The Week in Words

Since I started following The Week in Words, I've been more aware of how many amazing words are around us every day. I have read so many inspiring things this past week, it's difficult to know what to share with you.

I belong to a writing group called LDStorymakers. It's a very supportive group of like-minded writers. This week one member asked how to overcome a writing slump. She received tons of great advice, but I would like to share one bit of wisdom from Linda Garner that spoke directly to me.

"And don't forget to pray. Ask Heavenly Father why He gave you the gift of words and the tools to use them. Ask Him what He wants you to say. You'll find your voice, again."

What great advice! In any area of your life, ask Heavenly Father why He gave you your talents and what He would like you to do with them. To see other blog posts with The Week in Words, visit Breath of Life.

Linda Garner is the author of Some Secrets Hurt. To read more about the book and Linda, check out her website.

The Week in Words

Because of this meme, as I read this week, I paid closer attention, looking for things that were inspiring that I could share with you.  I found many, but wanted to share the one that was most meaningful to me.

"There are a lot of distractions in the world. We have people telling us left and right how we should be. What we should think. That we should act or dress a certain way to be accepted. We listen. We participate, trying to fit in. Into what? Why? Because the one thing we want more than anything else is to feel accepted, appreciated, included—that we are loved. The reality that often eludes us is that we are already loved and accepted in the most divine way—by God—completely and forever. What can top that?"

Cynthia Legette Davis from Peace in Us

I've done a lot of self-reflection over the last few weeks.  Because my book is coming out, I'm trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I'm going to have to promote myself--in public--gasp!  It is so far out of my comfort zone, and I know I'm going to need my Heavenly Father's help to do it. 

This quote reminded me that He loves me exactly as I am.  Does that mean He doesn't want me to stretch, and learn, and grow?  No.  In fact, He knows exactly what I'm capable of becoming.  I pray with His help I can do all that is ahead of me and come out knowing that I've made Him proud.

To see more inspirational quotes from this weeks' Week in Words, visit Breath of Life.

The Week in Words

Melissa at Breath of Life has started The Week in Words.  The rules are simple:

Just write a post of the quote(s) that spoke to you during the week (attributed, of course) and link back here. They can be from any written source, i.e. magazine, newspaper, blog, book. The only requirement is that they be words you read.

Simply include anything that touched you, made you laugh, made you see something in a different way, whatever.  Here are a few of mine for the week:

"I want to share my own personal belief with you on these matters. Whereas I am sure there were those who were in no way prepared to meet their God on Tuesday, January 12th, there were also many, many people who were blessed by that reunion. God loves His children. The poor who have struggled, the hungry, the oppressed–all have found rest in His arms. Even the most wicked men and women–those who were not following His commandments–experienced a taste of mercy by leaving this difficult existence, if nothing else by being prevented from sinning further."

Did God Punish Haiti by Daron Fraley

"No, I don’t have answers to the tragedies of this temporary existence we call our earthly home. But may I offer a “temporary” answer that, for me, brings permanent peace. When I remember that this place; this existence we call mortality is just a temporary home filled with windows and rooms, and that we’re merely passing through on our way to something greater; when I remember that this is just a stop on the way to where God lives, and although sometimes we’re afraid, and sometimes life isn’t what we expect it to be; when I remember this...that there is a plan, an eternal plan of happiness...I feel peace."

Our Temporary home by Jodi Marie Robinson

"One of my favorite quotes came from an author I know by the name of Ginny Smith. She said, “God has plans for your writing, and they are better than any plans you have for yourself. Let him be in charge and let Him delight you with what He has in store.” Realize that there is something bigger than just yourself out there helping you to create, and when you open yourself to “The Great Creator” You will write better than you ever can on your own."

Introducing Karen E. Hoover by Day to Day with Valor Publishing

"But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love."

Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 2:15

"When the apples in a barrel rot, it is not enough to throw away half of the spoiled apples from the barrel and replace them with fresh apples on top."

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball

Visit Breath of Life to see other participants, or to share your own week in words.