. pepper

In a saucepan combine Enchilada sauce mix, 1 can (8 oz.), 2 ½ cups water. Blend well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Sauté ground meat, onion and garlic in the margarine or butter. Stir in Enchilada sauce, olives, salt and pepper.

Butter corn tortillas. Layer in buttered, round Pyrex casserole dish in this order:

Tortilla
Sauce
Grated cheese

Repeat until the 6 tortillas are used, and pour the remaining sauce over all.

Pour 2/3 cup water at the edge of the casserole into the bottom.

Cover the top with the rest of the cheese. (We use Cheddar cheese)

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes. Serves at least 6.

UNCLE CHUCK MURPHY’S SALSA
We use this on Christmas Eve, too.

1 packet Italian dressing mix 1 medium can chopped or sliced olives

1 small can diced green chili 3-4 green onions

2 fresh tomatoes, diced cilantro to taste

1 large can diced tomatoes 1-2 cups grated Jack cheese

Empty diced tomatoes into a bowl. Add dry Italian dressing mix, diced green chili (to taste), fresh diced tomatoes, olives, and green onions. This mixture can sit in the refrigerator at least ½ hour or more to blend flavors. Add cilantro and grated cheese just before serving.

I also found myself busy make Ham and Egg Souffle (that sets overnight)
to pop in the oven first thing in the morning.

HAM AND EGG SOUFFLE

1 dozen eggs 2 tsp. Salt

12 slices white bread 3 c. cubed ham

4 c. milk 3 c. Cheddar cheese

1 ½ tsp. Dry mustard

Beat eggs until fluffy. Cut crusts from bread: cube. Place bread in a 9 x 14 inch Pyrex (buttered) dish. Add 4 cups milk to eggs. Dissolve l ½ teaspoons dry mustard in a little water and add to egg mixture. Add salt and chopped ham: mix. Pour over bread. Let set overnight. In the morning, add 3 cups Cheddar cheese as a topping and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes.

This was started by H. Aileen Calton (my mom) as a traditional Christmas morning breakfast. Many family members now serve this with a cinnamon roll, orange slice, and orange juice, apple juice and/or hot chocolate with marshmallows. Place it in the oven while the gifts are being opened and breakfast is ready at just the right time.

Note: Aileen obtained the recipe when Carolyn was young in a Church Relief Society Visiting Teaching handout which was prepared for delivery to each ward (congregation) member by their Visiting Teachers.

Charity seeketh not her own

This series of posts is about the pure love of Christ is called Charity. We read about this love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. In the next few days, watch for posts about this vital attribute of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, our heart changes, we are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others. This is one way we can create positive generational change.

Charity, the pure love of Christ, seeketh not her own. —1 Corinthians 13:5

“It can be a great challenge to love others, especially if they have hurt us. But the commandment is clear: As the scriptures teach, charity, the pure love of Christ, ‘seeketh not her own.’ (Moro. 7:45.) If we are to come unto Christ and become like him, we must learn to truly love others.

“In the parable of the sheep and the goats, in Matthew 25:31–46 [Matt. 25:31–46], the Savior taught the importance of loving all those around us.

“One of the distinctions between the two groups will be their treatment of those whom we may think of as different from us or difficult to love—the unkind, the unrighteous, the different, and the antagonistic. To those who love and serve these people, the Lord has said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:40.) (Ensign, June 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. I learn to love others, even when I disagree with them.

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Join the Quest to create positive change in your family and family line.
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Let’s stay connected!

*****
*NOTE: TODAY’s ChangeMakers are sincere, determined men and women who do not give up on creating positive change in spite of obstacles. Join the Quest at FamilyTreeQuest.com

Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

Charity doth not behave itself unseemly

“Etiquette and good manners are based on respect for people’s feelings, opinions, property, and time.”¹

“It is often easier to show respect and tolerance to acquaintances—or even strangers—than to those who are closest to us. When we are tired, ill, or under stress, do we still speak kindly to a disobedient child, a thoughtless spouse, or an angry roommate? The Apostle Peter counseled, ‘Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another … be courteous.’” (1 Pet. 3:8.) (Ensign, April 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. I choose self-control and make courteous and wise decisions concerning my behavior.

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Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

¹(Ye Are the Light of the World, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1984, pp. 77–78.)

Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up

This series of posts is about the pure love of Christ is called Charity. We read about this love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. For a few days, watch for posts about this vital attribute of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, our heart changes, we are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others. This is one way we can create positive generational change.

Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. –1 Corinthians 13:4

”To vaunt is to proudly call attention to our possessions, our accomplishments, our associations, or our righteousness. To illustrate this fault, the Savior told the parable of the Pharisee and the publican:

“The Pharisee stood [in the temple] and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

“I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:10–13.)

“Jesus pointed out that it was not the Pharisee who was justified, but the publican, adding that “Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14.)

“The Pharisee made two serious mistakes: he boasted about himself, and he put himself in God’s place as the judge of his righteousness. Only God can pronounce us righteous.

“One of the most serious forms of “vaunting” is the sin of pride. “Pride is a ‘my will’ rather than ‘thy will’ approach to life,” says President Ezra Taft Benson. “The opposite of pride is humbleness, meekness, submissiveness (see Alma 13:28), or teachableness. … With pride, there are many curses. With humility, there come many blessings.” (Ensign, May 1986, pp. 6–7.)

“…We also vaunt ourselves if we take credit for what we haven’t earned. Some people blame God when things go badly in their lives and take the credit when things go well, overlooking the fact that their talents, skills, and possessions are gifts from the Lord.

“The scriptures say that “in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.” (D&C 59:21.) True humility comes when we acknowledge our dependence on him in every act—indeed, in every breath.

“Such humility encourages us to follow the Savior’s example of love and service to others. (Ensign, March 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmations: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*.
I do not consider myself too important to serve others.
I seek righteousness without being self-righteous.
I do not boast but recognize, instead, that the air I breathe and the elements of creation as well as my gifts, blessings and strength originates from God, in whom I put my trust.

Join me on my Family Tree Gal Facebook page. Leave your comments under this post on that page.

Join the Quest to create positive change in yourself, your family and family line.
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*****
*NOTE: TODAY’s ChangeMakers are sincere, determined men and women who do not give up on creating positive change in spite of obstacles. Join the Quest at www.FamilyTreeQuest.com

Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

Envy Not

This series of posts is about the pure love of Christ is called Charity. We read about this love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. In the next few days, watch for posts about this vital attribute of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, our own heart changes, we are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others. This is one way we can create positive generational change.

Charity, the pure love of Christ, envieth not. –1 Corinthians 13:4

“…the Lord God hath commanded … that [we] should not envy.” (2 Ne. 26:32.) Every day we face situations in which we may feel envy or covet something another person possesses. We may envy another person’s home and comfortable financial situation, someone elses talents and abilities, … or the happy family life of another. Such envy can canker our souls. …

“If we find ourselves envying someone elses talents, possessions, life-style, or accomplishments, we should first turn for help to our Father in Heaven. In his mercy, he will bless us with the ability to rise above the destructive pettiness of envy and to rejoice in his goodness to our brothers and sisters.

“Gordon B. Hinckley points out another way we can learn to overcome feelings of envy. ‘The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others,’ he says. (Ensign, Aug. 1982, p. 5.)

“By serving others, we can learn to focus not on what we feel is lacking in our lives, but on the many blessings the Lord has given us.

“By seeking the Spirit of the Lord, serving others, and recognizing the blessings the Lord has given us, we can overcome feelings of envy and rejoice in the Lord’s goodness to all of his children.” (Ensign, February 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. I do not envy, but seek, instead, to feel happy for others. I work to meet my own needs.

Join me on my Family Tree Gal Facebook page. Leave your comments under this post on that page.

Join the Quest to create positive change in your family and family line.
Leave your name and email at FamilyTreeQuest.com

Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.