Redefine #LiveBoldly

It's been a few months full of lots of changes- new jobs, new calling, and lots of excitement up ahead. There are few things I love more than a book, a movie, or an individual who challenges me to examine why I disagree. To a certain extent those very things that cause moments of reflection and examination, often of myself, are those that help me expand and grow ( I did not read or watch 50 Shades of Grey just because I disagree however- there is a line).

A few months ago I read the book "Me Before You" by JoJo Moyes which also just came out in theaters. Louisa Clark becomes a caregiver for the wealthy young Will Traynor who, due to an unfortunate accident, is a quadriplegic. Before his accident, Will was a regular James Bond- living a large life full of adventure and risk on his terms. He is now of the opinion that since he can no longer live the way he would want, he does not want to live. On one hand it is a beautiful story of how Lou and Will slowly change each other- he opens her up to the possibilities of living life to the fullest and she offers him a love that changes them both. At first the title made me think of who each of them were before meeting and loving the other. Another interpretation of "me before you" another blogger suggested is a much more selfish version- Louisa's whole life has been full of selfless service or the "you before me" mentality, while Will's self-centered lifestyle and attitude is definitely "me before you". The war between these two mentalities forms the center of the saga.

After watching the movie, I left the theater with a vague sense of sadness mixed with dissatisfaction. I can't help but see that a more eternal perspective would change the entire story. Sure, if all we have and all we are is this mortal existence, then the "eat, drink, and be merry" attitude might be understandable. In a desperate attempt to cram all the wonders and thrills of mortality we would all encourage each other to live similarly to Will. However, I know we are much more than this brief mortal existence- we are eternal beings undergoing a probationary period of learning and growth- of becoming more so than just doing. It is much easier to check of a list of things to do and much more challenging to "check off" a list of becoming. In the former viewpoint, an accident like the one Will experiences would be devastating- an end to most adventures and a limit to being able to live according to your own will. Yet with the latter more eternal perspective, a trial like that is an opportunity, a chance to learn and grow in new ways and refine character. Instead of seeing what you can't do, you could focus on different ways to grow and serve.

The hashtag for the movie is #LiveBoldly, but guess what? It's not enough to just live boldly for yourself, for your own interests and personal development. Please don't misunderstand me- education is vital, expanding your horizons and abilities. However, all of that will add up to zero if we fail to develop charity- the ability to love and serve unconditionally. Ultimately that will be what changes and shapes us. I'm not discrediting your desire to visit Ireland or learn another language, or skydive- because I want to do all those things. Add some contributions to your bucket list and be mindful of the process of becoming along the way.

• Volunteer- yes, the one time events but also something consistent and committed.
• Build a home with habitat for humanity
• Discover causes you are passionate about and find ways to contribute
• Make a Kiva Loan

Or ask yourself some of these questions to help you figure out how you want to contribute.

What do you want your life to stand for?
What message do you want to send with your life?
How do you want to contribute to making the world (or your world) a better place?
How do you want to be remembered by others when you’re gone?
If you could grant just one wish to one person, who would you chose and what would you grant them?
What are your most important values and how do you want to use those values?

How Long Is Forever?

 

 

"I missed you last night...I lay awake so far away from you yet so close. 'How long is forever? Sometimes just one second.' Sometimes just one hour or one night. Sometimes it is the space between pain and relief, between despair and hope, or between heartbreak and love. Sometimes forever is not a measurement of time but a state of being. I am forever yours and that is not dependant on when we meet or marry nor on when we die. I am yours forever. Who I am is inextricably, completely, willingly yours. I don't wish to alter a moment of our forever- simply treasure them and tell you

I love you all along the way. "

Hopeworks By Kristi

Hello, it's me.

I'm sure you're wondering if after all this time I'm here
To keep going over everything
They say that time's supposed to heal ya
And I've done a lot of healing.

I couldn't help it guys, it was just too perfect. But seriously, I know I was kind of quiet on here during February, in part because I was a little louder than normal elsewhere. I was doing a mentoring challenge to post a video everyday. It started as just posting to Facebook, but then I was instructed to upload them to Youtube and my new website. A video message about a topic or something I felt impressed to share. Part of the purpose was to help get me out of my comfort zone, to do something that was uncomfortable and vulnerable. But even more it was to help me identify what the unique message Heavenly Father needs me to share with others. It was a great experience. Humbling and more than a little scary, but wonderful.

Add to that, I took some giant leaps forward in creating my own business. I had a huge shift from feeling like the energy work and foot zoning are things I want to do on the side, to "this is something that I am meant to do as a huge part of my life!!!" Again, that whole "scary/humbling/vulnerable but amazing" thing. But isn't that like most of the important decisions in life? I have my own website now. www.hopeworksbykristi.com Awesome, right? And I have business cards. Really cool, beautiful, professional looking business cards with my own logo. I offer mentoring and foot zone therapy along with my wit, light, and overall awesomeness. (Yeah, feeling peppy today :)

Please check out the website. Reach out to me if you feel so impressed. I know that I am being taught many things for the precise purpose of helping, lifting, and serving others.

Healing & The Book of Mormon

I love the Book of Mormon. It's clarity and power in testifying of Jesus Christ never ceases to amaze and teach me. Several years ago (while in the MTC, I think), I heard the suggestion from Elder Bednar to take a copy of the Book of Mormon and study with a question or topic in mind. And when an apostle of Jesus Christ gives me a "suggestion", I take that as divine inspiration. Since then I've completed several studies in the Book of Mormon including Christ & the Atonement, covenants, strengthening family relationships, and most recently sources and application of healing.

While insight and inspiration gained through this study is at times challenging to elaborate on or to impart, however whatever part I can share I want to.

* At the root of all healing is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. That's just a truth. Physical, emotional, mental healing all comes from the Savior. The methods in which we access that healing power may vary from modern medicine and surgery to herbs, essential oils, and foot zone therapy, and the most vital ones, repentance and the power of the priesthood.

* Repentance is the Lord's primary established pattern to receive healing in our lives. Sometimes we think of "repentance" as a heavy or hard word. It just means a change of heart, a turning away from sin toward God. And the word "sin" in the scriptures is a translation from multiple Greek and Hebrew words covering a variety of meanings from "mistake or error", "guilt", "sadness", "lapse of judgement" all the way to "deliberate rebellion" and "transgression". Whatever degree of mistakes, lapse, or rebellion we find ourselves in- repentance is the answer.

* Other terms we use in relation to repentance include turning our hearts to God, submitting our will to God, being humbled/humbling ourselves, being made new creatures in Christ---guess what? You're talking about that same concept- turning toward God and that invites the power of the Atonement into our hearts.

*This one bears mentioning though it wasn't a major focus of my study, the Lord often provides healing through the proper use and administration of the priesthood, which is the power to act in the name of God. Blessings of the sick or for guidance, the administering of ordinances and making covenants all invite the power of the Atonement into our lives.

*Covenants heal because they bind us to the sources of healing, Heavenly Father and the Savior.

* Faith heals. Faith casts out and overcomes doubt and darkness, allowing light to take it's place. And that's one of the definitions of healing- to expose all darkness and replace it with truth.

* Knowledge heals. Perfect knowledge that is. Beyond just learning and education, coming to a knowledge of truth and true principles brings healing power into our hearts and mind because it erases false beliefs and deception.

* Love, true love, heals. Charity is the pure love of Jesus Christ and it heals the broken hearted, the lonely soul, and the chaotic mind. Unconditional love like that allow us to see people (including ourselves) the way Heavenly Father and the Savior see us- as who we can become and not just who we are now.

* Conversion heals. "be converted, that I may heal you" (3 Nephi 9:13) And check our Mosiah chapter 5.

* Righteous desires bring healing because they replace selfishness and connect us back to faith and knowledge.

There's more, but maybe I should leave that for you to study. In short, I know that all healing comes from a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that healing is available to all who seek it if they will only turn and look to the source.

Thank You To My Married Friends

I have a lot of married friends. And I love them. As I approach my 25th birthday I never expected to be the "single" one from my college friends, among my mission friends and companions, and even from my high school group. It's a fairly comical cycle- I make friends and they get married, I make more friends and they get married...I move somewhere completely different and make more wonderful great friends...and they get married too. Maybe I'm helping lots of people find love and happiness? Okay, it probably has very little to do with me (Except Marianne and Colin- I totally set you guys up). And I'll admit there are moments of feeling sorry for myself, of always being the third wheel, of wanting to eat ice cream and binge watch chick flicks after reading my whole feed full of cute family pictures and posts. But that can be another post. (Hmm, maybe not. Sounds depressing)

The purpose of this post is to thank all my wonderful married friends for all the wonderful things you add to my life!

* Thank you for sharing your unique love stories. It teaches me over and over to be myself, trust the Lord and his timing, and that love is really worth risking everything for.

* As you embark on this marvelous adventure of marriage and parenthood, thank you for including me. What a gift it is to watch cherished friends grow through these new experiences! I get the privilege of observing people I already love and adore, progress and grow tremendously.

* Thank you for bringing more wonderful people into my life! As you find spouses who are your counterparts in awesomeness, I am blessed with more amazing friends. Thank you for the richness you add to my life.

* Thank you for including me. Except for right after the wedding, most of my married friends have been fantastic about including me in their new lives. Dinners, girls nights, new homes- thank you for taking time to keep me in the loop.

* Thank you for confiding in me. Communication changes between friends after marriage and rightly so. Some, if not most, things are now between you and your spouse (not you and your girlfriends). Whatever you do choose to share, discuss, and confide in me about, thank you for trusting me.

* Thank you for seeing me. I'm usually the one who feels this label of singleness and attaches to it. You rarely do. I'm just your friend and you see me for me (and not your token single friend)

* Thank you for believing in me, in my dreams and goals. Thank you for all the encouragement as I take a path in my life perhaps quite different from yours. And though it may not be familiar to you, you never fail to cheer me on!

* Thank you for letting me love your kids. Seriously, my heart is wrapped around their little fingers and it is such a tender mercy for me to love, enjoy, and learn from them. Thank you for letting me do so.

* Thank you for trusting me with your kids. Thank you for trusting the most precious people in your world with me when I babysit and visit. Thank you for sharing the joy they bring.

* Thank you for believing in and standing up for marriage. Though I'm not married yet, I recognize what a leap of faith marriage is- in yourself, in another person, and in God. Thank you for your faith in something bigger than yourself.

*Thank you!!

Q&A with Elder Bednar

This past weekend I had the privilege of participating in a morningside devotional with Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In place of a more traditional talk, he opened up the devotional for a question and answer session! Similar to other opportunities I've had to interact with and be taught by general authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Elder Ballard, Elder Andersen, and others) it was an inspirational morning. And like those times, the whispering of the Spirit tells me that though I learn to love them even more as I am instructed at their feet, I do not need to meet the 15 men we call prophets, seers, and revelators to know that they are exactly that.

Some traditional Elder Bednarism's came up--some of his areas of emphasis include taking notes of impressions rather than what is actually said (he calls it the small plates versus the large plates), being an agent to act rather than an object, studying the Book of Mormon with a topic/question in mind and how he learned to honor the priesthood from his non-member father. Even though those are familiar words of wisdom from Elder Bednar, the impressions I felt specifically were a tender mercy. I want to share just a few parts of that.

* There is no such thing as "free" agency- that term never appears in the scriptures. What we are normally referring to is "moral agency", the ability to choose between right and wrong. We should never forget that it's not free.

* One sister stood up and asked what she can do to her less-active family as she worried about ever being sealed to them. His response was brief, at first. "It begins with you." He then expanded saying that before we even get to the idea of starting our own family and beginning those traditions, our faithful keeping of covenants and renewal of ordinances will strengthen our families. Elder Bednar went on to share a story from his life. Growing up his father was not a member so the first time he had family prayer and family home evening were as a husband. After their first son was born, he had colic and Elder Bednar took care of him at night (Sister Bednar was very sick during the pregnancy). Having not had the example of a Melchizedek priesthood holder growing up, he found himself asking, " What would it be like if I read the sections about the priesthood in the Doctrine and Covenants to my son? What would it be like..." Elder Bednar pointed out to us that often what we see as disadvantages are really opportunities to seek out divine guidance and to learn. Again he emphasized the importance of remembering covenants and ordinances and that will exert a powerful influence on all family members.

* About halfway through the devotional, Elder Bednar asked us a question- What were we learning from the format of the questions and answers? One brave humble young man stood and admitted that he learned he was not prepared. He had not come with questions, not that we knew what the format would be, but in his heart he had brought no question to ask the Lord during this opportunity. Humbly, he told us that he would not let it happen again and would strive to be prepared at all times to gain guidance and inspiration. What a good reminder for all of us!

When Running...Through Tar

First post of 2016! Oh yeah!! Bring it on! I love beginnings and fresh starts, embarking on new adventures and wiping the slate clean. And though sometimes we carry over old issues or current challenges into those new beginnings, often it can offer us fresh perspectives.

I've ushered in the new year with a lot of purpose, direction, and power. my theme for the year is Semper Fi (which means Always Faithful in Latin). Always faithful to the Lord, faithful and true to myself, and faithful to my commitments and mission. The latter will soon include the United States Marine Corps as I made the decision a few months ago to enlist. Confirmation of this decision has been overwhelming and humbling as I truly feel that this is where Heavenly Father wants me to be. What an incredible blessing in my life to feel so directed  towards the next phase/step in my life on my journey to become who I need to be!

Mirroring real life, my excitement about and commitment to this comes first. It is followed by some nervousness, some worry, and some frustration. Just starting the process has been a process. Since I'm being open and vulnerable, I might as well share, right? Everything is pretty much in order, except I need to lose some more weight to meet eligibility requirements. As soon as I knew where I needed to be, I single-mindedly set to the task at hand. I carefully track my eating, train at the gym 5-6 times a week, with a trainer 2-3 of those days, I've become a marathon water-drinker, and very protective of getting enough rest. And I've lost weight. Slowly. I mean painfully slow. So I decided to go Paleo (after trying the military diet several times), found another mentor, added a vision board and have gotten so intense with my daily declarations that I've lost my voice.

This week I reached a point of frustration and desperation as I poured my heart out to Heavenly Father. " I'm doing everything you asked me to do and I'm stuck! I know I'm doing your will so why can't I progress faster? I've counseled with you on every step and I'm not reaching the goals." The reply didn't come all at once, but rather over the course of several days and small impressions. I'd like to share them as I feel that they will apply to this and many other situations of life.

* On Sunday, President Russell M Nelson gave a wonderful devotional and one part specifically hit me. He said, "Expect and prepare to accomplish the impossible. Abrahamic tests did not stop with Abraham."  Wow. And the words "this will be one" came to mind almost as if he had said it. If this seems challenging, it's because it is!! And that's alright, because I CAN do hard things!!!

* Maybe we say this all the time. Maybe we say this as an excuse when we don't put in 110% effort. But mostly I think this is true. God has his own timing. It's not that I'm off course, not good enough, not working hard enough. I have to constantly remind myself that God is a comprehensive planner- He is more focused on the process and the transformation and less so on the results.

* Practice makes perfect, right? If that works for piano lessons and learning languages, it most definitely applies to discerning promptings and obedience. If this whole thing was an answer to prayer and a spiritual impression to act, then it follows that it will be made up of smaller steps and promptings. Just like with your parents, you think you're learning one thing, but you're really learning three other things. As I learn to heed these impressions, I develop not only discernment, but obedience, faith, and trust in the Lord.

*Just last night I had the thought, "While looking forward, are you trying to skip what you still need to do right where you are?" Perhaps in the process of preparing to go where I need to go next, I've been in a hurry to be done with right now. There are still experiences I need to have, tools and skills I need to gain, people I need to help, uplift, and serve.

So I'm working on that whole patience thing and sometimes reminders like this can be frustrating in these situations. That doesn't change the fact that they're true. I still lack the magical ability to snap my fingers and erase the frustration or speed up the process, but I'm going to cut myself some slack. I am enough. I am listening to the promptings and following them. I am all in, doing everything that lies within my power to do and pleading with all my heart for what doesn't. And in the end, isn't that what He asks of us?