Me Thinks

My wonderful sister-in-law shared these words with me, when I asked her about things we can do to become more holy: 

To me, regular scripture reading, praying, and all the to do list items are key as tools to becoming holier.  Setting goals personally is the only way we will improve.  Our experiences with them may be different than others' experiences, so we must be patient and figure out how the Lord works in our lives, with our abilities, and our talents.  I find that I have to vary my scripture study methods from time to time so it doesn't become rote. 

I need to be kind to myself when I am not at my best.  Jump back in and try again.  No negative talk about my failings.  Treat myself with holiness.

Putting myself in holy places also builds my own holiness.  But I must be in the right frame of mind, too. Attending all the key meetings that are provided is essential for me (Sunday meetings, etc.).  Frequent temple attendance is crucial.  Getting out of places that offend the Spirit and my soul is key.  Making my own home, and personal spaces holy.  Music, cleanliness, beauty, holy reminders, and other "small" things help me. 

Also, holy habits can replace the ones we struggle to get rid of.  Instead of just focusing on the ones we need to quit, replace them and then there isn't a big void.

Service is always important.  I try to do something every day for someone else, even small.  And I serve in ways that I feel use my talents--which is the reason the Lord gave those to me.  We all need each other.  I think comparison prohibits holiness.  I cannot feel the love of God when I envy someone.  I daily need to be happy for others, or feel like caring for them.  And I can't belittle others either, as I do not know the whole story on ANYONE.  I only do the best I can to help or care, and put my priorities straight so I don't neglect those I am responsible to care for.  And my best is good enough.  Its all I can do for now.

I believe it is individual-- of course, but maybe because of my own experiences, I have felt closer to God when I have needed him.  My trials have actually blessed me with a closeness to Him.  I am not to the point of asking for trials (probably will never do that!), but I can look for ways I may already need Him and pray that I will feel a desire to turn to Him instead of my own understanding.  Patience is so important for me.  I taught the Job lesson in Sunday school, and I felt his worst trial was that his wife and friends didn't support him.  But maybe at that point, when I feel like I am totally alone in my trial, is when I rely the most on God, and can become "holier" because of that experience.  The Savior had the same experience on the cross--that is why Job is seen as a type of the Savior. 

Holiness is hard to measure, but easy to recognize in others.  I love being around holy people.  That is my desire--To have holiness around me.  I am committed to working at it daily.  Even when it is a lonely pursuit!