Category Archives: Spirituality

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?

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Carolyn Calton is an online educator and ReNEW YOU Life Strategist. As founder of FamilyTreeQuest.com, CarolynCalton.com and as CEO of Ron Newsom's LiahonaLightAcademy.com, Carolyn helps sincere, determined men and women embrace with certainty a safe, secure framework for creating their own brighter and happier future TODAY—no matter their past. Turning heartache to happiness, those who Join her ReNEW YOU Classes and Joyful Breakthrough Membership Circles at FamilyTreeQuest.com, learn how to turn stress, anxiety, anger and dysfunction to hope, direction, happiness and peace in order to renew and regenerate themselves, their families and family lines.

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.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

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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*****
*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.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

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.)

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

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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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 www.FamilyTreeQuest.com

Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

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.

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Join the Quest to create positive change in your family and family line.
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Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Charity Suffereth Long and Is Kind

I seek to emulate Jesus Christ in the way He loved. 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 attribuite of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, we change hearts, are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind. –1 Corinthians 13: 4

TODAY’s ChangeMakers can be very kindhearted. It is important, however, to be sure there are no misunderstandings about this attribute.

In Oct 1991, Aileen Clyde stated it this way, “It is not charity or kindness to endure any type of abuse or unrighteousness that may be inflicted on us by others. God’s commandment that as we love him, we must respect ourselves, suggests we must not accept disrespect from others. It is not charity to let another repeatedly deny our divine nature and agency. It is not charity to bow down in despair and helplessness. That kind of suffering should be ended, and that is very difficult to do alone. …We must be willing to let others help us.”

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. Although I may have suffered a lot of things, I am kind to myself as well as to others.

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About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Unsteadiness

My life’s experiences with emotional turmoil have led me to study, love and be INlightened by scripture references that have to do with the heart. When we regard our heart symbolically as the center of our emotions, feelings and devotions, we can see teachings about the heart all throughout the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Although written over two thousand years ago, I think you’ll see that these words have application, even today. Here are the words of Helaman as he laments because he has seen the goodness of God in his life, and he knows and remembers the goodness of God in the life of his ancestors-through their written records and stories–yet his people have faced much war and pestilence because they continue to turn away from God after they prosper.

Helaman records:

1 And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.

2 Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.

3 And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.

4 O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain things of the world!

5 Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom’s paths!

6 Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide.

Why is it important that we remember God? Among many other reasons, one reason that motivates me is that someday, we can all return to live in His presence.

On earth, we find ourselves forever longing for peace and happiness. We may involve ourselves in temporary pleasures only to return to feelings of emptiness. Our thoughts may wander into paths of self-doubt or hopelessness. We may not realize that feeding our spirit and getting our “homing beacon” for heaven working again is part of the solution to our longing.

Building on the secure foundation of centering our hope in Jesus Christ and following, as best we can, His teachings will position us to return, after death, to our heavenly home. Yet, to live in the very presence of God again, where we can find the feelings of true, unpolluted, joy, love and happiness, we must claim the gift of repentance that Christ offered. It is only by that means that we can allow our heart’s to be purified and worthy to be in God’s presence. It is a TURNing of the heart toward God and an acceptance of Christ’s grace and mercy toward us that allows this to take place. We can receive joy instead of misery. It is a beautiful experience that allows us to feel astounding peace, and it’s not something to criticize.

So today, let us reflect upon any unsteadiness found within our own hearts. Let us be true to our our real selves and to God by TURNing our heart to Him. By doing so, we turn our heart toward our heavenly home, and toward the great hope we have in Jesus Christ, who made possible the WAY for us to repent and eventually find everlasting joy.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Spiritual Vitality: Where is the Solid Foundation Upon Which to Stand?

Helaman said to his sons:

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
–Helaman 5:12

Enough said today.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Spritual Vitality: Love God Through Thick and Thin

This morning, I was pondering. This realization came to the forefront of my mind.

I have a deep and abiding desire to teach my children and grandchildren, through my example, to Love the Lord through thick and thin.

In Isaiah’s words:

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29–31.

God helps us when we call upon His name in faith, believing we shall receive. I bear witness to His constant goodness and divine intercession in our behalf.

Consider the deepest desires of your heart. What will you do today to take creative action in order for your desires to be fulfilled? Take decisive action. Celebrate your results.