This was one of those 'light bulb' moments when you are trying sleep ideas.
Life has lots of ups and downs.
But there are ways you can get through life without getting brought down by everything that comes your way.
Now, if you know anything about ducks or have ever watched a duck for any matter of time- you will know that they like to peck at themselves. It looks like they constantly have some itch somewhere that they just can't reach!
However, this is not the case- in fact the duck is PREENING.
What is preening you might ask?
Preening is when a duck uses his bill to stimulate the oil glands in their skin and spread the oil over their feathers to coat them.
This is why ducks don't get wet!
The oil protects their feathers from the water.
Now, here comes my light bulb moment-
there are things that I believe we can do each day that will protect us from the waters of adversity.
1- we need to PRAY.
Praying is our direct communication with our Heavenly Father. It allows us to ask for the things we need as well as remember all the wonderful blessings we have.
2. READ the scriptures.
3. ENJOY the journey.
Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley once said, "
“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.
“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”
4. ENDURE
it isn't enough to just start down a path but you have to keep going -even when it gets tough. That is how character is born, through the bumps and potholes. I like the analogy of how we are stones that have to bump along until we are smooth and shiny- perfect in the end. This obviously doesn't happen overnight but is a process we go through our whole lives.
5. NEVER give up.
Now that might seem redundant- endure and never giving up (okay so I needed an N word- but you have to read the whole line!) The main message here is to keep moving forward! If you stop moving, you stop enduring, you give up and in the journey of life there is no stopping. You are either moving forward or backward. We need to be careful that we are always moving forward. I know that some day's I am crawling or just barely moving but if we have a goal in mind and we are working toward that goal-
we are moving forward.
Okay so know I created a little printout that will remind you to always P.R.E.E.N each day to get the adversity away.
I just want you all to know that I do know that if we do these things that it does make a difference in our lives. They are so simple, and there are plenty of times that I forget, but when I remember- the world seems brighter and the little things just slide off.
Our perspective can have a real effect on how we deal with trials and temptations and when we have the power of prayer and scriptures to guide us- we have nothing to fear.
Don't worry- my crafts and recipes will still continue but I hope to share more of my faith with you as well.
It is such a big part of my life and I hope that I can make your days a little brighter and more hopeful as we journey through this life together.
I am reminded of Dory from Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming."
Come on little ducks- let's keep preening and swimming together!
