A Hopeful Morning

As I type this blog post, the sun is beginning to rise. I can hear insects humming, a neighbour’s hen and the hum of the fan.

Mostly though it is quiet and a remarkably beautiful morning. A few days ago marked 20 months since I became a mother. A week ago marked 13 years since I got baptised. Today marks 2 days since my husband started a new job. It is a time of contemplation and new beginnings for my family.

I realise as I take quiet time to reflect, like time spent this morning talking to you, that the world is a remarkable place. More so than we might naturally think.

If we will truly look, we will find small and sometimes great miracles in our lives. If we will look, we will see moments when a divine hand reordered our steps and placed us in the right direction in the right moment.

We will find opportunities for us to see that we are not alone. Our life is not by accident — even if our parents did not quite plan things out 🙂

Our Heavenly Father is aligning our steps. If we will look and see and feel — find time to think and know — we can escape the sometimes blinding busyness that plagues us.

What if, we spent more time to know ourselves? Just a minute to breathe in the fresh air of mornings?

I feel blessed to have discovered this small yet profound blessing, of quiet time.

Life is for Living

Last month I celebrated 18 months of motherhood. I can hardly believe how fast the time has gone by since I gave birth to my darling Niya.

Much of the experience has been one of tremendous growth. When you have a little one depending on you, you learn how to push yourself beyond barriers and overcome obstacles.

You learn to be patient and focus on what’s important.

As a mother, life gets harder it is true. But the opportunities to grow are truly extraordinary. In the past year and a half, I’ve seen the greatest growth professionally, for instance. I learned to do hard things and keep my eyes focused on my own path, without comparing it to others.

I’ve breastfed Niya in meetings, woke up 2am and worked till daylight. I’ve negotiated with clients and landed fantastic projects. I’ve learned to focus on my unique skills, set ambitious goals and call down blessings from heaven.

I know that God’s timing is perfect. He shows me constantly how perfect his will is. And I have no doubt that he guides my life and puts me in places I need to be.

It is a wonderful feeling to know he is there — that he loves me and wants the best for me. Sometimes he pushes me in directions I did not expect but they are always exciting new beginnings.

I see great adventures ahead and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because life is for living.

Christmas: A Season of Thanksgiving

I love Christmas. For me, it is a time of reflection since this season marks the end of another year. I reflect on my growth throughout the months past, and consider goals for the future. This experience invites a spirit of gratitude into my heart, as I often discovery extraordinary blessings I might otherwise not notice.

Help from Heaven, Family, and Friends

This year I have much to give thanks for. My heart is full of gratitude for the challenges I overcame through help from heaven, family and friends. At the start of 2017, I was full of trepidation because I knew I would be returning home to an empty house — away from my husband, parents and family… I dreaded having to tough it out alone with a newborn.

But what I discovered is a wonderful truth — I was never alone. Help was always available when I needed it most.

There were friends near and far who helped me along the way, with acts of kindness great and small. To them, I must say thanks. Thanks for giving like only you could.

My Darling Daughter and Milestones

Another wonderful blessing that made 2017 extra special is my darling daughter Niya. I cannot tell you how much my heart has grown since she came into my life. I learn so much from her each day.

I know the tenderness that comes from a child’s loving glance. The joy of seeing her meet each new milestone as she laughed, rolled, clapped and walked for the first time. This is what motherhood is about. I have never felt so driven with purpose because I know I am doing the most important work.

In November, Niya turned one. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to celebrate this milestone. My daughter and I spent the day at the hospital with my husband who, due to a home improvement project gone wrong, almost lost a few fingers 😦

Thankfully, his recovery went better than I expected. (Thanks to my friend Dr. Robyn Stephenson, who gave me sound advice and help in a very scary time.

The Number One Lesson of 2017

There is something extraordinary I learned this year. I learned how to be at peace with my circumstances, whatever they may be. To trust that no matter the challenge or trial, I can gain something positive from the experience.

I never intended to spend only 6 weeks with my husband this year, but that is what happened. I learned to be happy anyway.

A Challenge for You this Christmas

This Christmas, whether you spend it alone or with family, remember to take the time to give thanks. You have so much to be grateful for. If you will look, you will see the hand of God in your life. You will recognise divine providence — the blessings that have come your way in 2017 were no accident.

Trust that God is there and will always be there. If you reach out to Him, you will come to know Him. And what a blessed Christmas that would be. To not only give and receive gifts, but to know Christ, the Son of God — the very reason for the season.

If you take the time this reason to reflect and give thanks, to look to your Heavenly Father and seek to know His son — you will have the most extraordinary Christmas. That is my promise to you!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Love always from your friend,

Tricia.

9 Months of Motherhood

My Niya is 9 months! It is hard to believe how fast time went by but I am so very grateful I’ve been able to spend every day at home with her. I’m learning so much — about life, my potential and developing my talents as I do my best to be a good mom. Motherhood is the greatest university.

Conquer Your Mountains One Climb at a Time

Today I had missionaries visit my home. They’ve been a tremendous help. Every week we discuss specific ways I can access God’s power in my life and always, as I accept their challenge and follow through, I see the promised blessings unfold.

 

This time around one of the missionaries, Elder Harrah, said something that struck me while we spoke about disappointments:

 

“God sees what’s on the other side of the mountain.”

 

3 Nuggets of Wisdom to Help You Fight Your Battles

This week I’ve been battling a problem that I know I cannot solve on my own. Not an ailment or financial woes — just this longing to be nearer to those I love.

I tell myself, think logically. Be patient. Have faith.  

What Does it Mean to Endure?

Some days are a crushing weight

on my shoulders

But I am too busy to breathe

too busy to feel sorry

the nights are the hardest

when cluttered thoughts refuse to sleep

But I endure

 

 

 

Don’t Confuse Where You Are with Who You Are

Don’t confuse where you are with who you are. Don’t let your circumstances define you.

When trouble comes, when your circumstances make you feel small, tell yourself, “I am bigger than this. Better than this.”

Don’t let life’s blows keep you down. Get up and keep going until you get to where you need to be.

Remember that worrying about the things you can’t control doesn’t make you stronger. Let go.

Keep calm as life takes you places. You might be surprised to find that where you end up is far better than you ever imagined.

 

The Simple Things That Matter

What do you do when negative thoughts come your way? I choose not to entertain them. I have enough on my plate already, thank you.

It’s that simple.

Or at least that’s what I do when I can — on days like this when I’m simply grateful I put Niya to bed. And managed to cook. Work for client. Wash Niya’s whites. Clean. Organise. Study. Eat.

Sometimes it’s the simple things that matter — like being able to focus on the small things you did on days when you wish you could have done more.

Success Begins With You

A book I’m currently reading is called Start with Why by Simon Sinek. It’s made me think a lot about the secrets to success. In truth, there is no secret. Life is what you make of it. Success begins with you.