How to spot the miracles in your life

I have been thinking a lot about miracles lately.  Miracles are big, some are small, and I think most might even go unnoticed.  Miracles can brighten your day, comfort your soul, and strengthen your faith.  And the best part is, there are already miracles in your life.  Here's how to spot them.

{Slow down.}

You are busy.  I am busy.  Everyone is busy.  Some people bask in the glorification of busy.  Technology, work, activities, competition - all these things can overwhelm your life.  Stop.  If even for a moment, just stop.  Two words that pierce my soul every time I hear or read them are as follows: Be Still.  I have these two words plastered around my workspace, my home, even my phone.  Be present.  Surround yourself with your family.  Surround yourself with the moments miracles are made of.

{Tender mercies.}

David A. Bednar said, "Tender mercies of the Lord are real and they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence."  What is a tender mercy?  Bednar describes them as personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts.  Knowing that these tender mercies are sent to us personally is a miracle in itself.  See how many tender mercies you can recognize today!

{Seeing isn't believing.  Believing is seeing.}

I was recently watching a classic movie, Charlotte's Web, with my daughter, and one part really stood out to me.  Fern's mother asks the question, "Do you understand how there could be writing in a spider's web?"  And the doctor simply replies, "Oh no, I don't understand it.  But for that matter I don't understand how a spider learned to spin a web in the first place.  When the words appeared everyone said they were a miracle.  But nobody pointed out that the web itself is a miracle."

How many  miracles are already present in our lives, every day?  Miracles aren't just events like the parting of the red sea.  They include simple moments like a baby's first smile or the beauty of the earth.  More often than not, miracles should inspire gratitude, not awe.

{Be grateful.  Be prayerful.}

Speaking of gratitude, I believe this is an essential attribute in recognizing miracles.  This paired with prayer makes it almost impossible to not see the miracles that lubricate your life.  Say a prayer of gratitude.  You might be surprised at the miracles that are already there; ones that you just may not have noticed.  A prayer of gratitude is often the answer you need.

{Write it down.}

Many people have a gratitude journal, or something of the like.  Mine is called a tender mercy journal.  I don't write in it every day.  But when I'm feeling dis-connected or in extra need of God's love, I'll commit to writing down every tender mercy I see in a day, a week, or so on.  I find that when I'm purposely looking for them, they are more easily found.  And when they are written down, they are not easily forgotten.

Everyone experiences miracles.  They are already happening in your life, you just need to know how and where to look.  Instead of trying to over analyze everything, try recognizing those things as miracles.  Big or small, each one is significant and meant just for you.

school year scripture themes

I posted this on my Instagram the other day, and had several people ask me for more detailed info on what exactly I and my family do with these scripture themes.  It's one of my favorite traditions, but it only started a couple years ago. 

A few weeks before school starts, I prayerfully choose a scripture that will become our theme for the school year.  I print up three copies: one to display in our kitchen, and one to tape up in each of the kids showers (where they can re-read it every time they're in there).  We have a special Family Home Evening about the scripture and talk about what it means and how we can use it in our lives at school, home, with friends, etc.  For example, the first year we did Matthew 5:16.  Throughout the year, we talked about how we can be a light to others by being a good example in various different ways.

Also throughout the school year, we will work on memorizing the scripture.  When my kids leave for school every morning, I remind them how they can be a light to others or how they can work on strengthening their foundation, or whatever the theme is about.  My goal is to teach my kids (as well as my husband and I) how to use these inspirational messages to better ourselves each and every day, and how to apply these words to our lives.

Quote #4

I fell in love with this as soon as I saw it.  I personally spend my procrastination time making cutesie quotes, or writing a melting-pot of whatever ideas float through my mind.  

Do more of what you love!

Quote #2

Quote #1

I really like quotes.  I may be posting quite a few, but only the ones that really speak to me.  I used this one in a talk I gave a couple weeks ago.  I had read it and practiced it again and again, but when I spoke to the congregation, it really hit me hard.  (This quote was initially given to Mothers...something to keep in mind.)