The Gospel Blesses Families

"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." 

- The Family: A Proclamation to the World (https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation)

Since Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I've of course been thinking of all of the things that I'm grateful for, one thing has continued to come to the forefront of my mind. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Most all of the other blessings in my life, the many things that I am thankful for, stem from my knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of His teachings and commandments.  I know that the gospel blesses our lives.  It provides us with happiness, success, strength and guidance.  I know that as we live it, we are significantly happier and healthier - physically, emotionally and spiritually.  I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is our Heavenly Father's plan for us to be happy and experience all of the many blessings that He is so anxious to bestow upon us.  Obedience to the gospel qualifies us for His blessings, His love, and eternal salvation.  It also is a way for us to show our love for Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  I would be so ungrateful if I didn't take a moment and share what I know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is something that I am so thankful for and I want everyone else to know it as well.
The gospel includes five simple things:  

    First is to develop faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.  We do this as we pray, read the scriptures, and strive to be obedient.  

    Second is repentance.  Repenting means changing and improving our behavior, actions and attitude to be more in harmony with the Lord.  It includes a change of heart and a desire to do good and be good.  

    Third is making and keeping covenants.  A covenant is a promise between you and the Lord.  The first covenant any person must make is baptism in the correct way by the proper Priesthood authority.  Making that covenant qualifies a person to be worthy to return to the presence of God after this life.  Other covenants include partaking the Sacrament and promising to keep the commandments, as well as covenants made in the Temple where we promise to always do the will of Heavenly Father and live a life like Christ.  Covenant keeping allows us to receive some of life's sweetest blessings.  It is only through covenants made in the temple that families can be sealed for time and all eternity - meaning that even after death, they will never be separated, but live together in the presence of God.  This covenant gives me so much hope and happiness.

    Fourth is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and following His promptings throughout your life.  After a person is baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, they are then given the gift of the Holy Ghost.  The Bible calls this "baptism of fire".  The Holy Ghost is Heavenly Father's gift to us to help us know right from wrong and live in accordance with the plan Heavenly Father has for us. The Holy Ghost is what helps us to know the truth.  The Holy Ghost is also called the Spirit and it is described many different ways - a still, small voice, a burning in the bosom, a gentle nudge, warm-fuzzies... I know it feels different for all of us and it's hard to put into words.  But I love a verse in the Bible that helps us to understand when we are feeling the Spirit.  In Galatians 5:22-23 it reads, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..."  I feel it when I look into the faces of my nephews, open my scriptures to read, hug my mom, or share my testimony.  I felt it ever single day on my mission as I sought to help others live the gospel.  I also feel it when I'm lost, unsure of what to do, and I pray for help.  It's like a voice that speaks, without words, in a language you can perfectly understand.  A verse in the Book of Mormon tells us the importance of the Holy Ghost, "For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way (through baptism), and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto all things what ye should do."  Our very own little tour guide through life.  What a wonderful gift!

    Fifth is what we call enduring to the end.  To me, it simply means repeat steps 1-4.  Continue developing faith, continue to repent, keep on keeping your covenants and never stop following the Holy Ghost.  

   So there it is.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know that it is the way, the path, the plan.  It's Heavenly Father's plan for our happiness.  His plan to help us return to live with Him again.  It's the path that we should take in this life.  It's the way to return to Heavenly Father.  It's the way that we receive greater blessings and experience happiness.  It is through living the Gospel that even when trials, troubles or tragedy strike, we have the strength to press on.  I know that living the gospel strengthens and blesses individuals and families.  And that the reverse is also true.  When we fail to apply the gospel in our lives or our families, they fall apart.  I've seen both cases first hand in my life.  And I've come to know that we all desperately need the gospel.  Because the blessings that come from gospel living are incredible and cannot be found any other way.  We cannot make it through life without them.  And because of what I feel and know, I want all people, especially those that I love and care about, to receive the gospel in their lives.  So I'm pleading with you... take the next step in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Because I promise you, that as you do so, you will find greater strength and power in your life.  You will see the Lord's hand in every moment of your day.  Whatever your struggles or trials or problems, the gospel is the answer.  I know that it will help you and bless your life more than you can ever imagine.  So, will you try it?  Will you take the next step?  Will you live it?  I know you'll be so thankful that you did.

God is Our Loving Heavenly Father

Many experiences this week have me reflecting on the basic and fundamental doctrine that God is our loving Heavenly Father.  I know without a doubt that He is our Father.  That He knows us and loves us.  And that knowledge sees me through everything.  Gives me strength on the hard days, and joy on the good days.  I know that we are His children and that everything He does is for our benefit.  Of course, the good things and the blessings are proof that He loves us.  But also, the challenges, struggles and trials, are one way in which He expresses His love for us.  How much He must love us to bless with opportunities to grow.  To let us experience the hard so that we can improve, become stronger and better.  His ultimate plan is for us to become like Him, and therefore, we must experience difficulty.  For our Father is perfect.  And we, as imperfect beings, must be refined and purified.  I cannot even fathom how much He must love us to allow us to go through that refining process, to become more than we are, more than we could be without His divine help.

My thoughts are stated perfectly in the popular LDS hymn, "I Am a Child of God".  It is simple yet powerful.  And I know it is true.  And these words, this testimony, means more to me each day.

I am a child of God,
And He has sent me here,
Has given me and earthly home
with parents kind and dear.

Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for each of us.  He sent us to earth to learn and to grow.  And He has given us so many blessings to help us along the way.

I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand His words
before it grows too late.

He is our Father.  Therefore He knows our needs and what is best for us.  He also wants to help understand His plan and His words.  Therefore He has blessed us with the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Through the teachings of the Savior Jesus Christ, we can find the help and strength for all of our needs and the understanding for all things.

I am a child of God,
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do His will,
I'll live with Him once more.

Our Heavenly Father loves us SO much. More than we can ever imagine.  And He wants to bless our lives.  And such rich blessings are in store for us if we but obey.  Through our obedience is how we show Heavenly Father that we love Him.  Through our obedience, we do His will.  His will is for us to live His Gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Living the gospel means that we must develop faith, exercise repentance and strive to improve ourselves each day, be baptized and keep covenants with God, receive the Holy Ghost and follow his promptings, and endure to the end or be obedient for the rest of our lives.  If we live the gospel, we qualify ourselves to live with our Heavenly Father again.

And the Chorus:
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do,
To live with Him someday.

I know that He leads us and guides us.  I know that Heavenly Father is ever aware of us and our needs.  That is truly always there right beside us.  Not just in the good times, but through all times.  Every step of the way.  And He is there helping us to the find the way.  Sometimes the road may seem dark, the path unsure, but He is there and He will teach us what we must do.  His Gospel is one of truth and light and leads us in the right way.  As we live it and obey it, we will be able to return to live with Him someday and that is the happiest knowledge we could ever have.

My hope and prayer is that we all understand that we truly are children of God.  That He loves us and cares for us and He wants to talk with us.  And we can talk to Him through prayer.  My challenge to everyone is to seek Heavenly Father in prayer.  If you are already praying, do it more fervently.  If you are not praying, start today.  Wherever you are at in life, just open your heart and talk to you Father.  He is waiting and He wants to hear from you.  I promise you that as you seek Him in prayer, you will find Him.  You will feel of His love and He will teach you all that you must do to live with Him again someday :)  just do it.  Just try it, please.  Pray to Him, just talk to Him.  I know He will listen and answer.  For He is our loving Heavenly Father.

Changed for the better :)

There's a song from the musical wicked that's been a recurring theme in my life this past month.  The words say, "I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn.  And we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return. Well I don't know if I believe that's true, but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you.... Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."  The only difference in how I feel from the words, is that I fully and completely believe that this is true.  I know that the Lord blesses us with those people who can help us progress along His eternal path and who can be the answers to our prayers.  And because of the people in my life, I have been changed for good and for the better.  Let me just tell you about some of those people in my life right now:

Jenalyn The Amazing and Beautiful Thiriot - She is a little angel and she blesses my life and answers my prayers every day.  She is a shining example of the Savior.  She lives in such a way as to provide all around her with a pattern to follow that points them to Christ.  She truly does, I believe, what He would do if He were here.  Says the things that He would say.  Touches lives the way that He would if He were personally here.  She is, in every sense of the word, a savior for those around her.  She saves me all the stinking time.  Saves me from the monotony of each day, stresses of school, frustrations of life...  There is one quote that always makes me think of Jen.  It's by an anonymous author who said, "Live in such a way that people who know you but don't know Christ will want to know Christ because they know you."  Jen lives in just such a way.  And I will even take it one step further.  Not only do people who know Jen want to know Christ because they knew her, they come to know Him better through her.  That is true in my own life.  I know that I know Christ better because I know Jen.  She has taught me so much about living a Christlike life and developing Christlike attributes.  What a blessing and an incredible example she is in my life.  I stinking love that girl!

always an adventure with this girl :)

My Fantastic Roommates - from patience to laughter, they teach me SO much.  Sometimes I think He's crazy, but really, I have to admit that Heavenly Father knew just exactly what He was doing sticking the 6 of us together in this little apartment.  I've learned a lot about learning to compromise and not judging others.  Heavenly Father has brought these 5 girls into my life to teach me that every day, everyone is fighting their own battles, but we don't have to fight alone.  We have so much that we can offer to others to help them, ease their burdens, fight their battles alongside them.  From a smile, to a sweet note, or from a cleaned kitchen, to a late night chat... when we take time to be kind to others, that kindness comes back to us ten-fold.  When we put the needs of others above our own, we are often surprised to see that others are doing the same for us.  I've seen miracles happen in our apartment with my roommates and I know that they will continue to happen according to our faith and diligence.

Mr. Ty Wonderful Gregson - a friend that I've needed more than even I realized.  He's been the answer to so many of my prayers and has helped me through so much.  He's taught me more about hope and endurance in the last two weeks than I would have ever learned in a lifetime.  He's been there so much for me the last couple weeks and I can't even say how thankful I am for him and his friendship.  He teaches me how to smile even when life's situations threaten to make you a sour puss.  He helps me see that there's something to learn from everyone and everything.  He's taught me that the Lord is ever aware of us and our desires and He truly does want to bless our lives.  I really hope that our relationship keeps progressing, but no matter what happens, I know I've for sure become a better person because of Ty.  For which I will be forever grateful.  I know that Heavenly Father sent Ty into my life to help me to learn and to grow.  And I will be grateful for whatever I get.  Ty is amazing.  I never want to lose him as a friend and that inspires me to do all I possibly can to be the kind of friend that deserves a friend like him. That's another thing Heavenly Father has taught me through Ty.  Become the kind of person that you hope to attract, whether as a friend or future spouse.  The idea of 'Be the change you wish to see in the world'.  Be the kind of person that you want to be friends with.

typical Ty grin that I love

My incredible sister and her adorable family - I honestly am blown away every single day about how blessed I am to have Kassie and Jared in my life.  I don't know what I did to be blessed with such an amazing sister, but I would do it a zillion times over again without hesitation if it meant having a sister even half as amazing as Kas is.  And then add to the mix her adorable family.  Aiden and Bracksen - despite being under two years old - have taught me more about life than I ever imagined.  Kas, Jare, Aiden and Bracks remind me daily to maintain eternal perspective.  Remind me to look past the here and now, to not get caught up in the monotonous routine of every day, but to really look and see that there is something more, a much bigger picture to look forward to.  They remind me to not give up hope, to just continue being a good girl, continue loving life, and wait for promised blessings to be fulfilled.  I am amazed by the faith that they have and live by and it inspires me apply more faith in my own life.

aren't they stinking adorable!?!

My Loyal and Loving Grandparents - forever my biggest fans and favorite people.  They are such a great support to me and also a source of strength.  They are always there when I need them, even when I don't realize that I need them.  They cheer me up and give me the perfect advice.  They help me more than they will ever know.  They've taught me a lot about how to live a life with purpose and meaning.  Their example is one that I cherish and admire so much.  I am so grateful for them and for the constant that they are in my life.

I LOVE them!

My Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ - My song and salvation.  My friend and exemplar.  My Master and teacher.  My constant and rock.  The Hope of Israel.  The Light and the Life of the World.  The Good Shepherd.  I've learned more about Him and the person He is and His character because of the people in my life.  He is the ultimate reason that each day I am changing for the better.  It is through Him that we can grow the most.  I know that my Savior lives.  I know that He knows us and loves us, individually and personally.  I know that His Atonement is real and that we can access His power through obedience and striving to become like Him.  I know that it is through that Atonement that we are changed for the better and changed for good.  Let us follow Him and allow Him change us that we may become more like Him. "...that when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may purified even as He is pure..." (Moroni 7:48).

Meant To Be

       This song has been a sort of theme for me that past week or so.  I've struggled a little bit lately to see my but purpose... why I'm here... what I'm doing... where I'm going... how to get where I want to go... etc... My friend Ty introduced me to this song and I've come to love it a ton.  It may seem a little ridiculous to others, but it holds a lot of meaning for me.  Here are some of those "meanings" as they relate to my life and what's kind of been going on.
      The second line sings, "You could run so fast" and I realized that applies to me (not literally, because I actually run really slow.  As in, here's a story to illustrate... I had to run a mile in my jogging class the other day and I clocked in at a whopping 9:32.. 4th slowest in my class... yeah smidge bit embarrassing... especially considering my major is PE teaching. Maybe it's true that those who can't do, teach.  haha but really, and not to make excuses, but I wasn't at the top of my game.  I had been feeling a little sick and I've been having some trouble with my hip... so maybe next time I'll get that up a bit) but "You could run so fast" does apply to me because I realized that I've been trying to run from everything.  And apparently I'm a pretty fast runner figuratively.  Running away, not letting anything catch up with me.  Refusing to admit it if it does.  I've been doing a pretty good job at being "that speed train... still on the run"  not slowing down for anything or taking time to really notice my surroundings.  I think to some degree, a little afraid to live in the moment.  I've been tending lately to "crash right in and then just move along." Doing new things but not really trying them out long enough to learn anything or see where it takes me.  An example is with my calling.  It came on fast and I just tried to jump right in.  But I haven't really stuck with it much.  I've seemed to just move right on.  So I've tried to fix that a little this week.  Baby steps are still steps, right?  And even though baby steps are all I managed this week, I've still made progress.  Stopping to talk to girls in the ward when I see them on campus, even if it means being late to class.  Going to visit different sisters, even though it seemed I needed the time for homework.  Taking time to really listen and seek to be an answer to prayers.  Trying to send some little pick-me-up texts.  Inviting my roommates to hold roommate prayer.  Praying for the gift of discernment and to know who and how to help.  It's still good to crash right in.  Go all in.  But don't just move along.  Stay in for a while and see what difference you can make.
     The next line, "You can slow down babe but you just can't wait," was a perfect line of advice for me this week.  I should learn to slow down a little.  I don't have to run so fast or move along too quickly.  But I can't just wait either.  But slowing down isn't waiting.  Slowing down isn't being stagnant.  When we racing through life we miss a ton.  When we wait, we lose our progression, and still miss out on a lot. But if we slow down, we maintain forward momentum but are able to take everything in.  "Don't you see?  You can try to fight it, but it's meant to be."  We are meant to slow down. That was the message I needed to hear this week.  I can keep fighting what's going on around me.  I can keep trying to run away from it all.  Or I can open my eyes and see that I'm meant to slow down.  Slow down and take time to focus on what really matters (see President Uchtdorf's talk http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng) I've tried to apply that this week.  At work I tried taking a little step back, slowing it down, and seeing what I could learn.  The results were awesome.  I learned so much from my missionaries, training meetings, and prep time.  The Lord taught me that sometimes slowing down, actually speeds things up.  I experienced that with school too.  I have been running so fast trying to stay on top of it all but just kept falling further and further behind.  So I took a new approach this week.  I just took it real slow and once I stopped fighting it, everything just fell into place.  I had a chemistry test that I was freaking out about but I made myself slow down.  I took time out of my studying to visit some friends, do some acts of service, and take time to have a little fun.  And apparently it was meant to be because I got 88 on my Chem test and felt super great about it.  My other classes are also going surprisingly well.  Even though the tortoise is slow, he still finishes the race, right?  That's been my experience this week.  Slow down, but don't wait.  Take it a little slower but don't give up.  It will all work out. Slowing down doesn't actually make things go slower, it just gives you more stamina to keep going.  

     "Right here... This is where you're meant to be" has come to mean a lot to me this week.  I've learned so much.  I think for a long time, I've just been wanting to get away.  Get out.  Be anywhere but here.  Doing anything but this.  But not actually having any idea of where I would go or what I would do.  Having dreams of "touching the sun"  but knowing that I'd probably "never kiss the sky".  I kept saying if I could just get out of Provo, even for a day, things would be better.  But I went to Brigham and nothing really looked up at all.  And yeah, a lot lately it's "haunted me... wishing I could be there" in the Philippines.  Or anywhere but here.  But I've learned that wile I can "fly away if I want to. It would be a new view... but it would be the same air."  A new place, perhaps a different pace, but really nothing would change.  Same air.  Same feeling of discontent.  Because the change I was needing really wasn't a change of scenery or situation... I needed a change of attitude.  General Conference helped me a lot with this idea.  There were many talks that just seemed to be directed right to me telling me, "Right here... this is where you're meant to be."  Telling me that I needed to change my attitude.  If I wasn't content with being here, I better ask and find out why I'm here.  Or I better just paste on the smile and live in such a way so that I soon became the smile.  If I still didn't find out why I'm here, then just press on in faith knowing that there is One who knows and trusting that He is in control.  Conference had some messages for me about not seeking to have your circumstances changed but having the power to change yourself and view your circumstances in a new light. Elder Bednar's talk really helped me as he talked about gratitude.  He said gratitude is to be rich in contentment.  Should I not be more grateful?  I have SO much to be grateful for.  If I applied that gratitude, I would be more content with where I am and the circumstances I'm in and have greater capacity to improve my circumstances rather than wait for them to be improved for me.  Or from Elder Holland's talk that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and has given us all sorts of tools and resources to have greater hope and happiness in our lives.  He wasn't us to be happy where we are and hopeful for good things ahead.  Or how many talks there were about being a lifelong missionary - one thing I learned on my mission was that you had to be content with where you were at.  You had to love the area, love the people among who you served, love your companion.  Am I not simply on a lifelong mission right now?  Should I not apply the same principles.  Love where I'm at, love the people that I'm surrounded by.  I thought of the scripture story in Alma 17 - Ammon is speaking of his "mission" and says, "Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die... and I will be thy servant" and even as difficult circumstances arise it says that Ammon's "heart was swollen within him with joy" and he tells his brethren, "be of good cheer".  I love Ammon's attitude.  He knows he is where he's supposed to be and he seeks to be joyful and cheerful in order to improve his circumstances.  What a wonderful life-time missionary example.  And that's what I'm striving to apply now.  I've realized that this is where I'm meant to be.  I'm not going to run or fight it anymore.  And I'm going to live in the moment with a smile on my face.  After all, "Life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured." - President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Live from the Heart

I've had a CRAZY last couple of weeks.  I never thought I'd be so busy or frazzled.  School has dumped everything it possibly could on me - two ridiculous group projects, lesson-plans, tests, memorization, labs, video viewing assignments and more.  My health has been less than top notch, in fact, I've had a headache straight for the past three days and at any given moment I feel like I'll either pass-out or puke.  Work has been insane and busy - We are moving to West Campus.  There are more missionaries than what the MTC can hold and so they have had to extend the MTC to parts of Wyview and Raintree (which used to be student housing).  It's actually really exciting to watch the work roll forward.  But it's been very busy and stressful getting it all figured out.  My Co-Teacher has been less than helpful.  In fact, he hasn't coordinated with me once since we became Co-Teachers.  It's SUPER frustrating and I've been having to take the role of lead teacher.  Which has been good for me.  But hard, because I have no idea what I'm doing and I don't want to burden anyone.  I have learned so much.  And it was all in perfect preparation because since we will be moving, the district will be splitting and I will get a new Co-Teacher and become the lead teacher.  I'm excited to get to call the shots but a little nervous because I will also have the role of training my new Co-Teacher, Brother Linford.  Even though I still feel like I'm brand new, it's now my responsibility to train a really brand new teacher.  Trial by fire?  I think yes.  Sanctification at it's finest.  But as President Martino would say, "It hurts so good."  My calling has been stressful and I've been trying to figure out how to balance it all.  What's most important?  Who needs me most today?  Maintain eternal perspective and always think of President Monson's quote, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."  At my final judgement will Heavenly Father ask to see my report card from the semester?  I don't think so, and I really hope not.  But I do feel that He will ask to see a list of people names who I tried to help and love.  So as stressful as the calling is, I know it's where I need to put precedence.  And my roommates... bless their little hearts trying my patience and being problematic.  The mission prepares you well for college life.  I wish Apartment inventories were as easy to hold as was Companionship Inventory.  Haha...
But it has been quite the crazy busy past few days.   Literally every day I have felt that I've bitten off more than I can chew.  That there was just too much on my plate.  Like a pelican whose beak can hold more than it's belly can - my schedule held more than I could stomach.  Way more than I ever thought I could accomplish.  And yet, I have seen miracles happen time and time again this week.  I have seen that when I put the Lord first, everything else fell into it's proper place.  Just as President Ezra Taft Benson said, "When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives.  Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order or our priorities."  And His love for us will make up what we lack.  When it seems we're not enough, He will make the difference up.  When we think that we don't possibly have enough time, if we prioritize and put Him first, He will stretch our time and somehow make it more. I've seen this in my life this week.  Sometimes to the extent that I have extra time.  I don't know how the Lord does it but I do know why He does.  Because He loves us.  More than we can ever imagine.  He wants us to do His will, so badly, in fact, that He will go to all costs to prepare and provide a way for us.  My friend, Ty, reminded me of something this week, "The Lord will provide for those with an honest heart." and "Think of the things that matter most."  What does matter most?  The things of the Lord.  The things of eternity.  What does it mean to have an honest heart as we work toward those things?  Well that's something I've had the privilege of studying a lot about this week.  I'd never be able to put into words the full extent of what I've learned, but I will say, I know that the Lord requires the heart.  A willing heart.  A soft heart.  A heart full of love.  A humble heart.  A sincere heart. An obedient heart.  A cheerful heart. Remember this, "The Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7).  "Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning." (Alma 18:32).  He knows us.  He loves us.  He knows our desires.  He knows our heart.  And so I want to live each day in such a way that my actions speak louder than words.  I want to live from the heart.  And incline my heart more and more each day towards Him.  "Tune my heart to sing Thy grace..." Mold it, shape it, refine it, until it's more in harmony with Thee.  "Here's my heart, oh take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above."  I'm striving to yield my heart to Him.  To give it to Him willingly and obediently.  Because I have learned this week, that as we do so, as we turn our hearts and our lives over to Him, He will give us a new heart and make us more than we can ever imagine.

The Only Person Who Reminds Me...

Please listen to this song before/while/after you read this.  Click the link and it should take you right there.

Don't Blink - Relient K

I've realized that this song perfectly describes my past few months.  Now that I've had a few days to mull things over and come to grips with reality, I'm trying to do what someone really awesome suggested to me.  He said, "Onward and upward.  Take what you've learned and run with it." This song does a pretty good job of helping to describe some of the very important things that I've learned and how grateful I am for the person who has taught me those things.

When I came home from my mission I didn't know where to go with my life.  My thoughts were tangled and twisted fears.  I felt so alone and though the sun rose every day without fail, it seemed to fail to shine on me.  But then I met my best friend.  I had been waiting for a while to even take a first step.  Afraid to act for fear of making a mistake.  But I met him, and he took my hand and walked me through the darkest parts of my life.  He helped me see the light as it started creeping in and led me fully back to stand in the sun.  He made me realize the light is all around us if we only open our eyes.  He reminded me how to sort through my fears and strengthen my faith.  Because of him, I'm feeling like I can maybe trust again.  He's the only person who could have reminded me that we have to keep constantly stepping towards the light.  He's the only person who could have reminded me about faith.  He's the only person who could have reminded me that love is beautiful and true.  And that life is beautiful and new.  Heavenly Father put him in my path to teach me.  To remind me.  To help me through my toughest times.  No one else could have done for me what he did.  He's the only person who reminds me.  And I am so incredibly grateful to him for that.  I just pray that somehow he knows and understands.

I've been terrified of life for way too long.  But there's someone that I super need to thank for helping me to not be afraid.  He helped me learn how to live again.  How to enjoy the ride while you're on it.  He reminded me how to live in the moment.  To put your worries and fears aside and hold on to the moment.  Because if you blink, if you doubt or question or fear, then those wonderful moments in life disappear.  But if you hold on to the moment, if you take it all in, if you learn from it, then what we can become is something far greater than we ever imagined.  Thank you for teaching me that love is beautiful and true and life is beautiful and new.  I needed the reminder.  And you were the only person who could remind me.

Now, because of you, I'm making plans and thinking about where I want to go and who I want to be.  Something I never really dared to do before.  You've given me the hope to do so.  You've reminded me that the right path always leads us to happiness.  And now, even though our paths seem to be going in different directions, I pray yours will continue to lead you to all the happiness that we had and more.  You've reminded me that sometimes while we're on the path, we have to reevaluate our course, make some course corrections.  Even as hard as that is, we can't stretch the truth.  We can't convince ourselves that something is right just because we want it.  Sometimes we may start down the wrong path, and then we have to have the courage to cross it off, get onto a new path, and move on from what isn't quite right.  When we come to a crossroads, we have to realize that we can't always take the path without bumps and divets and rocks.  The easy path won't lead us to happiness.  The struggles and hardships and even heartaches that we experience, are just part of the journey.  They are the path that leads us to happiness.  They are the moments we have to hold on to.  We can't blink.  We can't close our eyes to them, ignore them, pretend they don't exist.  We have to hold on to them and embrace them because with them, just think about all that we can become.  Thank you for reminding me that the path I want, isn't always necessarily the right path.  Thank you for leading by example and for encouraging me to press forward down the right path even when the way is hard and the road is unsure.  You were the only person who could remind me.

Love is beautiful and true.  Life is beautiful and new.  Thank you for reminding me how to truly love and really live.  Thank you for reminding me of the beauty that is all around us and within us.  You're the only person who could have reminded me.  So here's to a new adventure.  New paths to take.  Once again I find myself a little stuck.  Not quite knowing where to go.  But my thoughts are no longer fears.  And I no longer doubt that happiness is in each moment along the way.  Because you've reminded me how to push past the darkness.  You've reminded me how to always look to the Light.  You've taught me and reminded me of more things than I'll ever be able to tell you.  More than I'll ever be able to put into words.  Far more than I'll ever be able to thank you for.  Thank you for being the person who reminds me.  Hold on now.  Let's not blink.  On this this new adventure, I'm excited to see what we both become.

The Atonement

"I have been commanded of Him... notwithstanding my weakness... for thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey." - 2 Nephi 33:11&15

"There is no use in making excuses as to inability, etc... do the very best you can and depend upon the Lord." - Lorenzo Snow

We are imperfect.  We all have flaws and follies.  We are prone to weakness, inability, even failure.  But there is One who is perfect.  Flawless.  Who has all wisdom and understanding.  Powerful, strong and mighty.  And He wants to make us more.  It is He who commands us.  He who has a plan for us.  And it is He who, despite our weaknesses and inability, will help us to become more than we can ever imagine.  Do more than we ever thought possible.  Achieve things that we never could on our own.  If we will but obey and depend upon Him.

I've been thinking a lot about the Atonement of Jesus Christ lately.  Which is a very good thing.  And I love a verse found in the Book of Mormon.  Jacob 4:12, "...for why not speak of the Atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge of him...?"  Why should we not think about and talk about Jesus Christ and His Atonement and strive each day to gain greater knowledge about Him by striving to become more like Him through His Atonement.

Today has been a super spiritual day for me.  Heavenly Father has taught me so much today and I am so grateful for it.  Not necessarily new things, but He has at least reminded me of many things and helped e to understand better.  Especially in regard to the Atonement.  I feel that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is something that we will never fully comprehend no matter how hard we try.  But like the question Jacob poses, "Why not try?"  Would we not all be better off if we sought each day to understand, even in just the tiniest way, the Atonement of Jesus Christ a little better.

Today as I listened to speakers, music and the Spirit during Church I was led to reflect on Christ's perfect submission to the will of the Father.  To me that is what the Atonement ultimately is.  Perfect and willing submission of one's self, one's will, to the Father.  Perfect and willing obedience to all the Father asks and wants.  As Abinadi puts it, "the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father." (Mosiah 15:7) and as Christ, himself, perfectly teaches us, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but Thine, be done." (Luke 22:42).

I love the vision that King Benjamin gives us in the Book of Mosiah when he says, "For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever; unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Mosiah 3:19)

"Becoming a saint" requires us to put the Atonement into action.  And the way we do that is by submitting ourselves to the Father.  To have the courage to say, "This is hard, nevertheless, Thy will Heavenly Father, not mine, be done."  To allow our will, our desires and natural man tendencies, to be swallowed up in the will of the Father.  To put what He wants way above what we want until eventually we can align our will with His and we are strong enough to want exactly what He wants.

But that feat seems rather impossible.  And I suggest that, in fact, it is. IF we try to do it alone.  But there is one who is standing, waiting, pleading with us to come unto Him so that He may help us.  He is our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  The only one who has ever successfully aligned His will perfectly with the will of the Father.  And He wants to help us succeed and He will as we accept His invitation and come unto Him.

I've always loved the words from the Hymn, "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul".  And three guys in my ward, Aaron Moss, Casey Call and Mike Brown, sang it today in Sacrament meeting.  And once again, the words hit me with such power.  The lyrics read:

Savior, Redeemer of my soul,
Whose mighty hand hath made me whole, 
Whose wondrous power hath raised me up
and filled with sweet my bitter cup!
What tongue my gratitude can tell,
O gracious God of Israel.

Never can I repay thee, Lord,
But I can love thee. Thy pure word,
Hath it not been my one delight,
My joy by day, my dream by night?
Then let my lips proclaim it still,
And all my life reflect Thy will.

O'errule mine acts to serve thine ends.
Change frowning foes to smiling friends.
Chasten my soul till I may be
In perfect harmony with Thee.
Make me more worthy of Thy love,
And fit me for the life above.

I've bolded some of the lines that especially stuck out to me today.  The Savior has the power to redeem us and raise us up.  To make us more.  To bring us from the darkness back into the light.  We never can repay Him for what He has done and sacrificed for us, but we can love Him and strive to live so that our lives reflect His.  So that we do His will.  We can pray to be obedient, to allow Him to use us for His divine purposes.  To serve His glorious ends.  We can be grateful for the trials that refine us and realize that chastening sanctifies our souls to be in harmony with Him.  How can we expect to become like Him if we don't endure a part of His same suffering?  We cannot be worthy of His love or glory if we are not tested and tried.

But despite our own weaknesses, our own carnal desires, our flaws and follies, our trials and hardships, the Savior stands ever ready and willing to come to our aid and assist us.  To heal us in any and every way. Alma 31:38 tells us that "[we will] suffer no manner of afflictions, save [they will be] swallowed up in the joy of Christ".  If we will seek to develop an attitude like Nephi or President Snow and say, "I know I have been commanded to do this, so despite my inadequacies or my doubts or my own desires, I will depend upon the Lord and I will obey" then this promise is for us.  Christ will be there and He will bless us with peace and joy.  He is the Prince of Peace.  He is our Deliverer.  He is our All.

Now, I'm not saying that Nephi or President Snow was perfect.  They just understood the enabling power of Christ's Atonement.  To take us from the place we are in now and make us more.  To raise us up, to make us more like Him.  I know that the power of the Atonement is real and I know that it is for each and every one of us.  I know that in our darkest times if we will pray as the Savior did in the Garden of Gethsemane, we will see the Lord's will and better understand that we must sometimes pass through sorrow in order to know and understand the good.

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things;" (Alma 26:12)  "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13).  I know these things to be true if we will but rely upon the Lord.  Depend upon Him.  Follow Him.  Obey with exactness.  Come unto Him through our dependence on and obedience to Him.  As we do so, the journey of this mortal life becomes one that we can enjoy, not just endure.  The Atonement is what allows us to live, learn, love and laugh :)  how very grateful I am for my Savior Jesus Christ and for His supreme sacrifice and expression of love.  I love Him and I will strive each day to become more like Him.

Communication is Key

So... remember the post I never actually finished writing and never actually published... well yeah... it started to be about Aaron.  Which, now as I start this I'm a little embarrassed... cause umm... I've failed to talk about all of the super great things about Aaron (which believe me are MANY) and now I'm just going to talk about a rough patch we hit (which was just one tiny matter).  Slightly embarrassing.  But I'll get to the good things.  Stay tuned for the next post...  But this week, I feel a little like the Saints the Lord talks about in D&C 100:8 when he says, "In the days their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me."  When all is going well, I think we take for granted the learning moments, the counsel, that the Lord is giving to us.  We only tend to notice in our times of trouble.  At least for me that's how I feel.  And so it was with me and Aaron this past week.  I wasn't learning much in the times of peace.  Things were just so so good and I think I was a little too caught up in it.  If a problem or concern would arise, because it would be so minute, I esteemed it lightly, I brushed it off, didn't think much about it.  But it eventually caught up to us.  I can't even really explained what happened, and frankly, I don't really want to.  It's all been fixed and bettered so it doesn't matter much now anyway.  What does matter is what I've learned.  And I will say this:  Communication is key.  No one is a mind reader.  And you can't just assume someone understands.  Especially where feelings are involved.  If you wish someone knew something, the best thing to do is tell them.  If you wish you knew something about someone else, the best thing to do is ask them.  I've learned this past week, that communication takes humility.  Being stubborn is just a form of pride that gets you no where, real fast.  All it does is make you frustrated and angry.  When, however, you are humble enough to communicate and compromise, that is when you go places.  Communication is the key to progress.  Communication is the Lord's way.  Any other way is too contentious. Would we not all be better off if, in times of peace or trouble, we sought to be better communicators, taking and giving counsel in a constructive way.  Just a thought.  One I'm for sure going to apply.

Teach Missionaries, Not Lessons

I had THE COOLEST experience a few weeks ago with my missionaries at the MTC.   And yes, I do feel slightly retarded that I haven't yet gotten this posted.... lots going on... more to come on that topic later... but back to the missionaries.  Just a little preface... we teach what they call the Fundamentals of Preach My Gospel.  They are meant to help the missionaries know how to become better teachers by applying principles from Preach My Gospel (the missionary manual put out by the First Presidency of the Church).  The fundamental that we were focusing on this night was called "Teach People, Not Lessons".  It focus on trying to understand the needs of people you are teaching but asking inspired questions and listening - listening to the person and also the Spirit.  It is one of my very most favorite topics to study about and I was excited to teach it.  All week I had been so excited and wanted to make it meaningful for my missionaries.  To really teach to their needs.  To help them understand the principles because they were present in my teaching and easy for the missionaries to see and understand.  All week I had been trying to find time to prepare.  Praying to know what would help them most.  Asking for help from the Lord, other teachers, family and friends, to know the direction I should take with the lesson.  We, as teachers, have a guide book that gives us lesson outlines, so I technically had a lesson plan, but every time I would look at it I just wasn't feeling it.  I felt like the missionaries needed something different, but I couldn't figure out just quite what.  As the week went on there was problem after distraction after emergency and I never really found time to study or plan for my missionaries.  There were too many other things and changes in schedule vying for my time.  The missionaries too had had quite an eventful week full of unexpected changes and hardship.  Needless to say we were all feeling a little down, discouraged and frustrated as we came into class.  As the missionaries sat down and began to complain to me a little bit, I realized that this was the answer to my prayers.  I had been praying to know what the missionaries needed most.  They needed someone who felt the same way they did.  And I truly did feel the same as them.  Flustered, frustrated, unprepared...  No time to prepare for the lesson was just the preparation the Lord knew I needed.  I was able to walk into that lesson ready to teach to the missionaries needs because they were the same needs I had.
I started the lesson by putting away the Teacher Guide Book and saying a silent prayer for the guidance of the Spirit.  What happened after that was AWESOME!  It was seriously such an incredible experience.  I wish that I could have recorded it so that everyone in the world could watch it and learn from the Spirit in the way that we did.  We had awesome study time and discussion.  Then we went into the practice teaching.  This was the part I had been worrying about most throughout the week.  I really wanted the missionaries to not only practice teaching by the Spirit to meet needs but to really actually EXPERIENCE it.  And I didn't know quite how to make it real for them so that could happen.  But as we transitioned into the practice teaching portion it just hit me like a ton of bricks and I had the missionaries take 5 minutes together as a district and prepare to teach me.  Teach me, Sister Sharp, as myself.  Ask inspired questions and listen in order to discern my needs.  Teach the doctrine that could help me.  And above all, just follow the Spirit.  It was seriously SO incredible.  Too incredible to put into words.  And to be honest, it's one of those super spiritual moments that you really can't quite share, just one you want to hold on to and keep sacred.  But I do want to share that I know it is true what the scripture says in Doctrine and Covenants 50:17-22

17 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?
18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God. 
19 And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?
20 If it be some other way it is not of God.
21 Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?
22 Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.
All of us in that room better understood what it means to teach and learn by the Spirit and I know that we all were truly edified.  The missionaries found one of my concerns that I didn't even realize I had but that was actually a huge source of concern for me.  And they perfectly taught to my needs.  We experienced miracles during our hour together. It is an experience I never want to forget and I pray I can apply what I've learned for the rest of my life.

This thing I know for sure:  As we come unto Christ, leaving behind our insecurities, our worries and fears, trusting Him, giving our all to Him, holding nothing back, that He will "[bless us].. and his countenance [will] smile upon [us], and the light of his countenance [will] shine upon [us], and behold [we will be purified]..." (3 Nephi 19:25)

see what you can see when you look through Heaven's eyes

I've had a lot of opportunities lately to learn more about Heavenly Father's plan.  About His will and timing.  So many things have happened lately that have just confirmed to me the reality of a perfect plan that our loving Heavenly Father has for us.  I've been thinking about the people that I have met over the course of my life.  Especially those that I have met just recently in the past few months.  And I've been thinking about the influence that they have had on me.  I believe that it is perfectly planned out who will come into our lives and when.  There a song from the musical Wicked where the words say, "I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn.  And we are led to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return.."  And I believe that is true.  There is something to learn from each person we meet.  Something only they can help us with.  And in return, something that only we can do for them.  From my missionaries at the MTC, to my roommates and new friends in my ward, I have seen this happen in my life so frequently these past few months.  And as I reflect back, I can see that it has happened, without fail, every step a long the way.  Most of the time, we cannot see it in the moment.  We don't know WHY this person is in our lives or WHAT we are to learn or HOW they are important to our story.  And there are other times that we know we need something but don't know WHEN we'll find it or WHERE it will happen or WHO will help us with it.  But sometimes, in moments of pondering and reflection and revelation, we see perfectly.  It all makes sense.  It's crystal clear.  We can see our lives through Heaven's eyes and catch a glimpse of His perfect plan for us.  I've had a week where I've been so blessed to see through Heaven's eyes.  I've felt this week that I've had God Glasses placed on me and have been privileged enough to see His hand perfectly in my life and watch how everything pieced together.

For example, I needed to serve a mission to meet Danielle.  She needed to get sick and come home early to move in to Centennial so that when I came home I would move in with her.  That needed to happen so that I could meet Aaron.  I needed to meet Aaron for SO many reasons.  To learn to not be scared.  To learn to open up.  To learn to trust.  To learn how to continue to love and serve and keep being a missionary even as a RM.  To learn how to always be myself.  To learn how to continue proselyting in daily life.  To learn how to embrace differences and broaden horizons.  And so much more.  I love him and I will be forever grateful for the things that he has taught me and continues to teach me.  Danielle had to move out so soon so that I could become better friends with Jen.  She came into my life for so many reasons.  Reasons that I could talk about for years.  She's the best and I've learned so much from her.  Especially about being more Christlike and caring.  How to be genuine and sincere.  How to step out of your comfort zone to befriend someone.  From her example, I reached out to befriend Aaron's roommate, Ian.  Aaron had to be Ian's roommate so that we could all get to know each other and feel comfortable with one another.  Aaron had to go on vacation to Florida so that I could realize just how much he means to me.  And so that I had my time and attention all freed up in order to talk tonight with Ian.  So that I could have a chance to help someone in return.  So that we could both learn and grow.

On another note, I had to come home a transfer early so that I could apply at the MTC before the huge rush hit.  I was given the blessing of becoming a teacher at the MTC because I needed to learn from these missionaries.  One of the teachers had to go on vacation so that I would substitute for his incoming new district.  It had to be the new district because I needed to be the one to have an interview with them after their first few days at the MTC.  I needed that so I could learn about the Atonement and it's power in my life.  So that I could see the way the Lord has everything perfectly planned out and lined up and in place for us.  We simply must obey.  Follow the Savior, even when it's dark and we're unsure of the way.  Be obedient, even when it seems completely hopeless.  Hold on, even when the ground is crumbling beneath our feet.  Have faith, even when trials and troubles rage all around us.  Look to God and trust that in His loving kindness, He has a perfect plan.  A plan that we may not altogether understand at once, or maybe even understand at all.  But a perfect plan.  It's just that we, as imperfect beings, cannot yet comprehend His perfect ways.  But if we will strive to live according to His will, we will live to see the day when we can see as perfectly as He does.  When we can see our whole lives laid out as perfectly as I have this week.

I feel like my week can be summed up into one thing that Elder Watson said to me today.  I asked him why he wanted to serve a mission.  His response was incredible and had a profound impact on me.  With a huge smile on his face he said, "Are you kidding me!?! Why would I not want to do and share what Heavenly Father has planned?"  And I echo his words.  Are you kidding me?!?  Why would we not want to live according to Heavenly Father's plan?  Why would we not want to share His plan with others?  Why would we not want to get on our knees every night and plead with Him to see His plan and do His will?  I know that as we do that, the WHOs and the WHYs and the WHAT, WHERE, WHEN and HOW will all become suddenly more clear.  We will have no place for fear or disbelief.  No reason to doubt.  We will be more blessed to see our life through Heaven's eyes.

To: Aiden

So I started this blog out a few years ago when my nephew, Aiden, was born.  I started it with the intent to write to him about some things and give him little snippets of advice.  Well over time, that kind of stopped happening... now Aiden is 2 and 1/2 and has a little brother and I haven't written "to him" in a really long time.  So since I've been spending the weekend with him, and he's doing all sorts of adorable things, I thought it about time I blog again for Aiden.

- I love how you say "sorsie" instead of "horsie".  We went and saw a real life sorsie earlier today and you LOVED it.  My favorite was how polite you were telling the sorsies thank you as we left.  Never lose that politeness kid.  Chivalry is not dead.

- Every time we drive past the temple, you get so excited and yell, "A temple!  A temple!"  You were telling me and your mom today that the Temple is Heavenly Father's house and you want to go there and see him.  SO CUTE!  Also, right across the street from the temple is the tabernacle.  Only you call it a baby temple and it's the funniest thing in the world.  You yell in a deep voice, "A Temple!"  Then in a quieter, higher-pitched voice, "The baby temple!"  It's basically the most adorable thing ever.  I love that even though you're only 2, you still know who Heavenly Father is and how important His house is.  Never stop being excited to see the temple and want to go inside.

- You say, "Mermens" instead of "Young Mens"  and it always cracks your mom up.  Whenever your dad is gone for his calling with the Young Men you'll always ask, "Daddy? Mermens?"  It's hilarious! Don't ever stop making your mom laugh.  Help her smile every day.

- You love to swing!  And I love to swing.  When you swing at Nana's you'll always say hello to the sky and then tell everyone how high you've been swinging - "Clear up to sky!"  The sky's the limit kid.  Don't forget it.  Dream big.  Go big.

- You can sing the entire BYU fight song.  Complete with cougar growl at the end.  And it is the best!  You also know the words to "Call Me, Maybe".  And more importantly, to "I Am a Child of God."  Keep singing kid.  Music is the best.  But only if you listen to good music.  Cause it is a powerful force for good, but is also a powerful tool that Satan uses.  So don't let him get to you through the music you listen to.  Keep it uplifting.  Keep it good.  Keep it fun.  Also, don't let your dad rope you into listening to country....

- I love the way you pray.  Even though you are only 2, your prayers are some of the most powerful I have ever heard.  You know that you're talking to Heavenly Father.  You always pray for your family and you always say I love you.  Keep praying from the heart.  Never forget that Heavenly Father is always there for you and will always help you and that you can talk to Him anytime, anywhere, about anything.

Basically, you're the coolest kid I know and I'm pretty much obsessed with you.  I'm excited that I get to watch you continue to learn and grow.  I can't wait for the day that you're ready to go on a mission and serve Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ full time.  And you bet I'll be there every step of the way :)  Sure do you love you little boy!

With love,
Aunt Tash

What's the cure for being a worry wart?

Oh you know, just have a million things on my mind.  Just wanting to grow up, but fighting with all I have.  Just doing my best to live life to its fullest, but scared to death of what lies in the unknown future.  Just enjoying dating the most perfect guy in the world, but stressing myself out about all of the "what ifs".  You know, just at that really great spot in life where everything is too good to be true and you're just waiting for something to blow up in your face.  You probably have a mental illness when you can't even enjoy your nearly perfect days because you're so worried about when it's going to start falling apart.  Yep.  I have problems.  I know.  The diagnoses: I'm a worry wart.

I got a wart on my foot when I was on my mission in the Philippines at it was so obnoxious.  It started out little and no big deal.  But then it started to grow and spread.  Sometimes it itched.  Sometimes it just annoyed me that it was there.  It looked hideous and made wearing flip-flops feel really weird.  When I returned home the doctor gave me a topical medicine that was supposed to make the wart go away in about a week.  But the wart stuck around FOREVER. The medicine just succeeded in turning it a dark brown color, making it more noticeable and therefore more obnoxious.  Also, it kind of got pretty tender and hurty.  Not cool.  But, now, three months later and it's finally gone!

I feel like worrying is just like that wart.  Hence the all too fitting name of Worry Wart.  A worry starts out little but then just grows and spreads.  So you're one little worry grows into a big worry and spreads to become even more worries.  Then you worry to the point that it's obnoxious.  It affects everything else.  And the worst part is there's no medicine to make it go away.  Not after a week, not after two weeks, not even after three months.  It's just a constant worry.  Nagging at you, making you over analyze everything, stressing you out about even the smallest things.  Then you become the annoying one.  The wart to other people.  Nobody likes a worry wart.  They're hard to be around.

I'm hoping there is a cure cause I really don't wanna be a worry wart for the rest of my life.  I don't wanna be that annoying thing that plagues people, growing and spreading obnoxiousness... that just sounds awful.  Not cool.  So if there's no topical medication, how do you get rid of worry?  Is there some sort of medicine to help?  I found just the solution after doing a little searching on LDS.org.  Which is the best website in the world and you should all check it out!

The Balm of Gilead.  That's the cure.  But applying that Balm has a few steps.  It may take longer than a week to be cured.  It may take a lifetime of application, but isn't it worth it if the symptoms are gone?  Isn't it more than worth it if we no longer are annoyed by worry?

Step 1 - Obedience to the commandments of God and Gospel of Jesus Christ. "Obedience is a powerful spiritual medicine. It comes close to being a cure-all."

Step 2 - Prayer. "You may need a transfusion of spiritual strength... Then just ask for it. We call that prayer. Prayer is powerful, spiritual medicine. The instructions for its use are found in the scriptures."

Step 3 - Scripture Study.  Read the scriptures.  They are the instruction manual.  The counseling advice.  The Doctor's orders.  Then apply what you learn.

Step 4 - Look to the Savior and follow Him! "A great significant message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is exemplified by the title given to Him: the Prince of Peace. If we follow Him, we can have that individually and collectively.
He has said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27.)"

The cure for worry is peace.  Peace that we find as we look to the Savior.  Look to Him through obedience, prayer, and the scriptures.

His promise is sure.  “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:14–18.) 


The Balm of Gilead; President Boyd K. Packer
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1977/10/the-balm-of-gilead?lang=eng

Obedience Opens Opportunities

When I served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Philippines, my mission President, David Martino, had a I came to really love.  He would simply say, "Obedience opens opportunities."  I strove then to apply it my missionary work and still strive to apply it to my daily life.  Because, IT IS SO TRUE!  I was reading last night in the book of Helaman.  Where an ancient day prophet tells us how we can be happy. (I promise it all ties together... just go with it) In The Book of Mormon, in Helaman chapter 14 verse 31, Samuel the Lamanite tells us that Heavenly Father "hath given unto [us] that [we] might know good from evil, and He hath given unto [us] that [we] might choose life or death;"  In a different place in the Book of Mormon, Nephi, another prophet, helps us understand this better.  He says, "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man.  And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil....I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life".  And while I'm quoting really great scriptures, let's throw in one from the Bible.  Romans 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants ye are to whom ye obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness."

So there it is, right?  Our gift of agency.  It has been "given" unto us.  We are free to choose.  We can choose to follow Jesus Christ or we can choose to follow Satan.  We can choose sin or we can choose righteousness.  But we can see that if we choose to obey, we choose for ourselves liberty and eternal life in the life to come.  But not only that, if we go back to what my Mission President says, "Obedience opens opportunities," then we realize that by following the Savior, by being obedient to His gospel and His commandments, that we choose for ourselves opportunities and blessings in this life as well.  We choose happiness.  So not only does obedience open opportunities for us, obedience ultimately brings happiness.

It's true, people.  I promise.  It's real life.  All He asks is that we obey and then he "doth immediately bless [us]" (Mosiah 2:24).  It's like one of those stupid Algebraic proofs that I had to do in High School and despised with a fiery burning passion.  But I guess it applies to life after all.  You start with one variable, and work through the problem, and the solution is always the same.  If you start by being obedient, even though it may be hard or things may seem for a minute like a disaster, the outcome will always be blessings and happiness.  I've had one of those weeks.  I mean, obviously I'm not perfect.  Not anywhere even remotely close to perfection, but still just trying my best.  I've tried my best to be exactly obedient in following the Savior, and I've seen blessing after blessing pour into my life.  Every day is the happiest day ever if we "obey from the heart" (Romans 6:17).  I wish I could just give you all my testimony of this so that you could just do it and experience all of the blessings as well, but all I can do is just plead with you to try it out for yourselves.  And try it out long enough to really see the results.  I promise the outcome will be blessings and happiness.  After all, obedience opens opportunities.  Opportunities for blessings and happiness and much, much more.

Beginnings of blessings

I've been reminded a lot this week about a song I came to love in High School.  "Life is Good" by LFO.  As I've remembered it different times throughout this week, it's made me think about how many stinking blessings I have in my life and how I've been so selfish not sharing them with others.  Blessings are meant to be shared people!  And since it's definitely time to start this little bloggy blog back up again, here's a chance for me to kill a few birds with the same stone.  Re-start my blog, inform the world of my goings-on, spill my thoughts onto screen, and attempt to share a few of my blessings...  
There is an LDS hymn entitled, "Count Your Blessings".   When I was on my LDS mission in the Philippines my Filipino lovers would always say that the lyrics to the song should really say, "SHARE your blessings."  I completely whole-heartedly agree. Aren't blessings exponentially increased as we share them with others?  Some of the lyrics from "Life is Good" will help me as I try to share a few of my week's blessing with you:
"What would you do if you wake tomorrowNo more sorrows, your dreams came trueSo knock on wood and cross your fingersNow count (or share) your blessings, it's up to you"
Had some of those sorrows this week but literally on the morrow, my dreams came true.  Blessings counted for sure!  Like how I got my dream job to be a teacher at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.  Can't believe I'm going to get to paid to try and take a small part in preparing the Lord's valiant missionaries to go out into the world and share the truth of the Gospel.   "knock on wood and cross your fingers" that I can do what He needs me to do.  So what do we do when those times happen in our lives?  If we wake and find we weren't just dreaming, but our dreams are reality.  Like Cinderella, that the wish our heart made has been fulfilled.  Do we just brush it off and keep going or do we count it a blessing and pass it on?  I want to do better at counting and sharing my blessings.  Count your blessings.  It's up to you!
Just a quick count of some of my blessings today:1. Friends2. Clean apartments3. RAIN!4. Playing sports5. Laughing til it hurts6. Ridiculous music videos7. Sleeping in8. Banana pancakes9. Free samples at the grocery store10. The Book of Mormon
"Life is goodLife is greatLife is unbelievableLife is hard, life is cruelLife is so beautiful"
Even the hard and the cruel are some of life's greatest blessings.  Hard coming home from my mission?  Yes.  Hard not having a place to call home? Yes.  Cruel to rip me out of the Philippines away from the people I came to love with my whole heart?  Yes.  But good to be back at college, meeting new friends, catching up with old ones? Yes.  Great to be able to attend the temple and find ways to be an everyday missionary?  Yes.  Life is unbelievable.  Life is beautiful.  With all it's twists and turns and bumps and bruises.  A roller coaster for sure.  But never dull.  And even if you throw up along the way, guaranteed you'll end with a smile on your face.  Life is just a series of new adventures.  Aren't endings not really endings at all but just new beginnings.  Here's to new beginnings.  Beginnings of endless blessings!  Life is good!  Life is great!  And every minute of it is a blessing!