The Power of Hope

By Sidne O'Reilly

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

It has been a long time since I have put fingers to keyboard. Forgive my long absence. My book was published a year and a month ago. It seems like a lifetime ago now. So much can happen in one year. So many blessings and with them some challenges. It is almost as if the world has shifted in that year, and not just for me.

How grateful I am that we have prophets to lead us and bless our lives with hope, direction and encouragement. President Uchtdorf’s talk on “The Infinite Power of Hope” in the last conference is lifeline. He instructs us on how to engender hope by reading the scriptures and praying daily. He also talks about keeping the Word of Wisdom, paying a full tithe and obeying the commandments. I have a personal testimony of the importance of daily scripture study and prayer. How we need this anchor in our lives to keep us afloat, particularly in these uncertain times.

Let’s make a promise to ourselves and keep it. Let's challenge each other to pray and read the scriptures daily.

Know that I am cheering for you!

Sidne

Got Tagged?

By Sidne O'Reilly

Doug tagged me so I get to explain seven facts about myself and tag seven others –

Here goes:

I have lived in American Fork, Utah for 4 years. (Three of those years we shared a home with my daughter and son-in-law and their four children I talked about in an earlier blog.)
I spent 5 weeks in the hospital for depression 20 years ago. I became depression free a couple of years later.

I was one of the hidden homeless for a year. ( I will explain that in a blog one day.)


I am married to a wonderful man, Leonard, who plays the vibraharp and sings in the Mendelssohn’s Men’s chorus. (This is the oldest chorus in Utah besides the Tab.

I am currently re-working on “The Positive Peer Group – A Leadership Training for Teens.” This program is compliments “The Twelve Week Challenge” which is currently in print.

I have taken 30 credit hours towards a degree in Alternative Energy. I was in my fifties taking classes like construction I and II. The only female in many of my classes. One day I will explain my passion for this subject also.

I am collecting widow’s mite stories. These are stories of people who have very little who somehow manage to share, do things or raise money for others. If you know of one please forward it to sidne@spectrumliving.com.

Doug this was actually fun! Thanks for the opportunity.

Here are who I am tagging:

1. http://thrumechelleslens.blogspot.com/ - Mechelle's Blog

2. http://tristipinkston.blogspot.com/ --Tristi Pinkston

3. http://choosetowrite.blogspot.com/ - Heather Burguess Justesen

4. http://www.authorsincognito.com/ - Darvell Hunt

5. http://www.blogger.com/profile/23684703 - Karen Hoover

6. http://josikilpack.blogspot.com - Josi Kilpack

7. http://ldspaz.blogspot.com/ - G. Parker

Be Still and Know that I am God

By Sidne O'Reilly

“And this is Life Eternal that they might know thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

What does this scripture say to you? To me it seems to say that in order to obtain Eternal Life it is important to come to know God and Jesus Christ. The question now becomes, how do we come to know God and Christ? Again the answer is in the scriptures. “Be still and know that I am God.” (D & C 101:16) Is this really the answer, just be still?

What does this mean? How do we “become still?” How important is it to learn to do this? Ultimately, how do we find that peace that passeth understanding? (Philip. 4:7)

Have you noticed that we are virtually bombarded with a cacophony of brain noise? Much of it is of our own choosing. For example, get in the car, turn on the news, come home, flip on the TV for background noise. Read the newspaper while having dinner. You get the picture. If this weren’t enough, when we are not bombarded from the outside, we produce our own constant mental dialog consisting of what we didn’t do or what we have to do, who offended us, what we are going to say next time, etc. It wears me out just writing about it. What a waste! So how do we change all this?

Obviously, this is the opposite of being still. How can we come to know God and Christ or even feel their influence if the pathways to their influence and inspiration are constantly clogged with mental noise much less get in touch with the peace that our soul so desires? Recently I have been guided to some answers to these very questions that I can’t wait to share with you. Since the authors are cautioned to keep our blogs short, tune in next week and I will reveal some wonderful solutions that will enrich your life.

I am cheering for you!

This is a must read!

By Sidne O'Reilly

I just finished reading “Keeping Keller” by Tracy Winegar. She has a great talent for helping the reader put themselves in the place of the people in the story. She gives an insiders view of what it is like to raise a child with a disability. This is a story that truly changes a person. It creates compassion and understanding for those who face such significant challenges. This is a must read!

Everyone Has a Book Inside

By Sidne O'Reilly - Author of "The Twelve Week Challenge"

My husband and I had the opportunity of attending an author appreciation dinner last night. It was sponsored by our publisher, Cedar Fort. What a great experience. Not only did we get to meet other authors, we got to meet the wonderful people behind our books who do the editing, marketing and public relations. We were also privileged to hear from the owners and leaders of this great company. Believe me; you can rest assured that they have your best interests at heart.

Maybe it is time for you to begin the book you have always wanted to write. Cedar Fort is actively looking for inspired authors who want to share their light. How important this is as the world sinks into a darker and darker abyss. Everyone has a book inside them. Could this be part of your purpose?

I’m cheering for you!

Spontaneous Acts of Service

By Sidne O'Reilly - The Twelve Week Challenge

Spontaneous Acts of Service are part of the 12 Week Challenge. Saturday I had a lovely demonstration of that in my own family.

I am blessed to have 4 of my 6 children living in the same city I live in. We all moved to Utah within a year of each other. Some of us moved from Arizona and Nevada. One daughter joined us from New Mexico. What a delight to have so many loved ones nearby. Since we all moved here we started a tradition of gathering to celebrate birthdays once a month. We thought for sure that by this time of year we could easily meet in the park and it would be fine. (There are 30+ of us altogether which makes quit a houseful.) The sun was shining overhead. It looked like it might be a perfect day. I had worn a long-sleeved sweatshirt, (my favorite with an embroidered message of “Grand kids, pieces of the heart.”), thinking that it turned a little cool I would be fine. What I didn’t factor in was the wind-chill. It was freezing! Even as I sat there cuddled up with a sweet Grandbaby swaddled in blankets, I froze. One of my daughters in law, Denise, saw my predicament and despite my protests had her daughter get another baby blanket out of the car to put around my shoulders. How grateful I was. The blanket didn’t just warm me on the outside, but warmed my heart as well. She is such a great example of spontaneous service.

Young mothers are sometimes a little overwhelmed with family responsibilities. Lessons at church on serving others can seem overwhelming it’s true. But what we don’t want to loose sight of are the small opportunities to serve another. They are all around us. A spontaneous act of service can be as small as a smile. All we have to do is be conscious of those around us as Denise was. The funny thing about service is that I’ll bet in some way Denise’s consideration for me warmed her too.
What small act of service can you do today? I’m cheering for you, Sidne

What is Your Purpose?

Part of The Twelve Week Challenge is to find and begin fulfilling your individual purpose here on earth. I want to share with you today someone in my life who is fulfilling their current purpose in a very unique way. How do I know it is their purpose? Let me explain.

In a previous blog, I mentioned that I am a Grandmother of 27. If you have not had the pleasure of reaching the status of Grandparent, you might not understand yet that Grandchildren are magic. Take my word for it, they are. Last Friday was one of those special lifetime events I am privileged to share with you . The above picture is of my daughter and her family. Just to look at them you can tell they are exceptional as far as families run. Let me give you a little background.

Unfortunately my daughter was raised in a pet-less home. Having six children and a husband stretched my nurturing genes to the limit. I had no time or attention left to look after an animal. Jennie was my fifth of our six children. Somehow the fact that the children in our home were not allowed to have cats or dogs somehow escaped Jennie. Strays would follow her home, and she would do her due diligence to find their owner. When the owner didn’t show up, somehow the animals she found ended up staying with us. She had a special gift with animals. She was drawn to them and them to her. Somehow she was the only child I could not make the no pet rule stick. At a time of illness, Jennie requested a father’s blessing. In that blessing she was told that her earthly mission was very dear to Heavenly Father’s heart.

Years past and Jennie married a fine man. She and her husband lived on 2 1/2 acres where they raised draft horses, miniature horses, chickens, ducks, geese and a cow. Once she nursed an orphaned lamb round the clock. She even it took to the dental office where she worked so she could feed it every two hours. .As time went on, it became evident that Jennie would not be able to have her own children. She accepted this and felt that her mission might have to do with nurturing God’s animals. But this was not Heavenly Father’s plan. Opportunities to adopt came into her life in a most dramatic way. Jennie received about 3 minutes notice for the first child Heavenly Father sent to her. She never looked back. She instantly gave up her career to become a fulltime mom. Three other children came to her. I have watched Jennie blossom over the years as she learns the intricacies of parenting. Somehow Jennie received an extra dose of nurturing genes. Her love of animals remains strong. Along with her growing family she manages to care for a cat, a dog, a African Gray Parrot, various fish and a Monitor Lizard!

Last Friday as I mentioned was a day to celebrate. Gunner, their youngest child became officially theirs and ours.

Not everyone’s purpose is as obvious as Jennie’s. But I know that each of us has something special to do in this life. Something that is unique to us. Isn’t it time to start looking for or fulfilling yours?

Thank you for letting me share my “good news moment.” I’m cheering for you!

And They Cheered for One Another!

Hi, Sidne again. In my last blog I promised I would explain how the concept of forming accountability groups came to me and how you can do the same. As I explained last time, learning to be a better wife, mother and daughter of God has been a lifetime pursuit. As my husband can testify, I am sort of a seminar junky. In search for solutions, several years ago I joined a course that offered a year of teleconference calls, materials etc. that were to help me progress. I was thrilled. I felt I had finally found my answer to permanent and lasting change. This was to be my year of growth. Of my own volition I began a journal listing each page as “day 1 of 365, day 2 of 365,” etc. On these pages I was going to record my own “mighty change.” How hopeful I was and how mistaken. By day 42 I was miserable and depressed. It seemed that I was not going anywhere. Any progress seemed to be short lived. As I was taking a shower that day, (it seems that inspiration often comes in the shower), it hit me like a ton of bricks. I needed a group to be accountable to. I called one of my dearest friends and asked her if she would like to transform her life in 365 days. Her answer was an enthusiastic yes! I asked about 7 other people and 5 of them said yes. This was the beginning of a wonderful exciting journey of true transformation for all of us. I will leave you today with an excerpt from the book, “The Twelve Week Challenge.” This tells you what happened that year. You can duplicate the same type of true success in your life along with helping others to do the same by asking some frinds to join you in a journey of transformation by following the principles outlined in "The Twelve Week Challenge." I am cheering for you!

And They Cheered for One Another
By Sidne O’Reilly, Edith O’Reilly Morris, and Jennie O’Reilly Sheperd

In memory of Yldra Taylor

Once upon a year, six women
Not very much alike
Met together every week

Some were bold, one was meek.
Some were short, one was tall.
Some large and some small.
Some were married, one was not.
All yearned for more in their life’s lot.

Some were old, one was young,
But for all, their journey had just begun.
Although different when apart,
Together they became one of heart.

They set goals and reported back.
This was how they stayed on track.

When someone achieved
They all cheered
Until each one felt revered.

When someone did not reach their goal,
The group would brainstorm
With heart and soul.
This is how they found solutions
And worked together for resolutions.
They had ideas together
And they cheered for one another!

Placing God at their center,
With Christ as their mentor,
They found peace and serenity
As they discovered their true identity.

Each prayed and searched the scriptures,
Thus they found living waters to fill their empty pitchers.
They rejoiced together,
And they cheered for one another!

With their weekly lesson,
They learned to think with more discretion.
Some bettered their health, some lost weight,
While others overcame depression,
And they cheered for one another!
Relationships were enriched
Families became dearer . . .
Priorities were switched,
And they cheered for one another!

They managed their money with new skills
And had fewer problems paying their bills.
They learned what the scriptures say about riches
And understood better the story of the loaves and the fishes.
They shared with each other
And they cheered for one another!

They discovered with their new vision
That for each God has a special mission.
Hidden talents bloomed unique to each one.
They found greater purpose before they were done.
And they cheered for one another!

With priorities straight and a faith-filled foundation,
They discovered the means to make a donation.
They collected books and clothed dolls for an orphanage in Mozambique
While they were making things better for others, their lives
reached a peak.
Together they gave
And they cheered for one another!

And when someone was burdened with a heavy load
From each heart a plea naturally flowed
By name each prayed for the other
And they cheered for one another!

When a woman was
Overwhelmed they “barn raised.”
If you saw what they did, you would be amazed!
Once they painted a wall.
All for one and one for all,
They served each other,
And they cheered for one another.

They mourned when one of the women
Lost her daughter in Iraq,
Comforted with the knowledge that in
The eternities she would get her back,
And they cried with one another.

Six women not very much alike rejoiced, cheered,
Shared, gave to others,
Prayed, had ideas, served and shed tears
And when the year had come to the end,
They found a new sister,
Not just a friend.
And they loved one another.

Why a Twelve Week Challenge?

Hi, I am Sidne O’Reilly, mother of 6, grandmother of 27. That sounds challenging in and of itself! I am also the author of The Twelve Week Challenge.

Having had a lifelong thirst for knowledge of how to be a better wife, mother and daughter of God I began a quest which has not stopped to this day. One of the advantages of being old enough to be the Grandmother of 27 is that you have had a chance to gain a bit of experience and perspective, read a lot of books and overcome some of life’s stickiest problems. The Twelve Week Challenge is a culmination of inspiration and a lifetime of experience. As might be expected, The Twelve Week Challenge gives readers an opportunity to set personal goals.

Goal setting has been particularly hard for me. This has been a blessing and a curse. I have learned much from setting and not achieving goals. I also learned much about the value of having goals to turn to that give direction and purpose in times of trial; especially while I was struggling with depression.

One of the valuable lessons I learned about goal setting was that when goals are set without consideration of your season in life or what is most important, achieving them can cause far more pain than the anticipated pleasure. After running up against this scenario so many times I finally realized that I needed help to understand what really was most important. This became a matter of prayer and the six priorities of The Twelve Week Challenge were born.

As the full title of the book says, The Twelve Week Challenge, Lay a Foundation for Your Success. The challenge is to begin some new habits based on living your life in priority order. At the end of twelve weeks, readers will have laid a foundation of not just knowing what is important, but of learning and using new tools to create true success.

In my next blog, I will explain how the concept of forming accountability groups came to me and how you can do the same.

I am cheering for you!