This week I was determined to focus on the good as I kept my heart open to trusting the Lord and His goodness and love. It’s easier to remember that nothing can really go “wrong” when God holds us, the entire world, in His kind and capable hands and is aware of everything going on. I leaned into those thoughts, those truths, this week and found an amazingly happy and hopeful place inside.

Reaching Out

Last Sunday, after the directions from the First Presidency of the church, and also our stake president, my daughter and I were both a little sad coming into the day, wishing we had someone in our home to administer the sacrament to us. However, it turned into a sweet blessing as three separate families offered to give of their time to bring it to us.  It’s humbling to receive that care and concern, especially for such a sacred and personal ordinance. We were truly grateful for all who reached out, and for those who came, reverently dressed in church clothes, prepared to bless us.

I felt love from many who reached out through texts, emails, social media, and video calls, which always brought a smile and revealed our stay-at-home selves, a little less glamourous than usual. (As my daughter put it, when I said I needed to get dressed, “Why?”) Though there were sometimes sad things shared, it was still a joy to be able to share them, be “together” in it, and offer, and receive, what love and comfort we could.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

“For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12

Music

I consider music one of God’s greatest gifts. It speaks to my soul, often drawing out feelings I didn’t realize I was holding inside. My daughter is gifted with a beautiful voice, and I love to hear her singing around the house. Often, she sings, plays guitar, ukulele, or piano and brightens my day. There’s a vast variety of wonderful music to bless us. Reverent music brings the Spirit, mournful music may help us grieve, and upbeat music can give us energy. I listened to Mandisa’s “Good Morning” on my walk and couldn’t keep from dancing out there in the middle of the street.  Good thing it was deserted.

My son video recorded a jazzed up—lights and lasers and such—piano piece of the latest James Bond theme, “No Time to Die.” Not only was the title perfect for this week, haha, the music was powerful and turbulent and reached right into what I was feeling. I listened and watched over and over, enjoying the way it resonated with me and feeling joy at his use of his talents. You can watch it here.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

“He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3

Humor

Everybody’s heard that laughter is the best medicine. My family members have commented on how much I laugh when my sisters and I get together. I laugh with all of my children—they’re fun and funny and clever. We love our “inside jokes” with family and friends. We have a few hilarious old movies we’ve watched so many times, the entire family can quote every line. For example, “What’s Up Doc?” is a classic at our house. We’ve watched tons of other shows together and use quotes from them for every occasion.  We’ve cracked up with Buzz and Woody, George and Nina, Kuzco and Pacha, and (a slightly edited) Gus and Shawn. My daughter and I continue to laugh together, at each other, at shows, whatever. I chuckled out loud by myself this week viewing some hilarious memes and video clips. Stressed humans often respond to less-than-ideal situations with humor—it’s a coping mechanism.  I’ve appreciated it this week.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

“…A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;” Ecclesiastes 3:1,4

“And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.” Genesis 21:6

Healthy Eating and Exercise

Don’t “humph” and skip over this section. I know it’s been said a million times, but there’s a reason for that.  I’m a great example of both ends of the spectrum in this category.  Sometimes I do well, eating clean, exercising, breathing, taking care of my body; other times, I use food to try to comfort and feel better, or to numb, and feel too down to move my body. What I’ve found, over and over, because I’m human and fail, is that feeding my body healthy food and moving it always makes my brain function 1,000 times better. Happier. Clearer. Calmer. When I see the sun peep out, I go outside, walk, feel the light on my face, and breathe in the fresh air. It feels like God is near. I get so mad at myself when I forget this and try to feel better with chocolate and sugar and more, more, more, which never works past the moment. Long term well-being is sacrificed for momentary relief and future regret. This is one of my challenges and I go around and around, but this week I ate 90% healthy and walked and pedaled each day, and the difference was amazing, as it always is. It’s not easy, especially at first, but it gets easier and easier as the days add up. It’s freeing. I’m hoping I’ll remember.

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

Inviting the Spirit

The most important way to feel happiness and comfort during hard times is to do the things that invite the Spirit: keeping the commandments, getting in our study time, talking to Heavenly Father with real intent, and loving ourselves and those around us. It seems simple, but Satan is masterful at distracting us with fear, frustration, anger, and trivial details. He also uses apathy, self-pity, and inertia to keep us down. We have everything we need to conquer Satan. There are countless ways to do good and feel good, to invite the Spirit into our hearts and homes, including the things I’ve mentioned. It’s worth it to make the effort! Nothing can compare to the peace, joy, and hope we feel when the Holy Ghost is our companion.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

“Meekness, temperance…

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-23,25