Turning Darkness into Light

One thing I've learned in life is that it is full of ups and downs. I've done a lot of pondering on this especially the following questions; How can I have more ups than downs? What is it that makes the down times so hard? Through scripture study and prayer I have received some insight. I've heard it said a few times that "light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time." If a room is dark and you light a match or flip the light switch, no matter how dark it may seem, light WILL over take the darkness. The same principle applies with the light of the Holy Ghost and darkness of Satan. AKA the ups and downs of life.  Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles states;

"Light dispels darkness. When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart. More importantly, darkness cannot conquer light unless the light is diminished or departs. When the spiritual light of the Holy Ghost is present, the darkness of Satan departs." Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light (emphasis added)

My conclusion to the questions stated above replacing ups with light and downs with darkness is that as we do the things we know we are supposed to do light or happiness fills us. We allow Satan or darkness to overtake us by sinning, and our light diminishes and will eventually depart. One important thing Satan doesn't want us to realize is that we still have the ability to light that match or flip the switch; causing light to overtake darkness once again. Because of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he has preformed the option will always be there. The choice is up to us. This doesn't mean it will be easy or even that our light will be as bright as it once was. But as we try our best and apply the atonement of Jesus Christ through repentance all that seems lost will be found, all that seems impossible will become possible, and every wrong will one day be made right. I know we can only see a portion of the big picture of life right now, but as we remain faithful more up times will come and all things will work out in the end.

Reason for the Season

As stated in a previous post I love this time of the year. I love the decorations, the candy, music, and spirit that seems to fill the air that everyone whether they want to or not can notice. Most of all, I love the REASON for the Season. That being Jesus Christ.

Throughout my life I've had a chance see the difference in remembering the real reason for the season verses just going with the motions that come with this time of year. I've noticed that as I put the material things aside, and make it a point to focus on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and try to morefully do the things he would have me do, true happiness comes and more of the Holiday spirit is felt. Satan knows that if he can get you so caught up in the shopping and gift giving, which in reality can take up all of your time or stress you out to the max, that you forget the real reason why any of this is even happening. My challenge to you: kick Satan to the curb this month, and hopefully forever, and focus on the real meaning of why we have Christmas. Act on the feelings you get and I can promise happiness will feel you, and you will have a more enjoyable Holiday Season that will last the whole year through.

He Hears Every Word

For those of you who don't already know, I LOVE music! I especially love the spirit it can bring. I know a lot of the time I will hear or sing the words to a song not realizing their true meaning. I love this song about prayer and know the message it shares is true.

There are days I get so lost and so caught up inside the crowd

I try to lift my voice but I keep getting drowned out

By the noise and all the sound

But somehow He hears, every word, that I say

He knows, just how I feel and I can pray for answers

I can turn to Him for peace

Or just to be heard

And He hears every word

There are times I lose my way and start to wander off alone

Even when I make mistakes I’m never on my own

And when I need to find the way back home

He hears, every word, that I say

He knows, just how I feel and I can pray for answers

I can turn to Him for peace

Or just to be heard

And He hears every word

Not one of us can fall far enough

To be out of reach of His Love

He hears every word

He hears, every word, that I say

He knows, just how I feel and I can pray for answers

I can turn to Him for peace

Or just to be heard

And He hears every word
(Click to hear the song Every Word)

 "Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father...

It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer." Richard G Scott Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer

Even though we may not realize or understand, I know Heavenly Father literally hears EVERY word of  every prayer you and I say. He may not answer them in the way we want, but He is hearing and answering them. It is up to us to open our eyes and see the answers.