I have been thinking a lot today about adversity in our lives. There has been a few moments in the last couple of weeks when I have felt that Satan was working overtime in the lives of loved ones. I was so gratefuf for conference weekend and felt my cup filled; but within a week's time I need more living water. Our Sunday started off good and I felt the spirit during the meetings and my testimony lifted; but by afternoon I was feeling very thirsty again for the comfort of the spirit in my life. We had a visit that left me very sad. It's funny how one minute you can feel so good about a moment in time and then within seconds that can all change. Life is good one moment and then life can be sad the next.
I do have one statement in my blessing that is so reassuring to me that I will share. Be humble, prayerful, active and zelous in church work, be optimistic and cheerful, and I promise you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you shall find joy beyond compare. Your heart will overflow with gratitude; your spirits will be high, and your aspirations in life will be attained. What more could one ask for. I need this on my refrigerator in our home; to remind me of my side of the promise.
This morning I was riding an exercise bike which also exercises my arms. I can use one hand to do that and with the other one I can hold an Ensign magazine and read. I was reading a conference report from last November. I had been praying to have a better understanding on how to help one of my children and one of my grandchildren. As I completed one article; I felt inspired to look back in the other articles and I was so thrilled to find an answer to my prayer. I am so grateful that I was in tune to find this. It brought comfort to my soul.
Also, a talk that I recently read by Elder Snow of the Seventy in the May 09 CR called "Get On With Our Lives"; gave a few comforting thoughts. I will share a few of these.
How can we best prepare for the changes we must inevitably face as we progress through life? First, follow the prophets. Second, keep an Eternal perspective. Third, have faith; move forward with faith as spoken by President Hinckley. Then Pres. Monson has counseled us that; "faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Fourth, be of good cheer. "Be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you.( D&C 61:35). Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught how to respond to adversity: "The next time you're tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable. Laughter and a good sense of humor can soften the bumps along life's journey. I know that a key in my own life is to remain optimistic and cheerful and continue to thirst for living waters.
2 comments:
Hi LeAnn!
I know that we need adversity to grow, but, do we need it all at once?!?!?! We never stop being moms and worrying about our children and grandchildren do we? I have decided that I sometimes just need to laugh at the challenges that come into my life, and I have had a few! I have also discovered that there was a good reason that the Savior's plan was better than Satan's plan . . . choice and accountability, free agency! All of my children have had to learn some lessons the hard way, and they are better people for it today - but, it is so hard as a parent to sit by and watch them step into harm's way, knowing that they will get hurt, and that there is nothing we can do about it - but be there when they fall.
You are a wonderful mom and grandmother!! Your prayers are heard and answered. Hang in there, we love you, and you are always in my prayers!
Love you,
Barb
Because of our recent move, I wasn't able to go to conference, but Todd and I plan on catching up with it online asap. Thanks so much for visiting my page and leaving me such a lovely message. xxoo
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