My intro from Chapter 1: "Last semester Hubby had a class on Tuesday nights which made it difficult for me to attend the Family Support Group that I used to facilitate. But now I have started going back and am loving it!
"I used to go primarily to help other people. But now I have to choose to go for myself. It's a wonderful mid-week gospel study and testimony meeting. You don't have to have an addiction or know someone who has an addiction to benefit from this group!
"I'm trying to be better (again) about my personal nightly scripture study. I've decided that every night I am going to study the Spouse and Family Support Guide. This is the manual we discuss in the meetings. I'm journaling my answers to the discussion questions, and thoughts I have as I study the Personal Learning and Application section. And since I do better at sticking to things when I have outside accountability and feel obligated, I'm going to blog my journals here.
"These will not be my unedited journal entries. The really personal stuff will be saved for my own reflection and for sharing in the confidential meetings. I also won't be including the many, many quotes that touched my heart and that I highlighted in the additional readings linked at the end of each chapter. You're going to have to go read and find those gems yourself!"
Please follow the link, read along, and share your own thoughts in the comments if you feel so inspired.
Chapter 6 Bear One Another's Burdens
I'm so glad I decided to rededicate
myself to going to the Family Support Group regularly! I need that
spiritually uplifting opportunity every week. It's like attending a
testimony meeting every Tuesday. It feels good to be able to serve
and support others in their trials, and also feel unconditional love,
support, compassion, and understanding from others towards me. It
lifts my spirit! It helps me always remember God's love for me. It
helps me feel motivated to do the things I know I need to do, not
just for the benefit of becoming closer to my Heavenly Father, but
also because I feel accountable in a way to these other people. They
encourage me to be better. I want them to be proud of me and I want
to be strong so that I may help them become strong.
I'm thankful for my Bishop, for his
wisdom, inspiration, and counsel from Heavenly Father.
I think pride is ultimately the
obstacle in my way for seeking support in my trials.
I love the Addiction Recovery Program
and the Family Support Group!
I love the caveat that the reading gave
under “Priesthood and Relief Society Leaders.” It says to be
mindful that leaders may not understand addiction. So while they can
bless, guide, and give us direction through inspiration from the
Lord, we may have to help them understand what is really going on in
our lives. How can our leaders know we need more
guidance unless we tell them that!
I can be a support to others passing
through similar trials as me by first strengthening myself. I can't
lift someone up unless I am on higher ground by being more
spiritually/emotionally healthy myself. Then I can testify of truth
and of God's love and Christ's Atonement and how that has changed my
life.
I love my husband as I love my own
soul, like Jonathan swore to David. He is my best friend, one that I
can turn to for support more than anyone else, save Heavenly Father
and the Savior. As his wife and friend, I want to buoy him up, as
well, in his trials.
“...and they did submit cheerfully
and with patience to all the will of the Lord.” This is so hard for
me!
Who does God want me to succor, lift,
and strengthen?
bear one anothers burdens = be a friend
The Savior is my perfect friend.
The Holy Ghost becomes a constant
companion with faith and obedience.
I am not the Savior's servant, but His
friend.
Being a good example is being a good
friend.
