The Plan

I was thinking today about that feeling, when the last thing you want to do is get out of bed. Facing the world seems like the worst thing ever and running from it is what our soul's desire is at that moment. Just sinking into the floor would really be the greatest ideal.
I think we all face those days, and honestly, it stinks. It's the worst and sometimes I wonder how each person deals with that situation. I mean, what do you do?
Then there is the other side, where all is well and it's cheerful and life is wonderful! But there's is still someone else, somewhere else, who wakes up with that knot in their stomach. How can so much happen, everywhere all at one time. And really, why on earth are we here! Why so much pain, why so much joy? WHY?
Is there even a purpose?


On those days, those days where I'm stopped in my blissful carefree tracks and I see something awful, or hear of someone else's utter heartache, I become full of compassion. My body feels too small to do all that I wish I could do. In my little girl heart and mind, I tried to come up with so many different ideas on how I as one person, could organize or solve or triumph against the horrors in life.
I've realized since then, that it's not my job, and I can really hardly do anything at all. All the programs, genius and strength in the world can't heal a broken heart or a scarred soul.


I can't save anyone. But I know there is one who can. The answer isn't to stop life and wallow in the disasters of life. The answer is to be of good cheer, turn to the one that can heal and bind the broken hearted. Lift up the hands which hang helplessly down and serve those around you. We can only do so much, but leading others who are in despair to the Savior and finding that strength to seek Him ourselves, is truly the anti-dote to life's troubles. I know that is true. It may sound trite, but Christ overcame the world, and I've felt that myself.


I've compiled a few videos of people who have over come the world in some small sense in their own lives. Choose a couple. People are so phenomenal in what they can do; so I hope it helps.
It's something I was thinking about, and I've come to know that it is real!


http://mormon.org/patrice/


http://mormon.org/paora/


http://mormon.org/lori/


http://mormon.org/frank/


http://mormon.org/deborah/


http://mormon.org/helmut/

The Joseph Smith Papers

Well this blog post is for my new friend Michael, the pastor, whom my companion and I met today when we were out knocking on doors. Of course, anyone who is interested in learning more about Joseph Smith is definitely free to check it out. 

I offer my testimony that I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. With a sincere heart, he reached out to our Father in Heaven with the intent to find truth. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ did appear to him in answer to his heartfelt question of which church is right? They replied that none on the earth had all of the truth, but through him They restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in its fulness to the earth. The Spirit has witnessed that many times to my heart and I invite everyone to find out for themselves. The Savior and His Gospel are the source of true happiness!

http://josephsmithpapers.org/

Also another Favorite, which I definitely encourage:

Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration movie

http://www.mormonchannel.org/joseph 

"No monster of the sea could break them"

You now stand on the shore of a vast expanse. There is nothing but the deep ocean before you. Can you imagine traveling hundreds of miles from home, deserting the society you knew and the life you had? Can you imagine being broken down from the wilderness and lawlessness of the forest and desert wastelands? Now the time has come for you to embark on a journey along the merciless waves and the crushing tides of the sea. Your small band emerges into the wide open.

 "...they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind.

And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.

And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry into the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

And it came to pass that the wind never did cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind.

And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.

And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water."

 I've been so moved by this exciting tale of this family on the waves of the treacherous waters. I've seen people around me, who are seemingly in their own sea storm, with the crashing ocean and monsters threatening to wreck their sails. I've also been in a few of my own, but I know that what this story teaches us is true. I know that the each of us are being guided by the Lord, whether we recognize His hand or not. He won't stop the journey because without it we would have no progression. We would never reach the promised land, we would never have the greatest joy of overcoming trials and becoming our greatest potential. The journey can be difficult and more trying then we would like, but our choice is truly to be stagnant and safe, or to brave the ocean storms with courage and faith and to reach for a greater prize.

There is that familiar phrase that says something to the effect that God doesn't always calm the storm, sometimes He lets it rage on and He calms the child. Such is the nature of life that the storm rages on and we are left to wade through it on our own or to cry to Him that He may bring us to the surface again. 

I don't know what the exact outcome of every trial may be, but I do know that whether He will part the sea or calm it, or simply console our hearts, I know that He will be there. The same Lord that brought this family across the ocean, will take us across the ocean of our lives, and If we trust Him, all will be well. We will be able to do as this family did, "And they did land upon the shore of the Promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of tender mercies over them." So cheer up your hearts!

*Taken from Ether 6:4-12

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/6?lang=eng

Dirty Windows

Sometimes, especially in this culture, we try to pin the blame on others. Why did they do such a bad parking job, don't they know how to keep their kids quiet, what is their problem?!?!

But I guess the tougher question is, what is our problem?

One of my favorite President Bunker quotes is this, "When Christ was at the 'Last Supper' with the 12 apostles and He told them that one of them would betray him, what did they say? Was Peter thinking, 'I bet it's Judas, he is such a jerk.' No! They responded by saying, 'Lord, is it I?'"

When faced with a difficult circumstance, it can be natural to take the approach of satisfying our pride and ego to say, it's their fault. But it takes true humility to realize our own inadequacies.

http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#looking-through-windows

Every Crazy Color

"I think that a misconception that I had, that a lot of people have is that God is boring. It's through skateboarding and remaining prayerful that I found out the complete opposite; I realized, He's given us everything we love. Every crazy color, feelings, emotions, rushes of adrenaline, everything that inspires you, gets you pumped and excited is directly from Him."

-Kevin Fedderson

Best Quote! I totally agree. Did you ever think that our joy and God's joy is connected? Did you ever think that a snowboarder could be a spiritual man or that a skateboarder would have morning scripture study and actually like it?

Well I wanted to put these videos together in one place. The Gospel isn't just for the little old lady crossing the street, or the raving enthusiasts or the holy rollers. It's for all of us! It's for the "straight-edge" and the rebel, the class clown and those who fall under the radar. It's for the brilliant and the uneducated, Donald Trump and the average joe.

It takes all of us together, and it's what helps us tick. Whether or not you think its your cup of tea (or hot chocolate), it's the only pure truth there is; all that's up to us is whether or not we'll drink it. So bottom's up!

http://mormon.org/kevin/

http://mormon.org/jeremy/

http://mormon.org/brandon/

http://mormon.org/joy/

When I see the stars

Last night, as we were out and about, I had a small moment to pause and look up into the deep blue sky and to see the sweet stars hanging in the crisp cool air. I've had many different opportunities and moments to look up and see just a few of the wondrous creations in the sky. I like to see them twinkle and shine and to look at each one and then to see the whole expanse; it's truly remarkable! Over Christmas, I thought more about the stars and the one star that meant so much and has remained a significant symbol of the Savior.

I was inspired by Elder Carl B Cook's Conference address this last October. He told a story about one day when he was feeling overwhelmed by his many responsibilties and as he was riding the elevator he stared at the floor reflecting on his difficulties, 'The door opened and someone entered, but I didn’t look up. As the door closed, I heard someone ask, “What are you looking at down there?” I recognized that voice—it was President Thomas S. Monson.

I quickly looked up and responded, “Oh, nothing.” (I’m sure that clever response inspired confidence in my abilities!)

But he had seen my subdued countenance and my heavy briefcase. He smiled and lovingly suggested, while pointing heavenward, “It is better to look up!”

For me, seeing the "big picture" is one of the most refreshing things in life. There are two options we have each day, to make it the best day ever! Or to get caught up in the routine, the motions and the seemingly mundane tasks we do over and over. But seeing the 'why' of what we do and seeking for the good in each moment can break us free and give life to the dark miserable chains that we place ourselves in.

When I look up, I feel free and light and there is excitement and meaning in each task. Whether literally or figuratively, when we see all that we have been given and all that is good in the world, there is little room for selfishness and pride. But when we are focused on ourselves, our burdens and our cares, our load is so heavy and weighs us down. There is then no time to help and love and give charity, not only to those that we want to serve, but to all who are in need.

President Uchtdorf said, "Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don’t close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life.

The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy."

I know that when we "look up", we find the guidance of a loving Heavenly Father; we find joy!

"Wherefore, men are ^afree according to the ^bflesh; and ^call things are ^dgiven them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to ^echoose ^fliberty and eternal ^glife, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be ^hmiserable like unto himself. (2 Nephi 2:27)." 

So if we are free to choose, choose to be happy! It sounds too simple, but I know from experience that it is true. Christ overcame all of our weaknesses to help us learn how we can overcome them. Be of good cheer; He is our guiding star!

Sweet!

I love these videos. I love when there are new ones! I love it when they are artists who live on a farm! That's my secret dream, shh, don't tell!

http://mormon.org/me/32CB/