BALANCE

Sometimes in our lives, we need a personal crisis to reinforce what we really value and cherish.  As we search our hearts and assess our priorities, we may discover the need for better balance in those priorities.  Do we ask ourselves often enough the question "who or what do I really want to be?"  With all of the demands, struggles and responsibilities in our everyday lives, keeping everything in balance can be a challenge.

A few suggestions may be valuable when balancing life's demands.  They are very basic and can be easily overlooked.  A person will need to be committed and have lots of discipline to incorporate these principles into everyday life.

1. Think about your life and set your priorities.  Find quiet time to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there.  Jesus often "withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed."  We need to do the same thing.  Write down your tasks each day.  Remember the sacred covenants you have made as you write down your daily schedule.

2. Set short-term goals that you can reach.  Set goals that are well balanced.  Work on them according to importance.  Pray for guidance.

3. We all face financial challenges in life.  Through wise budgeting, control your real needs and measure them carefully against your many wants in life.  Remember that it's much easier to borrow money than to pay it back.  Perhaps none need the principle of balance in their lives more than those who are driven toward accumulating "things" in this world.  "Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy.  Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness" 2 Ne 9:51.

4. Stay close to your spouse, children, relatives and friends.  They will help you keep balance in your life.  A good marriage and good family relationships can be maintained through gentle, loving, thoughtful communication.  Remember that often a glance, a wink, a nod, or a touch will say more than words.  Keep a good sense of humor and listen carefully to others.

5. Study the scriptures.  They offer one of the best sources we have to keep in touch with the Spirit of the Lord.

6. Get sufficient rest, exercise, and relaxation.  We must schedule time on our daily calendars for these activities if we are to enjoy a healthy and balanced life.  Good physical appearance enhances our dignity and self- respect.

7. The prophets have often taught us that families should teach each other the gospel. preferably in weekly Family Home Evening.  This family practice, if we are not careful, can slowly drift away from us.  We must not lose this opportunity to "teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom", which will lead families to eternal life (D&C 88:77).  Satan is always working to destroy our testimonies, but he will not have power to tempt or disturb us beyond our strength to resist when we are studying the gospel and living its commandments. 

8. Pray often as individuals and as families.  "But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on His Holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering" Alma 13:28.  When we are in tune spiritually, we can find balance in everything in life more easily. 

Do the very best we can everyday.  Do the basic things and, before realizing it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you your Heavenly Father's love.  When you know this, your life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.

These thoughts were from Elder M. Russell Ballard


HERE'S OUR WEEK

The missionaries love the day the Liahona arrives!

Elder Larson

Elder Dohrman

Elder Loewen

 Elder Hill teaching at District meeting

Elder Smith

Reading class on Friday turned into a gospel teaching moment

Friday Fun Night

Jemin, Roger and Rimble decided that they rock in Sister Smith's glasses....and they do! 

There was a national holiday on May 1st, May Day.  The country likes to cook oil down and "lime" on holidays.   "Lime" means they sit around and relax.

They are preparing oil down, the national dish.

Ryan, Jemin and Ricky (holding the iguana that will soon be in the pot).  

 Figs

 Dumplings are on the far end, chicken in the middle

 Figs, or little green bananas and iguana covered with saffron (turmeric)

 The oil down will be cooked in a fire pit.  In the lower left hand corner are coconut shells.  They scoop out the coconut, shave it and squeeze the milk out to pour over the oil down.

 Calaloo

Just in case you are wondering.......YES, we ate this!

We have been asked to speak to St Georges University medical students about having a succesful  marriage during medical school and beyond.  Apparently there is a high divorce rate among this demographic.  Elder Smith is diligently preparing his thoughts for this event.

Sister Smith preparing for a baptism talk

Saturday we had 2 baptisms!  Kecia Sanderson and Vernel "Boss" Maturine

They were taught and baptised by Elders Dohrman and Strong

 Kevon Francis, Kecia, Paula Maturine, Boss, Jane Maturine, Elder Strong, and Elder Dohrman in front

 Saturday was a very happy day!!!!!

 Elder Dohrman's mission is just about completed.  He will be leaving us soon.  This was a sweet day.

 Elders Loewen and Hill at the baptism

Saturday night was a fun Relief Society activity.  The departing Sisters got their hair braided by some of the Grenadian Sisters

 Sunday at church, we took a picture of all of the Relief Society Sisters

 The departing Sisters.  Lizzy Wright, Jillian Messenger, Whitney Paulin, Mindy Cox and Patty Donovan.  We will sure miss them!!!!!  They have been such an asset to the St. Georges Branch

 Sunday after church.  Elders Larson, Loewen, Hill and Smith

 Brent Taylor, Elders Loewen and Smith

Monday for p-day, the Sisters all decided to relax and do some facials to each other.  What a blast we had!  We made our own sugar scrub and yogurt- banana-honey facial.  We even had heated towels and essential oils, calming music and dim lights.  Move over Island Spa.  It was the best!


Buying bananas for the facial.

And here we are!

WE RECEIVED OUR TRANSFER CALLS THIS WEEK AND WE ARE GOING TO LOSE SOME MISSIONARIES.  Transfers are good, but letting them go is hard!!!!  Moms, we will let your missionary email the news on Monday, so I am not going to post it here.