So this is a special post. For the next couple of weeks, once a week we will do this post. That way if you choose, you may do our project with us.
This was inspired by a time early in our marriage when we were looking into an abyss of almost 9 mos. apart due to the constraints of both going to school, only two cities apart. We heeded Gordon B. Hinckley's challenge to read the Book of Mormon. We read our parts separately and were in different places quite often, but whenever we had a conversation we made sure to discuss any spiritual experiences, questions, comments, or insights we had with one another. Our phone calls were often quite involved and lengthy, but so enlightening. We had a wonderful experience that made our separation not only easier, but edifying. We both completed the Book of Mormon and at the end of our time, I joined him as he finished his education. But our marriage was different. It was stronger for the time apart, not weaker as is the way it happens so regularly. We appreciated each other's perspective not only in gospel matters (as we always did), but that respect grew in other areas too. Looking back on that time, I wouldn't want to do it again, but it was an experience that became a defining and glorifying time in our marriage. It helped create a very stable foundation upon which our family has been built. After this experience is when we began our family - having kids. We and they, have been blessed in so many ways because we listened to the prophet.
When I found out Chris was going overseas the Holy Ghost whispered this project-idea to me and I felt strongly that this could be another one of those building moments for our marriage. Chris suggested (maybe it was someone else) that I post our project as we do it for those of you who would like to participate. I've already noticed how just being excited to begin it together has already given us a leg-up as they say.
So each week is begun with a letter I wrote before he left and a talk or two from the LDS publication, the Ensign. Each article will be posted in the "pages" section of the blog (to the right). Outside study is definitely encouraged, but I didn't know how much he would have access to at the time, so I included all he needed to complete each week without going past the envelope. Good luck and I'm sure, he'd love to talk with anyone about it if you so choose. We will surely be discussing it.
WEEK #1 - letter
My dear, sweet husband,
You will just be unpacking or finishing out your first very whirlwind-type day. I know you’re tired and hopefully, missing us already. I’m so excited for this next step in your career even though it’s taking you so far from us. Just know how much we love you, think of you, and miss you every day.
Now, on to the purpose of this letter. For the next six to eight weeks we are going to do a fun little project. This idea struck me about a month or so ago and as we go, I’m sure you’ll be able to tell that I worked on this a bit. I’m so excited for it to get going.
At the beginning of each week you will open a letter with instructions and materials that will tell you what we’re going to be doing for that week of your deployment. Of course, this only works because you’re only gone for a little while. Anyway, this is week #1.
GRATITUDE
“And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindles, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.” – D&C 59:21
In Week #1 – after lots of thought and prayer, we are going to be studying “Gratitude.” I have included a small notebook and pen, this letter, and an accompanying talk by a church authority. Our goal this week is to be more grateful. I know, you’re asking why in the world would we do this now when Thanksgiving is during you deployment? I wondered that too until the spirit spoke to me. He reminded me that to be grateful during Thanksgiving is not hard, everyone is doing it, and while everyone is doing it then, we will have missed an important opportunity by not doing it earlier. So, we are studying gratitude this week because it’s hardest to be grateful when you’re tired, lonely, stressed out, and just plain not feeling grateful. So, since I know we’ll be missing each other and needing that little extra spiritual help to get going on this adventure, we are going to use our notebooks (I have one too) to write down every single thing we are grateful for. Every time you think of something or an occurrence takes place that you’re feeling grateful, I want you to write it down in your book. Of course, I started it for you and put our family and the gospel, I figured those were no-brainers. Now I want you to really think of what has happened today and write down a few things you are truly grateful for, things that helped you, or reminded you how important you are or that someone is looking out for you. Okay, now stop reading for a minute and do it. No, seriously, stop and DO IT!
Okay, now that you’ve been reminded of the Lord’s love for you today (and of course, mine) I want you to take your first read of the talk that I’ve included. I looked at several and while I didn’t read it (I wanted to do this with you) I did scan it and felt strongly it carried the message the Lord wanted us to hear at this time. You have two options now: one – begin by reading it again and either taking notes, underlining, or picking out where you want to begin your study or two – let it sink in for tonight, let the juices flow while you sleep and ponder, and then tomorrow you can begin your study. Make sure that each day you are looking for things for which you are grateful and write them down. I did get you a small notebook so that you can keep it in your ABU’s and I know you always have your favorite pen. I would encourage you to keep it with you as much as possible. It will be a tactile reminder of the spiritual while you are dealing with the temporal.
So that’s the project. Each week we will open a new letter, a new talk or two, and begin a new study. What’s so cool for us both to look forward to is that I noticed as I was putting these things together how well each focused principal of study will build of the previous one. Good luck and I’m sure this will be fun. Make sure you keep track of your study and insights in your journal. I want to know what you thought about either when you get home or through blogging, emails, etc. We’ll figure that part out later.
I hope this helps get you through this time with a positive attitude and another spiritual leap in your progression. You never do things in a small way.
Love you, miss you, and think about you every moment of every day!
Tamy Lynn - Downy ; )
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