Why I'm Using My Smartphone Smarter In 2015

A few things are happening in my life right now that all seem to lead to the same conclusion. One, I am nursing a baby. That means lots of time where I simply sit and can't do much else. If you know me at all, you know I don't like to sit. So in those moments I find myself occupying the time with my smartphone. That leads to another thing that is happening right now: lots of pointless Facebook and Instagram browsing. Fortunately, that browsing led me to an awesome devotional the other day from M. Russell Ballard, in which he addresses "use of technology." And the final thing happening is...New Years. A time for reviewing life and making goals. When you put all those things together, you've got me realizing that I spend too much time on my phone doing mindless things, that Elder Ballard is awesome and motivates me to use technology with a purpose, and finally that I should attempt to use my phone wisely in 2015.

I think this is a good goal for me, and maybe you want to join in. Feel free to pin or share this little motivating caption:

Elder Ballard elaborates a little on what it means to use your phone with purpose, or as he puts it, to be your phone's master.

"Handheld devices, such as smartphones, are a blessing, but they can also distract us from hearing the “still, small voice.” They need to be our servants, not our masters. For example, if later tonight you share inspiring thoughts from this devotional on social media, your smartphone is a servant. If you randomly surf the Internet, your smartphone is a master."

I'd like to think I'm smarter than my smartphone, so I'll take the roll of master, thank you.

When I first saw the link to this devotional on Facebook, I was drawn in by the question, "Be honest. Are there distractions that are keeping you from hearing that 'still, small, voice'? Is it your cell phone, email, or television?" If I'm being completely honest, then YES! I feel distant to God even though I am praying morning and night, and reading the bible every day! I've been wondering why, and how to get back on track. So I jumped on the chance to read Elder Ballard's inspired words. Here is how he puts the question in his talk:

Eek. I don't want to admit what my cell phone usage was the day I read this. I actually went into my settings and checked. Then I thought about how neglected my girls might be feeling if they perceived this phone was more important than them. That's when I decided I'd do much better.

It feels good to plan on using my phone with a purpose. I will not mindlessly browse social media. I will try to avoid the comparison trap we often get caught in when scrolling through blogs or pinterest. I will use my phone to find ways to better myself. The vision filled my mind of how powerful I can be by simply sitting here with my phone. Together we can create dreams for the future and invest time in spiritual growth. I would much rather spend time on things that are going to benefit myself and my family, than sit here and pointlessly browse the Internet while my kids feel left out.

So those are my reasons for using my smartphone smarter in 2015. Check out Elder Ballard's article and make some resolutions of your own.

Welcome Sammy Reed

Written on 12.20.2014

Hello blog, it's been awhile so I thought I'd update you. We have three kids now! Samuel Reed joined the fam on December 1st. He is a tiny ball of peace and comfort. When you snuggle him everything in you can relax and enjoy the moment. His sisters adore him and dote on him throughout the day. They especially love when he is awake. Amelie calls him her boy-be brother Sammy-well and Evelyn just repeats "hello little baby" in a sweet high-pitched voice.

Gratitude Break Down

When was the last time you sat and pondered about gratitude? I mean, really stepped outside of your initial reactions to the idea and got into it deep-style. Soul-expanding-style.

A couple years ago I was living with my husband's grandparents and it was common to hear me say things like, "I have no privacy" or "I can't use the kitchen" or "it's hard to live with them and not have our own place." But immediately following these complaints I would express how grateful I was to live there and to save money...Was I really grateful?

One day, my husband called both of us out. He said if we were truly grateful for something, we wouldn't be complaining about it. That idea has stuck with me and helped tremendously when I have been less than satisfied with circumstances. Ultimately, we can feel grateful no matter what is happening outside of us.

Another one of the deep things I love about thankfulness is that by adopting that type of attitude we actually bring more good into our lives. It is the law of attraction, which I whole-heartedly believe. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is find something to be grateful for when everything around us looks bleak or miserable. In the same way, it is difficult to feel wealthy when we have only a few dollars staring at us in our bank account. Regardless of what we perceive as our "life realities" we can alter our mindset to notice good and abundance. 

The book "Ask and it is Given" by Esther Hicks describes a method for increasing your positive vibes; it's called "rampage of appreciation." For this simple exercise, you focus your attention on something in your immediate environment that is pleasing to you. Hold your thoughts on this particular source of good feelings and you have begun the process of creating a grateful and abundant attitude.  As you continue to look around and notice the things you appreciate, your mindset will shift. You can do this anywhere and it can be a huge boost in positive energy.

One example: I had to drive a couple hours to photograph a wedding and I decided it was the perfect time to look for abundance. As I passed rolling green hills, gorgeous mansions and immense coastlines, I felt overjoyed to be a partaker of so MUCH. My mind repeated the affirmation, "there is an abundance in the world, plenty for everyone." Often we hold to the idea that somehow the success of others takes away what we could have had. Nothing could be further from the truth. When we find joy in the good fortune and happiness of others we simply invite more of it into our own lives.

I have spent a lot of time over the past six months studying the law of attraction and the role gratitude plays in that. It was completely awesome to hear Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf speak about this very topic in General Conference a couple weeks ago. His closing paragraph from that talk ("Grateful in Any Circumstances") is the inspiration for this entire post. The idea of my soul expanding and connecting in a deeper way to God, my Heavenly Father, is one I can't shake from my mind. If you want to watch, listen or read his talk click here. You will be grateful you did.

What Does YOUR Heart Desire?

This morning I wanted to post a simple reminder: FEAST upon the words of God (see 2 Nephi 32:3). Read, ponder and pray over the scriptures.

I just finished reading "The Choice Generation" by Randall L. Ridd. It talks about the Internet and the endless choices of how we use our time. It really hit me when he said:

Bam. That is intense. Not only does triviality waste our time (I think we all know that) but it also degrades our potential. What does that mean? First of all, we are able to accomplish less than we could have with our given time because we wasted it. But I am inclined to think this goes even deeper. Remember the parable of the talents (Matthew 25)? The man who buried his talent had it taken away from him. Does it not stand to reason then, that when we bury/waste our time and potential it will be taken from us?

I am definitely guilty of getting sucked into the trivial things people post about on social media. I spend precious time reading articles that will NEVER help me in my life, watching movie clips that actually make me feel dumber, and mindlessly scrolling through photos as if I have no better way to use my time. Reading that talk this morning helped me to analyze what my heart desires. Now I need to align my actions with those desires and, most importantly, be sure my desires line up with HIS.

12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good--yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.

13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;

14 And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive.

(D&C 11:12-14)

Do you feel like you have less time when you don't pray and study the scriptures? What about  feeling like there is more time each day when you do? Have you truthfully analyzed the desires of your heart? Do you realize your potential for good every day?

Be Not Afraid, Only Believe

I've just printed this for our entryway:

At first I was a bit overwhelmed by the task of choosing ONE quote for that special place. It's where you look everytime you leave the house and I wanted words that would make a lasting impression. When I thought to use that particular verse, Mark 5:36, I realized it encompassed so many of the other quotes I was considering. If we let go our of fears we can accomplish great things for God. When we believe in Him we feel His love, and are more likely to show love to those we encounter. By doing that, we are obeying the greatest commandment to love God and love our neighbor.

The list could go on and on with what those five simple words evoke upon one's heart. Be not afraid, only believe. Here are some similar quotes that have always resonated deeply with me:

1. Psalm 46:10 (D&C 101:16)- Be still and know that I am God.

2. Isaiah 51:7&8 - Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

3. The Hymn "Be Still, My Soul"

Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as he has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

There is a little background as to why I am so drawn to this topic. All through my life I've worried a lot what my peers think of me. I blogged more in depth about that topic here when I first started transitioning this blog into where it is now. This fear of what others thought created a lot of anxiety all growing up. I just didn't have the confidence to stand up for myself or even be myself. 

As I've grown closer to Christ, I have learned how much He loves me and how I need to put all my trust in Him. Somehow that idea really resonates with me. Doesn't it with us all? I love the thought of not having to worry or fear! I love that I can place my burdens at His feet and feel His enabling power. I want my family to feel this as well.

For that reason I've chosen these words to burn into their minds. When we show forth faith in Jesus Christ, He will allow us to move forward and accomplish all he has asked. If we actively work to let go of any fears we have, He will be right there by our side cheering us on and lending His hand. 

Let's all try a little harder to find and eliminate our fears and to focus our energy on believing in Him. 

Be Grateful Now

You know I am all about a healthy dose of dreaming, but sometimes I wonder if we take it too far? Are we so wrapped up in our ideas about how wonderful the future will be that we fail to notice what we have right now? It's easy to find out the answers to those questions by evaluating our feelings about our current state. If we feel impatient to be somewhere or someone else, if we think having ______ thing will make us happier, or if we are comparing our lives to anyone else then we probably need a tiny reality check.

That reality check is simply a realization that we've got it pretty good. In fact, if we really take the time to notice, we are extremely blessed. So let's do take the time! Make a list of all you are greatful for and you will soon see:

Coincidences Are Not Coincidence

I have so many things I want to write about here, and a few posts already underway. In the meantime, I will share something I heard in church:

There have been way too many amazing experiences in my life (especially lately) for me to believe that they were mere coincidence. Each time they are so specific for me. Just a few examples in the recent death of my father in law. 

1. He called me about a week before his passing, just to check on the girls and I. In the six years that I've known him, he's made a similar call maybe two other times.

2. The day of his heart attack, Mike and I could not shake a heavy feeling of depression. When we found out that night about his dad, we realized that was the cause of our sadness.

3. The day of, we cleaned the house SUPER well. I can't begin to tell you what a relief that was to have a clean environment when we heard the news. 

4. About a week prior I had made a bunch of frozen food, which I don't normally do. That was a blessing to not have to worry about grocery shopping or preparing meals.

5. I had done a couple small loads of laundry, and they were the perfect items to pack when we rushed off to California to be with family.

When you start to pay attention to the seemingly random things in life, I think you'll notice there is some greater force that is moving things in your good (especially if you are thinking positive and using the law of attraction which I will post about soon). That force is God, who loves you infinitely and knows you better than you know yourself.