Invitations from a Prophet: Jackie Ward

I admit, spiritual momentum is an elusive thing for me most of the time. I don't see the results of my efforts and often those efforts look like a crazy roller coaster with highs and lows, twists and turns and upside down loops. Somehow the train hasn't completely derailed yet, though it teeters on the edge.

Jackie's journal, marked copy of the Book of Mormon, pocket notebook & prayer journal

I admit, spiritual momentum is an elusive thing for me most of the time. I don't see the results of my efforts and often those efforts look like a crazy roller coaster with highs and lows, twists and turns and upside down loops. Somehow the train hasn't completely derailed yet, though it teeters on the edge.

I try hard to follow the counsel of our prophet to increase our spiritual momentum. I've worked on studying my scriptures in a deeper way. I have a journal where I write down attributes and names of Christ that I find while reading. I get a new copy of the Book of Mormon every time I finish it. I choose a topic or question or word to focus on while I re-read it. I mark it up, write in the margins, and record thoughts or favorite phrases on the top of the page. I have tried a prayer journal, and recently started taking a pocket notebook with me everywhere I go to try and write down thoughts, impressions or ideas that pop in my head. Each time I try something new it gives me a small push forward, even if I've slid back some. I have increased my temple attendance and my determination to read scriptures and pray with my family despite their resistance.  I'm desperately searching for ways God speaks to me as I'm in the midst of the hardest years of my life and need that momentum to keep going. It's hard to stay motivated when you can't see the fruits of your labors. I guess that's where faith and endurance come in. So I keep pushing forward and hoping that it's enough momentum to get me over the next steep hill. Because I don't want to stay at the bottom. I want to rise up.

By Jackie Ward, Bridgecreek Ward