First and foremost:
This blog is a place for me to write down my thoughts and inspirations I receive. I want to share these things with those closest to me; my family, and a few of my dearest friends. My inspiration to do this is from my fathers dedication to writing his "Tender Mercies" every day. I know it brings the spirit into his life and into the lives of others. My mom has also mentioned many times that I do this. I felt really connected to my parents on my mission when I was able to share with them my days and impressions I gained. My goal is to write in this a few times a week, perhaps a single thought or a picture for each day. I know that this will help me in my personal struggles, and help me really think things through. It will also help my keep a commandment of keeping a record. Just killing many birds with one stone, I guess.Now on with todays thought:
Today wasn't one of my best days. Whether it was due to hormones, selfishness, pride, insecurities, or anyone of my many problems, it was just a poopy day. But, it was only that way because I let it be that way. I made certain decisions that prevented me from achieving anything or being productive. I love the poem Invictus by Willaim Ernest Henley. The last stanza is powerful and it says,
"It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul."
I have the power to choose how each day of my life will be. I can choose to be thankful and happy regardless of my circumstance. I chose to be sad today. I chose to cry and whine. In the Bible, Joshua 24:15, it says, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I didn't serve the Lord today. I didn't choose to make Him the focal point. In retrospect, I realize that is the cause of many bad days, choosing to give into negativity and personal deceit instead of choosing goodness. If I am bummed that my friends haven't called me, it must mean it's time for me to reach out to my friends. If I feel empty or lost, it must mean that the Lord is just waiting for me to ask what I need to do.
This evening I went to hang out with Frietz, and we talked about this for a while. He said maybe the reason I feel the way I feel is I don't dedicate my time to things that matter most. In the midst of our conversation, I thought about the way I felt on my mission, and how excited I was to write home each week. It was such a hard time, but it was such a happy time, because I knew I was doing the right thing. So, tonight at 12:48 am, I choose to be happy. I choose to make a change. I choose to look for the good in each day. I choose to seek out friends, instead of waiting around feeling sorry for myself. I choose to dedicate time to my family each week. I choose to dedicate time the Lord, every single day.
-Caressa
-Caressa
P.S.
Mom, Dad, I love you dearly. I hope that you know I admire you both beyond measure. I apologize for me defensiveness lately. I am sorry for not listening. I will try harder to be humble and patient.
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ReplyDeleteI love you so much my daughter. My writing to momma everyday solidifies my love for her. My writing to the Sunset Branch allows me the opportunity to consider the Savior in my life daily. Both keep me grounded as I go through my days.
ReplyDeleteI too loved the poem Invictus. I felt it was a poem of personal strength and courage. I then came across this poem that was written in response to Invictus by Orson Whitney, an apostle in the early 1900's
Art thou in truth? Then what of him
Who bought thee with his blood?
Who plunged into devouring seas
And snatched thee from the flood?
Who bore for all our fallen race
What none but him could bear.
The God who died that man might live,
And endless glory share?
Of what avail thy vaunted strength,
Apart from his vast might?
Pray that his Light may pierce the gloom,
That thou mayest see aright.
Men are as bubbles on the wave,
As leaves upon the tree.
Thou, captain of thy soul, forsooth
Who gave that place to thee?
Free will is thine — free agency
To wield for right or wrong;
But thou must answer unto him
To whom all souls belong.
Bend to the dust that head "unbowed,"
Small part of Life's great whole!
And see in him, and him alone,
The Captain of thy soul
If all of us relied more upon the Lord more for our happiness, we would have more happiness.
Love you, Daddy
sorry made mistakes on the first 2 comments
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