Spiritually Fed Blog Podcast

In this episode I share a gentle reminder about thinking positive in your relationships and about yourself. I can be so quick to thinking negative that it affects how I think of myself and my exterior life. I share two examples of how I transition negative thinking by inviting the spirit and mantra to think kinder. I hope this gentle reminder can be something that you can invite into your heart.

I have been asking for help more in my prayers recently with having the influence of the Holy Ghost in my life. I pray for its companionship with my thoughts, my family, and friendships. When I let thoughts react and become too stimulating, overpowering in my mind, I find that I can say things or do things that I don't feel good about. It's been on my mind recently if I am inviting the Holy Ghost into my thinking and feelings.  I have been trying to recognize it in my life when I am around friends, family or acquaintances. I know the Lord is answering my prayers when I ask for guidance in my life. I feel a gentle prick from the Holy Ghost when I need to not say something or where and when to apologize for something. I feel the Holy Ghost to do something good, like reach out to someone and see how they are doing, bring a cake to someone that had exciting news, to give birthday wishes to someone that I don't talk to very often.  I know the spirit is with me and I am a witness because of these learning experiences. I am so grateful for its constant companionship and for being my best friend.

In this episode I share a gentle reminder of how a negative experience helped me turn to prayer for specific guidance. In my prayer, I asked to be "slow to anger, quick to love and to forgive." With this being in my personal and family prayers the last couple of weeks, I have seen myself trying to be slower to anger and more loving and forgiving. I share three examples where I used this prayer into my everyday life. I hope you enjoy! Below is a talk called, "Slow to Anger" by Gordon B. Hinkley, speaking on this very topic. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/slow-to-anger?lang=eng

One of the greatest distinctions in life is the opposing forces. We have good or bad, sin or righteousness, struggle or strength, etc… I am learning more and more about life as I experience the tug and pull of both of them. I have learned in faith and in yoga that it's about balancing them.  Balancing them through a form of acceptance and love.  I see each day, week, month, or year of my life where I experience both sides. I experience many wonderful experiences and many heart struggles.  Each needs to come so that I can experience the other. To learn and grow from them. AND to find gratitude from them for how they can change me to be better and more insightful. I think it's hard but…I am going to say it… it's those beautiful days that we reach more out to the Savior. Our hearts can be willing to listen depending on how we view the situation. “It must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, … righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad” (2 Nephi 2:11; see also verse 15). I have seen in my life with the negative or positive, the excited or fearful that as I have invited the spirit into each of those experiences, that I am capable of handling them the best way I can.

This week's gentle reminder has come as I have been asking the question to myself, "what would Jesus do?" I have thought of this after some scripture reading and thought of what he would do to have more brotherly love, how he would forgive, and respond with gentleness and kindness. With this question on my mind I have felt more brotherly love for those around me and in the difficult and wonderful ways to respond. With the Lord's example and teachings, what would we do?

In this weeks episode I share an experience of praying specifically on how to connect and apply it with my family. While praying for each member I had a prompting to ask what I can do to grow closer to or help love them deeper in their lives right now.  It is truly amazing how the Lord can speak to me and knows what to share with me in prayer. It was so specific and perfect for each member, that I really wanted to share the connections I had. Prayer is such a powerful way to better our relationship with our loved ones on earth and our loved Ones in heaven.  Strengthening our relationships is the most important to me. They are what I reflect on the most and what I hope to gain in my life in heaven. -I have attached a link from the churchofjesuschrist.org on the topic of prayer. It's a great way to deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/agility/prayer-for-family

Hello friends! I am not as present as I would like! Today, I share some areas of my life that I am working to be more present with my relationships, goals, life...etc. Finding ways to be present helps us connect with ourselves and invites God, spirit, light into each area that we desire to create for ourselves. May this episode help you look for ways to be more present in your daily life.

I have noticed something about myself for sometime now. I have grasped at wanting more, more, more.  I have wanted to make our house look nicer, better cars, better appearance.  Don't get me wrong, I think it's wonderful to make things beautiful. I think it's wonderful to aspire towards better but I have allowed it to consume my mind so much to that being what I think about the majority of the time. Sadly to say. I find myself thinking so much during the day about what to buy or how to make things better material wise. It is consuming more of my mind rather than focusing on things I want to do during the day, how to progress, or making room to fill my mind spiritually. Along the way, I hope to let go of the idea of stuff making me happy but allow my heart to see the gift of life making me happy, the experiences that change me for the better to make me happy, the spiritual growth, the love in a family, the blessings of always having what I need, the blessings of being loved.

I want to start sharing short reminders of ways to help us grow towards our heavenly light. In this episode I express the reminder of making time and space for you to connect with prayer, scripture study, or growing spiritually...then applying what a certain word or phrase that will help you grow. May you shine your light forward! :)

In this episode I share my appreciation for a young man named Nephi in the Book of Mormon. I appreciate his example of listening the Holy Ghost. His yearning to have the Holy Ghost with him helps him not only in his earthly relationships but his heavenly as well. He seeks the guidance daily to keep his heart centered and desirous to do what is right. I share personally how I want that closeness of the Holy Ghost is my most beloved of relationships. I want to react/respond in a way where the Holy Ghost is guiding me towards my highest self. It's not always the easiest when our experiences or emotions can be frustrating but as we seek that companionship, I know the blessings and comfort will come.

I came across an episode on Brooke Snow's new podcast in her cocreate app that I loved! It helped me redefine what success to me really is. I have been defining success in ways that aren't improving me in the long run. In this episode I share the things I am wanting to pursue and do daily in my life are how I see myself becoming successful This way of success helps me rest in who I want to be. Linked below is Brooke Snow's webpage that will lead you to the podcast. :) https://brookesnow.com/

In this episode I opened up about how I can see others in a better light rather than myself or my family at times. Me and my family are the ones I want to love and give compassion to the most. We can be so hard on ourselves and those closest to us at times because of our weaknesses. What are we doing to look past those weaknesses and seeing each other the way God sees us? Let us give the gift of love in all seasons, not just Christmas and spread it through the new year.

In this episode I invite us to ponder how we are doing spiritually going forward into the new year. I feel as we strengthen ourselves spiritually, we are able to progress in our temporal growth. May we strive too grow closer to the Savior in our thoughts, words, actions, relationships, and pursuits. Doctrine and Covenants 50:24 24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

This week I share the prompting I had to go help at an elementary school. It was completely not what I expected. While I was there I had some premature judgment about the way the kids act. I felt so grateful to have responded to the prompting to go serve. My judgments were so wrong. I felt humbled and grateful for the opportunity to soften my heart to see God's children through the Savior's eyes.

We might struggle as we surely will but we can also extend friendship, service and be kind to everyone else even in our own struggles.  We are not exempt from feeling pain. We also will always have some sort of pain ever present. It's nice to know that we are all suffering in some way together. I believe that because we are all struggling in some way, that means we can all have compassion in some way as well. We need that compassion, that friendship, and understanding because we are all in this earthly experience together. Ever growing and ever changing but I hope we are ever loving.

In this episode, I share about inclusion and helping everyone belong whether it's you needing to belong or someone helping you belong. We all belong to God. Let's help us all belong to Him and invite that belonging to wherever you are physically, spiritually, and mentally to those around us. I hope you can invite that light within you and share.

In this episode I share an opportunity my family and I had to be kinder with our words. We noticed how we are so willing serve each other but we wanted to serve better with our words when it can be challenging if someone says something or does something we don't like. As we spoke kinder we noticed how powerful it was to the way we feel and think about each other. It was beautiful and inviting openness and the spirit. I am grateful for that opportunity and hope to do it more with each other. Let us be kind in our thoughts, words, and actions. Kindness begins with me I want to be kind to everyone, For what is right, you see. So I say to myself, “Remember this: Kindness begins with me.”

In this episode I share how yoga and the example of Jesus Christ has been so uplifting and enlightening to my life. I want to grow in becoming a peacemaker for myself and my exterior portion of my life. I believe there are so many people in the world that want to be peacemakers. They want to give their best thoughts, words, and deeds. We can be so consumed by negativity that it can ripple into more destructive thinking, speaking, and doing. If we desire to be better in our thoughts, words, and actions, I know we can have a more harmonious life. I felt the spirit impress upon me that I have areas that I can work on to be a better peacemaker and I am grateful for the example of Jesus Christ to help me through it. Matthew 5:9 9. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. I hope you enjoy! :)

In this episode I share how sometimes our slope will be going upward toward the Lord and sometimes our slope can go downward in sin or bad decisions. “While the world focuses on our intercept, God focuses on our slope. In the Lord's calculus, He will do everything He can to help us turn our slopes toward heaven.” Becoming More in Christ: The Parable of the Slope I liked how Clark G. Gilbert shared that if our focus is on the Savior, we will be on an upward slope course. We will at times have our slope go down but KEEP working to go back up. It takes effort. With our hearts and minds focused on the Savior we can make it there.

In this episode I share how I want to be better at enduring my trials better. Bruce R. McConkie is great example of enduring trials as a way to show his faith in Heavenly Father. He wanted to endure this trial by giving his life to the Lord and his family. It would be just another test in life that he wanted to do well for his Father in Heaven. I was very humbled by this. His faith was so promoting to me as I have felt like I can't bear things that are more minor than that. With the Savior's help I want to believe He is walking beside me lifting my spirit. Our trials won't last forever. I want to be a good daughter of my Heavenly Father while bearing my burdens. He loves us and wants to help us. As we endure it well I know we can be blessed, see the good, and allow it to change our hearts to have more love and compassion.

In this episode I share an experience where my family and I were at a trampoline park. We were not having the best experience with the employees. I wasn't very happy with their actions but I want to be the one that is in charge of my actions. I want to listen to the promptings to do better and share goodness. Sharing goodness is a better choice than being upset with the employees or anyone for that matter. I can always improve in tough situations like that when I listen to the still small voice. Psalm 107:29 29. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

As I was praying about this metaphor I had a feeling come over me about this “box.” The box of my mind. If this is the box I am going to be in right now, why not make it more enjoyable? Not, change everything about it or fake the reality of it. Let me make small changes to make it more enjoyable. Fill it with what ignites my soul for spiritual moments and enjoying my life. I enjoy it the most when my focus is on the Lord. Moroni 9:25 25. My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto your fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever. Another episode that relates with this one. 57. Doing What Matters Most To You

In this episode I share of what I have come to know of the Lord through my difficult and joyous experiences and all that He has given me, is that He just wants my heart. My greatest gift for myself and others is to give my heart, fully. To give my strength of who I want to become to Him. To be more like Him through His example. For me it can be- See people as the Lord does Having compassion Being less judgemental Listening to my children and spouse etc... He knows that I have struggles and He understands my weaknesses. Am I willing to accept His gifts of love, when I say love I say His embrace, comfort, friendship, and cleansing to become the person I am meant to be? Our best gift to give is our heart over to Jesus Christ.

In this episode my son and I share a Christmas story. Many days this season we have been telling each other Christmas stories before we go to sleep. This story was really magical for us. It's partially real and partially not. We hope that you can cuddle up and enjoy our fun Christmas story tradition. I hope you have a MAGICAL Christmas this year! Love, the Marshall's

In this episode I share a great topic about imagining the Lord next to you when praying, reading scriptures, and in our interactions. I loved this point given by Wendy Nelson in her book, Rock Solid Relationships. When I imagine the Lord in my daily life I feel His presence and guidance helping me become a better me. Try to imagine Him with you and see how it impacts your relationships, goals, and struggles. Jesus Christ loves us and wants us to succeed!

In this episode I share some of my thoughts on how to slow down this season. I am trying to focus less on the rush and more on how I can connect with my family. Taking the time to slow down, connect as a family, and reach towards the words and life of Jesus Christ is the most important thing this season. Slow down, listen to the spirit and each other, and give your heart this season. Merry Christmas.

In this episode I share how we should make time to smile and laugh. We know our struggles and pain is they there. Set them aside for a few minutes and laugh. Smile and count your blessings. I felt the spirit so strongly while laughing out my chest with my daughter over what she said was to live in those joyous moments and allow them to last as long as needed. We all need to laugh and smile. We all need to see the good.

In this episode I share an experience on Thanksgiving that was difficult to go through at the time but now I am so grateful for what it taught me. Tough times can become very rewarding. Check it out! :)

In this episode I share with all of you how we each have our own experiences every day that are part of what we think about and want to be in our daily lives. The experience I share in this episode I felt a great feeling at that these experiences are the ones I don't want to forget. They are so important to what I want to share with my future self, to my children as they grow older, and my future posterity.

In this episode I had a thought while having a longer night of scripture study with my family that we could simplify our scripture study more. It wasn't about reading less or talking less of our God and Savior but to incorporate Them more naturally in our days. We can use Their love and example in our regular conversations. More of the Lord's words in our lives give us more direction. He is aware of each moment of our lives. With that wonderful knowledge we are able to connect more in meaningful ways with Him and our families.

In this episode my family and I talked on many ways to serve. We can serve many ways through our actions, but I would like to be better at serving others with kinder words. It's very humbling and charitable to truly love the one we are serving. It helps us understand the help we can give them. It can also be a way to connect with that person more. Mosiah 2:17 17. And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

In this episode I talk about science! My son and I did a science experiment on levers and it was awesome the ties we made with levers to Jesus Christ. Take a few minutes to listen! A lever is a simple machine that makes things easier to push or pull. It uses less force to use the machine. As we were talking about that we read some scriptures in Matthew 11:28-30 28. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Like the lever, Jesus Christ can make our burdens seem light. He will carry our load if we allow Him. We SHOULD let Him. He LOVES US SO MUCH. I need constant reminders of that. Sometimes we experience really heavy burdens that make us want to escape or feel low in heart. Jesus Christ is able to bear our burdens and with His help we can find peace and solace.

In this episode I share how we can be refuge/friends to others. Coming together and uniting as children of God doesn't need to be difficult. It's seeing each as a child of a loving Heavenly Father. We all need comfort and support. I hope we all can be on the giving and receiving end. :) Doctrine and Covenants 115: 5-6 5. Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations; 6. And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth. Reading these verses with my family, I shared how as members of our family and ward that we can comfort and help others take refuge or gather together with us from their personal storms. We can be like the Savior, Jesus Christ and care for others or take them under our wing. We can be a support and friend to them.

In this episode I share with you all how we can be missionaries in small way. Small and simple things bring out who we want to become and make such an impact within ourselves and with those we are around. We are so loved by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They provide hope and relief. Sharing that with others brings so much joy to my heart. Some days it feels like I am not right for the job to teach my children the lessons on Christ and stories from the scriptures. It can be hard. I am coming to learn that with gentle love, a love that is pure and with good intentions will direct my children to Jesus Christ. It takes effort. But the best things in life always do. A link to the talk I referenced to: Your Great Adventure: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

In this episode, Sister Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints join me on the podcast to share their experiences. They share what has grown them by serving full time as advocates for the Lord, Jesus Christ. We discuss what it's really like to be a missionary and how they built themselves up spiritually and desire to help others do so as well! We reference from this past General Conference for fulfilling our purpose and understanding the plan our Father in Heaven has for us. If any are desiring to know more about the church and would like to meet with the missionaries, please check out churchofjesuschrist.org for more information. Enjoy! :)

In this episode I discuss some of my thoughts about, "why I write about my experiences?" While praying about my experiences and discussing what I did for the day, I thought of how I want to go forward in my writing daily. I don't want to feel so pressured in what I share, but I do want to share something spiritual or that uplifted me. Something that helped me stretch my faith and build my testimony. I felt a clear feeling that it's not the writing that will only help build your faith but it is the experience. What can you write about if you aren't experiencing much? How are we really growing if we don't experience the things that will build us up? Sometimes it takes some faith and trust that doing what matters most is what will be the BEST to experience. Also, here is the link for General Conference October 2021 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts?lang=eng&video=16339403840441677119&mode=watch

In this episode I talk to you on who you are meant to be as you go about living your life. Who do you want to be in the storms of your life? I share an experience I had while preparing for a hurricane. Because of the storm coming, I wanted to remember who I chose to be in all of it. I want to put my faith in Christ and know that things will work out according to His plan. I want to know that my part doesn't have to be huge to make an impact. I can just share my love for the Savior by sending it to everyone.

I have had a wonderful thought in my head for the past few weeks that was given to me by my dad. He said, “as long as you keep teaching them over and over what is right, they will eventually get it.” I think about that when my kids are fighting and I explain why we don't do something. I think about it when I am teaching something they don't understand in school, the gospel, or rules in the home. They are learning, slowly but surely. It's amazing the things they grasp when it finally clicks for them. I am happy to teach my children all the things in life that will progress them. What I find the most joy in is seeing them progress spiritually.

In this episode I share some profound words from my Mother! I asked her for some advice on how to juggle homeschooling, being a good mom, and the things I want to take care of. She looked me dead in the eye and with so much love in her words she said, “what you are worrying about, doesn't even matter.” Those words were so powerful to me. As she said those words to me I told her how right she is. If I teach my kids anything in this life it's that they know how much I love them and that they were in a home that lived with Christ and for Him. When I focus on what really matters, the Holy Ghost is definitely closer and I will accomplish what I need to for that time or day.

In this episode I share experiences where my son and I have learned that when we repent we feel the peace that comes from trying to make things right. It is such a beautiful thing to be able to repent. I feel like it's our saving grace and a wonderful gift we have been given by our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that each day I am in need of repentance. I pray often for forgiveness and try to be aware of the spirit when I am working on correction. That's what is so wonderful about repentance. It's a chance to improve. It's an opportunity to humble your heart and mind and choose to become better the next chance. It's not always easy but it is the most “worth it” thing to do!

In this episode I share how WE CAN ALL desire to want to think, speak, and act in ways that are helping us become the person we desire to be! We are going to come across many people in our lives, including family that will have opinions that we don't agree with or actions that we don't agree with. Let's remember that it's ok for them to think, speak, or act the way they do. But…who do you want to be? Let's work on it, together! :)

It's been 1 year since I created the podcast! Amazing, right? I want to thank all of you for being here with me! I'm so excited for all the new listeners and how this podcast has created more of the life I have been wanting while trying to understand my purpose! I hope you are able to go after your dreams and fulfill your purpose! It's worth it! And YOU are worth everything! https://www.spirituallyfedblog.com/hello-world/

In this episode I share how we are all learning little by little as children. I share two different experiences with my children where I feel like I am learning just as much as they are on how to become a better person in my life. We are all as little children, still progressing, still growing. If we allow our Savior, Jesus Christ to help us, He is always there to guide, direct, and correct in the most perfect way. With accepting His love and guidance, I have seen myself wanting to speak more gently, love more deeply, and act with better intentions.

In this episode I share the miracles that come from prayer. Even in the darkest of times or sleepless nights, we can be comforted with as much faith that we can give to our Savior to receive some comfort. Heavenly Father doesn't ask much of us except our hearts and willingness to listen. Jesus wants to comfort us through it all. I also know that He wants to help us at all times. He wants to comfort us when we are sad, mad, afraid, and anything in between. I'm grateful for prayer and how it invites comfort and peace. Alma 34:17 17. Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;

In this part 2 of 2 episodes, my Aunt Wanda shares her experiences of sexual abuse and trauma. With this trauma and healing she has been able to find love with her Heavenly Father. Her message of healing and wholeness grew to an increasing need for more involvement and public awareness through her speaking engagements. She has spoken to hundreds at conferences, seminars, colleges/universities, and has been seen by millions of viewers on national television shows such as: Glenn Beck's "The Blaze" CW's “Ricki Lake Show” ABC's “Nancy Glass Show” NBC's “Carolyn & Marilyn Show” "Save Our Streets" hosted by Tim Reid WRVA's “Talk Shows and Answers” Wanda attributes her growth and happiness in life to both the services she has received and given! It was a heart growing experience to hear her message.

In this part 1 of 2 episodes, my Aunt Wanda shares her experiences of sexual abuse and trauma. With this trauma and healing she has been able to find love with her Heavenly Father. Her message of healing and wholeness grew to an increasing need for more involvement and public awareness through her speaking engagements. She has spoken to hundreds at conferences, seminars, colleges/universities, and has been seen by millions of viewers on national television shows such as: Glenn Beck's "The Blaze" CW's “Ricki Lake Show” ABC's “Nancy Glass Show” NBC's “Carolyn & Marilyn Show” "Save Our Streets" hosted by Tim Reid WRVA's “Talk Shows and Answers” Wanda attributes her growth and happiness in life to both the services she has received and given! It was a heart growing experience to hear her message.

In this episode I share mine and the experience of the Smith's. One day Joseph and Emma had an argument. Joseph left Emma to go translate the pages and he didn't have the gift of interpretation with him. It was because of the contention and uneasiness of his mind due to the argument he had a few minutes earlier that he wasn't able to translate. When he went to apologize to his wife that is when he was able to go back to translating with clear thoughts and was open to the interpretations of Jesus Christ. Every day I am in need of repenting and growing. It is when I sincerely apologize and come to Heavenly Father in prayer to be forgiven that I am open to feel that comfort of the Holy Ghost and have a willing change of heart. I desire to have the comfort of Jesus Christ with me as much as I can. I want to be open to receive His guidance and love for me. A soft heart invites more change and growth. A hard heart only weakens our experiences.

In this episode I share my experience of picking of trash with my family and how it was something I daydreamed about doing as a teenager. :) Interesting, right? Picking up the trash or any way I can give back brightens my being. As we serve our earth we are serving those around us and our Heavenly Father. I want to live in abundance with a heart that focuses on the blessings and giving back to others.

How we play or experience things is what connects us and I love it! We all have so much going on. I understand that we can feel or become too busy with all the things we desire to get done. I believe that when we take the time to connect and enjoy our relationships in our family we will feel more fulfilled and experience more joy. Find that connection and play you hope to have in your family. It's unique to you and that is what makes your family beautiful! http://www.spirituallyfedblog.com/how-do-you-want-to-connect-with-your-kids/

Don't be confused by the title. I'm trying to share with all of you that our full trust can be in the Lord, Jesus Christ. We are more than welcome to trust people we love... but as we trust our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ we are able to recognize that their help is always there. With our faith and trust in Them, we can live to our full potential. I sometimes rely too much on what my family thinks of me to strive to be better. I sometimes do that for the world. Because I am able to admit my weaknesses and truth in prayer I am able to bring some power and confidence back to what I can be WITH putting my faith and trust in the Lord. Because of the Lord's comfort and willingness to be with me through it all, I don't have to walk in darkness or fear if I don't want to. I just have to believe that He is there. He is watching. He is coming. http://www.spirituallyfedblog.com/trusting-in-the-lord-and-not-men/

Ben Arkell from Called To Share is on the podcast with me. He shares his way of using the talents he has to share more of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Check out his website and YouTube channel https://www.calledtoshare.com/