tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post3345135635550625122..comments2023-10-29T06:15:58.629-07:00Comments on Mona's Gospel Musings: What You Don't Have or Have LostRamona Zabriskiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16872101764302006271noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-9417268397505145342009-03-22T20:48:00.000-07:002009-03-22T20:48:00.000-07:00Amber: How sweet is your experience. There's many ...Amber: How sweet is your experience. There's many a mom who will relate to what you are saying (desiring a second or FIRST child -- there is another comment along those lines...) and there's many a mom who had multiple births in quick succession who found THAT was a great trial as well. I love your discovery of the blessing in your personal situation!Monahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06269577857045870533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-40231217449559970112009-03-22T20:08:00.000-07:002009-03-22T20:08:00.000-07:00Oh! And i forgot to say... i COMPLETELY understand...Oh! And i forgot to say... i COMPLETELY understand your excitement about the hotel. When i was younger and our family traveled together, i was fascinated by the hotels we stayed in. In one of my elementary school journal entries, i spent pages talking about the amazing mirrored closet doors, and the massage feature on the bed (i think that was an 80s thing, cause i haven't seen it since) and all the other amazing things about the room. <BR/><BR/>So just saying, i understand. :)The Fifeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17467505540935130646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-66774573264687377712009-03-22T18:05:00.000-07:002009-03-22T18:05:00.000-07:00Many things come to mind, but i'll just share one....Many things come to mind, but i'll just share one. We tried for a long time (not as long as many!) for our second child. But during that time, i changed my perspective. Instead of needing another child to fulfill me, i saw the preciousness of my firstborn. I was unsure if we would have any more, and chose to cherish every moment with him. It has strengthened our relationship, and now i just adore him. I will have a better relationship with him as #2 comes along soon, and know how to love and treat him. He is important to me.The Fifeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17467505540935130646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-65227077637592985842009-03-21T16:50:00.000-07:002009-03-21T16:50:00.000-07:00Marzee: "Pot of gratitude" -- I LOVE IT! Can I use...Marzee: "Pot of gratitude" -- I LOVE IT! Can I use that????????? You're a brillant lady. I love you!Monahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06269577857045870533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-9766004893861345692009-03-21T16:19:00.000-07:002009-03-21T16:19:00.000-07:0039 comments!!!!! You're famous! I guess that's w...39 comments!!!!! You're famous! I guess that's what you get for posting quality. I'm so impressed with the content and your persistence to keep it up. It's evident that the spirit/Heavenly Father is working through you.<BR/><BR/>I love this idea - of compensatory blessings. It truly is amazing how we are blessed in our trials. Thank you for bringing this knowledge to us in a new way - so that we could add it to our pot of gratitude. Thank you, thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-17668329892038955932009-03-20T10:44:00.000-07:002009-03-20T10:44:00.000-07:00Another friend sent by email:I love reading your b...Another friend sent by email:<BR/><BR/>I love reading your blog. Your messages are good.<BR/><BR/>My compensatory blessings:<BR/><BR/>We don’t have extra money but we are able to pay all of our bills each month.<BR/><BR/>My youngest daughter really struggled when I remarried and I was very worried about her, but now she just finished her GED and she is applying for scholarships and she is excited about going to college. She is doing great!<BR/><BR/>My first husband left me and I was devastated but the Lord brought me to a wonderful husband who is more than I ever could have dreamed for.<BR/>My husband works way too many hours in the day and he sleeps whenever he can, and I have enjoyed reading good books while he is sleeping so I can still be in the room with him.<BR/><BR/>My son joined the army at 18 and became an explosive ordinance demolition expert (Bomb expert). He spent 18 months in Iraq and took part in the exploding or taking apart of more than 1200 bombs. He was not physically injured. He learned how to knit and has enjoyed making hats, scarves and sweaters since then. He also learned about investing while he was there. He now is getting ready to start college and has all of his education paid for because of his service.<BR/><BR/>My walls are marked up but I have two adorable grandchildren.<BR/><BR/>There was a nasty windstorm on Sunday and a tree limb hit my front windshield while my car was going down the freeway. The window shattered and my car is not drivable. The Lord blessed us in that no one got hurt. The glass shattered but the limb did not come through the window and the glass did not fully come into the car. I look at it and think someone could have died, but the Lord blessed us greatly.<BR/><BR/>I probably could go on and on if I had time to think more about it, but I just know that the Lord loves me and blesses me daily and I am grateful for that.Monahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06269577857045870533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-30054292823862102009-03-19T15:53:00.000-07:002009-03-19T15:53:00.000-07:00"Larson's": WOW. It's hard to believe that my lit..."Larson's": WOW. It's hard to believe that my little personal reflections are so valuable to you or anyone other than myself! It must be true of all of us --- that is why I am SOOOO grateful for the comments left by my follower friends here. I believe that each honest sharing is having an affect on other reader/followers.Monahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06269577857045870533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-82935764519174757632009-03-19T14:44:00.000-07:002009-03-19T14:44:00.000-07:00One of my paragraphs got deleted...I was talking a...One of my paragraphs got deleted...<BR/><BR/>I was talking about how being the only member of the church on my side of the family has been tough because I have not been able to share all the wonderful things that I learned to my mother and sister. It is hard when you want to share things and they don't understand but you want them to so bad. <BR/>Then after this paragraph is when I said that my husband is a great talker and listener and my mother-in-law can out talk me on all gospel topics. <BR/><BR/>Sorry that I left that out.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06016937987801887391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-16587478274287729022009-03-19T14:39:00.000-07:002009-03-19T14:39:00.000-07:00Mona, I love your blog. I was waiting on Sunday n...Mona, <BR/>I love your blog. I was waiting on Sunday night for it so I could read it and share it with my husband. <BR/> I have been thinking about compensatory blessings all week. Luckily, I have a husband who I can talk to easily and a mother-in-law that can easily out talk me any day on the subjects of the gospel. <BR/>I keep your words with me all week. It is funny that I was just waiting for your next blog. I really think you have a wonderful gift from Heavenly Father! <BR/><BR/>When I married my husband his family were really close...unlike what I was use to. I learned how to be a better mother from his mother's example, how to be a better daughter,and how to try to have a family raised with unconditional love. <BR/><BR/>I think most of us understand the financial struggles we go through. On many occasions I have had the "windows of heaven open,and bless our family" from a wonderful sister bringing bread and jam to my family,to actually finding money in weird places and/or finding an amazing deal on something really needed. It also helps to keep us humble! I would still like a lot of money...but we do what we can with what we have.<BR/><BR/>Mona, thank you so much for this post it helps me take a step back and ponder on the blessings I have and not for what I am lacking in life. <BR/><BR/>I also love the video of you showing off your amazing room.<BR/><BR/>p.s. Thank you so much for the Cd's I have listened to a little of the first one and am enjoying it! Good job on them! and thank you again.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06016937987801887391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-56618683076990170672009-03-19T06:50:00.000-07:002009-03-19T06:50:00.000-07:00I love your dolphin story! I think of it every tim...I love your dolphin story! I think of it every time I go to Sea World. :) I can't wait for you to share it again.Sara Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845719758900364574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-80933123565583442402009-03-18T18:24:00.000-07:002009-03-18T18:24:00.000-07:00I just found your blog today and I will definitely...I just found your blog today and I will definitely be back to read more another day. How inspiring and uplifting your blog is. I don't know you, but it sure seems like you deserve something as wonderful as a stay in the presidential suite right on the water. How fun!Valeriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14796161900653422174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-86066573752931091652009-03-18T18:10:00.000-07:002009-03-18T18:10:00.000-07:00Sara Lyn: People's gain. Dolphins loss. :) Just IM...Sara Lyn: People's gain. Dolphins loss. :) Just IMAGINE the celestial possibilities!<BR/><BR/>Did I ever tell you my dolphin story? Hey! I think I'll write a musing about it!Monahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06269577857045870533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-5883699261670745242009-03-18T14:30:00.000-07:002009-03-18T14:30:00.000-07:00P.S. I was trying to reiterate what you said quoti...P.S. I was trying to reiterate what you said quoting King Benjamin and I don't know if it came out well. Wow! The Lord is good to us!Sara Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845719758900364574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-21673493088793562692009-03-18T14:29:00.000-07:002009-03-18T14:29:00.000-07:00I love the quote by Elder Wirthlin that Sarah brou...I love the quote by Elder Wirthlin that Sarah brought up. When he said that, I began to cry because I know so many people who go through such HARD things. I am grateful for such a WONDERFUL God. I wish I could find a word that described Him well. He is the most everything good. <BR/><BR/>Before Elder Wirthlin gave this talk, I had an experience that most people would probably find silly, but it meant so much to me. My secret dream (I can't believe I'm sharing something so silly) is to be a dolphin trainer at Sea World. We had passes this last year and as I watched the dolphin showed I cried and cried both for the beauty and the desire to be a part of it. As I watched I distinctly felt "You were called to people in this life, not animals. But the Lord will make it up to you." I don't know if I'll ever swim with the dolphins, but I know that the friendships I have more than make up for it. Ever so much more even though it really is a strong desire. It helps me focus on my life's calling and not be too caught up in other things. It's not attitude. It's blessings! :)<BR/><BR/>Love you.Sara Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05845719758900364574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-73072858215354256252009-03-18T10:21:00.000-07:002009-03-18T10:21:00.000-07:00Thank you for the proper persepctive on "compensat...Thank you for the proper persepctive on "compensation" with King Benjamin's words!<BR/><BR/>I love you!pcNuthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14778671710565219202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-21761527275304916512009-03-17T21:12:00.000-07:002009-03-17T21:12:00.000-07:00I only wish I have the time to read your entries f...I only wish I have the time to read your entries from beginning to end---every one of them! But reading what I can touches me. I hope to be like you one day--and thankyou for caring about my little family's life. It means alot!Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01050468729855444174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-3259080065662964462009-03-17T21:08:00.000-07:002009-03-17T21:08:00.000-07:00Kristy Lynne: Did you read my response to Serene? ...Kristy Lynne: Did you read my response to Serene? If you did, then you KNOW I understand financial stress over long periods of time. Your attitude is right on -- but again, I really believe it's MORE than attitude that we're talking about. It's what I hear in what you're saying: that a loving Father in very active in your life - protecting and nurturing you.Monahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06269577857045870533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-6145690610075766982009-03-17T21:02:00.000-07:002009-03-17T21:02:00.000-07:00Oh my friends! How I love you! I think we better r...Oh my friends! How I love you! I think we better rename this blog "Mona & Friends Musings"!!!!<BR/><BR/>PC: Thank you for the perfect Elder Wirthlin quote!!! Your own thoughts are beautiful and beautifully written. I really meant this Musing to be about the joy in blessings more than about trauma and trial but they go hand in hand, don't they? Without the adversity, we could hardly be aware of the Lord's love in our life. <BR/><BR/>Bri's brillant nod to "OVERcompensation" reminds me of King Benjamin's: <BR/><BR/>"And now, in the first place, he hath grated unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him. And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be forever and ever: therefore, of what have ye to boast?" (Mosiah 2:23-24)<BR/><BR/>So, in actuality, we REALLY can't be "compensated" at all for anything since we're debtors from the get-go!Monahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06269577857045870533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-46945438361611550062009-03-17T20:31:00.000-07:002009-03-17T20:31:00.000-07:00Thought on your Creative or Clueless post 3 weeks ...Thought on your Creative or Clueless post 3 weeks ago:<BR/><BR/>As some may already know, there is now a YouTube video called “Create,” based off President Uchtdorf's talk, “Happiness, Your Heritage,” which was quoted in the above mentioned post. I wanted to encourage fellow followers to view it as it was inspiring to me! Thanks.pcNuthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14778671710565219202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-6815631987211990752009-03-17T20:21:00.000-07:002009-03-17T20:21:00.000-07:00This great post reminds me of Elder Wirthlin’s tal...This great post reminds me of Elder Wirthlin’s talk from conference where he talked about the principle of compensation. “The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a HUNDREDFOLD with tears of rejoicing and gratitude” (emphasis added).pcNuthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14778671710565219202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-59205013160818951712009-03-17T20:20:00.000-07:002009-03-17T20:20:00.000-07:00I’m grateful how these inspired posts cause me to ...I’m grateful how these inspired posts cause me to reflect and grow.<BR/><BR/>The very thought of “compensatory blessings” tugs at my heartstrings. What causes me to weep isn’t the denial of certain “blessings” I want or the gift of “trials” undesired. It’s the dichotomy of feeling the pain of “pruning” (Jacob 5:5) woven with the beauty of what is really a merciful act! <BR/><BR/>How adoring and praising will I be when I see Father again, I can not say! Just the same, I am grateful to every angel who “nourished” or will “nourish” me in those most agonizing moments of growth!<BR/><BR/>I feel one of the greatest mistakes I have made as the Lord strives to “preserve” me is being ungrateful, thinking my “compensation” is inadequate. Truly, I have been, as Bri said earlier, and believe I will be, mercifully overcompensated. This is a matter of timing with perspective. <BR/><BR/>It would be a gross error to leave unacknowledged the compensatory blessings I received as a young woman through your leadership and mentorship. Thank you for loving me and serving me! <BR/>I love you.pcNuthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14778671710565219202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-90739998129824082392009-03-17T16:06:00.000-07:002009-03-17T16:06:00.000-07:00P.S. You are darling as you show off your Preside...P.S. You are darling as you show off your Presidential Suite! No wonder Sara Lyn smiles when she speaks of you.Kristy Lynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10365569908223422800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-31537577665037789682009-03-17T16:04:00.000-07:002009-03-17T16:04:00.000-07:00What have we been compensated with? Hmmmm. We ha...What have we been compensated with? Hmmmm. We have financial insecurity and have had it since just before we were married. <BR/><BR/>Surprisingly we have grown so much spiritually in the last five years of trials. I sometimes wonder-why be rich?<BR/><BR/>I don't know how it happened. I just know that I feel more deeply and understand more clearly. <BR/><BR/>I've also found a small amount of empathy for our savior mixed with a Large amount of gratitude to open my heart.<BR/><BR/>I know that many people get angry with people who are grateful for their trials. <BR/><BR/>I'm glad that you are grateful. <BR/><BR/>I'm also happy to be thankful for them too.Kristy Lynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10365569908223422800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-21714139819109465042009-03-17T11:39:00.000-07:002009-03-17T11:39:00.000-07:00Sweet Olivia. What can I say except that I've ALWA...Sweet Olivia. What can I say except that I've ALWAYS been a BIG fan and am relieved you feel as you do. Good things (and good lessons) take time don't they? I know all your dreams (and Father's dreams for you) will come true.Monahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06269577857045870533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3230288215309238824.post-65065233891688895192009-03-17T10:54:00.000-07:002009-03-17T10:54:00.000-07:00Wow, Mona. You are an angel in my life. I went th...Wow, Mona. You are an angel in my life. <BR/><BR/>I went through such a range of emotions watching your 'tour' video. The first being embarrassment on your behalf...because what if someone SAW you acting so giddy in the PRESIDENTIAL Suite. So posh, you know! You must act the part. Then I felt sad that I would feel that way. That if I ever had the opportunity to do the same that I would feel the need to put on a 'mask' and act important because, after all, only important guests stay there. Then I was giddy right along with you because, HELLO! It's the PRESIDENTIAL SUITE! How cool is that? <BR/><BR/>I was so glad that you showed me that it is ok to have fun; to show joy, excitement and girlish pleasure. Being a snob does no one any good. Acting important doesn't draw people into you. It's ok and GOOD to be happy and joyful and excited.<BR/><BR/>I try to hide this fact…but facts remain facts… I cry every time I think about Disney. To me it represents pure joy and it always has. Walt Disney himself was a visionary man who knew how to have fun and I am sure that he would have done the same thing as you in the Presidential Suite! I love Disney movies, music, parks, atmosphere, everything. The thought of going there soon makes me so happy and joyful I want to jump on my bed and squeal and run around the room. I know that I am going to have ‘high water tables’ at every turn there. I don’t think I will be able to contain my joy. It’s good to say that. It feels good to not be ashamed of my emotions but to embrace them. Thank for showing me that! <BR/><BR/>I have to admit something. While I truly was only available for the 2 days that I participated due to my brother’s wedding and out of town family and parties etc. I was very upset and hurt by what occurred during the ‘show’ and probably wouldn’t have come back anyway. I harbored such hard feelings over what had happened. Thankfully on that day the Lord saw the need and took care of me and my kids while I took care of my responsibilities to the ‘show’. My son who NEVER took naps fell asleep and remained asleep in the hallway just outside the ‘kids room’ the entire time of my duties and didn’t wake up until the last commitment was fulfilled. A miracle. Truly…that I have never once forgotten. My other son was so devastated and said to me, “I’m not available” in response to the rebuff he received from the ‘kids room’. I have never seen him so emotionally injured. But again the Lord saw fit to take care of him too. One of the stage mom’s saw our need and took him for ice cream and a new toy which they came back with and played with together until I was done.<BR/><BR/>Talk about a compensatory blessing. <BR/><BR/>Truly I held on to hurt, anger, pain for my son, etc. for some time. I had completely forgotten about it until some time ago it came to my mind again and those same angry, hurt, and painful feelings came back to haunt me. I was surprised by them! I had no idea I has such a capacity to hold a grudge. It was an ugly spot on my heart that needed some serious healing. <BR/><BR/>What I came to realize was that there was no anger to be had. I realized that what happened was out of necessity and not out of pride, stubbornness or haughtiness as I had before thought. Had I explained the situation further or had I not taken offense so quickly, arrangements could have been made that would have suited everyone. I however choice the lower road and suffered for it. <BR/><BR/>OH, I suffered. <BR/><BR/>But when I found this canker on my soul I did all that I could to cure it. I prayed and fasted and finally let go. Now I can think of it and not feel those un-Christ like feelings but I can look back at it and see what great lessons I was taught. I won’t go into the details of the lessons…yes lessons. But I will tell you this that I know it was a test and while I failed the first half I made up for it in the second have and pulled off an A in the end. <BR/><BR/>I can’t tell you how much this lesson was needed. And while you only played a very small role you were the catalyst to a very big change within me and I thank you for that. I am sorry, too for my bad attitude. I know that you held no grudge and I know that you are grateful for what I did and truly it was a crowning achievement for me in my life to be able to have done what I did. I am very proud of myself for not only the physical work but the emotional and spiritual work that also came from it. <BR/><BR/>…a mighty change of heart.Olivia Heilmannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231503035796753249noreply@blogger.com