Be still, my soul

I have always loved the harmony and music to the hymn, "Be Still, My Soul", but I had never learned the lyrics.  Well, I got tired of just humming the tune.  So, I learned them.  I also wanted to learn the lyrics because it made me feel exactly what I needed to overcome the stresses I had been feeling.  So, a couple weeks ago, I started trying to learn the words.  I thought I was doing better in dealing with stress until yesterday morning when, before 8:30 am, I was asked on 2 separate occasions if I was mad, upset or in a bad mood.  I was none of the above and it made me ponder if I am always grumpy.  I try not to be.  Usually when I am in my stupor, it is just because I am contemplating things in my head or pondering about scenarios whether they be related to work or whatever the case.  So, being able to sing the words to this 400-year old song brings calmness and tranquility to my heart.  I feel the spirit every time I think of these words, which I love...

Be still, my soul.  The Lord is on thy side.
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide.
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul. Thy God, thy heavenly friend.
Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end.

I was reading a talk this morning by Elder Soares while going through my morning ritual. He was referencing us being able to develop our Christlike attributes.  I like what he said, "brothers and sisters, I believe the Savior Jesus Christ is the supreme example of meekness.  Even during the last moments of His mortal life, being unfairly accused and condemned, painfully carrying His cross up to Golgotha, being mocked and cursed by His enemies, being abandoned by many who knew Him and witnessed His miracles, He was nailed on the cross.  Even after the most intense physical suffering, the Lord turned to His Father and spoke from the bottom of His meek and humble heart: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."  Christ faced extreme physical and spiritual suffering, giving us the opportunity to change our spiritual character and become meek like him...it is possible to change.  It is possible to leave our weaknesses behind.  It is possible to reject the evil influences in our lives, control our anger, become meek, and develop the attributes of our Savior...follow Him, follow His example, and become like Him.

I also like the quote from Richard G. Scott..."we become who we want to be by consistently being who we want to become."

Nichole, the other day during Family Home Evening, reminded me of a great quote, and it was one that she had memorized and read after reading the book, "The Miracle of Forgiveness."  I don't recall who said it, but...

"You sow a thought, you reap an action.  You sow an action, you reap a habit.  You sow a habit, you reap a character.  You sow a character, you reap an eternal destiny."

Those are some good words and thoughts to live by.  I love my family so much and hope to always make them proud to be a part of our family.  Some day, I might even be able to develop some of those Christlike attributes that make Our Elder Brother the supreme example