There is Always a Bright Side

 I believe that this life was not made to be easy, and isn't for anyone. I know that that that sure does not have a positive side sometimes, but I believe and have optimism in the idea that it is that way for everyone. Whether it be a serious injury that someone is enduring, an essay that someone is stumped on that could hold the key to the other side of their life, or just a down day, life sure can seem bad or even miserable. It is easy to trip or fall down for a day, or the rest of one's life, but they don't have to. I know that one may live a life that is putrid, negative, and not good, but they may hold optimism on that ideal too. I have a foundation in the idea of being optimistic. I believe that a life that is terrible, can be terrific too, for anyone.

December 6, 2008, three sisters' lives changed forever. They were on their way to Kohl's as if it were any other normal winter day. They were going to the store, and then to their older brother's basketball game, like any odd or ordinary Friday. The sun was beautiful, doing its duty, melting the snow. Spring was coming, they knew. They were optimistic in their life. The two younger sisters, who were 10 and 11, always arguing over who would get the front seat of the car, next to their older, 16-year-old sister, because they swore they were older than they actually were. It was the 11-year-old's turn. The sun was perfect during that one simple turn that turned everything, way too quick. The oldest sister was blinded by the sun's glare and didn't spot another car that was making the turn with them. Crash. The green Grand Am collapsed over the 11-year-old, knocking both her and the driver out, making them both appear dead, at least what you could see of them. The youngest sister started hyperventilating immediately. She didn't know what to do. Luckily, the angels were watching all three of them that day, as the person who saw the unlucky situation called 911, and they all lived. The two oldest suffered from some brain damage, the middle daughter who sat right where they got hit is still recovering. They all survived, and are getting better each day. 

I was that middle daughter, who wished she was older than she was. That day, my life changed forever. A car ran over me, but the angels were watching over me that day. I didn't break a single bone, amazingly. None of my sisters did. All of us weren't held back a single year in school, even though we spent a fair amount of time in the hospital. I was in a medication-induced coma, and couldn't do much. When I woke up, I had to relearn to do almost everything again. I even had to change the hand that I grew up writing with, my right hand to my left hand. Everything changed from right to left side, and my right side is still recovering, and getting used to the small or large moves it used to make every day. I have every reason in the world to give up, but even now, though the years have been long and are only getting longer, I don't. I am optimistic (or at least I am trying to be). 

I would be lying if I said this injury, plus all the treatments I have had, didn't make me look different. They did in more ways than they have made me gain a limp that had been awfully hard to recover from. My right arm went through a Greens Transfer, where they moved around some things in my body, to make it easier for me to move my right thumb and wrist. That treatment left my arm with a few scars, that were only fun to show my friends and classmates for a time. The TBI that I received even made it hard to smile straight for a while. The left side of my mouth was always just a little further up when I try. That can be a burden at times, because of the way it makes me look, but I try to be optimistic. At least I can still smile. 

The car accident greatly affected things like sports that I could play. I couldn't run anymore with my limp, or do anything with the ball with my right hand, or foot. I could do barely anything extreme without injuring my right side. I never was really that athletic, even before the accident, but you don't know how much you appreciate something until it is taken away. The car accident tried to knock me down, but there was no way that I was staying there. Instead, I did a new sport. I learned how to ride horses at Hearts&Horses Therapeutic Riding Center. The idea was that if I learned how to control the horse, I could learn how to control my body again. Indeed, it helped, especially in how the different horses had different mindsets; some were loyal and obedient, while others were stubborn and a real case. Even that helped me, in that I was reminded that every person was different too. Everyone was different, including me, and that wasn't a bad thing. Nothing in life is bad unless you make it so. 

"You can't progress any further. It is pretty likely that this will be as far as you will go." Though I love them and have a great deal to be thankful for, I hate it when my doctors or therapists tell me this. I learned quickly (after a few years) that they can say this if they want to, but it is up to me to decide whether or not to believe them. I can believe what they may say about my physical limitations or abilities, or I can believe in myself. (Just ask my wonderful current therapist, I do a stretch for longer than I am supposed to, because they are comfortable to me, or make me feel normal (which is a different type of tightness...for another day).) ("Put your arm down, Brooke! We are done with that one.") Even my past therapist that I used to smirk at (on purpose) knew what they were in for when they told me that I couldn't do much more and my glance made the response, "Just watch me." Look out world! Here I come, with a fully functioning body once more. No matter how they may try, no one can sputter out my optimism. 

And so, I joyfully write. Nothing can keep me down. No matter if anyone or anything changes my life unexpectantly, you take away a certain sport I can play. Try to hold me back with words, thinking that is enough. I will always come back for more. I am optimistic about everything. No one can take the world from me, there is always something else. Just look at your trials from a different angle, and regret nothing. 

Even you can't keep me down. The world has tried plenty of times before, none of the attempts were successful. 

What brings me closer to God?

 I am in a fairly serious study of prayer and how we each call upon our God for help, comfort, aid, and thanks. I have had a moderately hard week this week, so I needed this. This post is for anyone like me, struggling too much, need help, or perhaps not. This is for you.

Overview

Each of us is a child of God. He loves us and is all-knowing. Though there is this, He also would like for us to communicate them through prayer. We should pray to Him, and only Him. His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ commanded, 

"Ye must always pray unto the Father in my name." (3 Nephi 18: 19) 

As this habit of approaching God in prayer is made, we will come to know Him more personally and draw nearer unto Him. Our desires will even become more like His. We will be able to make secure for ourselves other blessings that He will be ready to give, we need only ask in faith.

Principles of Prayer

Our God is always ready to answer the desires of our prayers. The power of them though depends on us. As we strive to make daily prayer a part, or habit, is each of our lives, we should each remember this counsel:

Add meaning to prayer. Only you can do this. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Mormon warned that if anyone "shall pray and not with real intent of the heart...it shall profiteth him nothing for God receiveth none such" (Moroni 7: 9).

To make our prayers have more meaning, we must pray with fair sincerity and "with all the energy of heart" (Moroni 7: 48).

We must take care, and not hold any "vair repetitions" while in the midst of prayer (see Matthew 6:7).

We should use language that shows love, closeness, respect, and reverence. The duty of this principle will vary, according to which language you may apply to (or to with it...) Let me illustrate, if we pray in English (my language), we should use the pronouns of the scripture whenever we address God--Thee, Thine, Thou, and Thy, rather than the more commonly heard pronouns of you, yours, and your (are you with me still?). No matter if you speak a different language than I do, the principle remains the same: When praying, one should use the words that appropriately convey a loving, worshipful relation with our Father in Heaven.

No matter how many wants, desires, or even needs come to one's heart while the converse with God, one should always give thanks to God. We should

"live is thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which we doth bestow upon (us)" (Alma 34: 38).

As we each take the time to remember all the blessings which God has bestowed upon us, we will recognize that it really is two-fold (or three-fold, or what have you). No matter what, we should express our thanks for that to Him.

Seek God's guidance and strength in all that we do. Just like Alma counseled to his son, Helaman on day:

"Cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thought be directed unto the Lord; yea, let all the affections be placed upon the Lord forever. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things ye shall be lifted up at the last day" (Alma 37: 36-37; see also Alma 34: 17-26).

Don't pray selfishly. Remember the care and mercy on others while you pray too. All should offer their prayers

"for (our) welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around (us)" (Alma 34: 27).

We should ask for Heavenly Father's love and comfort to come to others in need, not solely our own burdens. 

Seek the guidance of the Spirit so that you may know precisely who to include in each of your prayers. The Holy Ghost is able to teach us to pray and guide in the things that we say alone (see Romans 8: 26, 2 Nephi 32: 8, 3 Nephi 19: 9, 24). He can aid us in praying

"according to the will of God" (Doctrine&Covenants 46: 30).

When a request is made through the holy order of prayer, that is not all that is needed. You must do all that you can to assist in it being granted. God expects more from all beside a humble question. When we each have an important decision to make, He often requires that we "study it out in our mind" before He gives us an answer (see Doctrine&Covenants 9: 7-8). Our personal prayers for that guidance will only be effective as far as our efforts to be receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Our prayers for our own personal welfare plus the welfare of others will be in vain if we

"turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need." (Alma 34: 28).

If a difficult task is before us, our God and Heavenly Father is pleased when we fall to our knees and ask for help before getting up on our feet to work. He will aid us in each of our righteous pursuits, but He will seldom do something for us if we can do it ourselves.

Personal Prayer

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ guided,

"Enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to the Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6: 6).

Personal, private prayer is a highly essential and necessary part of spiritual development. 

For starters (and enders), one should find a place free from distractions and kneel in humility and commune with our Heavenly Father every morning and night. Although sometimes there is a need to pray silently, we should make a conscious effort at times to pray vocally (see Doctrine&Covenants 19: 28; 20: 51).

Prayer is a two-way communication. As we finish up our prayers, we should each make time to pause and listen for an answer. At times, our answers from God will come while we are on our knees, intended to counsel, comfort, or guide.

We should never ever give into the idea that it is even possible to become unworthy to pray. This idea is a temptation from Satan, who wants to convince us that we must not, or can not pray (see 2 Nephi 32: 8). If we are discouraged by this feeling ever, it just means that we need to pray harder. Pray until we feel like praying.

The Savior commanded,

"Pray always, that ye may come off conqueror; yea, that ye may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work" (Doctrine&Covenants 10: 5).

Even though we cannot be continuously on our knees, always offering a personal prayer, we can still draw up our hearts to God continually. Every day, we may have a feeling of continual love for Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. We may silently express the gratitude we hold to Heavenly Father and ask Him for strength. In times with constant temptation or actual physical danger, we can mutely ask for His help. He will always help the faithful. 

Family Prayer

Also, with His commandment to us to pray in private, the Savior exhorted us to pray with our families. 

"Pray is your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed" (3 Nephi 18: 21).

We should each make family prayer a repeated habit in a family's life. Every morning and evening, we should all kneel together in humility, giving each family member a consistent chance to pray and uniting in the present gratitude for the blessings which Heavenly Father has given us. There should also be a unity of faith to ask graciously for the blessings which we need and the humble prayer for others.

By regular family prayer, the family members will each draw nearer to God and each other. Children will learn to communicate with their Father in Heaven. Better preparation to serve others and withstand temptation will come. The home will become a place of spiritual strength or rather, a refuge from the evil influences present in the world/

Public Prayer

At times, we each may be asked to make a public prayer in a place like a Church meeting or class. When one is asked this, I implore them to remember that they are communicating with Heavenly Father (not giving a public sermon). The last thing that should be worried about in this case is what others may think of what you may say. Instead, offer a simple, heartfelt prayer by the guidance and power of the Spirit.

Receiving Answers to Prayer

The Savior counseled,

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" (Matthew 7: 7-8).

To the Nephites, He said,

"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you" (3 Nephi 18: 20)

Heavenly Father does in fact hear each of our prayers. He may not always answer as we would expect or prefer, but He does answer--in His own time plus according to His own will. He knows what is best for us (despite what we may think). Sometimes he answers no, even when our prayers, or rather petitions are sincere.

Prayers are answered in a multitude of ways, often through the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost. They may even come through the kind acts of others around us. But they do come. As we continue drawing nearer to God through the power of prayer, we will each recognize His merciful and wise answers to our pleading question (call it what you want, I call it pleading). We will find indeed through time that He is our "refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46: 1).

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/prayer?lang=eng 

What brings me closer to God?

-Scriptures

-Rest

-The Sabbath

-Friends

-Family

-Michael 💓

-Education

-Lack of overthinking

-New beginnings

-Goals

-Easter

-Sacrament

-Baptism

-Agency

-Self-Control

-Thankfulness

-Redemption

-Christ

-Time

-Prophets, seers, revelators

-Pondering

-Responsibility

-Love

-Everything! 

Any of my readers out there have anything to add to my list or any comment at all? I would love to hear it!

Why do I need this?

This year was especially hard, there is no doubting that. Whether it was the lack of a job for the sake of a shutdown, you had nowhere to go (same reason), or perhaps you actually suffered from the COVID-19 disease or you knew someone that did (my heart goes out to you if that is/was the case). Sometimes life knocks you down or keeps knocking you down, but you must never fail to get back up again (what is that Batman quote again?). Personally, this year taught me many good and important lessons, such as the one in goal-setting which I would like to highlight at this moment. Maybe it is just the way that my mind works, but I would like this entry to be a final huzzah for the sparkling (whether that is annoying or not for you) year of 2020. It is one of the positive, good things that I learned, personally. (What are some examples of what you learned, or were taught in the bustling year of 2020? I'm always up for learning new things with which to improve myself.

1) Create at least one handmade gift (maybe for yourself!). -This one is a bit far-reaching for me, but I am not scared...maybe a little, but I refuse to let that simple truth stop me. Let me explain, close to ten years ago, I was in a car accident (that ironically took place in the month of December-not that that is anything which I am able to smile upon!), and that said accident damaged my brain, or in other words, gave me a TBI. In said TBI I was given a lot of gifts that year that I never ever would or could ask for...like ever. Never ever ever. (Don't ever wish for something when you have no idea just what you happen to be wishing for (just an extra thought)) Let me paint you a picture of what precisely I mean if you will. Before that fateful day that I sat at the point of impact in a car accident, I used to dream big (at least bigger than I do now)-then...BAM! CRASH! Everything changed. Not that I am trying to count all the things in my life which people should feel sorry for me for (in fact, please don't), its just that anybody will scarcely understand the reasoning behind this goal unless I tell them the whole story (are you with me still, Sherlock?). Before that drastic day that that horrible, unfair accident occurred (gee, it sure is hard to end on a light note once I get started...), I was quite the crafty little wizard (or witch...), in fact, I knitted several members of my family little hats and/or scarves because it was fun. Now, don't misunderstand. Yes, I did in fact knit, just not with needles, it was with a Knifty Knitter II (I didn't even have the first one) that I received either because I made the most sales at a school fundraiser, or maybe I got it for Christmas, or perhaps I just begged my mother and I was successful...I don't know honestly (remember this, I don't have the best memory 😜) (Also, the weird thing about it is I think it was specifically built for people like handicapped me, but everything is harder for handicapped me.) (As one of my high school English teachers told the class often, "Life sucks, then you die.") I had a point...though knitting is a bit more difficult for one like me, that doesn't mean that I back down from a challenge ever. In my years since the car accident, I have knit (is it knit or knitted?) myself a fuzzy blue scarf and one of my nieces's a cute, pink hat (hi, Paige and family!), like I said, I don't back down from a challenge (even if it is a Rib Knit Scarf...). Not scared!

2) Send Christmas cards. -As you probably know by now, I do love sending out cards in an old-fashioned way, and not only to my brothers when they were on their mission to Madagascar or Scotland/Ireland (or maybe you happened to be one of my friends that received postage while you were on your mission to some other location). In fact, I have created some friends out of writing them notes using paper and ink before sticking them in a mailbox with the flag placed up. It's time to admit it-I love talking to people! I think that is actually the real reason why I started a blog...so here are some Christmasy thoughts to help brighten you day, if I may...

You're super nice. Want to know how I know? Guy in a big, red suit told me.

You know those commercials where the present is a brand new car with a big, red bow? Yeah, we're not doing that. (Only something arguably better in these thoughts!)

Home is where the Christmas cookies and presents are!

The 12 Days of Christmas guy really had a thing with birds, huh? Let's hope you don't know anyone crazy enough to give you 23 birds this holiday season. 🐦

Nobody loves Christmas more than me, and I love you even more than Christmas...or at least it's close. 😉

...or I will accept humming, at the very least (if you happen to be like me "gulp").

3) Look at/Make money plans for 2021. -Maybe I get too antsy about my cash and how much I have...but the way that I see it, you can either be drowning in debt or chilling in the sunny surf if you make, and keep to your money plans. My money plans of yesteryear, and all the years before that, used to be very simple. They were mostly "let somebody else buy it" or "don't ever want anything ever" but seeing as my first time living away from home was recent, while I took on-campus schooling this year, I found that those old hats don't always work with the modern-day apps like Venmo, or kindness (have you heard of it?) creating a flow of cash no matter what, and it isn't always people sending you money, sometimes it is the other way around, which is why I need to have better money plans for the year of 2021 to make the world go round. (I don't care what you have heard, but money does make the world go round, sadly.) (It's a sad fact of life, that I try not to look on too much...how am I doing?) There is a pattern that I plan to follow to help me in my money plans for the new year. First, I plan to record my expenses, not forgetting anything (even if it is the ice cream, or say, hot chocolate that I really needed after a long day at work. I pass the ice cream shop every day traveling to and from work...not my fault.). Next, I need to practice or pay more attention to how I am budgeting my cash. I learned the science of it years ago but could use the reminder.  Personally, I think we all could use the reminder in ordeals like this one, whether we happen to be one of the people like me who has an unlucky memory or not. Thirdly, I plan to cut my expenses. All in all, I plan to become better at asking myself if I really do need an item before honestly answering. I say this as I am sitting in socks that I bought yesterday that I didn't need...my socks of shame. Next, I need to set savings goals and stick better to them. I need short-term (1-3 years) and long term (4+ years), I also need to not give up with just one try (but I feel I am already wearing the duns cap with that one). Lastly, (and I personally think that this segment just might be the best of them all...either that or I really love watching cash grow-Who doesn't?) I need to learn how to make saving automatic. This has had its good and bad days. I remember after I received my very first paycheck, I went right over to the store and bought a big journal (right after paying my tithing), since then I have learned that once you spend money, there is no way of getting it back (in my defense, I was 11 years old when I bought the journal...that is still drifting, not completely filled, in the back of my closet). In other words, when you receive money SAVE SAVE SAVE! You never know how much more you are going to get.

 

4) Film a video for YouTube. -This is in no way discrediting the fact that I have horrible stage fright because I still do and will most likely forever. Here are my thoughts though, I think that YouTube videos create more of a positive boost for those of us out there with this stage fright issue, because if I'm being honest, it isn't the performing that frightens me (in all likelihood, I practiced it more than a million times and could perform it blind-folded...in fact, I would rather do that, because the thing that really gets me on edge is the cavernous auditorium). YouTube, there is no cavernous auditorium, at least in my case, there is only a chance to make a really cool video. No pressure...or rather, low pressure. Just don't let me think about it too much. I am actually doing this to participate in the #LightTheWorld challenge that my church is doing this Christmas, which is why I am going to post the link to the video here, Facebook, and Instagram once it is complete. No fear. I just want to remind you all what (or rather who) Christmas is truly about. (Please come again, I need an audience.) (Wow, That was the confidence boost that I needed.) Thinking about this, not to say that I have any future in the musical industry (I'm not even sure if the video that I will post will apply to music, I just know that it will be all about Christ, the One which we are truly celebrating as our Messiah and Redeemer on the 25th), artists like Lindsey Stirling and Justin Bieber first got their initial start on YouTube (though they perform vastly different types of music). You don't know unless you try. I'm ready...or at least I plan to be in a few days. Please come again by the end of the week/month. I want to reach out to as many people as I can, no matter how nervous I am. (I know.) 

5) Instacart for someone high-risk. -First, let me explain if you were like me when you first heard of the prospect of this goal (What is Instacart? Huh?). Instacart happens to be a grocery delivery service intended for people who are in a high-risk situation. After hearing that, I couldn't keep myself from downloading this particular app. There is always someone out there that has it worse than you, I don't care how bad you have it. If times are the worst for you too (as it currently is for me), service and charity are sure medications that can be applied. They can help us to find the peace within, in other words (I apologize if this is hitting any sensitive areas with any of you). I truthfully to try at helping anyone out whenever I can, but I also happen to know that I, or rather, we can always do better. (Don't.) This idea of service should be enough to present the idea to one and all, but just in case not, after you complete your shopping for someone else, you will be recompensed (I think even more than is necessary...though I am not sure) (I need to research this more). 

There is my December or my final month of the year goals. What do you think? What are your goals? How has your mind progressed in the year 2020? Are you really looking forward to any intended second chances that will come in the next year? Why? Why do you need this? (Want me to keep going?...I've got plenty. 😋)