He is With Us and Helping Us

I haven't written on here in a long time. I really think writing on here helps me a lot with my scripture study. So, it's definitely time to start back up again.

Tonight I was reading in Isaiah. I particularly like Isaiah 41:10 which says, 

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

That is so comforting. I need the Lord's help SO much. And I really need to be reminded to not fear. 

I don't think we realize just how much God is with us and helping us. I think it's A LOT. And I know I need to be more aware of it and more grateful for His help.

Who Can Glory Too Much in The Lord?

I'm so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life!!!!!! (Yeah, really, all of those exclamation points are necessary!). I had some experiences tonight that filled me with gratitude, humility and joy. 

And after these experiences, I came home and read my scriptures and happened to read the following scripture which fits perfectly:

"...who can glory too much in The Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel." (Alma 26:16)

I seriously love the Gospel so much and sharing it with others brings me so much joy (that was part of what happened tonight). I wish I could be a full-time missionary the rest of my life because it makes me so happy. Ahh! Too bad I can't really. 

Anyway, I know The Lord loves us. I know the greatest happiness we can have in this life comes from the living and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Life

Yesterday I was standing outside at the car dealership waiting for the guy to bring me some paperwork to get the oil changed in my car. No one else was around really. There was a slight breeze blowing. I looked at the cars around me, looked at the palm trees, up at the blue sky, at the cars driving on the busy road nearby... and I just had this thought, "this is life. Life is happening RIGHT NOW." I don't know how to adequately describe it, but it was one of "those moments." 

I've also had the thought lately of, "I signed up for this." I'm not sure how much I knew I was getting into when I agreed to Heavenly Father's plan, but I do know I was excited about coming down to earth. With the amazing opportunity to live and breathe and get a body would come the trials of mortal life. 

Life is not all fun and games. I think way too often I wish it were. Don't get me wrong, Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and have a great time here on earth, but not every moment is going to be a party. I wish things could be easy. But, no. Unfortunately we have to deal with the hard things and the small and trivial matters of life including laundry, oil changes, dentist visits, etc. 

But, it's all part of the plan. Yes, laundry, oil changes and dentist visits are part of the plan. Dealing with these mortal matters teach us patience and humility. Life is not perfect, but it is helping us to become perfect people. 

This all reminds me of a quote. "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." Isn't that the truth?!

Happiness

"True happiness comes only by making others happy." -David O. McKay

 

It's true. Lately I've realized that I REALLY need to think of others more instead of myself. Dwelling on your own problems and only thinking of yourself is the best way to be depressed and leads to a really unhappy life! It's extremely easy to focus on oneself when you live the single life.

 

So, I've tried to open my eyes more to service opportunities recently and it's been great! The Lord will always put you to work when you are willing ("if ye have desires to serve ye are called to the work.") I have been really happy. It's awesome!

Insecurities

Insecurities. We all have them. Sometimes I wonder how I'll ever get over some of mine. Here's the answer:

"The Spirit—the Holy Ghost—will help us work out our insecurities." -James E. Faust

Boom. There we go. Anything is possible with the help of the Spirit!

This Too Shall Pass

This phrase has been on my mind lately. Trials come and go. Some quicker than others. I remember my dear Mom hugging me (while I was crying) and saying this phrase over and over one year during finals when I was really, really sick. Everyone needs to know that things will get better. It's so comforting.

Take Time to Be Holy

I've recently come to love this song. The words are awesome. It's so important to "Take time to be holy." Lately I've been realizing how much time I've been wasting on social media and how that time could be better used in other ways - such as more time with the Lord or more time serving others - just doing things that will make me holier and closer to Christ.