Sometimes it's hard to understand why we are going through lifes random challanges. Some make sense and it's easy to see what it is that we are supposed to learn, but others are more difficult. We may question and wonder just as this song "He Walked a Mile in My Shoes" by the Nashville Tribute Band states, "How could he know the heartache I feel?" Especially "...when He lived a perfect life..." Alma 7: 11-13 talks about what exactly Christ went through during His time in the Garden of Gesthemene and what this means for you and me. It reads
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptationsof every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
I take comfort in the fact that Jesus Christ, through His suffering in the Garden of Gesthemene and on the cross: AKA the Atonement, (refering to the scripture above) knows EXACTLY how I am feeling. Because of His suffering He knows EXACTLY how to help me and EXACTLY what I am to learn from whatever lies infront of me.
"...Then the spirit wispers these words ringing true,
from the Garden to the Cross, He [truley] walked a mile in my shoes..."
Because of His suffering, He really has walked a mile, infact porbably more than that, in my shoes. And because He's walked a mile in my shoes... He's walked a mile in YOURS...
I remember when President Monson gave this talk with the story in it, and how it touched me so. How many times have I judged others when it was in fact MY OWN windows that were dirty... I know we are ALL beloved brothers and sisters. God is our creator and loves us, which is why He has sent us here with a plan. We don't know what others are going through but as we do our best to worry about ourselves and not judge others, happiness comes!
A lot of times in life we don't understand the trials that are placed in front of us. I know Heavenly Father does have a plan for each of us and the purpose of this life is to learn and to grow. This video has helped me realize and strengthen my testimony of the plan that God has for us...
Below is Daniel and Melanie Hedlund's story...
It’s incredible that I had a stage-four cancer, and I’m still alive. It’s incredible that the doctors thought I would lose a leg, and I didn’t. It’s incredible that they gave me a 30 percent chance to live, and here I am.
In September 2011, Daniel Hedlund, a seminary teacher in Layton, Utah, USA, wrote the above words and submitted them to an online competition called “In Search of Incredible.”
Singer and filmmaker Jason Mraz was in search of incredible stories from around the world, and he invited people to share theirs. And in December, people from around the world voted.
They chose Daniel’s story, which was made into a short film and presented at the largest independent cinema festival in the United States—the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, USA—on January 19, 2012.
Daniel’s experience is incredible, but he is quick to point out that he doesn’t think his story is much different from that of anyone else who has been through something difficult.
“I think the lesson to be learned is that our Heavenly Father loves us, and He wants what’s best for us, like any father would,” Daniel said. “If we can trust that simple fact . . . then all of a sudden there’s this paradigm shift because we look at our trials and challenges and obstacles as a means to an end. It all of a sudden became for me something that would grow me as a person, would grow my testimony, would grow my faith in the Savior, would help me to rely on somebody other than my own capabilities.”
Since he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) four years ago, Daniel has undergone 20 rounds of chemotherapy and 10 surgeries. The cancer has returned twice, but Daniel is currently in remission. Through these experiences, he said, his understanding of the Atonement has deepened.
“[Christ’s] ability to be there for us when we need Him, His ability to give us the peace and comfort that we seek when we most need it, and the reality of His atoning sacrifice and how far-reaching that is. . . . To me, that’s incredible,” Daniel said. “It is an infinite Atonement. And its effects are much more far-reaching than my living room.”
Living with Cancer
The Friday morning leading up to a new scan is one of the most difficult for Daniel and his wife, Melanie. It’s January, and it’s been three months since Daniel has been scanned for any new cancer growth. The last two scans, taken at three-month intervals, have come up clean.
The time between when Daniel is scanned and when he receives the results the following Monday is “nerve-wracking,” he said. “Luckily, one of those days is Sunday, so we get to go to church and receive that spiritual charge.”
This time, the scan comes up clean for the third time in a row. As the Hedlunds leave, they stop at the desk and set the next appointment for three months from now.
Daniel’s first scan occurred in December 2007. Newlywed in November 2007, Daniel and Melanie, 23 and 20 years old respectively, were eager to begin their life together.
But three weeks after their wedding, during a checkup for a sore leg, doctors saw that something on the x-ray didn’t look quite right and recommended an MRI immediately.
In the waiting room of the imaging center, Melanie wrote out wedding thank-you notes as they waited for a phone call that would tell them the results. Finally, it came. Daniel said he remembers everything about that phone call.
“I remember how the doctor sounded. I remember the words he said. But most of all I think I remember how it felt to hear those words, ‘You have cancer,’ for the first time,” he said. “He told me . . . I would have to do chemotherapy, and I might lose my leg.”
He dropped his head and began to cry. As he hung up and turned around, he realized Melanie hadn’t heard any of it, but could tell from his expression something was very wrong.
“I had to sit next to her and tell my bride of three weeks that her new husband had cancer,” Daniel recalled.
Osteosarcoma is generally a pediatric cancer that occurs in younger patients and teenagers. Daniel had no history of cancer in his family, and he said the unknown was terrifying.
In his case, the cancer had metastasized, or spread, to his lungs, making it a stage-four cancer with a 20–50 percent survival rate.
Rounds of chemotherapy involved Daniel being administered a series of drugs in various cycles. Some treatments required that he return to the hospital every day for several days, while others required that he stay at the hospital for an extended period of time.
Chemotherapy often left him feeling nauseous and exhausted. Within two months of his diagnosis Daniel had lost 30 pounds and his hair had begun falling out.
Because of his faith in the plan of salvation, Daniel said he was never afraid to die, but he did fear not being able to experience much of what life has to offer—having children, playing with grandchildren, serving missions with his wife.
“I was afraid, especially at the beginning, that I was failing at being a husband,” he said. “I felt like it was my job to prevent things like this from happening, and here I was the cause of this happening.”
Since his initial diagnosis and during each recurrence of cancer in his lungs—for five months in February 2010 and for another five months in February 2011—Daniel said he and Melanie have learned specific lessons that have application to any trial or challenge life may present.
After the Rain Comes the Rainbow
When Daniel was diagnosed with cancer the first time, he said he believed Heavenly Father wanted him to learn something before he could move on. When he was declared in remission the first time, he thought he had “passed the test.”
But then it came back again, and then again. For a long time, Daniel said, he wondered if there was something he wasn’t learning that God wanted him to. It was during the cancer’s second recurrence that he reached a turning point.
He was reading in the New Testament:
“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
“And [Christ] was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:37–38).
“I thought to myself, ‘That is exactly the way I feel right now,’” Daniel said. “’Master, carest thou not that I perish? Carest thou not, Heavenly Father, that I have cancer? Carest thou not that my wife and I want to start a family? Carest thou not that I’m tired of doing this? Carest thou not that we want to continue our lives?’”
When Daniel continued reading, he said, he found the answer to all of his questions.
“The Savior’s response to His disciples was, ‘O ye of little faith,’ and He stretched forth His hand and He calmed the tempest,” Daniel said, quoting Matthew 8:26. “I had to ask myself in that moment, ‘Do I believe that this actually happened? Do I believe that Christ calmed the waters that day?’ And I do. And because I believe that, I know that He can calm the tempest going on inside my body. . . . And it’s not my job to ask why or to wonder why this is happening to me again. My job is just to have the faith that Heavenly Father is in charge and that He knows what’s best for me.”
On March 25, 2008, just three months after Daniel’s initial diagnosis, Melanie wrote on their CaringBridge blog, “Although I don’t believe God GAVE Daniel cancer, I do believe He ALLOWED the cancer to come into our lives at this time for a purpose that we do not yet know. But I know there is a purpose that He has in mind.”
Melanie said she continues to learn what that purpose is.
“I hope I never fully figure it out, because trying to figure out the purpose behind Daniel’s illness helps me to learn what I think my Heavenly Father would want me to learn,” she said.
When, on March 11, 2011, doctors found cancer in Daniel’s lungs for a third time, he wrote that he knew that not only had he and his wife been blessed during the previous three years, but that they had come out ahead of where they would have otherwise been.
The past four years have helped Daniel and Melanie to be more aware of the blessings of family and friends, they said. In 2008, during Daniel’s first bout with cancer, supporters put on a benefit concert themed “After the Rain Comes the Rainbow,” alluding to the story of Noah.
Funds went to help with the Hedlunds’ medical costs—costs for treating for this type of cancer can run from $500,000 to $800,000 USD.
Over the past four years, the Hedlunds have spent more than 100 days in the hospital. Regular visits from friends and family, coupled with the support of compassionate doctors and nurses, were a great source of comfort and support to them during those hospital stays, the couple said. Daniel’s mother even moved to Utah for four months to be near her son and to allow Melanie to continue to attend school.
Daniel and Melanie also found a greater appreciation for temple covenants because of their trials.
“The doctors can give me a 30 percent chance to live, but I have a 100 percent chance to be with my wife forever,” Daniel said. “And that knowledge keeps us sane and gives us peace and gives us comfort in those otherwise stressful times in our lives.”
Perhaps most importantly, the past four years have taught Daniel and Melanie that the gospel is the ultimate source of comfort and hope.
“I wanted that newlywed life—and not only that, I wanted a full life with my husband. And all of those things were up in the air and questionable,” she said. “And I learned that the gospel . . . is the only thing that can help you overcome that sorrow of that loss. And it’s because we’ve been promised all of those things that are most important. We’ve been promised eternal life if we’re faithful. We’ve been promised eternal families if we keep our covenants.”
Daniel recalled how prayer comforted him during late nights when chemotherapy treatments kept him up and he felt alone.
“Those were the times that the Atonement was most real to me because it was almost as if the Savior were there in the room with me and telling me, ‘It’s OK. I know what you’re going through because I’ve gone through it, because I’ve been there,’” he said. “That was the single source of comfort on so many occasions for me—knowing that I had a Savior who loved me enough to suffer what I was suffering.”
Conclusion
As of January 2012, Daniel Hedlund is cancer-free. The eight-inch donor bone that replaced the cancerous part of his femur has yet to incorporate fully, so he continues to walk with the aid of a cane. Every three months for the rest of his life, Daniel will undergo scanning to check for new cancer growth throughout his body.
Daniel continues to hold the same perspective he’s developed through his experience with cancer, which he wrote about last March when he was diagnosed with cancer for a third time: I’m looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for me. . . . What lessons He’ll teach me. How He’ll stretch me and school me. And most of all, what He will turn me into. Where I see myself going and who I see myself becoming are very different from where God sees me going and who He sees me becoming. But each step of the way, I can see that where He has taken me is a much better place than I ever thought of for myself.
I love this video. How many times have I found myself judging others when in reality after the time is taken to get to know them, they are NOTHING what I assumed or thought them to be. There is a reason we have been commanded (not just asked or highly suggested) to love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matt 22:39) We truly don't know what others have gone through or what they are going through right now by just looking at them. As Charles says, civility truly does come from within, rather than something that you can give or buy. I know there is great power that comes from more fully putting off the natural man and choosing not to judge others.
The famous song Dory sings, from the Disney movie Finding Nemo, will pop into my head when times get tuff. During Nemo's quest to find his dad he becomes discouraged and wants to give up. His friend reminds him regardless how meaningless swimming may seem he can't give up, he has to keep swimming!
"Hey Mr Grump Gills
You know what you gotta do when life gets you down?
Just keep swimming
Just keep swimming
Just keep swimming swimming swimming
What do we do we swim, swim, swim
OH HO HO How I love to swim
When you WAAAAAANNTTT to swim you want to swim..."
We like Nemo are separated from our Heavenly Father. We are here to prepare to return to his presents or to find him. We may get discouraged and want to "quit swimming" but as we do this Satan wins. He (Satan) is the one who plants those thoughts into our head. That we're never going to make it or that it's not worth it. God has placed people in our path (Dory, Crush and many others) to help us along the way. Each one has an influence on our lives and our journey back to our Heavenly Father. We have also been given the Holy Ghost which can be our constant companion if we remain worthy and faithful to the promises we have made. After a long journey and many trials Nemo is reunited with his father Marlin. After we have completed our course in this life we too will one day be reunited with our Father in Heaven (God). So don't give up! When you feel discouraged, down or want to stop trying remember Dory's song, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming swimming swimming..."
The Plan of Salvation is a plan that our Father in Heaven (God) has for each of his children. It answers a major question most of us have during this life: What is the purpose of all of this? As we go through life, we all experience challenges, trials, experience grief, disappointments and let downs. Sometimes we may find that life hasn't gone according to plan. It is during these difficult times I am reminded that I am not alone in this journey, and that Heavenly Father has not forsaken me- there is something I am supposed to learn. Alma 32: 31-32, found in the Book of Mormon, tells us the purpose of this life is to prepare to meet God. Prepare is an action verb. Meaning there is something to be done, things to get into order before we can return into the presence of our Heavenly Father. That must mean growing and learning are involved. Which doesn't always mean there won't be at least a little pain involved, if not a lot. I have felt an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort these last couple days that Heavenly Father is mindful of ALL His children. And that no matter what happens everything will be okay. Life may be hard and we may not understand the obstacles that lie ahead of us. But as we do the very best we can, by trying a little harder everyday to be a little better, THINGS WILL WORK OUT. All will be well. During life I have felt stretched to my limits, like I couldn't possibly go on, but somehow I survived and I can honestly say, what hasn't killed me has made me stronger. It has helped me be more prepared to one day meet my almighty God.
Ever wondered what the Holy Ghost is? What it feels like? How you can better understand and recognize it's promptings? Watch this video and find out!
Because all of us are different the Holy Ghost speaks to everyone differently. As you try to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost and then act on them, Heavenly Father will bless you and you will receive even more promptings. This will also enable you to better understand how the Holy Ghost speaks to you. I know that as you try to better recognize and understand how the spirit works with you, you will feel his presence more abundantly in your life and become the person God needs and wants you to be.
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.
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.
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
"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.
When we are baptized we make a covenant, or a two way promise with our Heavenly Father. As we keep our end of the covenant we are promised Heavenly Father will keep His promise he has made to us. An easy way I learned to remember my part of the promise is by using an acronym for the work take.
When we are Baptized we promise to...
Take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ
Always Remember Him Keep His Commandments Endure to the End
Taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ simply means asking ourselves in every situation we are in, "What would Jesus do?", and then acting on the answer to that question. When we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ we act and do the things that he himself would do if he were here. That means helping someone who is in need and making someone feel better when they are sad.
Always Remember Him. As we ask ourselves "What would Jesus Do?" We are Always Remembering Him. We do our very best everyday to remember Jesus and act the way he wants us to.
Keeping His Commandments means not only the 10 Commandments that were given to Moses but other commandments that have been given. Such as following the prophet, saying our prayers, obeying the word of wisdom, studying the scriptures, ect.
On page 84 of Preach my Gospel an excellent definition of the last promise we make Enduring to the End is given. " To remain true to the commandments of God despite temptation, opposition, and adversity throughout life." After we make these promises and are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by someone holding the proper priesthood authority we are not done. You have to remember the promises you made and do your best everyday to keep your end of the promise.(2 Nephi 31:19-20)
Because a covenant is a two way promise we are promised to ALWAYS have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion if we do our part. Some may say that we have more work on our end but if you have felt the Holy Ghost in your life you know it is quite opposite.
I testify that God is our loving Heavenly Father and that He wants us to follow His son, Jesus Christs example, by being baptized by someone holding the Priesthood authority of God and in return has promised that His spirit will always be with us.
I LOVE this time of year for many reasons!!! One reason is that it helps me refocus my life. I am reminded of the the things I am grateful for and things that actually matter. I like this video because it hit home to me when I watched it. I know I take for granted not only the beautiful scenery around me but also all the blessings Heavenly Father has given to me. How grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father who has blessed me with health, strength, family, friends, and everything I need to survive in this world. As I look around me and realize even more blessings He has given me my heart becomes even fuller. I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and take some time to think of all the things Heavenly Father has given to you.
"Those who live in thanksgiving daily however, have a way of opening their eyes and seeing the wonders and beauties of this world as those seeing them for the first time. Look around you and notice...."
I love primary songs and the simple yet powerful truths they teach. Sometimes faith can be hard to explain but I like the way this primary song teaches it.
Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day.
Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray.
Faith is like a little seed:
If planted, it will grow.
Faith is a swelling within my heart.
When I do right, I know.
Faith is knowing I lived with God before my mortal birth.
Faith is knowing I can return when my life ends on earth.
" faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6)
I know we don't always have the answer to life's questions, but that is where faith comes into play. I know that as we start with a particle of faith, by hoping for things which are not seen as the scripture sates above, that our faith will grow. We will have the faith sufficient enough to do the things that have been asked of us. As our faith continues to grow we will be able to make the necessary changes in order to return to live with our families and Heavenly Father after this life.
I've always found it interesting how we as people need consistency. Consistency in many areas determines who we are and who we will become. I've grown up my whole life hearing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the same where ever you go. The building and people will be different but the principles that are being taught will be the same.Two weeks ago I was transferred from Kalispell Montana to Lovell, Byron and Cowley Wyoming. It wasn't until a couple days after we had attended church that a new understanding enlightened my mind. It hit me and strengthened my testimony of this church: That literally no matter where you go The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints WILL always be the same. You WILL have different leaders and a different building but the Gospel (the teachings) will remain the same. You can walk into any sacrament meeting around the world and see the Bishop and his two counselors on the stand. The sacrament will be blessed and passed the exact same way, Nursery, Primary, Young Mens and Young Womens, Relief Society and Priesthood, even the Hymn books are the same. When you walk into the building people don't care who you are, all that matters is that you are there because we are all spirit brothers and sisters.
God knows of our need for consistency and fulfills those needs by reaching out in love to his children by calling another Prophet on the earth and restoring the same church his son, Jesus Christ, set up when he was on the earth. How grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father!
I hope all of you got to listen or watch some of General Conference. Once again it has strengthened my testimony of Heavenly Father (God) and the prophets and apostles He has called to lead and guide us today. I testify that there is a God and that He loves all of Children which is why He has reached out in love by restoring the same church his son, Jesus Christ, set up when he was on the earth and calling another prophet to receive direction for you and I. I leave you the words to Hymn #19 "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet". They have been on my mind a lot the last couple days with a few changes.
I thank thee, O God, for a prophet
To guide me in these latter days.
I thank thee for sending the gospel
To lighten my mind with its rays.
I thank thee for every blessing
Bestowed by thy bounteous hand.
I feel it a pleasure to serve thee
And love to obey thy command.
When dark clouds of trouble hang o’er me
And threaten my peace to destroy,
There is hope smiling brightly before me,
And I know that deliv’rance is nigh.
I doubt not the Lord nor his goodness.
I’ve proved him in days that are past.
The wicked who fight against Zion
Will surely be smitten at last.
I’ll sing of his goodness and mercy.
I’ll praise him by day and by night,
Rejoice in his glorious gospel,
And bask in its life-giving light.
Thus on to eternal perfection
The honest and faithful will go,
While they who reject this glad message
Shall never such happiness know.
This is my testimony. I Thank Thee O God for loving us enough to give us a Prophet on the earth today!!
I love this time of year for many reasons. One main reason is General Conference. A simple explanation for thoes of you who don't know what General Conference is... It's when the Prophet and Appostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints address the world. So if you have ever been interested in hearing what the Lord is telling us today, this weekend is a great time to find out. Four Sessions over a two day period will take place. The schedule goes as following
Saturday 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm
Sunday 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm
General Conference is a great time to get answers to questions that have been on your mind. Write these questions down and pray about them. I can promise you that as you do, and watch all 4 sessions of General Conference (because you never know which one will have your answer) the answer to your questions will be given. God is the same God yesterday, today, and forever which is why He has reached out in love to his children by calling another Prophet on the earth today and restoring the exact same church his son, Jesus Christ, set up when he was on the earth. The way you can know for yourself is by watching General Conference and praying to know if the things you hear and see are true.
"Pray for a good harvest, but continue to hoe" is posted on a billboard in Kalispell. It has been food for thought running through my mind this last week and made me realize life in general is like a garden. In order to be successful or to have something to harvest there are steps you have to take. You can't just walk out to find a green luscious garden. You first have to prepare the ground. This may include tilling, plowing, fertilizing ect... You have to make rows and most importantly you have to plant seeds. And the seeds you plant take time to grow. From experience, you can't plant tomato seeds and walk out the next day to see a vine with ripe tomatoes ready to be picked. There have been many incidences in life when I've gone to "my garden" to find it half completed. And for some reason am disappointed or question why nothing grew!.... The same goes for our spiritual growth. We have to plant seeds, water them everyday, and pull out the weeds. The process is NEVER over. As long as you want something to harvest from that garden it takes some form of effort everyday. We have to read our scriptures, pray, and look for the Lords hand in our lives every single day. Not once a year, once a month, or even once a week- but on a daily basis. I have seen a difference in my life when I've taken the time to complete all the steps instead of skipping one or two steps to get ahead. Success in anything comes with time. Sometimes remembering that can be the hardest part. But if we didn't have to work for something how would we know the joy that comes from succeeding? How would you know what fresh tomatoes from the vine taste like if you didn't continually water them? You wouldn't experience the sweet relief of finally accomplishing the goal you have been working so diligently towards. So don't give up! Keep sowing those seeds and one day your garden will be more luscious and plentiful than you ever thought possible. Pray for a good harvest, but continue to hoe!
Sometimes it is easy to disregard the things we know we should do. And most times, those things we don't want to do aren't hard, it's just that we don't want to do it. Be it out of peer laziness or the fact that it isn't very convenient at the moment. The example given in the video is prime. How hard is it to simply put on a pair of shoes? Had the boy taken the few extra minutes to put on his shoes he could have saved himself and his parents a lot of pain and suffering. I have learned a couple lessons in life the hard way just like this young boy. I have a testimony of doing the things we KNOW we need to be doing, even if it doesn't seem easy or what is convenient at the time. By taking a few extra minutes everyday to "put on your shoes", whether it be reading the scriptures or saying morning or nightly prayers, the spirit can and will be with you to help warn you of danger and save you from a lot of physical and spiritual pain and suffering.
One year and two days ago from today I left what I knew as "my life" and reported to the Missionary Training Center. I chose to serve my Heavenly Father for 18 short months and received my call to labor in the Montana Billings Mission. What an experience these last 12 months have been. I have learned new things about myself, this world, and God. I have stretched and grown and have done things I never thought possible... I know the reason I was able to do those things is because of God. He is our Loving Heavenly Father, and has sent us to Earth for a reason. Part of that reason is to learn and grow, to become more like Him so that one day we can return to live in His presence. I am trying to learn and grow to become the person He needs me to be. Thank you to all of you who have made this possible, for your love and support and for all those who have been a part of it thus far. I couldn't have done it with out you!
Two words " A Believer" have been in my mind a lot lately. We read in the Book of Mormon about all the people who were told that Christ would come and after waiting what seemed forever some started loosing their faith. But as with everything, not everybody lost their faith. There were some who kept the faith knowing that someday HE WOULD COME. Several times I've put myself in their situation. Would I be a believer? Would my faith go dim as so many has?... And most importantly- Am I a believer today? Even though I don't see God and Jesus on a daily basis or just because I have never seen them, Am I "A BELIEVER"? As I've thought about this different responses have come to mind. To me A Believer is more than just believing. It's who you are and is part of your everyday life. A Believer is...
Always
Being
Enlightened...
Living
Intuitively... and
Enduring
Various
Endeavors
Regularly
Even those who did keep the faith went through their fair share of trials; just as we all do in this life. But as we endure the various endeavors a remarkable thing can occur. We can change and grow into the person Heavenly Father knows and wants us to become.
