She's simply inspiring

Marjorie Pay Hinckley, (1911-2004)

“We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are.”
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley

“As we got closer to marriage, I felt completely confident that Gordon loved me. But I also knew somehow that I would never come first with him. I knew I was going to be second in his life and that the Lord was going to be first. And that was okay. It seemed to me that if you understood the gospel and the purpose of our being here, you would want a husband who put the Lord first.”
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley

“...the beautiful thing--perhaps the thing I love most about the gospel-- is that everything we learn we can use and take with us and use it again. No bit of knowledge goes wasted. Everything you are learning now is preparing you for something else. Did you know that? What a concept!”
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley, Small and Simple Things


“Develop some intellectual curiosity. If you have it, you will never be bored. If you haven't, cultivate it, hold fast to it. Never let it go. To the intellectually curious, the world will always be full of magic, full of wonder. You will be interesting to your friends, to your spouse, and a joy to your children. You will be alive to all the wonderful possibilities of this world.”
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley


“As you create a home, don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family. Don't dwell on your failures, but think of your successes. Have joy in your home. Have joy in your children. Have joy in your husband. Be grateful for the journey.”
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley


“The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.”
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley


“Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley


“Home is where you are loved the most and act the worst.”
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley

History is NOT boring

Attention ladies: are we all aware of the General Relief Society Presidency's most recent project? See image below:

New website for the recent publication of "Daughters in my Kingdom: The history and work of Relief Society". 

I've already started reading and just from the preface I can tell it's going to be great. Many of you might be like me and have wondered at one time or other why the Relief Society has been putting so much focus on their history. Yes, I understand we can learn from the past and better the future. But what about change, innovation and new ideas? Sure, the past can be helpful, but can't we come up with our own way of thinking and progressing this society?

After this year and after reading parts of "Daughters in my Kingdom," I'm realizing how sorely mistaken I've been. Knowing the history of RS is crucial because it teaches us today how women in the past implemented the great work God intended for women to participate in. If you look past the frilly-nilly design and pastel pallet, you'll learn quickly that this book contains content rich with insight, inspiration and intellect. You learn the Savior's view of women and what unique purposes He has for them. You also get an idea of how you, as an individual woman, fit in to the gestalt of God's daughters across the world. And in the right spirit, you realize that we don't need to feel threatened by our similarities or differences. We don't have to worry about getting lost in the sea of faces because, in truth, we are all involved in a great work. We all have a divine purpose. And all those millions of individual purposes combine to create a spiritual force that (as the RS aims to do) increases your faith and commitment to the gospel, strengthens your family and home and helps you provide service and relief to those in need of the kind of love only a sister in the gospel can give. (Is anyone else noticing a theme here? This consistent idea that as you invest in Relief Society you benefit the most? Hmm...let's hop on that sisters).

My testimony of Relief Society has grown gradually over the past four years. To be honest, it's taken time and a gradual rubbing away of my arrogance for me to appreciate the sisters in my wards. As an 18-year-old I didn't understand (or want to understand) what a powerful facet Relief Society would be in my life. When I moved up to BYU I softened a little (being on your own does that sometimes), but still resisted some of the outreach of the program. Fortunately, God gives us lots of chances to open our hearts. I had persistent leaders who ever-so-lovingly nudged me to "give it a try"; I had good roommates who helped me see the value of being involved in my callings; I had outstanding examples of older students who picked me out and motivated me to be better; I had cousins and family members who challenged me to see life and the church from an eternal perspective;  and I had friends with strong testimonies rubbing off on me left and right. I recall very clearly the visiting teaching experiences responsible for shaping my developing love and tender feelings for the organization. Of course, not all my experiences were peachy and meaningful. I've had plenty of awkward visits and conversations with woman in and out of the church. But the rare occasions I've had when I felt the spirit as a result of my efforts and the sisters around me make my continuous investment in RS worth every spiritual, emotional and physical penny.

I wish I could share all the salient experience I've had because of RS, but just know that I have a testimony of it. I know my conviction will only grow in my lifetime, and I am grateful our RS leaders are constantly helping me in my quest. Because ultimately, RS is about helping women (and men) reach their potential and return to Heavenly Father. It's not about the baskets of goodies or the weekly RS lessons and meetings. Those are certainly nice things to do, but RS has a much greater reward. It's about the love and spirit each sister (and member of the church) feels when a sister in the gospel has identified a need and run to the rescue, just as the Savior would have done. In 1842 that need was to sew quilts and cook food for low-income families who had men working day in and day out on the Nauvoo temple. In 2011, that service might be a half hour visit simply listening to a sister who needs to talk to someone she can confide in.

Like I said, the book is great. I look forward to reading it this semester. If you are interested in taking a gander, you can download the PDF version here. (Just scroll down the page and you'll see a picture of the book where is says, "Download").

In closing I simply want to thank every woman who has come in and out of my life and who continues to influence me. Many of you are probably unaware of how much I appreciate your individuality and the way it's served me. Just know that a twenty-something-year-old in Provo is aware of you and your awesomeness :-) 

It's how I cope: don't judge

BYU Vocal Point Back in Blue: Maximum A Cappella Album Cover | BYU Vocal Point Album Covers
  

You've all read about my obsession with these guys. Well, it's still true. These boys have hit my heart strings once again with their newest album Back in Blue. The harmony, intonation and song selection all get four stars from me.

Are you 

stressed? 

confused? 

tired? 

seeking direction and hope? 

hungry?

Then pop in some Vocal Point and let the waves of music take you to your happy place. Clarity/laughter/inspiration will come almost instantly.

Ok, that's about the best plug I can offer for now. GET THE CD (via iTunes or BYU Bookstores). It's great.

There is a quiet place

Provo Temple

"There is a quiet place. 

A place where my heart can go 

far from the waves of doubt and darkness of storms that blow. 

Gently it holds me safe in heaven's arms. 

Surely this feeling is peace."

Peace, EFY 2007, Power in Purity

My heart overfloweth with sisterhood

Chieko N. Okazaki, first counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency from 1990 - 1997, once said, “When our burdens are grievous to be borne, when we face a world in which it seems that there is only struggle and no rest, I hope we can remember the immense strength of our sisterhood, the reservoirs that we have within us, and the unfailing wellspring of the Savior’s love for us, even in the midst of adversity.” (“Finding Lightness in Our Burdens,” The Best of Women’s Conference). 


That feeling of sisterhood that Okazaki was talking about is exactly what these girls provided me last night:

We met in Jerusalem and became kindred spirits over pita, pillow talk, broken straighteners, and failed Old Testament quizzes. Having the four of us together again last night opened my heart to so much joy. I was reminded of how good it feels to be around women, let alone friends who listen, understand, validate, and want to help you in any way they can. 


As we sat at the table eating our scrumptious confetti cake, I couldn't help but feel like I was getting a great big hug from the Savior. We each took turns updating the others on our life story. I sat in gratitude as each of my friends expressed the joys and worries they'd been processing over the last four months. Their stories reminded me that nobody is ever alone, that everyone has trials, and that I'm not as crazy as I think I am. I left our girls' night feeling perfectly validated. I also felt hopeful and calm about whatever lies ahead the rest of this year. Sometimes, only sisterhood can cause that kind of peace in your life. 


There are many other women in my life who have stimulated this same sisterhood effect. And to you all I say thank you: for your prayers, gchats, emails, text messages, phone calls, lunch dates, blog comments, etc. You truly are burden lifters, joy givers and love providers. Thank you for sharing your reserviors of insight and charity; and your unfailing wellspring of friendship and service. 

Answers come from the most random sources...

The topic of personal revelation has bubbled to the surface of my thought process for the past few weeks. How do we seek it? How do we know we're receiving it? Is it actually something we, as members of the church, have access to?

My reasons for wanting to study the topic are simple: I have to make (BIG) decisions, but I'm too afraid to take responsibility for my own choices. Therefore, I want (and NEED) help. But I'm not always convinced about the best method of finding help. It's easy for me to get caught in the trap of supernatural solutions; meaning, I over think and believe the answer to my dilemmas is ornate and requires a grandioso plan or sacrifice. This might be the case for some life experiences. But in actuality, I think God answers my pleas in a much simpler way. It's not about looking for lightening. It's about feeling the glow (hopefully that makes sense...) 

This post was particularly helpful to me today in gaining a little insight into what is often required to receive the spiritual guidance. I found it through another blog. My struggle is different than the authors, but the solution he suggests still applies to my circumstance--and everyone else wandering around this desert of ambiguity we call life, seeking peace, revelation, and guidance in this twistedly confusing world of endless possibilities and limited human perspective.

Teasers:

"I'm not talking about scripture study where I sit down and read for ten minutes before sleeping, or prayers said quickly before bed. Those never had the power to change me. No. I needed much, much more, over a much longer period of time. One of the scriptural meanings of the number seven is "a whole lot." Naaman had to wash a whole lot of times in the river Jordan; I had to do a whole lot to begin to see results from filling my hole of faith. And the results I saw weren't complete and total change, but an increased perspective and faith in the Lord that He would fulfill His promises. Either way, it was worth it." 

"I think the biggest initial shock and investment was the amount of time that it took to actually live the gospel and do the small things enough to make it work. It took me at least 15 hours each week to do just the basics - earnest prayer, meaningful scripture study, reflection, and journaling - not even counting spontaneous service and missionary opportunities. I found I had to plan out my day and week or I would end up turning down social invitations because I needed to take the time to pray or write or study. But I wanted to change who I was - enough that I was willing to wash in the Jordan as many times as necessary... and over years, slowly, it has changed my life."

I'm Committed

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Elder Uchtdorf's wise words. 

Give it Up

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Give it up, He says,
Give up that which confuses light with darkness 

productivity with destruction, 

faith with fear, and love with apathy. 

The best match, the ideal fit

is nothing more than a vain pursuit

The search for something greater, much more real and basic

is everything you could ever want. 

Pursuers of perfection   

find only disappointment and frustration. 

Seekers of truth and light and righteous potential

find indescribable joy and happiness. 

Where effort is expected but in all the wrong venues

shallow waves engulf the heart. 

Where effort is nurtured, encouraged, and realized 

grand seas of depth fill every crevice of the being. 

What seems best according to reason is in actuality 

only a confirmation of narrowed insight and foolish yearning. 

What feels right is in essence 

burning evidence of God's awareness, love, and presence. 

Give it up, He says, and in return 

you will be blessed with greater understanding, 

greater love, and greater hope. 

Give it up, He says, and trust in He who can be trusted. 

I am rough and grainy still

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"River God" 

Rolling River God

Little Stones are smooth

Only once the water passes through

So I am a stone

rough and grainy still

Trying to reconcile this river's chill

But when I close my eyes

and feel you rushing by

I know that time brings change

and change takes time

And when the sunset comes

my prayer would be just this one

that you might pick me up

and notice that I am

just a little smoother in your hand

Sometimes raging wild

sometimes swollen high

never have I known this river dry

The deepest part of you

is where I want to stay

and feel the sharpest edges wash away

Look for God like a man with his head on fire looks for water

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Today I felt discontent. I really don't like that feeling. It makes me feel uncomfortable, irritated even. The feeling came as a result of getting lost in time as I browsed through one blog after the other, reading about all the awesome events and successes going on in everyone's summer plans (I feel embarrassed even admitting my susceptibility to the blog browsing phenomena, but..I guess I'm human, too).

All I wanted to do today was distract myself from my annoying, irreverent emotional state. So, I picked up a book and found this lovely passage:

"I have searched frantically for contentment for so many years in so many ways, and all these acquisitions and accomplishments--they run you down in the end. Life, if you keep chasing it so hard, will drive you to death. Time--when pursued like a bandit--will behave like one; always remaining one county or one room ahead of you, changing its name and hair color to elude you, slipping out the back door of the motel just as you're banging through the lobby with your newest search warrant, leaving only a burning cigarette in the ashtray to taunt you. At some point you have to stop because it won't. You have to admit that you can't catch it. That you're not supposed to catch it. At some point [...] you gotta let go and sit still and allow contentment to come to you. 

"Letting go, of course, is a scary enterprise for those of us who believe that the world revolves only because it has a handle on the top of it which we personally turn, and that if we were to drop this handle for even a moment, well--that would be the end of the universe. But try dropping it. This is the message I'm getting. Sit quietly for now and cease your relentless participation. Watch what happens. The birds do not crash dead out of the sky in mid-flight, after all. The trees do not wither and die, the rivers do not run red with blood. Life continues to go on. Even the Italian post office will keep limping along, doing its own thing without you--why are you so sure that your micromanagement of every moment in this whole world is so essential? Why don't you let it be? 

"I hear this argument and it appeals to me. I believe in it, intellectually. I really do. But then I wonder--with all my restless yearning, with all my hyped-up fervor and with this stupidly hungry nature of mine--what should I do with my energy, instead? 

"The answer arrives, too: Look for God, suggests my Guru. Look for God like a man with his head on fire looks for water." (Eat, Pray, Love. Pg. 155-156). 

------
When I was a little girl, and even in jr. high and high School, I always dreamed of being a strong, confident, world-traveling, business oriented, do-whatever-it-takes-to-be-your-best kind of woman. At one point a wanted to be a lawyer, then a nurse, then a teacher, then back to being a lawyer, then a journalist, and finally ended up not know what the heck I wanted to be; I just knew I wanted to be the best at whatever career path I chose. Keep in mind: I've always been a bit career oriented. Not sure why, but it always seemed like a natural fit* (or at least my ego liked to think so...).

With this career mindset comes a secret little after effect that I don't particularly like to admit I have. In short, I get a little competitive when it comes to becoming that trong, confident, world-traveling, business oriented, do-whatever-it-takes-to-be-your-best kind of woman. Don't get be wrong, I'm not at all the kind of person who is constantly competing with co-workers trying to beat them out for the most attention or the best position. Nay, I just simply like to work hard and be the very best I can be. If that happens to reap rewards, then so be it (OK, yes. I do get a little excited when my hard work pays off). When I talk about competition, I'm referring to my tendency to compare myself to others and wonder constantly if my success or luck in life is as happy as the Jones'. It's one of those, the grass-seems-greener-on-the-other-side kind of complexes.

This is why I recently had to dismantle my facebook account. It was too tempting for me to stare at the computer for hours, observing one online profile after the other asking "how in the heck can all these people be seem so dang happy and content? What in the world am I not getting?" It's naive to assume everyone else's life is perfect, but like I said, I tend to think I'm missing out while everyone else has figured out exactly what they want and how to get it. I have the same issue with blogs. I read about everyone's life and I think, "Holy Cow! I wanna be just as cool or interesting or accomplished!" That's when the anxiety starts to boil and I begin to wonder why I'm living at home, barely working part time, and living day in and day out in my basketball shorts (now that I think about it..my hyper relaxed schedule is pretty awesome!).

My habit to compare and need to have what everyone else has is what I like to call "the chase"; and every now and again, I get stuck right in the middle of it. It's not because I want to always be getting my cake and eating it to. It's just...idk...like I have a hunger for acceptance, but in all the wrong ways.

A lot of the time, however, the sparks of my ambitions are temporary. Before I know it, my so called perfect dreams wilt under the inevitable consequences of mistaking pleasure (or prestige) for true happiness. It is in those moments when I am humbled, and I realize--quite painfully--my priorities have been aligned poorly. Elizabeth Gilbert described that painful moment of self awareness this way:

"It's like you're scared to death of what will happen if you're really alone (or in my case, rejected by society and/or loved ones if I am unsuccessful). But here's what you gotta understand. If you clear out all that space in your mind that you're using right now to obsess about [this so called success], you'll have a vaccum there, an open spot---a doorway. And guess what the universe will do with that doorway? It will rush in--God will rush in---and fill you with more love than you ever dreamed. So stop using [your vain ambitions or insecurities] to block that door. Let it go" (Eat, Pray, Love. pg. 150). 

The truth stings, and that's when I have to sit down, take two (more like a lot of) deep breaths, and seek solace from the source that can offer true happiness, peace, and contentment. Of course, being eligible to receive that peace takes sincere effort and sacrifice on my part. I have to be honest in my willingness to turn over my wants, my goals, my control, and let God fill my heart with his love and guide me to what he knows will make me most happy. For a girl who often believes the more she travels, the more people she influences, the more rare food she eats, or the more education she receives the happier she'll be, the concept of opening up to God's love, or seeking God like a man whose head is on fire seeks for God, can seem a bit...simplistic.

Of course, I don't believe I could have a more incorrect perception. The beauty of God's love is that it's simple, but no where near simplistic.

In knowing this little fact about me (do you like how I just admitted how prideful I am?) you can imagine why I was so impressed with Elizabeth Gilbert's testimony about contentment. Gilbert's biography "Eat, Pray, Love" is dedicated entirely to the story of her soul search for happiness. While I don't agree with all of Gilbert's philosophies and methods for seeking happiness, I do believe she has some golden nuggets of truth worth recording. I think there's a time in all our lives when, like Gilbert, we must realize "all [our] acquisitions and accomplishments [run us down] in the end. Life, if you keep chasing it so hard, will drive you to death."

The prophet Jacob in the Book of Mormon spoke often of people's tendency to chase for riches rather than the divine blessings God would have them pursue. "But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted" (Jacob 2:18).


When I read Jacob's word, I believe "riches" can be extended to more than just money. Elder Oaks said the following about four types of riches: 

"Are we truly prepared to have our Eternal Judge attach this enormous significance to what we really desire? Many scriptures speak of what we desire in terms of what we seek. “He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken” (D&C 88:83). “Seek ye earnestly the best gifts” (D&C 46:8). “He that diligently seeketh shall find” (1 Nephi 10:19). “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (D&C 88:63).  

Readjusting our desires to give highest priority to the things of eternity is not easy. We are all tempted to desire that worldly quartet of property, prominence, pride, and power. We might desire these, but we should not fix them as our highest priorities. Those whose highest desire is to acquire possessions fall into the trap of materialism. They fail to heed the warning “Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world” (Alma 39:14; see also Jacob 2:18)." (Elder Oaks, Desire, April 2011 General Conference). 

My goal in addressing this subject is to support the gospel truth that worldly success does not bring true happiness. Yes, praises, awards, and emotional fan clubs can cause us to feel happy--but only temporarily. I believe Gilbert when she says over time, our drive for accomplishments and acquisitions will wear us down. However, I also believe that if we sincerely seek to know God and to follow his will for us, we will be blessed in our endeavors. Ambitious or not. But remember, those blessings have absolutely no meaning until we, on an individual, personal basis, "obtain a hope in Christ" (Jacob 2:18). (That's a really important truth by the way, so read it again if you need to).

So, on the days when I find myself twirling my hair in frustration because my life is supposedly not nearly as exciting or interesting as so and so's, or the moments when I feel incredibly lost and discontent despite the plethora of blessings around me, I must remember to be grateful and "Look for God. Look for God like a man with his head on fire looks for water." (Eat, Pray, Love. Pg. 155-156). For in God, my heart will break open and the beauty of life will immerse into my soul. All my vain chasing will cease, and instead, I will be a happy spirit with a sincere desire to do what God would have me do to build his kingdom, and to help others feel happy, too.
-------
*Of course, there was (and is) a substantial part of me who wanted (and wants) to be a good wife, a good mother, and a service oriented woman in the church. I believe strongly that running a household requires the same skillsets as managing a corporate office, or other career pursuits. Interestingly enough, running a household (i.e. raising kids, nurturing a husband, etc.) has eternal rewards, whereas a pretty stipend only gets you so far. 

There is always a solution

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"Mary and Joseph learned early in life that for every problem God has a solution. To Mary, the angel said: “Fear not. … For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:30, 37).

"Sometimes young adults are confronted with a problem that seems like Mount Everest. They believe it is just too high and too tough to climb. Because they see no solution, they become discouraged—perhaps even negative and pessimistic—about their futures. But, like Mary and Joseph, you can learn that however unsolvable the problems of life may seem, God always has a solution." (Elder Tad Callister, Fear Not, December 2010 Ensign). 


****
Perhaps you're wondering why I haven't shared much of my personal ramblings lately. I mean c'mon, it's obvious you're biting your nails in anticipation to see what I'll post next. Alas, I'm currently in a rut with little to say. Actually, I always have lots to say, but at the moment nothing extremely important or insightful. And I lack the mental energy to take simple, every-day life events and turn them into an enlightening, witty post. Like THIS BLOG for example. (I LOVE her writing, btw).

So instead of boring you (and me) with my thoughts as of late, I've opted to share nuggets of truth from profound and helpful sources. For the past few days I've shared with you quotes and pictures that have helped me make sense of important doctrine. Concepts like timing, God's will, hope, faith, and love.

In my search for insight, I have slowly but surely begun to understand the gospel offers solutions to any concern or question. There is no problem it cannot solve. No fear it cannot trump. No hurt it cannot address. No joy it cannot relate to.

****
In advertising we often tell our clients to construct a reliable, creative business strategy that will help them achieve long term and short term goals (i.e. increase market share, increase consumer satisfaction, or increase product awareness). If companies do not reach their desired outcomes, it is often because employees or managers made a mistake in executing the strategy (assuming the strategy is sound). Either they didn't understand it, or they made small/slight changes that eventually grew into a big mistake. Misunderstandings or imposed changes aren't always the reason for undesired results, because sometimes life events happen that no company can predict. But overall, a sound strategy can lead a group of people to accomplish extraordinary things. It instructs them where to focus and how to move forward. But they must believe in the strategy, or else they won't every really live it. And if the strategy isn't implemented properly, then the consequences are discouraging.

In this sense, the gospel is like a strategy. But instead of increasing sales or market share, it was created to increase our happiness. And just as employees must correctly execute the strategy, so must we, as members of the church, believe in and accurately understand the gospel so its application can result in an increase in happiness. Sheri Dew once said the following about members' understanding of the gospel:

"One would think it would be easy to embrace and have faith in the gift of the Atonement. But I fear that some people know just enough about the gospel to feel guilty that they are not measuring up to some undefinable standard but not enough about the Atonement to feel the peace and strength it affords us. Perhaps some of us don’t know how to draw the power of the Atonement into our lives; others aren’t willing to seek its blessings. And some don’t ask because they don’t feel worthy. It is quite the irony—that the gospel of Jesus Christ, which contains the power to save every human being and to strengthen every soul, is sometimes interpreted in such a way that feelings of inadequacy result." (This Is a Test, Ensign July 2000). 

Sister Dew's description of the shallow understanding most members have of the gospel inspired me to reflect on my own perceptions. Do I actually believe that by truly understanding and living the gospel we can be happy in this life? Do I believe God wants me to have peace and joy amidst all the trials, weaknesses, and challenges I face daily? Do I really believe in God's strategy?

****
Now, when I say problems and concerns I'm referring to the very specific problems and concerns we face daily in the quiet corners of your heart. I'm talking about the anxiety you might feel when you wake up every morning and imagine your future; the sorrow weighing you down whenever you think of a loved one suffering from a chronic disease; the paralysis of analysis that causes you to stumble repetitively as you attempt to trump fears and make wise choices; the bitterness that eats aware our joy when we feel someone has wronged us; the self-condemnation that sucks away any feelings of self worth; the hopelessness of addiction; or the grief surrounding death.

What would you say is the solution to these "problems"?

A lot of people scoff when they hear, "The gospel is the answer," because it seems to be the most basic primary response in the book. Yet even though this answer stands blatantly in front of our faces, we still have thousands of members of the church struggling immensely to find purpose and hope in their lives. So many women, for example, struggle with depression and anxiety. Men feel defeated in their attempts to fulfill priesthood duties, often wondering if it even matters. Young Single Adults walk away from testimonies and experiences that once fervently lit up their eyes and glowed in their countenance. Some might resent the simplicity in saying the gospel is the answer, but too primary-ish or not, the gospel is the answer. Jeffrey R. Holland once made a great comparison explaining the levels of depth in which we pursue the gospel to solve our problems.  He said the following:

"When crises come in our lives—and they will—the philosophies of men interlaced with a few scriptures and poems just won't do. Are we really nurturing our[selves] in a way that will sustain [us] when the stresses of life appear? Or are we giving [ourselves] a kind of theological Twinkie—spiritually empty calories?" (A Teacher Come from God, Ensign May 1998).  

As you are seeking answers to questions or concerns, consider how much you are sacrificing for the solutions. How much time and energy are you investing in your cause? Reading a scripture here or a paragraph from a conference talk there with little desire to understand and apply discussed principles will offer minimal help compared to the revelation we receive when we commit to the pondering and searching and praying God requires. Granted, the Lord knows when you are giving all you can give, when you are trying your best. So find hope in the fact that "God is pleased with every effort" (Elder D. Todd Christoffersen, Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread, CES Fireside January 2011).

If you sincerely seek answers to your problems, then be genuine in your study of the gospel. Search for stories that apply to your situation. Study the insights of our ecclesiastical leaders. Ask questions. And then more questions. Challenge yourself to be consistent. If you don't understand something, seek help and reassurance, always trusting that God will often answer your prayers through others.

No matter how big or small your current concerns, the answer to solving our problems is the same: "God always has a solution," (Fear Not). And that solution--that strategy--is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. If you will make time every day to make a study of the gospel and then live the principles you learn, you will begin to feel, see, think, and hear the atonement changing you into a happier version of yourself amidst any concern, fear, weakness, limitation, or burden you are currently dealing with. 


****
I don't wonder why God asked Mary and Joseph to bring the Savior into the world. Their testimonies of His power and desire to lead his children through this life made it possible for them to endure their arduous task. Great blessings await those who trust in God, fear not, and seek to use the gospel as the way to be happy. 

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Next post: The Inconvenient Study*: How Young Single Adults can learn how to accurately understand and effectively use the gospel to solve their problems.

Next, next post: The Mosaic of Our Testimony: Why consistency matters in our study of the gospel.


*I discovered the term while reading this blog. 

Light

Candles in a Catholic Church on the way home from Caesarea, March 2011

"This past winter I had the opportunity to learn more about my lungs. I became very aware that we cannot store oxygen. We cannot save the air we need to breathe, no matter how hard we try. Moment by moment, breath by breath, our lives are granted to us and are renewed. So it is with spiritual light. It must be renewed in us on a regular basis. We must generate it day by day, thought by thought, and with daily righteous action if we are to keep the darkness of the adversary away.


"The generation of spiritual light comes from daily spiritual pedaling. It comes from praying, studying the scriptures, fasting, and serving—from living the gospel and obeying the commandments. “He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light,” ¹⁸ said the Lord, “and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” ¹⁹ My brothers and sisters, that perfect day will be when we will stand in the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ." (Robert D. Hales, Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light, Ensign July 2002). 

The briefest, yet fullest of nutshells

On the shore of the Sea of Galilee with Mount Arad in the distance.



Let us, then, labor for an inward stillness,--
An inward stillness and an inward healing;

That perfect silence where the lips and heart

Are still, and we no longer entertain

Our own imperfect thoughts and vain opinions,

But God alone speaks in us, and we wait

In singleness of heart, that we may know

His will, and in the silence of our spirits,

That we may do His will, and do that only.

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

More on Galilee coming very soon...

Sometimes other people say it best.

READ THIS. 

My friend's little sister is currently battling cancer, and the above link will take you to one of her recent blog posts. I found it particualrly inspiring, especially for those who are seeking hope and comfort during their struggles, whether they be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc. There are times when I wish I could articulate all my thoughts and feelings, but sometimes other people just say it best.

Sculptures

(Under construction)

There are a lot of things I want to say, a lot of feelings I want to express; but limited vocabulary, a blocked thought process, and fatigue reign in my desire to let loose and just...write. But I will try anyway....

Gratitude
In the past few weeks, I've made a conscious effort to walk more slowly, look more attentively, listen more quietly, and feel more deeply as I enjoy my last days as a BYU student on BYU campus. As you can guess (and something that is a common theme on this blog), my efforts have resulted in lots of personal reflection and meditation. I can't recall how many times I've hiked up the stairs SW of campus, panting incessantly as I trek toward the JFSB, McKay, or the Brimhall, but I know that I like the 10 minutes of cardio it gives me. I can't count how many times I've strolled (or speed walked) down the lane near the Maeser toward the WILK, but I know that green leaves is my favorite color. I can't remember the exact place where I laid to take my afternoon naps many semesters ago, but I know that sleeping under the sun is relaxing and effective. I can't say how many times I've walked through Brigham Square, but I do know that the Wasatch mountains reach their prime at exactly 6:08 p.m. on a summer's evening. I can't tell you how many times I've traveled to the SFH in rain, snow, or sun, but I do know that room A has the better treadmills. I can't recall how many seas of faces I've seen over the semesters, but I do know that almost nothing is more eventful than seeing a familiar smile greet me as I'm rushing to class.

To be a Student
I once had a professor tell me, quite passionately, how lucky it is to be a BYU student. I brushed his comment aside as if it were a stale joke. Tons of faculty say we're lucky to be BYU students; they must get bonuses each time they say it. But now that my time is almost up, I finally understand what he was talking about. I am lucky to be a BYU student. Not only do I have the privilege of walking around a beautiful campus, but I am also blessed to learn from professors who want me to succeed, who want me to drink in all the knowledge and experience I can so that when I enter the real world I have a firm foundation to stand on. Also, being a BYU student has given me the chance to serve in a student ward--an environment that taught (and continues to teach) me more about service than I'd ever learned before.

Change
The past three years of my life have been dynamic, to say the least. I've been stretched, pruned, plucked, refined, softened, molded, bent, broken, bruised, healed, etc. I've met incredible people who inspired me to be a better person, and I've learned how to work hard for what matters most. More importantly, my experiences in the last several years have taught me more about God' ways, and how I fit in with the eternal scheme of things. Prophets in the Book of Mormon said that one reason for recording their histories was to show their children how merciful and how loving Heavenly Father really is. When I look back at old blog posts and past journal entries, it is clear that God surely does love His children, for God has shown me more love than I can even recall (see second paragraph of this post).

Who I am today is not who I was two or three years ago. I feel like each trial and experience has tapped into my divine potential, slowly chipping away at a mold that will someday have very smooth surfaces and detailed features.

A Solitary Way

Anonymous 

There is a mystery in human hearts,
And though we be encircled by a host
Of those who love us well, and are beloved,
To every one of us, from time to time,
There comes a sense of utter loneliness.
Our dearest friend is “stranger” to our joy,
And cannot realize our bitterness.
“There is not one who really understands,
Not one to enter into all I feel,”
Such is the cry of each of us in turn.
We wander in “a solitary way,”*
No matter what or where our lot may be;
Each heart, mysterious even to itself,
Must live its inner life in solitude.
And would you know the reason why this is?
It is because the Lord desires our love.
In every heart He wishes to be first,
He therefore keeps the secret key Himself,
To open all its chambers, and to bless
With perfect sympathy and holy peace
Each solitary soul which comes to Him.
So when we feel this loneliness it is
The voice of Jesus saying, “Come to me”;
And every time we are “not understood,”
It is a call to us to come again:
For Christ alone can satisfy the soul.
And those who walk with Him from day to day
Can never have “a solitary way.”
And when beneath some heavy cross you faint
And say, “I cannot bear this load alone,”
You say the truth. Christ made it purposely
So heavy that you must return to Him.
The bitter grief, which “no one understands,”
Conveys a secret message from the King,
Entreating you to come to Him again.
The “Man of sorrows”* understands it well, “In all points tempted,”* He can feel with you;
You cannot come too often, or too near.
The Son of God is infinite in grace,
His presence satisfies the longing soul;
And those who walk with Him from day to day
Can never have “a solitary way.”