A bit on prayer

Composed Jan. 14, 2012.

I recently started C. S. Lewis' book Screwtape Letters. I have created a list of books that I want to read before I leave and this is one of them.

Anyway.

For those who don't know anything about this book it is written from the point of view of Satan's angels. You read as the Senior angel Screwtape coaches his nephew, a junior angel, through tempting his first subject.
In one of the very first letters to his nephew Wormword, Screwtape explains the importance of redirecting the focus of his subjects prayers. He said that people have a tendency to pray to the image they have of God instead of God. If that makes any sense.

As I was thinking about it, I realized that I do just that. My prayers are not always as they should be. I'm not really speaking to God, I'm just tossing words around in my head. I am going to try my best to make really speak with my Father in Heaven when I pray. We're not just praying to some unknown thing in the universe. He is there. He hears us. He wants us to really speak to him. I challenge you to make your prayers that much more meaningful.

We are not alone

Composed Jan. 17, 2013

While sitting in a session at the temple today I realized symbolism. Throughout the whole temple there are workers there to help you. If you get lost. If you forget anything. They are there.
Maybe I'm stretching it a bit but it's like the atonement. You do your absolute best and, although it's still not perfect, Christ fills the void.
A couple days ago I was explaining what I would tell somebody who felt like they were not prepared to go through yet. I was saying this exact thing.
I think there is a lesson I need to remember this week.

Remember to Smile.

Composed Jan. 16, 2012

First off:

Happy Birthday Richard! I am so happy that we have become so close:) You have been such a blessing in my life!

Happy Birthday Kelsey! You just have the sweetest smile. It is contagious.

Happy Birthday Natalie! You're not home right now so I'll post something sentimental later:)

When you make the effort to smile, your mood automatically improves.

I've realized that as people we do not like to do this because we like to stay mad/frustrated. At least in my experience.

So just smile today. It will make it better.

(Sorry I just had to.)