to think about...

I read a few general conference talks lately.  There were some thoughts in them that I wanted to document and save; More for myself than anything. ***Please know: None of these tidbits are "cries for help" or a roundabout way of asking for help for myself. Mostly they were things that really resonated with me that I wanted to remember and share.  Perhaps they are words or thoughts that you'd enjoy as well...

One talk was by Ronald A. Rasband called Special Lessons

"Put simply, this life is training for eternal exaltation, and that process means tests and trials. It has always been so, and no one is spared."


"Trusting in God’s will is central to our mortality. With faith in Him, we draw upon the power of Christ’s Atonement at those times when questions abound and answers are few."


"Thus another special lesson learned: If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help—or would it be better to just jump in and save them from the deepening waters? The offer, while well meaning and often given, “Let me know if I can help” is really no help at all."


Quoting President Monson
“God bless all who endeavor to be their brother’s keeper, who give to ameliorate suffering, who strive with all that is good within them to make a better world. Have you noticed that such individuals have a brighter smile? Their footsteps are more certain. They have an aura about them of contentment and satisfaction … for one cannot participate in helping others without experiencing a rich blessing himself.”


John 14:27 
“My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”


The second talk I read was by President Monson entitled The Race of Life 


He quotes William Wordsworth:


Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting...

Not in entire forgetfulness,

And not in utter nakedness,

But trailing clouds of glory do we come

From God, who is our home:

Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

Hebrews 12:1 

"...let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

"It is in the presence of God we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership. Such blessings are earned through a lifetime of striving, seeking, repenting, and finally succeeding."


These words of men whom I sustain as prophets and apostles give me hope and strength. They help me to know that I am not alone, that everyone has trials and heartache.  But there is a way that our trials and our hurt can be made right. I know, for me, it's not immediate or even quick. It's long and it's hard.  I hurt.  Everyday.  But everyday I hurt a little less, because of the Gospel, because of the fantastic children Heavenly Father has blessed me with.  Because of an amazing partner to endure with.  Because of Him who knows all my hurt and all my pain and worry.

So how am I doing? My standard answer is, I'm alright.  And I am. I am here.  I am learning...through grief. And we are trying to find our joy again.