Striving to See the Savior More

Striving to See the Savior More

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Tough Times

Tough Times

What if you learned that the Savior had already returned to this earth?

So, now a question as I conclude: What if you learned that the Savior had already returned to this earth—that He, as part of His Second Coming, had already met with some of His true followers in several marvelous, large gatherings (See Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man (1982), 575) —gatherings about which the world, including CNN and the blogosphere, knew nothing. If you found out that the Savior was already on the earth, what would you desperately want to do today, and what would you be willing and ready to do tomorrow?

I pray that this year you will have some moments of anguishing desperation that will propel you further along the path to becoming the man or woman you were born to be. Your true self is spectacular! Never settle for less. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

© 2015 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. English approval: 11/15. “Becoming the Person You Were Born to Be.”

Wendy Watson Nelson

We Can Know 3/4

26 May, 2022, 5:24am

We can know God if we will: Pray to Him (see James 1:5).

“5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”

James 1:5–6

Taken from the Gospel Principles manual by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

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How Do you Respond When….

Sept 2, 2022 10:14 PM Updated

[May 9, 2022, 7:31 AM]

So, I’ve been struggling a long while with addiction. Which I’ve come to wonder if there’s a cycle of addiction, anxiety, and depression. Throw ADD in their and wallah, chaos. Which seems to have been my life for a long time.

I wondered if I couldn’t just “faith” my way through this. Is it not true that “true doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior quicker than the study of behavior improves behavior?” (Boyd K. Packer). Well… the healthy need no physician. Whereas me.. I have been deathly ill mentally for over 2 decades. I likely need professional mental help.

It’s like caring for our teeth. If we’re not flossing and brushing daily, there will be consequences. A root canal may be needed and if this is the case, we wouldn’t attempt to work on the tooth ourselves. Personally, I would want someone who is educated and who has practiced many years in their profession.

——-STORY OF HOW TOOTH PAIN CAN’T ALWAYS BE FIXED WITH FLOSSING AND BRUSHING——–

If we seek Him we will find Him. And the Lord taught me the importance of professional help through a painful experience I had with my tooth.

My tooth was in pain and discolored. I thought I needed to brush more or floss more. I even began gargling with liquid garlic and coconut oil, thinking I could help my own tooth.

Finally, I was in so much pain, and one family member said something about my discolored tooth. She thought it may be an abscess and should get it looked at by the dentist right away because she had a similar experience.

I trusted her experience, and her witness of my situation. I went to the dentist, and he said I needed a root canal! There is no way I would have attempted to remove my own tooth. I needed the professional help of someone who works with teeth.

Like our mental health, symptomatic anger can mean theres pain we cannot heal on our own. Yes we need the Savior’s atoning blood and sacrifice, daily, but he has given us tools through professionals, so we can be agents for ourselves, and not be acted upon by our emotions.

Sometimes mental health can be a matter of flossing and brushing ones teeth. Other times, there’s a cavity, and if gone untreated can go deep into the roots and cause deep-rooted pain that requires medicine and eventual drilling out the tooth if the cavity affects the nerves.

I have learned the importance of following the prophets. Personal revelation is important, but if it contradicts revelation from prophets and apostles, check the source and pay close attention to your “gut instinct.” If something feels off, check your source. Is it fear-based or faith-based? Is it cringy or confirming? Does it edify or bring contention? When in doubt, follow the Prophet who, for our day as of today, is President Russel M. Nelson. I don’t know for myself yet, that he truly is the Lord’s prophet, but I believe it’s true. I believe its true that he does receive revelation to lead and guide Christ’s Restored Church, today, and I believe it’s the Lord who is leading and guiding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in these days.

As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has said,

How do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love? Above all,

Never lose faith in your Father in Heaven,

Never doubt that Heavenly Father loves you more than you can comprehend.

[Believe] That [His] love never changes. …

[Believe His love] is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful.

[Believe] God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.”

Never harden your heart.

Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the Spirit of the Lord into your life.

Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual well-being.

Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings.

Take the sacrament every week,

hold fast to the perfecting promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Believe in miracles

[Believe that] Hope is never lost.

[Believe that] If those miracles do not come soon or fully or seemingly at all, remember the Savior’s own anguished example:

[Believe that] if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

He then goes on to counsel what direction to take of things aren’t getting better, saying,

If things continue to be debilitating, seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values. Be honest with them about your history and your struggles. Prayerfully and responsibly consider the counsel they give and the solutions they prescribe. If you had appendicitis, God would expect you to seek a priesthood blessing and get the best medical care available. So too with emotional disorders. Our Father in Heaven expects us to use all of the marvelous gifts He has provided in this glorious dispensation.

Like a Broken Vessel

So. Here I go. After several years of understanding that I need therapy, I’m finally trying to move forward and not just faithing it alone because this is a root canal of a problem, not a matter of flossing more, brushing more, and eating less sugar.

I believe in the power of prayer, priesthood blessings, inspiration and the Holy Ghost. I believe God speaks to me, His daughter, and I can have access to His power as I am meek, submissive, become as a child, and seek to know His will for me. As I have tested the words of both ancient and modern day prophets, I have come to learn for myself the importance of keeping the commandments, repenting and seeking to do The Fathers will and not my own. It’s hard, but know that through the atoning blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can change forever. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

May 11, 2022 10:32am I may owe you, as the reader an apology if I’ve lead you astray.

Move Forward

Original post Oct. 21, 2018

Updated Feb 17, 2022

Photo by Анна Рыжкова from Pexels

It may seem easier to be complacent, but why would I want to remain complacent or “comfortable” when I am meant to progress, learn and grow?

Well, for one… it’s hard! I’m still learning how to overcome behaviors and habits that hinder my ability to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, which ultimately allows me to receive direction and inspiration in my life (D&C 121:45–46; D&C 20:37, Doctrine & Covenants; Moroni 4:3, Book of Mormon).

I’m going through the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the third time because I just want to progress; I want to move on and move forward in my life. I’ve struggled with an eating disorder for as long as I can remember. I never saw it as a problem, but from the time I was a kid. I was doing what many kids do- steal candy from our parents’ closet and binge eat on candy, sweets and treats from Halloween to Christmas and Valentines day to Easter. These rituals seemed to focus on binge eating and secrecy.

Eventually I began binge eating then extreme dieting and rigorous workout regimes during my adolescence. I was obsessed with food, diet and exercise. It haunted my thoughts constantly, and took away time I could invest with loved ones or creating or doing something worthwhile. Instead, I chose to fill my time with activities that “numb” my mind from the anxiety I felt with daily stressors.

Stress is a part of life, and stress is not unhealthy. I recently learned that stress causes the same physical response in your body as excitement; however, the only thing that changes is how I’m perceiving the stress. If I tell my brain, “I’m freaking out” then my body reacts negatively with anxiety. If I tell my brain “everything is okay” then my body reacts accordingly.

When I experience some advanced form of stress in my life, I would turn to habits to numb my mind. In 2018, when I first created this post, when even the tiniest bit of stress showed itself, I typically didn’t think twice before I went straight to spiritually destructive patterns. I had (and continue to have) a desires to change, and I believed I could through Jesus Christ. If we’re struggling with any addiction whether it’s alcohol, drugs, anger, eating, watching shows, listening to music, having unhealthy thoughts or anything that drives the spirit away; I know there’s hope to overcome these patterns, but we must always be honest with ourselves.

Here’s a link to step 1 for ARP

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-12-001-step-one-honesty?lang=eng

Fall Time in Georgia

References:

Addiction Recovery Program. https://addictionrecovery.lds.org/addiction-recovery-program-guide?lang=eng

Photo. Web accessed. https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/category/fall?lang=eng

Strive for Progress

Original post Sept 17, 2018

Photo credit by Anna Tarazevich from Pexels

I’m currently studying Marriage and Family Studies through BYU-Idaho online. I completed Pathway Connect in April 2018. I was at the crossroads again of deciding what major or career to pursue in college. This process is similar to picking a restaurant for date night. We need to eat, and we’d be happy with many different cuisines, but what will fill us up and make us happy on a typical Friday night? Usually it’s pizza. But, sometimes I want something more healthy and that makes me feel good.

There are many flavors to life and multiple careers I would be happy with, but what will be most filling and most “healthy” for my life? Sometimes I just want God to say, “This career is your best option, so pick this one.” It doesn’t work like this (D&C 58:27-28). A question asked by a loving family member helped me to form my own ideas and opinions of what would be best for me. She asked, “What area of study will benefit your family the most?” I began asking myself other questions like, “What goals do I want to accomplish?” “What career will help me progress the most and become a better person and help others?” “What career will best suit my interest, my talents, my taste and create a satisfying and fulfilling life?”

I am going to write metaphorically about health and work to connect the dots. Most days I prefer to eat in a pattern that promotes energy, health and vitality to my mind, body and soul (D&C 89:18), and I prefer to do work that does the same (D&C 88:15; Abr. 5:7). So, how did I choose to move forward with my educational path? I made a list of what I enjoy doing, what I’m good at, what skills I’ve developed, what skills I’d like to develop, and my talents (D&C 60:2). I read The Family: A Proclamation to the World (read by President Gordon B. Hinckley, 1995, General Relief Society Meeting), I pondered and studied it out in my mind of what I wanted then I prayed about it (D&C 9:7-8). My tastes are ever changing, so what I did must satisfy a higher purpose.

I want to learn about the family, and how I can create healthy family relationships. *Yawn for some and, at one point, for me too, but as I have gotten older, my season of life has changed. I no longer have the ambition to move to Paris and model like I did when I was fifteen (I’m tall and wanted to escape my town). I no longer have the desire to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist like I did when I was 25 (independence and living in comfort was my goal). As I pursued education and learned to follow promptings from the spirit, I was able to choose what would fit me best. As long as I didn’t get any “red lights,” “stop signs,” or “red flags” I continued going (see Elder Rasband’s talk, “Let the Holy Spirit Guide” APRIL 2017).

I know if I desire to be happy in my career choice, then I must choose to read my scriptures, pray, have faith, and participate in Sacrament meeting; I must choose to turn to God constantly through prayer to overcome hardships and trials for the rest of my life. Slowly but certainly, I will progress and become better and be happy through the atonement of Jesus Christ and by having the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Peru

Perfection Pending

Original Post March 18, 2018 4:17 PM

Revised updated Feb 17. 2022 10:42 AM

Photo by Darina Belonogova from Pexels

Today in Relief Society, the sisters shared stories about how many folks online create this appearance of perfection through social media which causes us to look at our lives through a tainted lens. Not all posts are this way. I have seen others that are filled with complaints, venting, and other negative outbursts. I believe we are to share and bear one another’s burdens, but continuously reading rants and raves is drains my mind.

In many posts I’ve seen, the person’s life is captured and captioned in one perfect moment for all too see. As I followed these posts, I was left feeling aggravated, agitated, anxious, low, sad, secluded, isolated and did not realize I was allowing myself to wallow in these emotions. Each time I would stare at a friend’s, or even stranger’s post with Pinterest perfect hair, clothes, home, food and life, my brain registered, “You’re not good enough because you’re life doesn’t look like this.”

I’d view friend’s postings of marriage, engagements, or new friendships developed, and I would think, “What’s wrong with me?” It was so subtle, but I didn’t realize I was developing a dangerous cycle of thinking. Friends would say, “Did you see about so-and-so’s post??” referring to a new relationship, break-up or engagement. Somewhere inside, I felt hurt that I found out about a close friends engagement through someone else. This seemed to be a regular basis for quite some time, especially going through college. Social media is so great, but I’ve learned that I must be careful with it.

I was raised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; however, I was inactive for a time. I traveled the beaten path because I was nonconformist. I didn’t believe in following the traditions of my family because it just wasn’t for me. I was never big into certain social media practices such as Facebook or Twitter, but when I came back to church nearly 3 years ago I felt very strongly to get rid of my Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. It was so hard in the beginning, but I came across the scripture that read, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” [Luke 9:62]. I had many triggers, and one of them was seeing others from my past. I didn’t realize how bad my cycle of thinking was until I got a Venmo recently and saw transactions between friends with little drinking emojis, and thought “Oh look..” I shake my head at the thought. Yes thoughts of drinking still haunt me, but I am learning my triggers and am trying to be every so careful. Social media is a trigger, so that is one area that I may have to avoid for a while.

We live in an amazing time. Elder David A Bendnar states that,

“We are blessed to live, learn, and serve in this most remarkable dispensation. An important aspect of the fullness that is available to us in this special season is a miraculous progression of innovations and inventions that have enabled and accelerated the work of salvation: from trains to telegraphs to radios to automobiles to airplanes to telephones to transistors to televisions to computers to satellite transmissions to the Internet—and to an almost endless list of technologies and tools that bless our lives. All of these advancements are part of the Lord hastening His work in the latter days” [To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood, Elder David A. Bednar,Campus Education Week at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah].

The draining emotion I felt, was coming from my actions and my thinking. I must try to focus on the positive and focus on the joy we are meant to experience in this life ( 2 Nephi 2: 25). President Russel M Nelson taught

“When comparing one’s personal performance with the supreme standard of the Lord’s expectation, the reality of imperfection can at times be depressing. My heart goes out to conscientious Saints who, because of their shortcomings, allow feelings of depression to rob them of happiness in life” [OCTOBER 1995 General conference address].

I’m trying to remember to find the joy in the journey.

“Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.” -Gordon B Hinckley