Beyond The Secret and The Power of Positive Thinking

"… There is another kind of faith, rare indeed. This is the kind of faith that causes things to happen. It is the kind of faith that is worthy and prepared and unyielding, and it calls forth things that otherwise would not be. It is the kind of faith that moves people. It is the kind of faith that sometimes moves things… It is a marvelous, even a transcendent, power, a power as real and as invisible as electricity. Directed and channeled, it has great effect." (Boyd K. Packer, "What is Faith?" "Faith" [Salt Lake City: Desert Book Co., 1983], p. 42, emphasis added)

Isn't it amazing to think of the power available to us as we learn to exercise faith in Christ? I gave a talk on this subject a few years ago. If you are looking for more on the subject, check it out here.

Why still single?

For anyone who has ever wondered about me or any other great 30+ single person you know, this article describes the situation for a lot of us. It is written about men, but can also apply to women. I know because I am a woman and these patterns describe me almost perfectly.

Common patterns:

1. They suffer from excessive pressure caused by anticipatory anxiety.

"they feel anxious about disappointing the person they date. This causes additional pressure that makes them anticipate what their date may be thinking, feeling, or expecting. This creates even more anxiety and causes them to analyze what they are feeling (or not feeling) and take action quickly so as to not disappoint or hurt their date.

What they don’t realize is that this very concern actually inhibits their ability to have fun, relax, and feel a deeper connection. They analyze their emotions so closely that is is difficult for them to feel positive and spontaneous emotions. As time goes on, the added pressure makes it more difficult for them to believe that they will ever get out of the trap."

2. Many of the people they date inadvertently add even more pressure.

"the people they date tend to become excessively available, accommodating, and committed too early in the process. These women or men are often very understanding and supportive, which further adds pressure to the men or women to not hurt them... When the people they date are not anxious for commitment, these men(or women) feel less anxiety, and as a result their positive emotions come more easily. Only after investing in the person (without pressure) over a period of months (while also having a lot of fun), they feel a deeper emotional connection. "

2. When it comes to dating these men(women) feel disconnected from God.

"These men(or women) have strong testimonies and many powerful spiritual experiences; however, when it comes to dating, mate selection, and the decision to marry, often these men(or women) feel that God is silent, which only adds to their fears and doubts.

Without feeling a strong emotional attachment, these men(or women) just stalemate or break up. Of course, in most cases, God probably wants them to decide for themselves, but the different possibilities (and fear of making the wrong decision) only add to their doubt and confusion.

This anxiety and doubt can be lessened when others express faith and trust in them and in the many blessings that marriage will give them. In many ways, these men(or women) need an abundance of positive and faith-filled messages to combat their anxiety and strengthen their faith and confidence––rather than receiving criticism or lectures on why they aren’t progressing to marriage." YES, YES, YES!!! And thank you for all of you have been so supportive in so many ways.

A Picture Thought

We are the Music Makers and We Are the Dreamers of Dreams...

I saw this Rainbow Eucalyptus tree on the Road to Hana in Maui. I thought the trees were magical. The quote comes from a poem written in 1874 by Arthur O'Shaughnessy and quoted by Willy Wonka.