MIND  BOGGLING

by Shauna V. Brown 

Recently I was asked, “What is your favorite movie?” Within my mind I scanned, and reviewed the many movies I have watched over the years.  I have a few chosen favorites, as I tend to be a traditionalist and don’t stray to far from reality.   I am still drawn to my beloved Anne of Green Gables, Sound of Music, Pride and Prejudice, The Secret Garden, My Fair Lady, to name a few.  I enjoy watching them over and over again, for in them I find numerous lessons to learn by.  Leading characters are shaped by their challenges and from despair comes joy, overcoming defeat to finding renewal and finding the best. In most cases my leading characters are found to live happily ever after.  At least that how my mind sees it. 

           “Climb every mountain, forge every stream follow every rainbow till you find your dream.”  ~ Sound of Music 

        “It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”  ~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables 

        “Where you tend a rose, my lad, A thistle cannot grow.”  ~ Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden 

            Our lives are shaped by our challenges , mountains if your will, that we face, whether they are big or small, imagined or real.  Sometimes, we think too much upon them, or simply turn and start walking down the hill.  Our mind’s focus is drenched in the “What ifs”, How will I, Can I, Should I ?  I find myself entertaining a lot of self talk, independent pep rallies, and mind scanning.  

        “The mountains of our minds are meant to be forged.” ~ Shauna Brown 

         Our thoughts can literally sink hope, dampen our faith, and dilute the power we hold within. We have to make a daily choice as to where we allow our thoughts to take us.  

        In reviewing some of the ancient feelings by Marcus Aurelius,  I was sweetly taken by his view point, perspective and by his wisdom. I share just two of inspiring thoughts: 

         “The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.”  

        “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”  

            Some researchers suggest that we have 48 thoughts per minutes. Isn’t that mind boggling? No wonder there are moments when we have a brain freeze, memory loss, or want to take a nap.  It is estimated that in one day we have well over 70,000 thoughts marching through our mind. Is there little wonder then, that a portion of our thoughts, 80% are negative. So think about what we are pondering, what we are thinking, and where our focus is.  

         Years ago I learned about the work of Japanese scientist Dr. Masaru Emoto. Dr. Emoto photographed frozen samples of polluted water before and after prayer was done over the water. He also photographed sample of distilled water before and after exposure to various kinds of music, such as heavy metal  or the more relaxing tones of Beethoven. He also taped words to the containers of distilled water such as “You make me sick; I will kill you” and  “Love and appreciation.” 

        The energies from beautiful words and thoughts, even if only written, created exquisite snowflake-like patterns in the water. The less uplifting energies created images of disorder and toxicity. Even a simple “thank you” produced a lovely crystalline pattern. 

     Is it little wonder the, that we, being made up of a great percentage of water need  to surround ourselves with all things uplifting, even the colors that we wear, the movies, the books, the people.  Our thoughts will and can make such a difference in our life. 

             Today more than ever before we need to seek and surround ourselves with all that is good, allowing it to pour into our heart and soul. Imagine our exquisite crystalline 

patterns we are creating.

        Enjoy your Sabbath. 

        Love Always, 

        Shauna

Puddles 

and Promises 

     

by Shauna V. Brown 

     I  love reading my mother’s history. She shared her life through stories.Stories that are uplifting, educational and inspiring. I will be ever so grateful that she jotted down her thoughts, feelings and shared her testimony so freely.

    This morning I stepped back in time with Mama, as she reflected upon her life, describing how it was for her growing up as a child during the depression. As I read  a story written in 1981, she was in her seventies, she vividly recalled her feelings: “The economy of the United States is in a deplorable  condition. Nine million Americans are out of work. Factories are closing. . . Crime, corruption and fraud are daily broadcast from the housetops. . . bombs exploding, . . loss of innocent lives are almost daily occurances. . .   fears, anxiety, strife, hatred, suffering and poverty fill the news.”

     Continuing her story of how it was as a young bride when depression visited again our country in 1938,    “Van(my father), became Bishop of the Nineth Ward in Salt Lake City. There was much relief needed in this time of depression. Heads of families were out of work. Food, clothing, shelter and heat were requested by many members of our ward.” 

The paragraph that seemed to standout upon the page: “When Van checked over those in need of assistance -- not one had been a tithe payer.  Not even those who had payed only a part tithe had need of welfare.”

    “It was surely a testimony to both Van  and me. The Lord surely does keep His promises.  He says he will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings greater than we can contain.”

       “I will … pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Mal. 3:10.

       Is history repeating itself?  Crime, corruption, fraud -- it sure sounds the same to me.  We will encounter numerous voices that cause us to doubt, question, pause and ponder which path to choose- who to follow? We will be surrounded with virtue and vice, happiness and sadness, obedience and disobedience, open hearts and hard hearts. There will be those that heed and those that hide. I believe with full heart that if we seek to do God’s will andfollow Him he will guide us through the depressing moments, the storms and rumblings of time.  

I pray that we will all be ready, ready to push open the windows, pop our umbrellas, get out our boots and be ready for the down pour from heaven.   Did I say be ready?  We must look for the sparkling rain today and realize that blessings are being bestowed here and now.         

       “To be cheerful when others are in despair, to keep the faith when others falter, to be true even when we feel forsaken—all of these are deeply desired outcomes during the deliberate, divine tutorials which God gives to us—because He loves us. These learning experiences must not be misread as divine indifference. Instead, such tutorials are a part of the divine unfolding.” ~ Neal A. Maxwell

      So, as we are caught in the unfolding of our lives, let us write down how God in His wisdom has given us opportunities to stretch and grow, ponder and pray, and develop greater faith and trust. Let us record, like Mama did, those times when we danced in the rain, blew kisses to God, and marveled at our daily miracles. As we think upon those times we will realize that it has been raining most days.   Now, let’s go and find the puddles.... and make a big splash that lands upon our hearts.

Enjoy your Sabbath,

Love Always,

Shauna  

                        

                        FINISH   STRONG

by Shauna V. Brown 

      

The Olympics are over once again. Most of the Olympians have returned to their  

homes and countries. Some of them have received warm welcomes with cheering crowds, parades and fan fare, achieving what they hoped. Others are content that they will forever carry the title of an Olympian. Still there will be those who feel broken, defeated and embarrassed, returning home empty.  

       But I remain back at the finish line with my thoughts. The marking point of championship and success, or instant defeat.    _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

      FINISH  lines, are usually clearly marked with lines, banners, balloons, flags, large letters, ribbons or tape. I have observed most have a gathering crowd to applaud and cheer those who have completed the race. We watch with eager anticipation to see who will cross the line first, and ‘bring home the medal.’  Today we marvel as most winners are found crossing the finish line within a hundredth of a second, less than a blink of an eye.   

     No one goes with the hope to finish fifth or twentieth, first is the goal. Each competitor has the hope to stand tall upon a platform and be rewarded for their effort, skill, and years of dedication. For most of them ‘blood, sweat and tears’  doesn’t even touch upon the many broken bones, pulled and torn ligaments as well as broken hearts, disappointment or disasters that they have encountered.     

      It’s interesting to me to recognize that we, each of us, are holding to a similar quest. Let’s take the downhill racer as an example. Each skier is given an overview of the course, they have a map to study and visualize within their minds, they are informed by their coaches as to the condition of the snow, ice and temperatures. Information is quickly generated so they can learn from skiers who have gone previously. They mentally play the course over and over, reviewing each turn, each incline, and where they need to place their weight and skis.  

    Oh, if life could be so easy? Our personal quest and pathway isn’t marked by any flags or ink. There are no signs clearly indicating which way to go or when, we are left to our agency and choices. Even in our daily practices and pursuits, we have no map to follow. No one has walked our individual path before us. Often there seems to be too many voices to listen to.  On our individual paths there are icy inclines and deep rutted declines, rough patches, and gratefully there are smooth moments when we take heart and press forward, knowing  there is a finish line-- somewhere.   

       I like the way author and radio mentor, Anita R. Sneed-Carter expresses the pursuit to finish strong and full of faith:  

“Life is short, so live it full! Know that the work that the Lord has begun in you, He will finish it. So, honor Him today with your gift to Him, “steadfastness/endurance to live His work, and not yours. It may get tough along this journey where the enemy speaks “quit”, but remember, God is not through with what He began in you. In God, your life shall be made full and complete( whole)!”  

        

      I recall with great clarity the time my first child, nine month old Heather, wobbly walked into my arms from across the room. There was no finish line visible, but it was there. Heather’s face lit up with smiles, mirroring a great moment for her parents. One would have thought Rick and I had won a prize, or launched a thousand balloons. Our little Heather had taken courage, trusted and with faith and followed the prompting --“Come.”          Joy is in the coming--- unto Christ.   

     Our ultimate coach is our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He has marked the path, and led the way.

   

        “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of  hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” 2 Nephi 31:20

      Just like Heather, we will take baby steps and then lengthen our stride, then step by step we come, we follow-- we finish.  That’s the goal- our eternal finish line.    Each day as we cross the daily finish line, we can take a deep breath and be reassured there is someone encouraging us on.  You see Christ said it first,“It is finished.” 

Enjoy your Sabbath. 

Love to all

Shauna 

                   Looking for the Miracles

by Shauna V. Brown 

      For the past week I have set the goal to jot  down, for my personal spiritual exercise, and history, the many miracles that have transpired in my life. I highly recommend this exercise for all of us. It is simply amazing as one reflects upon those moments when life was held in the balance, when answers hadn’t come, when strangers came with remedies, when purpose became clear, were miracles. I marveled how thoughts of inspiration and impressions took hold, when dreams held visions, when scriptures rendered answers, when prayers were heard, when life began.  Clearly, it is amazing to see the hand and design of our creator in our daily living. In fact, it is a blessing to see just how closely God is involved in the details of our lives. 

  

          “I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant.  

        The Lord is in the details.”  ~ Thomas S. Monson 

              One miracle, I believe was truly significant happened many years ago.  With six children I felt we needed to enlarge our living space. Because of this feeling I was literally driven to find a new home. “Driven,” is perhaps too simple of a description. I was fully focused, constantly compelled upon to find a new home. I was daily searching for it, at lunch time Rick and I would often go through numerous homes. I had a binder filled with potential homes, layouts, and maps. My realtor was maxed out trying to find “that perfect home” for our needs.  I felt an increasing pressure upon me, it was an unrelenting feeling. Most of the time I was filled with anxiety, frustration and most nights I couldn’t sleep. 

         Late one night I got out of bed and knelt down to say another prayer. It seemed the answer to a frequent and repeated plea wasn’t coming, and this was disturbing to me as well.  Then, while praying for that requested direction I heard a voice. It was clear and distinct, it scared me. He said, “Pray to me and I will give you answers.”  An instant, jolting vibration within my soul ignited  a sense of fear. I immediately got up, grabbed my scriptures, rushed down the hallway, turned on the lights in the living room and settled myself in a chair. My heart was pounding rapidly. I felt an even greater sense of urgency, “Heavenly Father, help me to know who is pushing me. Are we are meant to move.” Then, I extended, “Help me know what you want me to do.” I then had a flash of direction. I quickly opened my scriptures and fanned the pages. I didn’t know where to look. I hadn’t tested this experiment before.  I then dropped my finger upon a page and passage. I then started to read :   

        “It is necessary that ye should remain for the present time in your places of abode, 

         as it shall be suitable to your circumstances.”  Doctrine & Covenants 48:1   

        Can you imagine it?  Where there had been pressure, tumult, discouragement, anxiety and frustration, all was quickly dispelled. Imagine how my heart felt at that very moment, as I was immediately surrounded in a sense of reassuring peace. I clearly knew what God wanted for me.  The desire to look for a home vanished. I had my direction and answer. 

        Yet, I admit, I pondered why God hadn’t answered me earlier. I have come to appreciate and value that timing is often the key that unlocks the miracles and purposes of God.   

        That night, I learned just how in tune the destroyer is. How he is eager, unrelenting, to have us tied to his ways and will.  

        

“Knowing our Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives, then we must  

        realize the destroyer is aimed at derailing our lives.”  ~ Shauna 

   Trust me, I don’t look for signs. It is clear to me... Miracles are happening everyday. 

Enjoy Your Sabbath 

Love Always, 

Shauna  

                   Lasting Impressions

by Shauna Brown 

      Recently we discovered a warm spot in the United States,Arizona. My Christmas gift to husband Rick was a visit to see Rick’s brother and Sister-in-law Cathy.  It has been over eight years since we saw them last, much, much too long. 

       I must admit it was delightful taking long walks in the hot sun, and equally refreshing to walk by moonlight. Oh, what a 

wonderful world we live in. So many things to enjoy, learn about and share.

      While there we were fortunate to attend the Gilbert Arizona Temple Open House. There is something exciting to observe as people, concourses of people, families, walking by the hundreds to the house of the Lord.  I’m sure some of them were just interested in seeing the inside of an LDS temple, while others came to give reverance and respect for such a beautiful gift, a house worthy of the Lord’s blessings.  It was breath taking, every inch was truly an offering of the best craftsmanship, deliberate detail, and colors that rendered peace and tranquility.  

      No one could have missed the motif that was carried throughout the building, that of the native agave plant. By way of artistic talent the motif was found everywhere, from stain glass windows, gold inlays, carpets, vases, and of course agave plants filled the landscape.

     The agave motif was used to signify the influence of one generation upon another. You see, as the agave ages the older leaves create impressions on the upper, younger leaves. They leave patterns for posterity, if you will, becoming a symbol of eternal families.  

It was interesting to me to learn that the agave takes an incredible amount of time before it blooms, and then it only blooms once. So impressions, patterns and examples are critical to the young and growing agave leaves.     

      Immediately my thoughts turned to our Father in Heaven and what impressions he has left upon our hearts, minds, and souls?  How does he want us to live? What characteristics have been impressed deeply- deeply enough that I begin to see, think and feel as He does. 

     We have all heard the comment, “He’s just like his Father, so set in his ways.”  Imagine that if we all looked to God and began to be “set in his ways” - growing and allowing the patterns left upon our personal petals to have place within us. Imagine the possibilities, the confidence, the power, the ability to grow, to become, more than just a budding hope. 

“Too old to plant trees for my own gratification, 

I shall do it for posterity.”--Thomas Jefferson

“Let us never forget to pray. God lives. He is near. He is real. He is not only 

aware of us but cares for us. He is our Father. He is accessible to all who

will seek Him.”  ~ Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

    

Enjoy Your Sabbath

Love Always,

Shauna

Cart Happy!

by Shauna Brown

     Yesterday, as I was shopping a man came down the same isle as I was on, walking in the opposite direction. He pushed his cart close to my cart.  I smiled and simply inquired, “How are you doing today?”  A few seconds passed and he muttered with a dark tone, “fine.”  I continued on not thinking much more about it. Then even while my back was turned he voiced aloud, “Thank you for asking.”  

“You’re so welcome,” I said turning.

My thoughts continued to percolate upon his statement, “Thank you for asking.”  My imagination took hold and I was set to wondering.  I wondered if he lived alone. I wondered by the tone of his voice if he carried  heavy burdens. I thought about his unshaven face and deep set eyes. I wondered if he knew or felt what happiness was. Perhaps he was unemployed and struggling. I wondered if one ever spoke to him. If too much of his world was filled with silence. I wondered if he had children who rarely visited him. I wondered and imagined, and of course I gave him reasons for being alone. Perhaps his wife was dying, his children lived far away. 

“Thank you for asking.” 

Too often, I believe many of us push our ‘carts of life’ past those who need us to stop, reach out with words of hope, purpose and possibilities. The rush of life often pushes us past the opportunity to learn from others, to give to others, even if it’s just a smile and a few words of genuine interest.

For the rest of the day I said to everyone with whom I came in contact, “Hello,”  “Hi, how are you?”  “ Good morning,” “Hi, there!” “Good afternoon.” Some looked at me a little strangely, as if I was an odd duck. Others quickly 

responded with a  “Hello!” Some looked around to insure I was speaking to them. Others nodded and smiled without response. Still , far too many, even while looking directly at me, ignored me, as if I wasn’t there. I must admit my experiment was interesting. My fact finding moments revealed a vast and varying summation. In all observations, I was amazed, a how much a few words of kindness can make a difference.  

“Thank you for asking.”

After reading a couple of Leo Buscaglia’s books, that focus on love, and relationships, I came to realize that there are many valuable gifts that each of us carry within our personal carts. Many people are shopping, seeking to find the “gift” that we are meant to share with them. Leo Buscaglia taught: 

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, 

a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the

smallest act of caring, all of which have the 

potential to turn a life around.” ~ 

So for today, stop your cart, look around and rejoice in this great gift of life. We must all come to realize that within each of us are an abundance of gifts meant to share with others. 

Perhaps your heart will be as stirred as mine was, when words extended.... “Thank you for asking,”  rested upon my heart. From those words I felt like reaching out more, inquiring more, caring more, and seeing more. Makes me want to look into my ‘cart of abundance,’ open up my heart, let the sunshine out and share it with the world. 

Enjoy Your Sabbath,

Love Always,

Shauna

Seek

by Shauna Brown 

       Each night for the past week, I have been reading aloud a book by Sheri Dew, GOD WANTS A POWERFUL PEOPLE. If you’re like me, you certainly want to become what God has envisioned you to become.  I was inspired, as I read the words of President Spencer W. Kimball: 

     “The Almighty is with this people. We shall have all the revelations that we shall need if we will do our duty and keep the commandments of God. . . . If there be eyes to see, there will be visions to inspire. If there be ears to hear, there will be revelations to experience. If there be hearts which can understand, know this: that the exalting truths of Christ’s gospel will no longer be hidden and mysterious, and all earnest seekers may know God and his program” . 

    

        I want my heart to be ready to feel, eyes wide open to see revealed truths. I want to hear His voice. I want to draw down the powers from heaven. I want to become all that He needs me to be.  It is a comfort to know that God is very much aware of each individual’s needs. I don’t know how He does it, I only know He does.  

          In a time when the world seems plagued by corruption, sin, distrust, and distractions, I am further realizing the importance of three words from our 13th Article of Faith : -- We SEEK after.   ‘If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praise worthy , we seek after these things.” 

        Sadly, all of us, more frequently are needing to seek, search and find all that is good. Too often this necessitates a pushing against worldly ways, trends, and growing apathy.  There might even be times when we are called upon to stand for something. Many standards , by some voices are now deemed unimportant, useless, outdated, and obsolete. God may want us, need us, to raise our voices, which might even demand we stand alone.          

I love the blog site of Stephanie Nielsen. I am inspired and lifted by her and her young family. Burned in a horrific plane crash she has recognized her tragedy, as an opportunity to share her faith and beliefs of how to live a full and happy life. If you want a moment to SEEK the good, go to her blog.  [nie nie]. I am always enriched by partaking of her thoughts. If Stephanie’s  words are inspiring, then imagine if we listen, if we seek to center our lives upon God’s words--how might we feel?    

       Yes, for today, look around, seek all that is  GOOD, become the good, and might we all allow His loving light to distill upon us. 

        Enjoy your Sabbath 

        Love always, 

        Shauna