My "Walk" Phase

Photo Credit: My Beautiful Daugher - Abi 

My “Walk” Phase

As I considered my “walk” for this project I was torn between several different topics.  The four topics that “I” choose were chosen because they are all areas in my life I felt I could use more guidance and learn more about.  They were areas in my life that I felt needed more ‘work’.  When it came down to choosing just one application for the “walk” I had a really hard time doing so. 

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this course and this assignment was the defining moment in gaining a stronger testimony.  I'm not quite sure if I actually put some sort of game plan together, but I did set a goal that I would at least meet with my bishop to discuss returning to the Temple.  That goal was accomplished.  It is just a matter of matching our schedules before scheduling another appointment with him to obtain a current temple recommend.  This was not one of my goals at the beginning of this project.  I still believe I have a very long way before walking back in the temple doors.  However, the healing that was needed has begun to transpire. 

I have spent many hours this semester listening to talks, reading talks, striving to understand how to continue growing my testimony.  There is no way to account for the many hours I have spent each week.  The previous two semesters of the Pathway program, I spent just as much time in the Book of Mormon course, however I did not learn nearly as much as I have in this course.  

After reading all of the wonderful talks by the Apostles and the Prophets, I have been able to find the inner peace that I needed to work towards returning to the temple.  My life has changed while reading each of these talks and quotes.  I have learned what is important in my life and what I should be striving for.  

At the beginning of the semester I was very overwhelmed and felt there was no way I would be able to accomplish the amount of writing and specifically this project.  I am thankful for this course and for the lessons that I have learned. I am thankful for this project, because it has forced me to read the beautiful messages from our Prophets, Seers and Revelators and to apply them to my life.

Lastly, I am thankful to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ for providing the path for me to be part of the Pathway Program.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

My Thoughts: Stay in the Boat by Elder Ballard

The first thing Elder Ballard tells us in his talk is to “Stay in the Boat…”

When trials come into my life, or the strong rapids of my life come at me,  I am  tempted to abandon ship.  I don’t feel worthy to pray. I feel as though Heavenly Father has deserted me.  I feel as though there is no reason to attend church because I will be better if I didn’t go and be a burden to my family and those around me.  This is abandoning the boat. 

In Elder Ballard's talk he quotes President Brigham Young who referred to the Church as the 'Old Ship Zion'.  Quoting President Young, Elder Ballard said:

"We are in the midst of the ocean.  A storm comes on, and, as sailors say, she labors very hard.  'I am not going to stay here', says one; 'I don't believe this is the 'Ship Zion'.  "But we are in the midst of the ocean.'  'I don't care, I am not going to stay here.'  Off goes the coat, and he jumps overboard.  Will he not be drowned?  Yes.  So with those who leave this Church. . . "

There have been times in my life I am tempted to leave the boat even when things were calm and life was going fairly well.  

When life is going well and our blessings are bountiful we can become distracted and too casual with our actions.  I find that I’ve had this happen from time to time.  I let a prayer slip. I let anxiety and depression take over and slack off on Church attendance.  This is leaving the boat.  

Elder Ballard tells us how to stay on the boat.  He says:  "Here is how.  We need to experience a continuing conversion by increasing our faith in Jesus Christ and our faithfulness to His gospel throughout our lives - not just once but regularly."

Basically, we need to keep doing the very basic primary things that will continue to strengthen our testimony – daily prayer, scripture study, church and (as able) temple attendance, ect.

The 2nd rule Elder Ballard councils us to do:  Always wear a life jacket!

The 3rd rule Elder Ballard councils us to do:  Hold on with BOTH HANDS!!!

"The words of the Lord are found in the scriptures and the teachings of the apostles and prophets.  They provide us counsel and direction that, when followed, will act like a spiritual life jacket and will help us know how to hold on with both hands. . . In searching the scriptures and the words of past and current apostles and prophets, we should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ."

Elder Ballard says that prayer, fasting, and avoiding distractions will help to keep us safe as well as help us to hold on with both hands.  

"In addition to developing the habit of personal scripture reading, we need to . . . give ourselves 'to much prayer, and fasting (Alma 17:3)'.   It seems that these things which are not easily measured are of great importance.  Stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted."

Elder Ballard tells us we need to keep our focus on fundamental principles and not on the appendages.  

"Satan tempts us to become distracted from the simple and clear message of the restored gospel.  Those so distracted often give up partaking of the sacrament because they have become focused, even preoccupied, with less important practices or teachings. . . The important questions focus on what matters most - Heavenly Father's plan and the Savior's Atonement.  Our search should lead us to become kind, gentle, loving, forgiving, patient, and dedicated disciples."

"Others may focus on the questions and doubts they experience.  Of course, having questions and experiencing doubts are not incongruent with dedicated discipleship. . . Members are always free to ask such questions and earnestly seek greater understanding."

Along with the analogy of the rules, Elder Ballard also makes an analogy of experienced river guides. 

The river guide has a job and that is to keep you safe, protect you from harm, and to guide and lead you through the river.  The river guide is someone who has been trained and who has had experience rafting through the rapids. 

"The experienced river guides today can be likened to the Church's apostles and prophets and inspired local priesthood and auxiliary leaders.  They help us arrive safely to our final destination"

Our Prophet, Apostles, Bishops, Stake Presidents….they will keep us safe if we follow and obey the them as our guides.  They are acutely aware of the rigid rocks and treacherous rapids in life.  They are there for each of us to help guide and steer us away from the danger if we listen and obey the directions they give us.

My Thoughts: President Uchtdorf - Grateful in Any Circumstance

President Uchtdorf
Grateful in Any Circumstance
General Conference – April 2014
Click Here for entire talk

One of the reasons I like this talk is because it helps me put my trials into an eternal perspecitive.  It is a good reminder for me that life can be hard, life is really hard right now, but I still have so much to be grateful for.  

“Sooner or later, I believe that all of us experience times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift. It can happen to anyone. No one is immune. Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful!”

Without going into many details, the last few years have been very hard.  The last several months have been even harder.  Mental illness has creeped into my life and taken on a role that I was not prepared for.  A work injury that has left me with permanent restrictions.  With no end of suffering in sight as of right now and still so many details of this trial left to play out, I have found myself really questioning why this has to happen to me…to my family.  I have spent many hours in prayer over the last few months.  More than any other time in my life and yet I still feel as though I’m going to crumble under the weight of this trial.  

I realize that many of the details of this trial are out of my control – which is even suckier.  I can’t force healing, I can’t predict what healing will look like, I can’t control not being able to go back to work and I certainly can’t create an outcome without pain in the process…..I can control my attitude. I can do all that I am asked. Even when it sucks.  

“It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.”

By cultivating an attitude of gratitude and having faith in His plan and in His timing, I can get through this awful trial and come out stronger and even happier than ever before!

I just hope things “fall into place” sooner rather than later.

…. Is that too much to ask? :)

These Things "I" Believe....Why this blog?

In the pages of this blog you will find various topics covered by apostles from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Included in this blog will be my thoughts on specific topics I have choosen, a compilliation of some of my favorite quotes and some of my favorite picture quotes I have found along the way.

It is my hope and prayer, as you read this blog you will feel the spirit testifying the truthfullness of the words these men speak.  I know that as you prayerfully read the words of our Prophet and Apostles, you to can feel the Savior's love for you.  The Savior loves each of you.