Closer To Heaven

Working at an Assisted Living Center really makes the gears in my brain move. It's so hard and humbling to work with old folks. Their lives are usually so short here, and many people have passed. It's such a hard, yet wonderful thing and I feel so much closer to heaven here. The veil has to be very thin as angels welcome back their loved ones! Recently a lady passed who I was too attached too. She had a youthful spirit, and loved to love. She frequently talked to me, and remembered the smallest details about me. I found out that she had passed, from a fall and was discovered many hours later. She had no family, was never married, and left all of her belongings with a man who took care of her finances. Her body was donated to science, her dog was given to some random person, and she won't have a funeral. It just broke my heart that she passed, but I am only thinking with my mortal mind.

How great it must have been for her to come together with her siblings and parents. That sweet girl doesn't have to be alone anymore! Not to mention she is healthy and at peace! Although she lived a lonely life she touched mine! Although the older generation is slow, and dull they have come to see what's important. That is loving others and relationships. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work here! I've been so blessed! I know I was meant to have this experience!

 I quote Bonnie L. Oscarson in the 2014 General Relief Society Meeting, "Oh how we need each other!" The young need the old and the old need the young! :)

-Chelsey

Beacon of Hope

Life has become more and more evil. If you haven't noticed then you must live in a very dark hole. :)Constantly the thought comes to me, and I know other future parent's minds too, "How can we raise children in such a wicked world?" The news highlights the terror of things that happen to children daily. Where do we find peace? How can we protect them?

With these thoughts said I've come across somethings and some thoughts along the way. SIDE NOTE: (it's crazy how once you have thoughts the spirit leads you to what you need.) I came across a quote by President Boyd K. Packer which says, "Parents today wonder if there is a safe place to raise children. There is. It's called a gospel centered home." WOW! How amazing, and so true.

I've pondered on my own family, and have truly seen the strength we have been blessed with because of my parents dedication to teach us. Sadly, Heavenly Father can't protect us from ALL things. Life is just life and people have their own choices, but I know that my family has been protected. Especially my brother. After watching him grow I've realized something. Although the evil in the world is getting more overwhelming by the minute, so is the strength of each generation! My little brother is solid. He has more strength than I've ever had. He's 15 and sharing the gospel and sticking up for his beliefs everyday with his peers. Not to mention smiling and laughing at everything. So I am a firm believer of truth. If truth is taught and taught at it's fullest then Heavenly Father will bless with strength. We can't allow the evils to fog our minds with fear! The gospel is our beacon of hope! We can't forget that! Because good ALWAYS will overcome evil!

-Chelsey

Out Of The Gutter

Life has changed dramatically from just 10 years ago. I have been taught that the way I hold myself and the things I say show who I am. I am a firm believer of that. Although I am not perfect I hope to at least make an impression on others. Sure I may have a lot of things to work on and am not perfect but I am not someone who swears or talks in a sexual manner. Some say they are just words, but I know there is more to it. People watch you. No matter where you are, they do. Potential employers, companions, and friends watch you. Foul language gives a vibe of "I am tough" I admit that. It makes you unapproachable to some and to others it just makes you look stupid. Can't we show we know other words to express ourselves?

In many places in my life right now I am surrounded by bad language. I have come to the realization that people can't change so easily, and it's not likely that those around me will. I love them so much, I have many friendships with them, and I know their true characters aren't shown by the things they say. But... I don't have to tolerate that kind of talk. At first the language of my co-workers shocked me. In my work place (An Assisted Living Center) we are surrounded by residents and their families, not to mention potential residents who come to see our community. It makes me SICK that people have to hear us talking this way. It's unprofessional, and makes us look horrible. No one on this earth could argue that fact with me. When I first worked there I would make an uncomfortable face at things said. I didn't want to hurt their feelings, or anger someone. Some would notice, others wouldn't care. As I got to know them I became friends with them and began to understand my limits. Soon after, I respectfully would ask them to say a different word, or have a "retry"! Some days a humorous undertone filled my words, and it lightened the mood, but always my point was made. That I don't like swearing. They have ALWAYS respected me. Whether it take weeks or even months, they always are kind.

To me that is all it takes, a friendly manner, persistence, and not to mention courage. We don't have to be in a world of filth if we don't want to. We can take control of things around us and better them. The evils of the world aren't the inevitable that are caving around us and blinding our vision. We have the power to open a window and let light in. It all starts with filling our days with Christ. Reading scriptures, and praying each day. They seem like such little things and can be easily missed, but the power in them is outstanding.

"Stay out of the gutter in your conversation. Foul talk defiles the man who speaks it." -Gordon B. Hinckley