“There is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 20).
Click link above to watch video.
I loved this talk by Thomas Monson. Criticism and harsh judgments can be like poison to our own soul and to relationships.
We should be careful about judging others, as we may be looking through our own “unclean windows.”
“There’s really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of
someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize.
Thus the commandment: judge not.
I am a firm believer in creating positive change. This short film is very powerful.
Exerpts from the short film The Butterfly Circus.
Limbless Man: “Stop it! Why would you say that?”
Showman: “Because you believe it, but if you could only see the beauty that can come from ashes.”
The limbless man is shown some traumatic conditions from which the now happy, talented performers in the Butterfly circus had come.
Limbless Man: But they’re different from me! ”
Showman : “Yes.YOU do have an ADVANTAGE. The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph.”
I encourage you to take the time to view this short film.
http://thebutterflycircus.com/short-film/
Story
At the height of the Great Depression, the showman (Eduardo Verastegui) of a renowned circus leads his troupe through the devastated American landscape, lifting the spirits of audiences along the way. During their travels they discover Will (Nick Vujicic), a man without limbs at a carnival sideshow, but after an intriguing encounter with the showman he becomes driven to hope against everything he has ever believed. (words from www.thebutterflycircus.com)
INVITATION FROM CAROLYN: If you have a desire to positively impact the lives of others, consider JOINING THE QUEST and becoming a Generational ChangeMaker at my Family Tree Quest site. We are a worldwide group of people who use time-tested, principle centered solutions to strengthen ourselves and our family in THIS generation. We recognize that our decisions in the present influence future generations. We are willing to help each other, heal relationships and grow–in spite of challenges.
When I was young, a well-meaning church leader told the young man I was dating that I was kind of like “The Ugly Duckling” of storybook fame. I’m certain he was trying to pay me a compliment. He remarked that I had turned into a very beautiful young woman. I knew that is what he meant. I hope you can understand, however, that his comment cut me straight to the heart.
Growing up was a difficult thing for me to figure out. I didn’t feel like I “fit in”, and every girl desires to be beautiful–which I certainly did not feel. I was awkward, gangly, and my friend’s mother even said I looked like a “toothpick” in a dress I thought was the prettiest thing I’d ever worn! I could go on and on, but without saying more, I will simply state that “The Ugly Duckling” story has drawn my attention ever since those days.
Over the years, I have moved beyond that insecure, self-demeaning place. I’ve learned that we all gather false beliefs and self-doubts about who we REALLY are and what we came to earth to do and to give. I have come to understand more completely who I am and recognize many of the gifts I have that contribute positively to the lives of others. Yet today, I spotted this video, by Dieter Uchdorf about Our True Identity. He uses the story of the Ugly Duckling as an illustration. I thought I’d post it, just in case there are those who find it’s message and meaning to be perfect timing for them. I believe it to be a good reminder for all of us.
Enjoy!
Welcome to my newest blog.
I am also known as Family Tree Gal. I love connecting the generations and providing help, hope, and keys to happiness so that people can unlock their own doors of discovery and create lasting generational change in their family lines.
I advocate finding faith, loving self and family and mindfully serving our fellowmen. I have learned through my own experiences that answers to our seemingly most difficult dilemmas are but one Heaven’s Whisper away.
We each have innate divine gifts. As we stay connected to our source of light and life, we can bring those gifts forward and contribute positively to our family lines and to this world.
Many of you have had harsh, abrasive, even abusive experiences that have caused you to believe that you are not safe in life’s journey. You may have built thick walls around your heart. I know that change is on its way for those who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. New light to the mind, new ideas to the spirit—all of which can be pondered quietly in the safety of your mind until the desire to burst forth into NEW life cannot be kept within those tight, constricted bounds.
My voice is a voice of gladness and hope. As we strive to improve our family lines, let us enjoy this journey together.
Hats off to the journey of life!
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For those who would like to know me better, here’s a list of my growing Internet endeavors:
www.familytreequest.com
Become a Generational Change-Maker. Join the QUEST!.)
http://www.familytreegal.blogspot.com
Strengthen lives in THIS generation.
www.familytreequest.wordpress.com
Genealogy news, resources and research
http://www.journalriffic.blogspot.com
Take specific steps toward a happy life.
www.twitter.com/familytreegal
Family-oriented quotes, gift ideas and updates
http://www.facebook.com/familytreegal
Family oriented quotes, comments and gift ideas.
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-39315-Phoenix-Genealogy-Examiner
Phoenix Genealogy Examiner
