Getting Ready to Moveby Candace Salima | More from this Blogger 08 May 2006 08:28 AM It's distinctly possible that I have been studying too much lately and everything has become symbolic. Let me explain. As I looked around my home and the accumulation of 11 plus years, I realized the magnitude of the task ahead of me. As I go in for knee surgery today I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. So as I contemplated a schedule and the possibilities of me being able to actually keep to it, I began to see similitudes in many areas. Introspectively, I see many corners of my mind, heart and spirit which could use a little spring cleaning and perhaps a yard sale to boot. Times when I reach for a romantic suspense novel instead of the scriptures; when I garden instead of writing, and thoughts of frustration and anger as I deal with different life situations. Somewhere, tightly protected, deep within the corners of my heart is a child of God struggling to break free of all that has accumulated around her. She longs to serve the Lord completely and irrevocably but finds herself distracted by bills, health, life . . . So I think it's time for her, or rather me, to take the Swiffer to my soul. I need more time in the sunshine and spring breezes, but I can certainly contemplate and pray during the process. I need more structure time in my study of the gospel rather than cramming it in when I am able. I need to regulate work to a steady number of hours a day and learn to say "no." I need to throw myself wholeheartedly into my new ward instead of allowing myself to feel apart because the culture is so different from mine. I need to assign a weekly time to focus on genealogy because I miss it. I need to set aside a weekly time for temple attendance. I miss it. I need to turn my life over to the Lord, completely and without reservation. In trusting Him the burdens really do become lighter, the path clearer and my mind sharper. Why on earth did I ever let myself get so bogged down? Learn more about Candace Salima  Candace E. Salima was born right smack dab in the middle of twelve children. Relevantlds tags User Comments Linda w (20) 10 May 2006 09:10 PMI loved this one. Thanks. Just what I needed to read today.  Candace Salima (1604) 11 May 2006 06:18 AMThanks -- I admit, three days after my surgery and I'm thinking it's time for sunshine and spring breezes.  LadyElizabeth (290) 08 Jun 2006 09:18 AMThat's the constant balance we face in living in the mortal world, yet trying to be spiritual beings on an eternal quest. The world is so distracting, part of our mortal test lies in our ability to devote our lives to the Lord and to do just what is needed here on Earth to maintain life. It reminds me of the excersize for the youth, where the MIA leaders have the youth assemble in the cultural hall, which has been turned into a carnival. With out any instruction the youth are turned loose to enjoy the doughnut booth, and other booths where for their small efforts they win prizes that are physically gratifying. They begin to notice other booths, where for increased effort they can earn slips of paper with points on them. 10 points for identifying the general authorities, or telling a scripture that explains a certain doctrine, or reciting the Articles of Faith, for example. Most youth gravitate towards the food and dance performance booths, getting necklaces, etc, and they spend their time and efforts in having fun. A few work to accrue points. They are unaware that the time is limited. Suddenly the lights go out and the carnival is over. The youth are ushered to another room where they are told a grand prize awaits them according to what they have done at the carnival. Those who have no points earn a sad fate. They get to clean up the carnival hall. Those who have some points receive a nice prize that is better than all the treats at the carnival, but the one(s) who have the most points get a great big reward! Then it is explained that this simulation is a parady of mortality and they reflect upon how they are living mortality. Hopefully they will put more thought into the eternal nature of our existance. I'm glad you reminded people to do the same. Community Tags lds, mormon, Soul, Spring Cleaning, time Discuss this article
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