Live Your Life with Purpose ~ Part Two

 Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a BYU Devotional in February 2013, and it is called "Live Your Life with Purpose" by Sister Janie Penfield. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional. 

Sister Penfield has mentioned the following; "Determine Your Course

Once we are fixed on our purpose, we must determine our course to fulfill that purpose. We have to make a plan for how we will reach our destination. ... We must continue to press forward despite adverse conditions. We must not be deterred by challenges big and small all the while taking in the beauty and wonders mortality affords us.

The map to navigate life on earth has been provided to us through the restoration of the gospel. The standard works, modern-day prophets, and inspired leaders help us navigate through the challenges of mortality. ... The latter-day prophets fill in the challenges and specific guidance for our day, helping us keep hold of the iron rod. 

We must determine our course to ensure that our daily choices have a chance of leading us to eternal life - we will not arrive there by chance. ... We need to be on the path when we reach the gate. Having the goal of eternal life, we know where we can look for direction to stay on the narrow way and to find the strait gate.

The scriptures and the teachings of the prophets have provided us with a course for our life on earth. ... We move each hand and each foot in front of the other, progressing as we make decisions to prioritize the work of the Lord, the keeping of our covenants, and our constant efforts to emulate the Savior. 

What is on the narrow way? Temple marriage, missionary service, paying a full tithe, keeping the Sabbath day holy, fulfilling callings, being charitable and the list goes on. Staying on the strait and narrow path requires us to make consistent “best” choices. 

... We learn from Elder L. Lionel Kendrick that the guidance we need is in the scriptures. 

He said: Those revelations received by prophets are given to us in the form of scripture or by the voice of the living prophets. Thus, the scriptures become a road map, a set of divine directions to assist us on our journey through mortality and our return trip home. [“Search the Scriptures,” Ensign, May 1993, 13]

Just as Lehi and his family looked to the Liahona for direction through the wilderness to the promised land, we should let the scriptures and the teachings of the prophets serve as our map as we make our way through the wilderness of mortality.

"Awakening is the purpose that enfolds all purposes"
- Stephen Batchelor.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: 

We all search for happiness, and we all try to find our own “happily ever after.” The truth is, God knows how to get there! He has created a map for you; He knows the way. 

... The map is available to all. It gives explicit directions of what to do and where to go to everyone who is striving to come unto Christ. [“Your Happily Ever After,” Ensign, May 2010, 126–27]

All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father trust Him enough to follow His plan, keep your covenants, and keep His commandments. 

President Uchtdorf continued: Nevertheless, not all will follow the map. They may look at it. They may think it is reasonable, perhaps even true. But they do not follow the divine directions. ... [“Your Happily Ever After,” 127]

As members of the Church, we know that not all roads or trails lead to the eternal life we seek. “Happily ever after” will only be ours if we choose to follow the Savior and be His disciples. We are constantly making decisions, and if your life is like mine, most of those decisions are made while in “survival mode.” 

This is decision making in the moment, instead of planning out a course and moving forward when the time is right. This is not the best way to make decisions, for when I live in survival mode, I too often fail to accomplish the things I prioritized in my mind ... It is also while I am in survival mode that I see opportunities pass me by - ... waning family relationships, a decrease in desire to do the things to stay close to the Spirit, ... 

(How did I let that happen?) Perhaps you are like me. Perhaps you, too, let the chaos of life, your studies, your calling, your job, or your fun crowd out the opportunities the Spirit has to speak to you. Perhaps your prayers have become hurried or your scripture study is more reading than study. 

Perhaps you have reshuffled your priorities and have put staying close to the Spirit off to the side simply as a result of not prioritizing it. President Uchtdorf said, “Discipleship is the pursuit of holiness and happiness. It is the path to our best and happiest self” (“Of Regrets,” 23). 

... We have to choose it by being forgiving, charitable, grateful, and anxiously engaged in serving others. We have to make discipleship our course. How do we know what we can do to be a disciple? How do we know what we can do to fulfill our purpose on earth and build the kingdom of God? We have to ask Him through prayer. 

The scriptures have taught us that the Lord will give us answers to our prayers: “Behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart” (D&C 8:2). We will hear by the whisperings of the Spirit what we can do to be more like Christ. 

We will be quietly drawn to opportunities that will allow us to serve on His behalf. We will find ourselves using our talents to build the kingdom of God if we follow the guidance in our heart." 

In the last general conference Elder Craig C. Christensen taught: Through the gift of the Holy Ghost, we receive added capacity and spiritual gifts, increased revelation and protection, steady guidance and direction, and the promised blessings of sanctification and exaltation in the celestial kingdom. 

All of these blessings are given as a result of our personal desire to receive them and come as we align our lives with the will of God and seek His constant direction. [“An Unspeakable Gift from God,” Ensign, November 2012, 14] ... We know how to get the direction of the Spirit. Now we have to do it.' 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Happy Birthday 16th Sam

 Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately two minutes to read. 

Jacob and I would like to wish my brother Samuel/Sam to a Happy Birthday, and we hope that he will have a great day. Time surely has flew by, and I can not believe that Sam is turning sixteen years old today, and today marks two years in a row of missing his Birthday. 

I can not believe that Sam was taller than me by the time when he was either twelve years old or thirteen years old, and I felt so short by standing next to him. By now, Sam would be taller than Jacob for almost or over a year. I must say Sam is quite tall for his age. 

Anyways, I still remember holding Sam when he was a baby, I remembered having portraits taken together of my siblings and myself together when Sam was a baby. Where did the time go? It is hard to believe that Sam would be graduating High School next year, and he would be eighteen years old in two years from now. 

Stay Tuned until next time. 

Live Your Life with Purpose ~ Part One

 Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

How can you live your life with a purpose? This post focuses on a BYU Devotional in February 2013, and it is called "Live Your Life with Purpose" by Sister Janie Penfield. This post is part one. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional. 

Sister Penfield has mentioned the following; "... Through my many adventures I have learned that each one must be planned with clear purposes or objectives to summit a peak, to complete a course, or to enjoy the views. I have found that planning with purpose is the best way to ensure that each adventure is successful.

For example, I love to Nordic ski. As with all skiing, there is a trail map that allows you to chart a successful course through the woods and terrain. ... Each ski trek begins with the question Where to? followed by Which route? 

Each trail takes us to a different spot with different options for adventure and scenery a steep climb, a flat meadow, or an incredible view. Before we begin to ski we must determine the purpose of our trek so we know which trails to take. Then we must ski on course or we will not reach our destination.

"Great minds have purposes, 
others have wishes."
- Washington Irving.

Determine Your Purpose

We are here on earth in a type of adventure. We left our Heavenly Father to obtain bodies, to be tested, to make covenants, to gain knowledge and experience, and to hopefully return to live with Him. 

But we do not always remember these purposes. Many who do not have the gospel have forgotten these purposes because of the veil. We often get weighed down by the daily monotony of school, church, family, and work and forget about our aspirations - aspirations that our Heavenly Father wants us to have. ...

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all. [“Good, Better, Best,” Ensign, November 2007, 104–5]

... There are many good things that we can do, but we must stay true to our purpose and live the life of a disciple. We can get married or, better/best, we can get married in the temple. ... Individually we may become discouraged because of the distance between us and the mortal life we’ve aspired to. 

We may not be married, have children, or have the degree or success that we thought would give us the life we’d planned. Fame, fortune, fashion, and fun will play a part in our eventual destination. ... Our collection of choices will determine our final destination.

President Thomas S. Monson said: Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is [our] goal. Such a goal is not achieved in one glorious attempt but rather is the result of a lifetime of righteousness, an accumulation of wise choices, even a constancy of purpose. [“Decisions Determine Destiny,” BYU devotional address, 6 November 2005]

So what can we do to ensure that we build a lifetime of righteousness and accumulate wise choices? We can live our life with purpose - the purpose to gain eternal life and be counted as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Keeping our destination or the purpose of our life in mind influences our decisions. ... Knowing that we will not go toward so many other destinations provides us with significant direction. 

We can make our judgments and decisions based on the decided purpose of our life. ... Committing to achieve the greatest possible outcome from mortality frees us from much of the push and pull of the world. ... Becoming a disciple also includes being baptized, making and keeping temple covenants, and building the kingdom of God.

It can sometimes be difficult to remember our predetermined course. The scriptures and the prophets counsel us to remember the things of the Spirit - our Savior and the Atonement, our covenants, and the commandments. Remembering helps us keep proper perspective and focus on our purpose. We must choose to remember. We must remember what we want and why we want it. 

... If we live worthy of the Holy Ghost we will remember our purpose. The Savior taught, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance” (John 14:26)." 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Seek Learning ~ I Miss You

Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish. 

I know that in the past eighteen months, I have not expressed too much towards my immediate family members, my extended relatives, my former managers and former employees that I used to work with from past employment, and my friends that I have missed them. I know that I definitely do miss my immediate family members, my extended relatives, my former managers from past employment, and my friends so much. 

I have always appreciated all of the memories for spending some time with my immediate family members in the past, and I have always appreciated all of the memories for spending some time with my extended relatives in the past. 

I have always appreciated all of the memories for working along with my former managers and former employees that I used to work with from past employment, and I have always appreciated all of the memories for spending some time with my friends in the past. I have always appreciated appreciated of various times in my life of meeting those people throughout my life. 

"Miss you"

I missed my immediate family members because I missed going out with my family for dinners, spend some time together that was not involved of staying at home all day, and so forth. I missed my extended relatives because I miss seeing them and spending some time with them whenever I can whilst living in Australia. 

I missed my former managers and and employees that I used to work with from past employment because it was always fun to always catch up with them during my shifts while working and sometimes it actually made time to go fast even when I was not thinking too much of what time it was. 

I missed going to Young Single Adults events such as devotionals, dances, activities, and so forth because it was great excuse for me to go to and catch up with some of my friends that I have not seen in awhile while I was in YSA. If you are a relative or a friend of mine, please know that I do miss you. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Seek Learning for Appreciation goes towards our Parents or our Guardians

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

Have you ever thanked your parents or your guardians {that includes step-parents, and so forth} for their efforts and for everything that they show unto you and have done for you? I know that each of us got so used to relying onto them for everything that was necessary for us as growing up.

Have you ever acknowledged of some or all of the things that our parents or our guardians has done for you?

- I know that all of us were too young for us to remember the first time when they have taught us how to smile, first time when they taught us how to laugh, when they taught us how to walk for the first time, when they taught us how to talk, and so forth. 

- They have always done their best to always be with us whenever we needed them to be, they taught us patience, they taught us loving one another, they taught us how to cook meals, they did their best to help us to get through some or all of the difficulties that we ever faced, they celebrated our achievements, they celebrated each milestone that we took, they helped us to make us feel proud of every accomplishment that we have made, they supervised and taught us how to drive a car when we are willing to learn how to drive, and so forth.

They have done their best to fulfill most important responsibilities for us to make sure that we always have access to fresh clean clothes for us to wear throughout the daytime and evening - so we won't ever have to be wearing dirty clothes, they made sure that there was food access for us to eat throughout the daytime and evening - so we won't ever feel hungry, they made sure that we have somewhere to live, and so forth. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Seek Learning ~ I Care

  Good Morning or Good Morning or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish. 

What is your definiton and understanding of the word "Care" ? 

I would like to encourage you to think about, and answer the following questions either now or in your own time. 
"What are several ways do you show your immediate relatives (including your spouse if you are married) that you do care about them? "What are several ways do you show to your extended relatives that you do care about them?"

"In what ways do you show to your true friends that you do care about them?"
"In what ways do you show to your employees that you do care about them?"
"In what ways do you show to your managers that you do care about them?"

"When was the last time did you express to someone that you do care about them?" "Was it today?"
"Was it yesterday?" "Was it a month ago?" "Was it a few months ago?" "Was it a year ago?" 

I must admit, I may not always show to others often of how much I care because I know deep inside that I do care and I always do care a lot. I care about Jacob because he has done so much, and I'm truly blessed to have him by my side. I care about the gospel because the gospel has blessed my life in many ways. I care about my immediate relatives because they mean a lot to me.

I care about my extended relatives but I may not show it often. I care about the former employees and managers whom I used to work with because they always know great ways to cheer me up and get me motivated to keep going whenever I was feeling tired or sad during my shifts. I know that they seem to be great people to work with. 

I CARE. I will always care.

I care about my true friends because they always do their best to be there for me whenever I needed someone to talk to someone. I would like you to know that I care and I will always care. I encourage you to tell to your immediate relatives, your extended relatives, your friends, and other people that you do care about them. 

You can tell them that you care about them by emailing them, you can tell them that you care about them by writing them a letter, you can tell them that you care about them by calling them, you can tell them that you care about them by texting them, and so forth.

Happy Australia Day

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

 

I know that several people has judged me in the past, and present time because they have thought that I have came to United States to get a United States citizenship. Well it is not true, I have came to United States to continue living my life and be married to Jacob. There is a process to become a United States citizen. I want to keep my Australian citizenship for the rest of my life.

There is multiple advantages for keeping my Australian citizenship but I would be just willing to share two advantages. One of the advantages for me keeping my Australian citizenship is I was able to submit paperwork, submit printed copy of my marriage license, printed copy of my birth certificate, etc to apply for a legal name change to Australia. 

In other words after applying for a legal name change, Australian government (Births, Marriages, Deaths place) has to approve the application or reject the application. They have approved it, they have sent me the new legal name change certificate and post it to me via mail. Now, Australian government can recognize me as Megan Lindsey instead of Megan Green. 

Between now to my first visit back to Australia, I can continue using my passport as Megan Green until it expires to change the name to Megan Lindsey or whenever I decide to apply for updated information of my passport to change the name sooner and have it as Megan Lindsey.

The other advantage is when I have been done with having children and prior them turning eighteen years old; I can apply online for getting them Australian citizenships. It would be such a advantage because if my children ever wants to live in Australia at one point, they can without having to face law consequences of overstaying their visits. 

Happy Australia Day!

I have been living in Texas United States for the last eighteen months as a United States resident; and during the whole time while I have been living over here, I am still Australian citizen. I have been proud of being a Australian citizen in the past, I am still proud of being Australian citizen at this present time, and I will still be proud of being Australian citizen in the future. 

I remembered celebrating Australia Days' with my family in the past. Whenever my family celebrated Australia's Day at home, I always remembered having BBQ for lunch, my family and I would always have some leftovers from lunch to eat for dinner on that night. My Dad would always cook food on the BBQ on Australia's Day when we celebrate Australia's Day at home. 

He would always cook lamb, onions, fried eggs, mushrooms with cheese on top, beef patties, and so forth. I have remembered going out to places where the church has organized ward activities to get together with church members and non-members were invited to celebrate Australia's Day together. 

I remembered about five years ago for Australia's Day, I went to a ward activity on Australia's Day. I had so much fun. It was good interactions with other church members. I had BBQ for lunch. I have remembered four years ago for Australia Day, I was out with the Young Single Adults and we celebrated Australia Day. We watched a fireworks display in Brisbane city/Southbank, some of us have chosen to go swimming, and some of us just played games with other YSAs. 

I have been grateful for my parents for raising me up in Australia, and I have been grateful for living in Australia for twenty-three years of my life. I have been grateful for all of the past education that I had whilst living in Australia including graduating high school, and I have been grateful for all of the past employment that I had whilst living in Australia. I definitely do miss living in Australia a lot, and I miss living less than several hours drive from the nearest beach. 

I remembered some time not long prior to when I have left Australia to fly to Dallas one way, I had the opportunity to sing the Australian Anthem for the last time before it has made several changes. I definitely cried because reality hits me to know that I don't know when is the next opportunity is going to be for me singing Australian Anthem again. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Some of My Favourite Memories Prior to Marriage

 Good Morning or Good Morning or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish. 

Have you ever thought about when you had your favourite memories with your partner (whether it is your girlfriend/boyfriend, or fiancé/fiancéé, etc)? 

Well I have reflected on my favourite memories that I had with Jacob in the past, and this post focuses to share some favourite memories that I had with Jacob.

Boyfriend and Girlfriend Stage; 

~ Jacob and I both really enjoyed skiing for the first time. I learned so much, I have been forever grateful for Jacob's patience for teaching me how to ski when him and I went skiing together for our first date. 

~ On our sixth date (within forty-eight hours after meeting each other in person); Jacob decided to surprise me very well by taking us to The Roof Restaurant (the restaurant that has a fantastic view of Salt Lake City Utah Temple) after attending a sealing session together at Salt Lake City Latter-Day Saint Temple. 

I enjoyed the surprise, it was a buffet for my twenty-second birthday dinner and dessert. I felt loved, I was happy, and it was very special date. I still remembered sometime after we finished our desserts, Jacob had another surprise for me. He surprised me by giving me roses.

~ Jacob and I always counted the days together to look forward to seeing and reuniting with each other again after being long distance. We both took turns of picking each other up from the airports. (this also applies to fiancé and fiancéé stage).

~ Jacob and I went bowling together, we had so much fun with bowling and we felt so much joy whenever we gotten a STRIKE. ~ I still remembered a wonderful evening when Jacob purposed to me - it happened exactly ten months mark of being boyfriend and girlfriend. 

"A moment lasts for seconds but the memories lasts forever."

Fiancé and Fiancéé Stage;

~ Jacob and I had heaps of fun when we gotten our engagement photos taken - it happened on my twenty-third birthday. ~ Jacob and I went to two theme parks at Gold Coast, Australia together - we went to Wet N Wild and Movie World. We had so much fun. 

~ Jacob and I held a simple engagement party - we have appreciated for those friends and relatives who showed up and joined with us for our engagement party celebrations in Australia and we also have appreciated for those who helped us setting up and made our engagement party cakes for everyone to enjoy. 

Stay Tuned until next time. 

How Did We Gotten Through Our Long Distance Relationship and Engagement?

 Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish. 

First and foremost; today marks three years ago when Jacob and I have started dating as boyfriend and girlfriend. We have been together for three whole years, we have achieved so much over the past three years. Where did three years go? Jacob was twenty-two years old, and I was twenty-one years old at the time.

Have you ever thought about how did Jacob and myself gotten through our long distance relationship? 

Have you ever thought about how did Jacob and myself gotten through our long distance engagement?

Over almost the past two years; I constantly kept reflecting time to time about how Jacob and myself gotten through our long distance relationship and our long distance engagement. Although I know that this post would be very similar to the post that I have shared in June last year. 

“I found that I missed him the more he was absent from my life,
and the more I missed him, the more I loved him.”
 – Donna Lynn Hope.

~ We contacted each other a lot - I really do mean constantly, we always talked to each other every morning when we wake up, and every night before we went to sleep. 

~ We had constant and persistent couple prayers - we were able to take turns, and sometimes we accidentally forget who's turn it was.

~ We had couple scripture study together most times - Jacob always helped me to understand some verses that I did not fully understood prior to our scripture study, and I was truly grateful for Jacob's help because I was able to learn so much. 

~ We constantly kept ourselves busy with our lives such as we were able to spend some time with our immediate relatives, and we were employed and we worked a lot of hours (well, Jacob is still employed). ~ We always have complimented each other which always made us feel loved, and good about ourselves. 

~ We mostly agreed about a lot of things which was always great to be on the same page mostly. ~ We went well of showing each other Christlike attributes to one another such as; we showed patience with each other, we always have shared compassion with one another while we were listening to everything that we both have said, we cared about each other, we supported each other, and so forth. 

~ We really gotten to know each other very good by asking each other and answering a lot of questions by using a book as a guide to help us to know what to ask each other and that book is called "350 Questions LDS Couples Should Ask Before Marriage" - Shannon L. Alder. The book has covers the following topics; - Spiritual - Family 

- Finance - Expectations - Your Relationship - Past History and Trust - Character and Self-Worth - Love, Intimacy, and Communication - Social Media and Technology. 

We would strongly recommend that book for any relationship couples, any engaged couples, and any married couples to make a purchase of that book and start asking each other of the questions from the book. I know 

that it would be very good to get to know their partners. 

~ We did not ever give up on each other - even during difficult times, we constantly done our best to always be there for one another. I know at times, that there has been tough times of not being with each other in person but we always knew that we can always contact each other at anytime whether it was late at night or early in the daytime. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

Our Dating Decision and Our First Date

 Good Morning, or Good Afternoon, or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on answering the following two questions; "How did you and Jacob made the decision to date each other?" "What did you do on your first ever date with Jacob in person?" and "Who got to choose the first date?" 

Our Dating Decision;

Sometime before Jacob and I started dating each other; I knew that it would be a great idea for me to fast and pray about whether if I should pursue myself into a relationship with Jacob or not. When I did that, I remembered that I have felt a strong prompting with the answer that I got. I remembered during a skype call, I have asked Jacob if he would fast and pray about whether if he should pursue himself into a relationship with me or not. 

He mentioned that he would do that. While I was waiting for Jacob to receive his answer, I did not tell Jacob about my answer until he gotten his answer. One day; it was a great day, and we both shared with each other of our answers. We both felt confident that we were making the right decision to pursue to date each other. After being friends for eight weeks, we pursued to the next step which was to be in a relationship. 

Although, we thought it would be great idea if we can meet each other while I was in Utah in February 2018, and we should pray about it in person if we should continue pursuing our relationship or not. We knew that IF we did not like each other in person, we would not have continued dating, and we would have moved on with our lives. 

Jacob has booked his flight from Dallas, Texas to Salt Lake City, Utah. I remembered when he told me that he has booked his flights, and we both were so excited. We were counting the days together when we finally get to meet each other in person. We thought it was best to not tell any of our friends and relatives that we were dating each other before we met each other in person. We kept our relationship as a secret between ourselves. 

I remembered that Jacob has shared with me his conversation that he had with his mother sometime prior to flying to Utah. The conversation went something like this; 

Jacob: I am planning to go to Utah. My mother-in-law: What for? Jacob: To meet a girl. 

My mother-in-law: I hope she is worth it. Jacob: That's why I am going there to find out. 

Fast forward to the same evening that Jacob has flew into Utah, we both went to Provo City Temple. We attended a sealing session. Some church members thought that we were a married couple, and they seemed surprised after Jacob or I have mentioned to them that we are boyfriend and girlfriend. We eventually went to the Celestial Room in the Temple. I prayed about if Jacob and I was meant to be for each other. You probably were thinking why would I do that? 

Well I have changed from what I originally going to pray to pray about something else. After I have finished saying my prayers; I have decided to opened the scriptures, and I have opened to a scripture verse that mentioned about "The Holy Spirit of Promise." I felt so happy, I felt joy as well, and I had happy tears. 

It felt like Heavenly Father has approved us for being in a relationship and that Jacob and I are meant to be for each other. We decided from that evening that we should continue our relationship, we announce it on Facebook that we were in a relationship. I remembered that a lot of friends "LIKED," reacted and congratulated us for being in a relationship.

Our First Date (in person)

I remembered when Jacob and I discussed on Skype one day of what we would like to do for our very first date in person. I kept thinking about some ideas. I knew that I did not want to go out to watch one of the latest movies in the cinemas, I also knew that I did not want to go bowling, and I also knew that I did not want to go ice skating. 

A question that came to my mind; "What could possibly be so much fun and memorable first date with Jacob in person?" I knew that I wanted to do something different, and something new to me. I eventually did some research online. I somehow saw skiing as a great idea for a date. I went onto a ski resort website (Snowbird, in Utah). I checked the prices online. 

I was so surprised to see that Snowbird Ski Resort has a special happening; and that was $100 US dollars ($130 Australian dollars ish) per adult. It included the ski rentals, and using the lifts. It did not including lockers hire. I think it was Jacob who booked the passes, I could not remember too much about that part. I knew that we both were very excited and looking forward to our very first date. 

Fast forward to February 9th, 2018 - After Jacob and I have met each other in person at the Salt Lake City Airport in Utah. We were so excited to look forward to our first date. We went to Snowbird Ski Resort. I made sure that I packed some spare clothes in my bag so Jacob and I was able to Provo City Temple after our first date. 

Back to the story of our first date. Jacob gotten a car rental, we felt so much joy at the airport as waiting in line for Jacob to eventually sign the paperwork for the car rental. During our trip from the airport to the Snowbird Ski Resort; we were holding each other's hands, and we felt so happy to be finally being together in person.

We both talked a lot. We eventually arrived at Snowbird Ski Resort. I went to the restroom to get changed into warmer clothes that was appropriate to going skiing. Jacob and I had a quick lunch together. I could not remember too much about what we ate. 

We were both ready for skiing, and we went skiing together, we made a small snowman together, and we had so much fun. Jacob had so much patience with me and teaching me how to ski. 

I did not went skiing before, and it was so cold. I stumbled and I kept falling from skiing for the first hour into skiing. I eventually did very well of skiing. I am definitely looking forward to go skiing again sometime. 

Stay Tuned until next time.

How Did We Meet?

 Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

For the past six months; I have recognized that I seemed to have some friends who has not asked before but started to ask me about what is my story with Jacob. They has asked me some of the following questions;

How did Jacob and I first met? What did we do on our ever first date (or our first full day together)? 

How did we knew that we were both making the right decision to decide to date each other? 

What helped us through our long distance relationship? What has helped us through our long distance engagement? How did we knew that we were both making the right decision to decide to marry each other? 

Well this post focuses on how did Jacob and I meet. You can choose to skip reading the long version of the story and read the short version of the story. Here is the long version of the story. 

On November 19th, 2017; it was a Sunday afternoon when I thought about a great idea, I know that I always wanted to go to Utah one day, and I decided that I wanted to make the trip to Utah in early February the following year. I have started some research to look into flights to fly to Utah, United States from Brisbane, Australia online on multiple websites.

I kept seeing the flights was so expensive, and I thought the airfare flights was going to be way cheaper than what I have seen. I thought maybe I would need to say a prayer. I have said a prayer before I went to sleep overnight and I mentioned about asking Heavenly Father's help with finding cheaper flights when I wake up in the morning. 

On November 20th, 2017; it was a Monday morning and I somehow randomly woken up either about 3am or 4am or sometime that was just earlier time than I normally wake up on Monday mornings. I was feeling so tired but I motivated myself to be awake to search again for flights. I was so grateful that I had Heavenly Father's help. 

I somehow found the cheaper flights than what I have seen on Sunday. I was satisfied with the price so I went ahead to book a flight from Brisbane, Australia to Utah, United States roundtrip for about $900 ish Australian dollars ($600 ish US dollars).  I knew that I felt happiness, I knew that I have made the right decision, and I was feeling very excited. 

Sometime between November 19th, 2017 to November 25th, 2017; I remembered having a active account with Mutual app (dating app) for over a year, I remembered having a active account on LDS Match-Up website for over a year, and I remembered having a active account on LDS Singles website for over a year. I was on Mutual app, LDS Match-Up website, and on LDS Singles because I wanted to meet new guy friends online.

I really wanted to see how things would go from there, whether it would go from strangers to friendships, following by from friendships that turns into relationships, following by from relationship into engagement, and following by from engagement to marriage. I knew that I was ready for having a relationship if things goes well and smoothly although I have tried my best to not have some high hopes, and not to have some high expectations.

On Mutual app; I was constantly on that app everyday. I was able to set my setting that I was looking forward to any matches that I would get that was over 500 miles away from where I lived. I was thinking maybe I would have more chance of getting matches from overseas more than I had less than 300 miles from home. 

On LDS Match-Up website; I was on that website for about four times to five times a week. I remembered that I have made several guy friends which I no longer friends with them. They started to get no interest of talking to me no more. Although I know that I had great opportunities to get to know a lot of guys while being on that website. 

On LDS Singles website; I was active on that website several times a week, and sometimes I would be active on that website once or twice a week. I had my location that I was living in Utah because I was hoping that I would be able to match several guys and I was able hoping to meet several guys during my visit to Utah. 

Overall; it seemed to be making no progress, no friendships that was turned into a relationship, I thought maybe I should give up but when I thought to login onto LDS Singles website, I thought to send a smile/like to a profile. 

I could not believe it that I gotten a smile/like back sometime within the next several days after I have booked my flight to go to Utah. 

Fast forward to November 25th, 2017; I thought to go on Facebook, and I thought to search up the profile of a guy that just smiled/liked back on LDS Singles website. The first profile suggestion came up and it looked like the photos from the website. I was surprised. So I thought to message that guy. His name is Jacob Lindsey. I have sent the very first message on Facebook Messenger. 

Due to time zone differences; I was not expecting that Jacob would ever reply back to my message, and I seemed very grateful that he did replied back to my message. We both continued to message back and forth, we were getting to know the time zone differences. We also messaged each other in between of our work schedules, and so forth. 

We eventually worked out what was the best timing to message each other at the same convenient time enough time for us to be able to chat back and forth sometime in mid December, 2017. It felt so much better because I am sure that neither of us wanted to continue waiting over five hours for one of us to reply to each other's messages. 

I still remembered on Christmas Night when I was staying at my sister Emma's house, I stayed up extremely late. I was messaging back and forth with Jacob. I seemed to be starting to feel really happy. I felt that I really appreciate of the friendship going. Eventually; I remembered feeling so excited to tell Jacob that I was going to Utah sometime in February, 2018. We both discussed that we should make plans to see each other. Jacob would not mind fly out from Dallas to fly to Salt Lake City Utah to meet me in person during my vacation in Utah. 

Fast forward to January 18th, 2018; I thought that maybe I could meet Jacob via Skype. I went ahead and asked Jacob if he would give me some help with my BYU-Idaho Pathways program via skype sometime that day (my daytime, and it would be his evening time). He said "Yes." We both exchanged our Skype names to each other and we started Skyping (video call) to each other. I still remembered towards end of the ever first Skype call that Jacob has requested if we can Skype each other again the next day. I have said "Yes we can."

Fast forward to sometime the following week; Jacob and I have skyped each other everyday (my daytime, his nighttime). He has mentioned to me "I really really really like you a lot." I have mentioned to him that I have felt the same way, "I really really really like you a lot too." We both discussed and agreed that ever since the third skype call that we did, that we have started dating as boyfriend and girlfriend. 

Short Version of the Story; 

Just days prior to November 25th, 2017; Jacob and I have met each other on LDS singles website. Fast forward to November 25th, 2017; I searched up Jacob’s profile on Facebook and the photos has matched his LDS singles website. I have sent him the very first message, and he replied. We kept messaging back and forth ever since then.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mutual App - https://www.mutual.app/

LDS Match-Up Website 

LDS Singles Website - https://www.ldssingles.com/en-us

Stay Tuned until next time.

How Do I TRUST in God/Heavenly Father?

 Good Morning, Good Afternoon or Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

Have you ever wondered how I TRUST in God/Heavenly Father in the past and now? 

I think it should not matter how much TRUST that we have in God/Heavenly Father in our lives but we should always try to remember that we all get to wake up to brand new day each day, and if we made it through the daytime, we would be able to sleep overnight. 

This post focuses on how do I trust in God/Heavenly Father in the past and now? I would like to share several ways of how I TRUST in God/Heavenly Father. 

~ I used to be able to participate sacred ordinances in the Temple often; it has helped me to remind myself the sacred covenants that I have made when I have received my endowments in February 2017. 

~ I always feel grateful to have the opportunities to partake the sacrament on Sundays; it has helped me to reflect on my baptismal covenants, I always do my best to remember Jesus Christ and keep the commandments during the week, and I always do my best to remind myself for the promised blessings as I do remember Jesus Christ, and keep the commandments during the week. 

~ I kept a habit of daily personal prayers for ages now (I am not too sure how long to be exact); I always have been enjoying to express to God/Heavenly Father for what I have been going through, I know that he always listening to my prayers even when at times when I do not receive answers straight away. It does teaches me patience to wait for the answers to come. 

TRUST

~ I kept a habit of daily personal scripture study. I have been on and off with daily personal scripture study in the past.

I really want to keep a habit with daily personal scripture study, because it has helped me to know that at times when I do not get answers to my prayers, I get answers through reading my scriptures and doing scripture study to reflect on what I have learned while reading my scriptures. 

                                                                                                ~ Jacob and I have listened some past General Conference talks most days during the weeks, and it has been a habit since July 2020 or August 2020; I always look forward to watching and listening to General Conference sessions every six months. Most times; I have felt the Holy Ghost impressions while I have been listening to the past General Conference talks, and I know that I would do my very best to not ever deny those impressions. 

General Conference talks really speaks me, motivates me to feel inspired to become a better individual, and when I do not get answers from my personal prayers, just by listening to speakers from past General Conference talks has answered my prayers. 

~ I have reminded myself time to time based on the lessons that I have learned throughout youth years to know that I am a daughter of our God/Heavenly Father; I am grateful to that the knowledge that God/Heavenly Father loves us, he cares about us, he is always mindful of us, he has not ever let me down, he has always have the Holy Ghost to keep me to stay focus and make righteous choices. I know that whenever I make a righteous choice, I feel happy. 

In what ways did you trusted in God/Heavenly Father in the past?

Stay Tuned until next time.

Consistent and Resilient Trust

 Good Morning, Good Afternoon or Good Evening,

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on October 2019 General Conference talk, and it is called "Consistent and Resilient Trust" by Elder L. Todd Budge. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was listening to the talk. 

Elder Budge has mentioned the following; "... We too had had those times in our lives when God spoke peace to our souls and caused us to have hope in Christ even when life was hard and uncertain. Lehi teaches that if Adam and Eve had not fallen, “ … “But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. 

“Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”

In a paradoxical way, afflictions and sorrow prepare us to experience joy if we will trust in the Lord and His plan for us. This truth is beautifully expressed by a 13th-century poet: “Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. ... Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.”

President Russell M. Nelson taught, “The joy the Savior offers [us] … is constant, assuring us that our ‘afflictions shall be but a small moment’ [Doctrine and Covenants 121:7] and be consecrated to our gain.” Our trials and afflictions can make space for greater joy. 

The good news of the gospel is not the promise of a life free of sorrow and tribulation but a life full of purpose and meaning a life where our sorrows and afflictions can be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.” ... His gospel is a message of hope. Sorrow coupled with hope in Jesus Christ holds the promise of enduring joy.

... Have you ever poured out your soul to God in such a way? When striving to live as the Lord commands and righteous expectations are not met, have you ever wondered if you must go through this life in darkness? The brother of Jared then expressed an even greater concern about their ability to survive in the barges. 

... Have the difficulties of life ever made it hard for you to breathe and caused you to wonder how you can make it through the day, let alone make it back to your heavenly home? After the Lord worked with the brother of Jared to resolve each of his concerns, He then explained, “Ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare [a way for] you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come.”

The Lord made it clear that ultimately the Jaredites could not make it to the promised land without Him. They were not in control, and the only way they could make it across the great deep was to put their trust in Him. These experiences and tutoring from the Lord seemed to deepen the brother of Jared’s faith and strengthen his trust in the Lord.

"Trusting in the Lord includes trusting in His timing and requires 
patience and endurance that outlast the storms of life."
- L Todd Budge.

Notice how his prayers changed from questions and concerns to expressions of faith and trust: “I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; … “Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.”

... To commend means to entrust or to surrender. The Jaredites did not get into the barges because they knew exactly how things would work on their journey. They got aboard because they had learned to trust in the Lord’s power, goodness, and mercy, and they were therefore willing to surrender themselves and any doubts or fears they may have had to the Lord. ... Trusting God may not always feel safe at first, but joy follows.

Merry Go Round

The journey was not easy for the Jaredites. ... Yet it is recorded that “the wind did never cease to blow [them] towards the promised land.” As difficult as it is to understand, especially at the times in our lives when the headwinds are strong and the seas are turbulent, we can take comfort in knowing that God in His infinite goodness is always blowing us toward home.

... We live in a world where the monster waves of death, physical and mental illness, and trials and afflictions of every kind break upon us. Yet, through faith in Jesus Christ and choosing to trust in Him, we too can have light continually, whether above the water or under the water. We can have the assurance that God never does cease to blow us toward our heavenly home.

... They felt joy and thanksgiving even in the midst of their afflictions. They had not yet arrived in the promised land, yet they were rejoicing in the promised blessing because of their consistent and resilient trust in Him. The Jaredites were driven forth upon the water 344 days. Can you imagine that? Trusting in the Lord includes trusting in His timing and requires patience and endurance that outlast the storms of life.

Ultimately, the Jaredites “did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.” 

If we are faithful in keeping our covenants, we too will one day arrive safely home and will bow before the Lord and shed tears of joy for the multitude of His tender mercies in our lives, including the sorrows that made space for more joy. 

I testify that as we commend ourselves unto the Lord and consistently and resiliently trust in Jesus Christ and His divine purposes in our lives, He will visit us with assurances, speak peace to our souls, and cause us to “hope for our deliverance in him.” I witness that Jesus is the Christ. He is the source of all joy. His grace is sufficient, and He is mighty to save. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. He will not let us perish. ..."

If you would like to read the whole talk either now or in your own time; here is the link below.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/27budge

Trusting God When Things Go Wrong ~ Part Three

 Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on BYU Devotional in September 1997, and it is called "Trusting God When Things Go Wrong" by Brother Todd A. Britsch. This post is part three. I hope that you would be able to learn something new as you read throughout this post.

Brother Britsch has mentioned the following; "The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; ..." [D&C 121:45–46] It is a trust and confidence gained through the ever-present companionship of the Spirit. This spiritual blessing is with us today. ... The message
was relayed to the daughter, who called her father later that week to tell him not to worry. 

She had received a priesthood blessing and was visiting with her Church leaders. Some time later she told her father that she had been contemplating terminating her activity in the Church. She had become so disillusioned by disappointments and seemingly unfulfilled promises that her life was filled with confusion and numbness. Her trials were far from over, but by then she had the support of Church leaders, family members, and, most important, the Holy Ghost.

My fourth suggestion is closely related to the previous one: 

Become alert to the softening and protecting influence of God, even in the midst of troubles. For the plan of this second estate to work, we must be exposed to all kinds of risks. But God often tempers these trials to make sure that they do not push us beyond our capacities. ... All around us there are signs that we, too, are in God’s arms, often when we are not completely aware of the fact. Let me give you an example from my own life.

The October conference of 1993 was particularly moving to my wife and me. For once, we were able to sit down in our family room and listen without interruption. Both of us were especially struck by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk. ... Elder Holland was clearly not aware that his talk would have special meaning for us teaching us to trust but it did. 

And my experiences in priesthood meeting were a critical preparation for us even though we did not know that at the time I had them. Event after event gave evidence that we were encircled by protections and comforts. And these comforts were not a revising of the record to make ourselves feel better. 

Some were so specific that even the cynic would need to concede that God was there for us. What we experienced was not exceptional. Loving fathers often need to chasten and correct their children, and they sometimes need to let them learn hard lessons through experience but they are always there for them. ...

"Trust Jesus." - Jeffrey R. Holland.

Fifth, we should learn that on this earth God expects our obedience and best effort, not our perfection. 

Often, when things go wrong, we feel that it is because we have failed in some way. There are times this is true and others when it is not. We live in fragile, mortal conditions and are sometimes quite weak. 

In chapters 7 and 8 of his epistle to the Romans, Paul discusses the tendency of humans to fall short even of their own expectations and desires. 

... The King James translation of Paul’s apparently complicated Greek seems to be saying this that even those who wish to obey God’s law, and who keep that wish in their minds, are still subject to the temptations of the flesh. Because of this, we sometimes fall.

But, Paul continues, Christ has overcome our frailties, sorrows, sins, and mortal weaknesses. We are enabled through him to live in the Spirit (see verse 25). ... Thus Paul can express his faith: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). 

We should not add to the anxieties of this world a lack of confidence in what God has promised he can do for us through his Son Jesus Christ. He can overcome our sins and failings and cleanse us from our iniquities. Ultimately it is this faith in what God has done for us and revealed to us through his Son that will strengthen our trust in him when things go wrong. 

We believe Christ when he said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). ..." If you would like to read the whole Devotional either now or in your own time, here is the link below.

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/todd-a-britsch/trusting-god-things-go-wrong/

Stay Tuned until next time.

Trusting God When Things Go Wrong ~ Part Two

 Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on BYU Devotional in September 1997, and it is called "Trusting God When Things Go Wrong" by Brother Todd A. Britsch. This post is part two. I hope that you would be able to learn something new as you read throughout this post.

Brother Britsch has mentioned the following; "... Second, it is good to know how trials can serve us. In Gospel Doctrine class in September or October of this year, nearly all of us have read or will read sections 121–23 of the Doctrine and Covenants. These sections concern what was, at least until the actual martyrdom, the low point of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s life. ... At one point he says the following:

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, we are the more ready and willing to lay claim to your fellowship and love. For our circumstances are calculated to awaken our spirits to a sacred remembrance of everything, and we think that yours are also, and that nothing therefore can separate us from the love of God and fellowship one with another; and that every species of wickedness and cruelty practiced upon us will only tend to bind our hearts together and seal them together in love. We have no need to say to you that we are held in bonds without cause, neither is it needful that you say unto us, We are driven from our homes and smitten without cause. 

... It shocks all nature; it beggars and defies all description; it is a tale of woe; ... yea a sorrowful tale; ... too much for contemplation; too much for human beings; ... it cannot be found among the nations where kings and tyrants are enthroned; it cannot be found among the savages of the wilderness; yea, and ... women be robbed of all that they have their last morsel for subsistence, and ... [HC 3:290–91]

It is no wonder then that the Prophet cried out, “O God, where art thou?” and asked how long his hand would be stayed (D&C 121:1–2). I, for one, do not like to tell someone my troubles and then have them respond that theirs or others’ are worse. But the Lord does tell Joseph that he is not yet as Job, that others have suffered even more (see D&C 121:10). 

And later he adds, “The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” (D&C 122:8). But God does give the Prophet comfort: My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. [D&C 121:7–8] Later Joseph is told, “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7).

At the time of trials, it is difficult for us to understand how suffering can be for our good. But all of us have had the experience of learning afterward what great gains we have made when things have gone wrong. ... Certainly it would be wrong to seek out adversity. And it is not likely that all difficult experiences are sent by God. But he has given us the opportunity to be where bad things can happen, and he knows what we can become if we trust him when they do.

"You can trust His light will be there for you."
- Sharon Eubank.

Third, we become more trusting as we accustom ourselves to the divine presence of the Holy Ghost. Latter-day Saint teachings inform us, both in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, of the concept of spiritual death, the separation of our spirits from God. In D&C 29:41, the Lord says: Wherefore, I, the Lord God, caused that he [Adam] should be cast out from the Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression, wherein he became spiritually dead, which is the first death, even that same death which is the last death, which is spiritual, which shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say: Depart, ye cursed.

In calling this separation both the first and the last death, the Lord seems to be telling us that such a death can be temporary that unless we are finally thrust from his presence, this separation can be overcome. 

And the process of overcoming our separation from God is described in the fourth article of faith. When we have developed faith in Christ’s atonement, repented, and been baptized, we can receive the constant companionship of a member of the Godhead. The gift of the Holy Ghost means that we no longer need to endure an existence away from God. 

... Having a member of the Godhead always present in our lives should develop our trust to a high degree. When the Lord promised the companionship of the Holy Ghost, it was to comfort disciples who were becoming aware that they would soon be without Christ.

... Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. [John 14:16–18] He also promised peace: Peace I leave with you, 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. [John 14:27]

A good place to observe the nonworldly peace that the Comforter can bring is in the lives of those very disciples who received these promises. ... This is clearly the same confidence of which the Prophet Joseph wrote: ... be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Trusting God When Things Go Wrong ~ Part One

Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on BYU Devotional in September 1997, and it is called "Trusting God When Things Go Wrong" by Brother Todd A. Britsch. This post is part one. I hope that you would be able to learn something new as you read throughout this post.

Brother Britsch has mentioned the following; "... Mentioning the possibility (or better, certainty) that things can go badly caused me some uncomfortable moments in the past. ... There will be times when earthly hopes = hopes for material rewards, for changed circumstances, for loving relationships, for health, for repentant loved ones, even for lots of sleep and ... and then it will be important for all of us to rely on spiritual hope, on the trust we have developed in a loving and all-wise Heavenly Father.

... Others might think, based on their experiences, that both Mormon and Paul would be bitter or at least perplexed about their lives. But such is not the case. In his last writing but for the epistles recorded by his son, Mormon first laments the destruction of his people and then pleads to those who will come after, especially his enemies, the Lamanites, that they come to Christ and his gospel. 

As he describes Christ’s victory over the grave, he adds: And he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead, whereby man must be raised to stand before his judgment-seat. And he hath brought to pass the redemption of

the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end. [Mormon 7:6–7]

Let’s think of this for a moment. Here is a military commander who, having just experienced the virtual annihilation of his people, concludes his work with a promise of endless happiness to those of his enemies who turn to God. What can cause a person to think this way? We’ll leave that question for a moment.

Paul is equally positive: after declaring himself prepared to be offered, he adds: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. [2 Timothy 4:7–8]

I believe that the characteristic that helped both Mormon and Paul face difficult lives with calmness and optimism is trust in the Lord and his promises. For them this trust transcended any circumstance, however negative and threatening. 

Once believers have come to know that God’s assurances are true, no circumstance can undermine their fervent and, ultimately, optimistic view of the world God has created. They understand that the reason for their existence, even in times of trial, is joy. For the next few minutes I would like to make some suggestions that might strengthen our trust in God even when conditions are not the best.

"Faith is trust - trust that God sees what we cannot, 
and that he knows what we do not." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf. 

First, it is good to know how things will ultimately end. That is, it is important to know that God’s promises of the ultimate triumph of goodness and righteousness are valid. I would like to illustrate this point with an analogy from football. I do this with a bit of an apology to my colleagues who can’t understand how someone who makes his living teaching about poetry, music, and painting could be such a fanatic about this slightly rough sport.

A few years ago, before the time that all BYU games were televised live, I landed at the Salt Lake airport just as a BYU “away” game was concluding. I rushed around the terminal until I finally found someone who could assure me that we had won, although by a very close score. That evening, after returning to Provo, I went downstairs to watch the replay of the game on KBYU. My demeanor was amazingly serene. 

When we fumbled or had a pass intercepted, I hardly reacted. My wife could even let our children get around me. Usually I feel obligated to help my brethren in striped shirts by pointing out their errors in judgment. Because my seats are on row 25, such correction often requires a rather high decibel level. This loudness has carried over to watching football on television. 

But on that day I remained absolutely calm, even when I had the benefit of instant replay to verify my claim that their defensive back clearly arrived early and that the ground had obviously caused our running back to lose the ball. I was a veritable model of football decorum, never becoming unduly upset or ill behaved.

The cause of my improved behavior was obvious: I already knew the outcome of the game - BYU would win. It is amazing how that knowledge changes things: cornerbacks can get beat, running backs can fumble, linebackers can miss tackles, offensive guards can blow blocking assignments, and other things can go wrong. But when we know the final score, such things can be endured and sometimes even ignored.

We also know the final score for the history of this world and for the life of the righteous. The Lord and his people will triumph. It is true that the sorrows of this world and the strength of Satan’s forces will win a number of the skirmishes. ... Satan and his followers, as well as the natural circumstances of mortal life, will inflict many bruises and win many battles. 

But God, who knows the end from the beginning, has promised that those who serve him will receive the fullness of his blessings. When we realize that righteous living puts us on the winning side, we can learn to trust him during trying times."

Stay Tuned until next time.

Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted

   Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately three minutes to read from start to finish.

This post is based on a October 2005 General Conference talk, and it is called, "Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted" by Elder Allen D. Haynie. I would like to share with you some highlights while reading the talk.

Elder Haynie mentioned, "Before we came to this earth, we participated as spirit sons and daughters of God in a grand council. Each of us was paying attention, and none of us fell asleep. In that council our Father in Heaven presented a plan. Because the plan preserved our agency and required that we learn from our own experience and not just from His, He knew we would commit sin.

Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He presented a plan that included a Savior, someone who could help all become clean no matter how dirty they have become. Jesus Christ suffered, both body and spirit, so all could return to their loving Father. “What does He ask us to do in return?” he asked.

"Repentance is real and it works." - Allen D. Haynie.

“He simply pleads with us to confess our sins and repent so that we will not have to suffer as He did. He invites us to become clean so that we are not left outside of our Father in Heaven’s house.” 

What does matter is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind” so “that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people.” 

What does matter is that He was willing to condescend, to come to this earth and descend “below all things”and suffer “more powerful contradictions than any man” ever could.

What does matter is that Christ is pleading our case before the Father, “saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.” 

That is what really matters and what should give all of us renewed hope and a determination to try one more time, because He has not forgotten us. I testify that the Savior will never turn away from us when we humbly seek Him in order to repent; will never consider us to be a lost cause; will never say, “Oh no, not you again”; will never reject us because of a failure to understand how hard it is to avoid sin. 

He understands it all perfectly, including the sense of sorrow, shame, and frustration that is the inevitable consequence of sin. Repentance, of necessity, is not easy. Things of eternal significance rarely are. But the result is worth it. As President Boyd K. Packer testified in his last address to the Seventy of the Church: “The thought is this: the Atonement leaves no tracks, no traces. What it fixes is fixed. The Atonement leaves no traces, no tracks. It just heals, and what it heals stays healed.”

And so it is that our hope to live again with the Father depends on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, upon the willingness of the one sinless Being to take upon Himself, notwithstanding the fact that justice had no claim on Him, the collective weight of the transgressions of all mankind, including those sins that some sons and daughters of God unnecessarily choose to suffer for on their own.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we attribute greater power to the Savior’s Atonement than most other people because we know that if we make covenants, continually repent, and endure to the end, He will make us joint heirs with Him and, like Him, we will receive all that the Father hath. That is an earth-shattering doctrine, and yet it is true.

He who suffered for our sins, who is our Advocate with the Father, who calls us His friends, who loves us unto the end, He ultimately will be our judge. One of the often overlooked blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is that “the Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”

I would like to encourage you to read this whole talk either now or in your own time. Here is the link below.
www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/remembering-in-whom-we-have-trusted

Stay Tuned until next time.