An Effectual Struggle

"And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves together that he ^aspake unto them in this wise, saying: O ye, my people, lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time is at hand, or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in subjection to our enemies, notwithstanding our many strugglings, which have been in vain; yet I trust there ^bremaineth an effectual struggle to be made.

Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your ^atrust in ^bGod."  (Mosiah 7: 18-19)

Challenges are inevitable in life.  Trials that sink us into the depths of despair occupy our lives with impactful force.  Often, I have asked myself, "Why?  My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?"  Then I remember my Savior.  I remember that He does not let go, neither does our beloved Heavenly Father turn His face from our agony. 

When we put our trust in the Lord, the world becomes a little brighter.  Things aren't perfect-and we still feel at times that we are "in subjection to our enemies" whether our enemy be an unfair and unthinkable challenge in life, or Satan and his tempting angels.  But as we turn to the Lord, we will be built up.  We will be pulled up to a higher ground.  Though there will still be "an effectual struggle to be made,"  Christ is walking the path with us. 

I think of my Savior, and the times He has lifted me up.  There is one time I remember specifically, when I felt lost, alone and confused.  I got in my car, and drove around in the dark for miles.  I parked on the side of the road, and walked along a dirt path up to a hill overlooking the city.  I prayed.  I cried and prayed.  I told the Lord I was tired of feeling as if He had abandoned me.  Then, as quickly as the tears came, so did His love.  I felt peace and Love.  I heard these words enter my mind, "You know I Love you, and I am here."  Never again have I had to doubt whether or not the Lord was by my side. 

Elder Bruce R. McConkie spoke these touching words in his final conference talk before his death...

"And as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God who was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person. I am one of his Witnesses. And in the coming day I will feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God's almighty Son and he is our Savior and Redeemer and that Salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way."

I know that my Savior truly is a King.  One day, I will kneel at His feet, and I shall feel the prints in His sacred palms, where He was crucified to complete the only Atonement for the world.  I trust my Savior to lead and guide me through life, no matter how difficult the path is that He wants me to follow.  I will Follow Him forever, and I will bask in the Love that He surrounds me with daily.

Another Testament

This is so powerful... I pray that we can all turn to our Savior, weep in his hands, Kneel at His feet, Praise his name, and glory in his grace forever. 

Today we spent our P-Day working on a special project for our departing Mission President.  The project was a lot of fun, but at the end, we felt inspired to share our feelings about the Savior.  I know He lives.  I believe in Jesus Christ because I have felt His love for me, and for those around me.  I know he is my Savior, because without him, nothing would be.  His atonement is as real and as vital as the blood in our vains-the very same blood that he shed in Gethsemane. 

I love my Savior, my God and my King.

Grantchula!

15 years ago today, I walked into a hospital room with my 4 other siblings, and we gave our new baby brother, Grant, a nickname:  Grantchula Grass-hop Tree.  Today my family will be celebrating his birthday.  My Brother Grant is turning 15!  I can't believe how old he is getting.  Though he is my younger brother, he has always been such a remarkable example to me.  Grant is the type of kid who will go out of his way to do anything to help anybody. 

I remember a specific time right before I left on my mission, Grant and I were talking in the car, and he said, "I think it's really important that I start to get ready for my mission now."  I was so impressed with him, I had to give him a hug!  Very few 14/15 year old kids even HAVE a mission on their mind.  I was so proud of him for his willingness to serve our Heavenly Father. 

I've watched Grant over the years, and noticed a few specific things about him:

He was blessed with the Christ-like attribute of Charity.  He has the ability to love people from the start.  He has always been a peace-maker in our home, and I've always been able to depend on him with everything-from helping me babysit, to cleaning, cooking, doing the dishes, and even with things like taking care of my sweet puppy, Brooklyn.  Even when I went out with different guys, Grant always voiced his opinion on whether or not he approved.  I noticed that I valued HIS opinion on who I dated more than any one elses-including my parents! 

I'm so grateful to have Grant as my brother.  He's been a light of Christ to me in so many ways.  I'm sad to be missing his 15th and 16th Birthdays, but I can't wait to see the incredible young man he'll be when I get home. 

Happy Birthday Grant, I love you!

My Treasures in Heaven

President Hinckley, the late Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints gave this counsel to parents as they raise their children:

"It is so obvious that the great good and the terrible evil in the world today are the sweet and the bitter fruits of the rearing of yesterday’s children.

"(1) love them, (2) teach them, (3) respect them, and (4) pray with them and for them.

“No power or influence can or ought to be maintained … , only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; …"  (D&C 121:41)

"Behold your little ones, and teach them. I need not remind you that your example will do more than anything else in impressing upon their minds a pattern of life.  'Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.' (Proverbs 22:6)

"Nor let us ever forget the need to respect these, our little ones. Under the revealed word of the Lord, we know they are children of God as we are children of God, deserving of that respect which comes of knowledge of that eternal principle.

"They will need all the strength and all the faith you can give them while they are yet near you."

"Draw near unto me, and I will draw near unto you."  (D&C  88:62)


I miss my family a lot out here.  I have an older sister and six younger brothers.  They have been a huge part of my life, and I wish that I could physically draw near to them.  I know that I will see them again after my mission, but it brings me comfort knowing that though I cannot physically be near them, I can draw myself closer to the Lord as they draw closer to him.  


This picture is of my youngest brother, Brenton and I.  This picture brings back a lot of really great memories.  I wish I could throw him up on my shoulders again and pal around with him all afternoon.  I'm so grateful to have been a part of his young life, and I hope I have been a good example and teacher to him in the gospel.  He is my little treasure. 

President Hinckley also teaches that children are something that we should treasure...


"The story is told that in ancient Rome a group of women were, with vanity, showing their jewels one to another. Among them was Cornelia, the mother of two boys. One of the women said to her, 'And where are your jewels?' To which Cornelia responded, pointing to her sons, 'These are my jewels.' Under her tutelage and walking after the virtues of her life, they grew to become Gaius and Tiberius Gracchus—the Gracchi, as they were called—two of the most persuasive and effective reformers in Roman history. For as long as they are remembered and spoken of, the mother who reared them after the manner of her own life will be remembered and spoken of with praise also."


I love this story.  I'm so grateful to parents who treasured me, and taught me to treasure my siblings.  This week I have really missed my two youngest brothers, Ian and Brenton.  I pray for them every night, that they will grow.  Not just grow physically, but I pray that their souls and spirits may grow, and that they will be watched over by their Heavenly Father until I can return to them and hug them tightly!

One Star

A few months ago I flew on a plane to visit my grandparents in a small beach town in California.  My flight was very early in the morning, and I was groggy.  I was not very excited for the turbulence on the plane because, well, I just don't handle motion very well.

As our plane made its climb into the air, I looked out the window and saw one star in the morning sky.  It was being guarded by the moon over a beautiful morning sunrise.  I quickly took a picture. 

I gazed out the window and thought about that little star.  It looked so important next to the moon, as if the moon was encouraging it to shine just a little bit more.

The world is huge, right?  Sometimes I feel insignificant.  Small.  Menial.  Unimportant. 

Some days I feel like a lost star in the sky who has no real purpose other than to just simply exist.  But then I remember who my Father is.  My Heavenly Father sent me to this earth to be that little light in the sky.  Though I may not always feel important, I am to God.  Though I may feel insignificant in the grand scheme of the world-to him I am everything.  If I was the only star in the heavens, I know that he would do all that I needed-just to help one small child.

I love my Heavenly Father for giving me his guiding light to follow. 

The Power of Smiling

For two weeks I have struggled physically to get around.  My feet have not wanted to cooperate well with the rest of my body.  As I searched for comfort, I prayed. I've had some extra time to think about my relationship with the Lord, and my relationship with others.  Though I've had a million thoughts enter my brain, I've come to the following conclusion:
    
Life is better when you just smile. 

There is a song, by Nat King Cole, called Smile..

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.



No matter what happens to us in life, when we smile, we feel better.  Even if you have to make yourself a little embarrassed to get a good laugh-I promise,  Smiling is the best medicine!  I feel so much better when I can just laugh things off and smile in gratitude for all that I have.  I'm so grateful that the Lord teaches me daily to be happy-my name is JOY after all!