Peace, Be Still

      We all have moments of trial, struggle, fear, hopelessness.  During these moments where do we turn, what do we do?  For me, it is usually a good long run, to leave it all behind for an hour or so, get time to clear my head and try to tackle it again when I'm in a better state of mind.  This is my ideal situation, though most of the time I don't have the means to just drop everything and run.  During these times I find myself a slave to emotions such as distress and hopelessness.  Everything comes crashing down all at once, or so it seems. 
      During one of these such moments in the MTC, I had a very caring teacher share some wonderful information with me.  He showed me the picture I've attached below, Peace, Be Still by Simon Dewey.  In this picture Christ had just been asked by his disciples, "Carest thou not that we perish?" Mark 4:38-39 The winds, the waves, the rain, all of the elements were upon them and they thought they surely would perish.  And just as they turn to the Lord and plea for help, he calms the sea.  What peace I felt as this teacher explained this story.  "Sometimes we have trials and by no means are they easy, but I like to think of it this way:  We have to first be given the storms so that, in time, Christ can pull us through, or calm the storm.

    During difficult times, I'm often at fault of relying on myself.  When the time comes and I can humble myself enough to turn to God in prayer, and rely on Christ to be my guide, I do receive the peace I need and the comfort I want.  I'm grateful for the experience I had and the care someone took to help me understand how I can and should bring Christ into my life more.  For anyone reading this that is or has ever felt these feelings of fear, doubt, loneliness, despair and hopelessness during difficult times, it is my wish that you can take comfort from Christ.  He is always there, we need only seek him.

Labor Diligently

Awhile back I received a wonderful story from my brother about his family.  As I read this story I found myself thinking about our journey here on earth, the choices we make, and the things God has asked us to do.  This is the story.
     My 4 year old nephew was making his debut in mutton busting, a fun minor event held during some rodeos for children.  The event entitles them riding a sheep around the area.  Their objective is simple: stay on the sheep.  My little nephew was as excited as could be!  So were his parents.  His mom gave him coaching before she had to leave him to find a seat in the stands.  "Grab my hair, pull hard, that is as hard as I want you to grab the sheep's hair when you ride so you won't fall off.  Do you understand?" 
    "Yes mommy.  I understand.  I won't fall off, I want to win."  was the reply.
     My nephew was the youngest and smallest rider that day and my brother knowing how he learns put him on his shoulders to watch and see examples.  He watches as some of the kids came back crying, limping, holding their arms, dirt in their eyes.  As a parent, my brother was worried he might get second thoughts, but took it as an opportunity to let my nephew know what some of the consequences might be.
   My nephew replied by wanting off his shoulders, saying he was ready to ride and win.  Prior to his ride the last 15 were all bust rides and barely made it out of the gate.  My brother overheard some of the judges say, "there is no way he will stay on, he's so small."  I'm sure in this moment my brother was thinking,  "You don't know my son."
    The gate opened and the sheep leap out of the chute, he tried to buck him off by my nephew stayed dead center keeping his balance.  As he made it to the center of the arena, the crowd cheered watching in disbelief.  The sheep ran faster trying to shake him off, but he stayed centered.  As they both made it to the other end of the arena the crowd roared.  Then all of the sudden he let go of the sheep.  My brother listened in disbelief as he was .012 seconds from qualifying.  He had places 4th.  My nephew watched as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place kids got their medals and he asked his mom, where is my medal?
   The reply came, "You let go of the sheep so you didn't win a medal this time."  I will forever be in awe of the response of this young 4 year old.  "Oh next time I won't let go so I can win."  In their coaching, his parents both forgot to instruct him not to let go until someone pulls him off the sheep.  But he didn't think twice about crying or throwing a fit.  In his mind it was simply, "Okay, I messed up this time.  I will fix it and win the next time around."
     What a wonderful lesson I was taught.  I too have a loving Father in Heaven, who has given me an objective:  come to earth, receive a body, make choices, and return to live with me.  Throughout life, I've received coaching from my parents, my leaders, and the living prophet.  My goal and commitment have been the same as my nephew's, "I understand, I won't fall off, I want to win."
    I've seen many examples of life and the temptations and trials we might end up facing, but because I chose this plan  I will follow through with it.  I am ready to ride and win.  Along the way there have been and will be many things trying to say I can't make it but I know I have a cheering section behind me with more than enough support.  As longs as I hold on tight, knuckles white, the prize can be mine.  Though sometimes this is not the case.  Just as my nephew was confused about the end goal, sometimes we too forget and let go.  God give us second chances and he gives us hope, through our Savior.  With his help we an overcome our weaknesses and try again.  Remember the words of my nephew, "Oh I messed up this time,  I will fix it and win the next time around."
   I love the words of encouragement from a father to his son during perhaps the most difficult of times during their lives which is found in the Book of Mormon.
        "Let us labor diligently..for we have a labor to perform...that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness and rest our souls in the kingdom of God."  Moroni 9:6
        God does love us.  His plan is perfect, in his mercy, he has given us our Savior, Jesus Christ.  The power of the Atonement is real.  There is a way.

The Best is Yet to Be!

    As the new year is upon us I am always reminded of the wonderful counsel from Elder Holland:  The best is yet to be!  This is not to discredit all the good that has happened or wonderful memories of the last year.  It is a simple reminder that there is more.  The FUTURE!
    There was a time where I was living in the past.  The past of wonderful time.  Some might think "this isn't a bad thing."  It's true.  We have memories for a reason.  They help us reflect, but during this time I was living in the past.  In doing this I wasn't giving credit to all that was going on around me.  Ultimately I missed out on some wonderful opportunities.  At this stage of the talk, Elder Holland teaches, I was Lot's wife:  someone who lacked the confidence that the Lord has something greater in store for me than what I was currently living.  Christ cautions us:  Remember Lot's wife.  (Luke 17:32)
    We should embrace the changes around us and remember the BEST is yet to be!  This bit of knowledge keeps me going through all times.  Times of difficulty:  this is not the ideal situation, someone may have caused me sorrow, I might have been the cause of sorrow for another, challenges might come that seem unfair, bad news may be received, things may at times seem too difficult to face.  These indeed aren't great or even good, and thank goodness for it they were "great" can you imagine a few degrees higher for the best?  No, these trials will pass and you will receive those good time, those great times, and even the BEST of times!
     In moments of good, rewards, promotion, success, happiness all seems well and right.  I am indeed greatful for these times as they are yet only a taste of the best.  As for me, I have a hard time comprehending my happiest moments and thinking there is more, but what a goal in mind!  My "best" is when I'll b e reunited with my family, loved ones, and most importantly, my God in the Celestial Kingdom.  I add my own witness to that of Elder Holland, the best IS yet to be, I just know it!
    Here is a little quote that has helped me through those times when I find myself holding on to the good and not wanting to reach further.
     "Progress always involves risk.  You can't steal second bast while keeping your feet on first"
                                                                                                      Fredrick B Wilcox