A few thoughts from the week

Mom and Dad came to visit at the beginning of the month. While they were here, Dad and I were able to have a really good conversation. It got me to thinking about what I could be doing better to help get out of this funk that I've been in. As I've been working on that a few things have stood out to me that I wanted to share.

First, I was reading a post on Normons again (I've decided that I really like that blog. It's deep and funny all at the same time. Love it!). This one was about Mothers and the Fall. The author was explaining what we believe about the Fall and she made a pretty powerful observation about part of our doctrine. She said "we believe there is purpose in suffering." I've heard countless times how there is opposition in all things/there is no joy without sorrow, but to have it put into such a relatable sentence made me stop and really think about the law of opposition.

Our sorrows and suffering aren't just there for us to have a good story to tell on the other side. We go through pain and anguish for a reason much more meaningful than that. Sometimes we have to deal with things that are far more than anyone should have to go through. But as we face these trials and heartaches, if we teach ourselves to turn to the Lord and ask for His help, we learn that maybe, just maybe, we can actually handle it. And as we learn that, the next time something comes along to throw us for a loop it takes less time for us to get back on track. Basically, we're teaching ourselves to allow the Atonement to work in our lives.

Second thing I wanted to share: I was reading in Daughters of My Kingdom for a Stake Relief Society meeting I have on Sunday. They asked us to read Chapter 8 which is about the priesthood in our lives. There was a quote in there by Elder John A. Widtsoe. He said "Men have no greater claim than women upon the blessings that issue from the Priesthood and accompany its possession." As I read that I came up with a great analogy. It's like really good bread. Only a few people know how to make it, but we can all eat its deliciousness. :)

As a parting thought: this past Sunday, the teacher asked us to write down our testimony of the Book of Mormon. I thought I'd share it with you because I don't often share my testimony and I should. So here goes nothing :)

I know that the Book of Mormon is true. Reading it brings peace and joy into my life. Living the gospel is what truly helps me to manage the tough times in my life. I made it through the past year. Even though it was ridiculously hard and I wanted to quit everything, I made it through because of my belief and trust in God. I still have my testimony and my relationship with my Savior. Both may have changed a little (or a lot), but they are still there and still strong. I'm so grateful for the Atonement. That I can turn to Christ to help heal me spiritually, mentally, and physically. There may be a lot of things that I don't know or don't understand, but here is a list of things that I do know and understand:

-I know that Christ lives.
-I know that the Atonement is far more important than I have ever imagined.
-I know that despite everything they do to make me mad or upset, I love my family.
-I know that my faith in Christ is what helps me to deal with all the trials in my life.
-I know that families are forever and I can't wait to see how many of us there are in the eternities.
-I know that trying to make it through this life alone is the hardest, most difficult, most stupid thing that you can do.
-I know that having others around you who are willing to listen and guide you through the tough times is priceless.
-I know that I love to sing, sometimes I don't hit the right notes, but after singing (especially songs of Christ) I am happy and at peace.
-I know that my parents love me so much more than I will understand at this point in my life.
-I know that my faith is strong. I would not still be active in the Church if it wasn't.
-I know that my relationship with Christ has changed, BUT I still have one with Him. I still rely on Him for many, many things.