The Beauty of Small Growth

Line upon line, precept on precept;
Now is the time for my spirit to grow.
As children of God, we are meant to be happy.
He gave us the gospel that we may be so.
All through my life I’ll grow in knowledge.
Journeys of faith move one step at a time.
As children of God, we are meant to be happy.
Teach me to be like Him—line upon line.

1989 by Nita Dale Milner

I continue to think and ponder about God's small, powerful changes. 2 Nephi 27-28 testifies that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is a God of miracles of His grace, wisdoem, and power. God's mighty works are found in daily tender mercies.

Opposing to God's light is Satan's darkness. He leads through lies of flaxen cords (2 Nephi 26:22) of "little sins" (2 Nephi 28:8) to justify lull, lie, and hide in darkness. Yet these small cords tighten to a speedy destruction.

I was thinking how God's miracles occur in small steps. Like the "Daffodil Principle," the beauty is awakening and inspiring. I think of sunrises, sunsets, flowers blossoming, trees blooming, autumn leaves, baby's growing, glistening rainbows and so much more.

Yet powerful destruction seems to occur ever so quickly - natural disasters, accidents, and other harmful events. The process of becoming lulled into the trap may be slow, but the destruction is quick.

My eyes twinkle at the sparkles of spring. As I came home from work today, my eyes were drawn to the peeping up tulip leaves. Like the trees and grass, life is awakening from a winter's rest. Rays of color and sun are gradually showing. Although it can be tempting to wish for the blossoms over night. There is a sweet sensation in wainting and watching life renew "line upon line."

Daffodil Principle

At our Stake Relief Society Conference this weekend, a story was shared that strengthened my perspective at life's big and small changes. So often my negative mind leads me to believe the changes I am striving for in recovery are not enough, inadequate, too slow. Yet the "Daffodil Principle" explains the power of small glimpses and bright shimmers of growth.

I am sure this woman's effort to plant this majestic sight was not easy. Some days were probably filled with treacherous thunderstorms, extreme heat, and physical weakness. Through it all, the woman was persistent in an effort to try to continue towards her goal.

On the most difficult days, I can't help but wonder if she acknowledged her powerlessness to God in prayer and faith. His light continually reaches out to strengthen us in times of heartache and difficulty. When praying to Heavenly Father for help, I have learned to not ask Him to remove the mountain. Instead I have found glimmers of growth by asking for His loving hand to guide me to know how to climb the mountain. In doing so, I am able to find magnificent treasures of beauty found along the way, including daffodil's.

The Daffodil Garden

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead. "I will come next Tuesday," I promised, a little reluctantly, on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and so I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house and hugged and greeted my grandchildren, I said, "Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in the clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see bad enough to drive another inch!"

My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother."
"Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!" I assured her.

"I was hoping you'd take me over to the garage to pick up my car."
"How far will we have to drive?"
"Just a few blocks," Carolyn said. "I'll drive. I'm used to this."

After several minutes, I had to ask, "Where are we going? This isn't the way to the garage!"
"We're going to my garage the long way," Carolyn smiled, "by way of the daffodils."
"Carolyn," I said sternly, "please turn around."
"It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience. "

After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign that read, "Daffodil Garden."

We got out of the car and each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn down the path. Then, we turned a corner of the path, and I looked up and gasped.

Before me lay the most glorious sight. It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it down over the mountain peak and slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, saffron, and butter yellow. Each different colored variety was planted as a group so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.

"But who has done this?" I asked Carolyn.
"It's just one woman," Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home."
Carolyn pointed to a well kept A frame house that looked small and modest in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house. On the patio, we saw a poster.

"Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking" was the headline.
The first answer was a simple one. "50,000 bulbs," it read.
The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and very little brain."
The third answer was, "Began in 1958."

There it was, The Daffodil Principle.
For me, that moment was a life changing experience.
I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun one bulb at a time-to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountain top. Still, just planting one bulb at a time, year after year, had changed the world. This unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. She had created something of ineffable (indescribable) magnificence, beauty, and inspiration.

The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration. That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time often just one baby step at a time-and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world.

"It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years. Just think what I might have been able to achieve!"

My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way.
"Start tomorrow," she said.
It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of cause for regret is to only ask, "How can I put this to use today?"

There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

So work like you don’t need money. Love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no one’s watching.

Don’t be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

Second Chances

As I was rereading a journal entry from last year at this time, I learned (or relearned) from my experience. I find both reading and writing in my journals brings blessings of strength.

"Today we went cross country skiing for our outing. It was beautiful in the mountains with the sun shining. I loved feeling the warmth of its rays dance on my face. This was the second I have gone, so I found it was a little easier. I was even able to go done the hills without falling.

As we processed on the way home, I expressed how going a second time was easier and more enjoyable that the first time. I related this to life. Sometimes the first part of a new experience or challenge is difficult, but with time it becomes easier. I have found that the most challenging moments and experiences in life bring the greatest blessings.

This experience also helped me realize the importance of second chances. So much thought and pressure is put into "first impressions," yet they are only a glimpse into the brightness a person or experience contains. I am finding how important second chances in life are for people, experiences, and myself. I was sent here to learn through experience and mistakes in my imperfection. God has provided a way to return to Him through the redeeming power of the Atonement. Through this eternal gift, the blessing of second chances is given. What is lost becomes found, what is broken becomes mended, and all things are made whole. The purpose of my life's journey is not to be perfect, but to continue to come unto Him to receive a "second chance."

Sending Pixie Dust,
Love,
Becky

Treasures of Life

This past weekend I attended the World-wide Leadership Training meeting. The messages shared were inspiring and uplifting. President Erying began his talk by mentioning how the scriptures often refer to treasures as those things you love. They guide your life in the direction of happiness or wickedness. Matthew 12:35 describes, "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."

As I have pondered about the word treasure, my mind has reflected on the many blessings I love and cherish. God's hand is in my life bringing blessings overflowing, treasures of His everlasting love. As part of God's creations, I am loved by Him, now, always and forever.

God's eternal treasures bring blessings of happiness. I find my treasure chest is filled with blessings of the temple, eternal families, gospel, prayer, trials, angels, miracles, and countless other tender mercies. These blessings are the silver linings of my soul.

Another great promise of treasure is found in God's promise blessings of the Word of Wisdom. I am learning this is a great "treasure map" of keeping my physical and spiritual body healthy. Recently, in my sessions with Julie and Torey I have discovered how the principle of intuitive eating connects with the word of wisdom. Heavenly Father has given me a precious gift that Satan envies - my body. The principles of the word of wisdom & intuitive eating provide a treasure map to follow to living well in taking care of my body.

I love the promised blessings of the last 3 verses, D&C 89: 18-21:

"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow in their bones;

And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

And shall run and not be weary and shall walk and not faint.

And I, the Lord give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen"

Using the principles of balance and joy found in living the word of wisdom, I know God brings about these eternal blessings that are further given in the temple. I especially, love the promise that "the destroying angel shall pass by them." To me this symbolizes Ed. With obedience to the principles, treasures of finding my divine potential will follow. I am so grateful to be able to better understand the word of wisdom's treasure map with the help of my angels Julie and Torey.

Carrying Out of Darkness

In my journey of recovery, I feel I have been rescued from an overwhelming prison of darkness. As I continue to move forward, my mind and heart feel free from Lucifer's bounds of deceits.

In 1 Nephi 21, Isaiah prophesies of the Messiah's light and power to free the Gentiles and all from prison. I connected this prophecy of freedom to my journey of recovery. In 1 Nephi 21:9-10 it reads:

"That thou mayest say to the prisoners: Go forth,; to them that sit in darkness: Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in high places. . . for he that hath mercy shall lead them . . . And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted."

I then cross-referenced to 2 Nephi 3:5:

". . . the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness, and out of captivity unto freedom."

Throughout the rough and smooth parts of my journey, my Savior's redeeming and omnipotent power are there to rescue me. Satan tries to keep me captive in his dark prison of hopelessness and unhappiness. However, through Christ's redeeming hands I am saved. His everlasting light and love release me from Lucifer's destructive bounds, into heaven's arms of safety.

The Heroine

The Heroine

As we begin this fairy tale, we ask who is the protagonist? We may imagine a superhero, princess, goddess, or a damsel in distress. Each star imagined seems to possess power, courage, faith, and potential, leading on to victory. You are surprised to see as you look in the mirror the star of the story is the divine you!

To this, you may be thinking that you are not “adequate” enough to play such an “important” role. Often we are trapped to identify our worth or value based on our circumstances or how we appear to others. We have forgotten that we are of intrinsic worth simply because we are daughters of God.

President James E. Faust taught of women’s divine worth, “You sisters do not know the full extent of your influence. You sisters enrich all of humanity. All human life begins with you. Each woman brings her own separate, unique strengths to the family and the Church. Being a daughter of God means that if you seek it, you can find your true identity. You will know who you are. This will make you free—not free from restraints, but free from doubts, anxieties, or peer pressure . . .It means that you can find strength in the balm of Christ. It will help you meet the heartaches and challenges with faith and serenity.”[1]

Despite our circumstances, appearance, social status, or whatever else, Heavenly Father will always love us unconditionally. Our individual worth never changes with God. The Lord values His children for reasons far different from the world, for “he seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”[2]

At times it is hard to see our divine worth and potential. When Lucifer shades our eyes with obscurity, we cannot see our true self. He attacks our divine identity and virtue.

Enwrapped in my eating disorder, I lost a sense of myself. As the darkness faded, I was afraid to look in the mirror, unsure if I would recognize myself. Lucifer distorted my reflection in an effort to destroy me. His gloom and misery tinted my true reflection to believe I was worthless.

As I began to express my fear of my reflection, Dr. Julie encouraged me to seek to see myself as Heavenly Father – through an “eternal mirror.” To this challenge, I would glance with uncertainty, unsure if I was of worth.

One day as I was talking to a care tech at the CFC about her excitement to go through the temple soon, my mind reflected on when I took out my own endowments. In reminiscing, I began to recognize my true identity in His eternal mirror – a daughter of a king.

After my initiatory ceremony, my mom helped me change into my temple dress. The sweet temple worker, then gently guided us to an elongated, oval mirror. She said she had something special to show us.

Standing with my mom, before the mirror, caught glimpse of my “deep beauty.”[3] The temple worker explained that though life would bring changes and challenges, this mirror reflected an unchanging truth. Standing at my side in my past, present and future would be my dear mother – always and forever.

In an eternal light, not only will my family be at my side, but my Heavenly Father. His love is constant and unconditional. As His daughter, my worth and potential holds true eternally.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton taught, “Young women, look into the mirror of eternity. Remember who you are! See yourself as our Heavenly Father sees you. You are elect. You are of noble birth. Don’t compromise your divine inheritance. You were born to be a queen. Live so you are worthy to enter the temple and there receive “all that [the] Father hath.”[4] Develop deep beauty. There is nothing more beautiful sight than a young woman who glows with the light of the Spirit, who is confident and courageous because she is virtuous.”[5]

Remembering this tender experience, I began to catch glimpse of my divinity. Through the process of recovery, I found my eyes became brighter as I received His image in my countenance. My divine potential as a daughter of a King shines through with faith to seek the silver linings and twinkling in my reflection.

I wrote the following poem as I fought to discover my true identity:

A Mirror Reflection

Mirror, Mirror on the wall . . .

Who am I?

Where am I going?

Am I lovable and of worth?

In front of the mirror my eyes are lost

Searching to find my true identity,

The beauty within,

Self-acceptance

My dark monster covered my eyes of

My personality, passions, principles, purpose

Constant destructive expressions:

Broken, unlovable, worthless

The demon darkness fades, as I trust the light in my eyes

My eyes lead in a hopeful direction

A new perspective:

Stumbling blocks become stepping-stones

Mirror, who am I?

I am kind and compassionate,

Courageous and determined,

Accepting and Loving

I am a designer of my passions that

Mold my purpose,

Define my character,

Bring treasures of happiness

I am a daughter of God who loves me.

I believe in His eternal love and grace

He lifts me, comforts me, protects me

He is my anchor

I am a wife, daughter, sister, and friend

An author of my destiny of joy, hope, and peace

Mirror, in you I choose to see my power and self-worth

A daughter of God

President Hinckley taught, “You are second to none. You are daughters of God. There has come to you as your birthright something beautiful and sacred and divine. Never forget that. Your Eternal Father is the great Master of the universe. He rules over all, but He also will listen to your prayers as His daughter and hear you as you speak with Him. He will answer your prayers. He will not leave you alone.”[6]

As the Apostle Paul taught, “the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God.”[7] Through glimpses of eternity with our Spirit, our individual worth is magnified. This spirit whispers our divinity through prayer, scripture study, priesthood blessings, service, and spoken words affirmed by others.

The story of the “Widow’s Mite” teaches Christ’s perspective of individual worth. I imagine a woman who blends into the crowd, unnoticed by many. On the scale of fashion and prestige, she would be among the “common.” As the scriptures identify, her worldly possessions were few. Savior was not concerned with these outward things, for He looked on her heart.

As the wealthy made a great display of presenting their possessions, Christ used this beautiful woman of great worth as an example of sharing all that we have with others. Like the widow’s mite, we all have gifts to give and share with others to further the Lord’s work. The diversity of our gifts provides opportunities to lift and help others.

With the eyes of the Lord, we can identify our worth to the Lord. The Apostle Paul teaches, “We are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.”[8] Away from Satan’s shadows, we can see our divine reflection as daughters of a king.

---

[1] James E. Faust, “What It Means to be a Daughter of God,” Ensign,

October 1999.

[2] 1 Samuel 16:7

[3] Elaine S. Dalton, “Remember Who You Are!” Ensign, May 2010

[4] Alma 5:14

[5] Elaine S. Dalton, “Remember Who You Are!” Ensign, May 2010

[6] Stay on the High Road,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 112

[7] Romans 8:16

[8] Romans 8:16-17

Faith to Move Mountains

In my scripture study this morning, I came across one of my favority stories of the New Testament- Jesus Walking on the Water (John 6).

John 6 begins with recounting the miracle of Christ feeing the 5,000. I was awakened by verse 12, "the disciples gave to them as much as they would (until) they were filled." Christ is truly the "bread of life." Through Him I am fed and filled spiritually and temporally.

After feeding the 5,000, Christ went up to the mountain alone. The disciples went by ship across the sea. "And the sea arose by reason of agreat wind that blew." (vs. 18)
To me this represents trials in my mind. In order to find eternal life and reach my potential, trials act as a wind to direct me. However, I am never left alone to do it myself for Christ is always near.

During the storm, the disciples notice someone walking on the water. At first "they were afraid," until Christ told them, "It is I, be not afraid." (vs. 19-20)

"Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they wnet." (vs. 21)

From these verses, I was reminded and tuaght that when I am willing to let go of doubt and fears, I am able to draw nearer to Christ with trust. with faith, trust and a little pixie dust of love, miracles occur.

I followed a cross-reference to D&C 67:3 that further explains this principle:
"Ye endeavored to believe that ye should recive the blessing which wa soffered unto you; but behold, verily I say unto you there were fears in your hearts, and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive."
Without fiath and trust, fear takes over the ability to empower miracles.

Bishop Edgley admonished in last October 2010 General Conference address:

Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism.

When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast a devil out as they had just witnessed the Savior do, Jesus answered, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove” (Matthew 17:20). I have never witnessed the removal of an actual mountain. But because of faith, I have seen a mountain of doubt and despair removed and replaced with hope and optimism. Because of faith, I have personally witnessed a mountain of sin replaced with repentance and forgiveness. And because of faith, I have personally witnessed a mountain of pain replaced with peace, hope, and gratitude. Yes, I have seen mountains removed.

I know that with actionso faith of myself and surrounding angels, I have seen mountains of despair and doubt move and replaced with peace, hope and gratitude. I am grateful for God's grace through actions of faith.