The Challenge

I don't really have any news. I just wanted to write some uplifting thoughts for when times are hard. Hopefully my words can help someone out there besides myself.

I was contemplating last night about some of the more worrisome things in my life. Even though I am in this beautiful country living with amazing people and working with great kids and teachers, I still have a job to do which at times can be stressful. People can be mean. Situations can be difficult. Life can be exhausting.

I am definitely not an expert at this topic. I have only lived for 20 years and I still have a ways to go. But, I have found that I need reminders ALL OF THE TIME to do something I know I should be doing. So here's a friendly reminder.

Let's be honest- there are some bad things in life that we can't overlook. But, it is during these times (and during good times as well) that we have the words of the Lord to comfort and lift us. There are so many things available to us like scriptures, prayer, church leaders, friends, family, conference talks, other church publications, and much, much more! Try watching a Mormon Message video and not feel all warm and fuzzy inside after! I promise it's impossible! And you can't ever just watch one- you have to go through at least 5 before you can tear yourself away.

There is a definite difference between the times where you are in the habit of reading the scriptures and praying and when you're not. These things can effect your life more than any other (non-church related) book, talk, article, or movie out there. There is no replacement for the words of the Lord! There is nothing that can bring you more comfort, more peace, more inspiration, more love, and more joy than sitting and taking in the words of the Lord.

Now I'm definitely not perfect with any of these things- I have a long way to go in fact. But, I know that it's true. If any of you are lacking answers to questions, or comfort, or peace, or inspiration, or love, or the knowledge that you are not alone- turn to the Lord.

Trials are a part of life, bad things are everywhere, but there is still hope! Read your scriptures! Say your prayers! Right now if you must!

If you aren't already, I challenge you to make scripture study and prayer a daily habit. I'm gong to challenge myself as well (because I"m not nearly as good at this as I want to be). Read the scriptures for 15 minutes a day as well as praying morning and night. Continue this for a week and see the difference! Take the challenge with me!

And when I say continue this for a week I really mean continue it forever, but take a minute to stop and evaluate your life in a week.