November and December Mini Missions: Take Inventory of my Blessings

Even though I did not get them posted on my blog, I have been working for the last two months on following President Monson's counsel to "take inventory of your blessings"( General Conference October 2012). My inventory is far from complete because I have so many blessings, but working on it is very sweet work.

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Family Friendly: Peacemakers Bring Unity

Happily I am seeing more and more skillful peacemakers who calm troubled waters before harm is done. You could be one of those peacemakers, whether you are in the conflict or an observer.
One way I have seen it done is to search for anything on which we agree. To be that peacemaker, you need to have the simple faith that as children of God, with all our differences, it is likely that in a strong position we take, there will be elements of truth. The great peacemaker, the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share. That truth they share is always greater and more important to them than their differences. You can help yourself and others to see that common ground if you ask for help from God and then act. He will answer your prayer to help restore peace, as He has mine (President Henry B Eyring, "Hearts Knit Together in Unity," General Conference October 2008)g

I love the above definition for a peacemaker. I want to be one "who calms troubled waters BEFORE harm is done." That takes much greater discipline than trying to patch things up AFTER harm is already done. What is one simple thing I can change to give me greater likelihood of succeeding in my efforts to be a peacemaker? Besides praying for that gift on a daily basis and greatly desiring yo have that gift, there is a great idea in the above counsel: look closely for all the ways I can find myself tobe the same as the other person and don't let myself think of the differences.

Be Inspired to be a Peacemaker now--I have full belief that even small, imperfect efforts to change will bring us lasting and effective steps closet to joy and peace, Janelle Joy

Wise Women are "Quick to Observe"

Today I was led to look up a Devotional by Elder Bednar that caught my eye last Thursday as I looked through a lesson on spiritual gifts from the new curriculum for the Young Women. (It is interesting how things I noticed on a different occasion often come back to me and prompt me to take a closer look at them now). I was touched as I listened to this address and I noticed particular flashbacks come into my mind which reminded me of several times when I have been blessed with the gifts of being quick to observe and also with the gift of discernment. I am so thankful for those gifts and for a loving Heavenly Father who would help me to recognize specific ways they have blessed my life.

I am also thankful for how those gifts can help each of us to serve others as the Savior did:

"Observing and discerning also enable us to assist others who are seeking to obtain the path and who desire to press forward with steadfastness in Christ. Blessed with these spiritual gifts, we will not lose our way; we will not wander off; we will not be lost. And we can hope to obtain the supernal gift of discernment and its light of protection and direction only if we are quick to observe. As Alma taught his son Helaman, “See that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live” (Alma 37:47)." ( David A Bednar, "Quick to Observe,")  BYU Devotional May 10, 2005)

Be Inspired,
Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Daddy Balance

I loved how Lady Slipper excitedly told me on the phone all about her adventures with Daddy that day . . . lately one of her favorite things to mention is that she got to "Bowance!" (meaning that Daddy helped her balance as she walked along the thick cinderblock wall in front of our home).  I have heard her exclaim with excitement several times about this special time with Dad.  Finally, I was out front with them and was able to see the way she placed one around his neck as he walked along beside her . . . I smile just thinking about it.  I am so thankful for the wonderful Daddy my husband is for each of my girls.

What special and tender moment did you notice today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy