I love love LOVE this quote.
I really like the perspective it gives on trials and think it is something we all need to remember.
TRIALS ARE FOR OUR BENEFIT.
They refine us. They improve us. They change us in ways only trials and tribulation could. Personally, I think they are kind of awesome, although it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
Pass this quote on!
// Sara //
I already shared this experience on Facebook, but my heart is too full right now not to share it here too.
About a month ago when I was reading my scriptures I felt inspired to write the reference “Mosiah 24:14” on a sticky note and put it on my bulletin board, but I wasn’t really sure why. Tonight I got my answer… I was in my room on my knees pleading with the Lord for help with some “afflictions” I am dealing with and after I got off my knees and looked up, that reference was the first thing I saw and it was a direct answer to my prayers and exactly what I needed to read at that moment…
I am oh so grateful for the Lord’s hand in the little details of our lives. He knows what we are going through and what we need to get through it and he will provide a way. Every. Time.
A month ago, he knew that I would need to read that scripture tonight, and so he inspired me to write it down. So I did, even though I didn’t know why. Because he had a reason for that. I am just glad I followed that inspiration and that he was kind enough to let me know why I felt I should write down that reference. It is such a tender mercy.
I don’t know what I would do without divine help and the guidance of the scriptures. They have gotten me through so much that I could have never ever gotten through on my own.
The scriptures are TRUE. The gospel is so TRUE. God is REAL. You are HIS child. Christ is REAL. He is your SAVIOR. They LIVE. They WILL LIFT your burdens if you give them the chance to help you. I can testify that this is true will all my heart <3
I hope you can recognize experiences like these in your own lives. If you are struggling, please pray! Talk to God, your Heavenly Father, and let him help you, because there is nothing he wants to do more. He may not always take away your burdens, but he will always always ALWAYS find a way to lighten your load and help you get through it. I promise.
Please don’t be afraid to leave comments about experiences you have had if you feel so inclined : ) I know for me personally, my testimony only grows stronger through hearing the thoughts and experiences of others as they put gospel principles to the test and as they strive to become more like Christ.
// Sara //
Sorry it has been so long since I have posted! I keep meaning to post… but life keeps happening and getting in the way. haha
Lately I have been thinking a lot about faith, specifically linked to trials. I found a few talks on the subject that I want to share with you.
#1 “Faith–The Force of Life” by Elder Rex D. Pinegar
The transcription can be found here: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/10/faith-the-force-of-life?lang=eng&media=video#watch=video
“Their faith in God was their ‘miraculous strength’ and ‘mighty power.” I just love that. That is something I definitely need to and hope we all can remember. When we have our own modern-day battles, we can receive miraculous strength and mighty power through our own faith in God.
#2 “The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing” by Elder Richard G. Scott Text here: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/the-sustaining-power-of-faith-in-times-of-uncertainty-and-testing
#3 “Mountains to Climb” by President Henry B. Eyring
Trasncript: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/mountains-to-climb?lang=eng&media=video#watch=video
Shorter Mormon Message here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdN8rfwW3SI
Related song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7IGXddWYiE (LOVE this one)
This is one of my favorite general conference talks. I love this part: ” When hard trials come, the faith to endure them well will be there, built as you may now notice but may have not at the time that you acted on the pure love of Christ, serving and forgiving others as the Savior would have done. You built a foundation of faith from loving as the Savior loved and serving for Him. Your faith in Him led to acts of charity that will bring you hope. It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior, you can repent and plead for forgiveness. There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and however alone and deserted you may feel.” Faith is sooo essential to enduring trials. I can testify of that. My faith has helped me get through so much in my life and has been strengthened through each and every trial I have endured. Never forget to have faith in your Savior when you are struggling. He will not forsake you.
***Just something I wanted to point out… these talks all give a similar message, but they span from 1982 to 2012. I love how this emphasizes that the gospel never changes. It will always remain the same. Having something so constant to rely on can also be a strength during trials***
// Sara //
And so it begins. Post numero one.
I just wanted to do a quick little post about why I choose the title/subtitle of this blog. (Don’t forget to check the about and information pages!)
I don’t know who that is by, but when I saw that short little poem it inspired me more than you know.
Dare to stand alone:
In todays world it is not uncommon to be the only one who holds the high standards that members of the Latter-Day Saint (LDS) church have. (Learn about these standards here.) It is so easy to just give into peer pressure. The world is constantly telling you “It’s okay that your shorts don’t go to your knees. It’s cute! Plus nobody will notice. A few inches isn’t a big deal.” or “Marriage isn’t all that important because it will probably end in divorce anyways, etc.” I know that sounds harsh, but that is what popular culture is telling everyone. According to the world, you can do whatever you want because #yolo (you only live once).
But that isn’t true. We are all held accountable to the Lord, and his standards are much higher than the world’s. Yes, it is hard to keep the standards. But it is worth it. I promise.
Never be afraid to stand up for what you know is right. As it says in Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” I dare you to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm:
We are all here on this earth for two reasons: 1/ To gain a body and 2/ To be tested and to try to become like Jesus Christ.
That is your purpose. Never forget it. You can check #1 off the list because if you are reading this, you obviously have a body. On the other hand, #2 is a continuous, life long process. You are going to have trials that you think are unbearable. I know I have. But I’ve gotten through them and have become a better person for them. We don’t struggle in vain. Every trial is given for a reason. It will help you grow and learn in ways that you couldn’t other wise. I like to look at trials as “blessons” or “lessons that bring blessings.” Just looking at trials in that light completely changes my perspective and helps me better handle what I am dealt. Stand firm in your purpose to grow and become more like the Savior. I dare you.
Dare to make it known:
Never be afraid to let others known you are a Mormon or any other type of Christian. Let them see you and want to learn more about Christ just because they know you, as this quote (one of my favorites) suggests: Don’t shine so that others will see you. Shine so that through you, others will see him.”
Share the gospel with others! You won’t regret it. I find that the more I open my mouth to let others know about the joy I find in the gospel, the happier I feel and, oftentimes, the happier they feel as well.
I remember, on my first day of high school, my chemistry teacher had us go around the room and introduce ourselves by saying our name and something interesting about ourselves. My friends asked what I wanted to say and I told them I was going to let everyone know I am LDS. They loved the idea. There were four of us and we all said: “Hi, I’m _____, and I’m a Mormon.” The reactions of everyone were pretty funny and we definitely got a lot of questions about it the rest of the year. I am so glad I wasn’t afraid to let them know who I am.
Moral of the story: proclaim, “I’m a Mormon/Christian!” Not only verbally, but through your actions. You probably have a bigger influence on people than you realize, so make the fact that you follow Christ known. I dare you.
I absolutely love this little poem and it has become a motto for me, even though I didn’t see it until recently. I hope you can appreciate it as much as I do and allow it to help you in your life. I am a Mormon and I don’t take that lightly. It is a huge part of me and of my life and I can’t wait to share that with you.
// Sara //
Dare to Be Mormon 