Friday, January 3, 2014

A New Year's Inspiration

This morning I was reminded of this beautiful and inspiring talk, "Remember Lot's Wife," about the past and future, by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

If you'd like to see Elder Holland's BYU Devotional, from January 13th, 2009, here it is! (Begin at 1:43.)


His great words were then turned into the amazing Ensign article, "The Best Is Yet to Be." That Ensign article helped Greg and I immensely during our employment worries of 2010.

During that worrisome time, we talked constantly about how we simply had to have faith in our Heavenly Father (God) that everything would work out. And we knew it would all be possible because of (and through) our Savior, Jesus Christ. Greg and I knew that They had our best interests at heart, but we were just so concerned about our situation...we had no idea how things could really be okay.

Thus, Elder Holland's words were (and are) the perfect reminder for me! Those words were important to Greg too, but I am much more of a worrier than he is. (As if anyone's surprised by that statement! Ha ha.) Elder Holland said,

"...We look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."

As I reread Elder Holland's lovely talk this morning, the scriptures in Philippians 3:13-14 really stood out to me:
"...This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
It's always so interesting to note how the passing years (four, for me) can change a soul! Thus, I made this beautiful typographic design (Well, it's beautiful to me!) to forever remind me to keep my faith, always focus on our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and look toward a bright and happy future—no matter how uncertain it may be.

I'm so grateful for Paul's words! Isn't it amazing how his words are every bit as relevant today as they were nearly 2000 years ago?! :)



In, 2010, when Greg and I enjoyed (and really needed) Elder Holland's words, we had no idea what was coming for our family. I couldn't have written our family's story line even if I tried! I'm truly so thankful for what we've endured and learned. (I have little tears every time I think about our experiences of: Greg being laid-off; moving to Texas; not being able to sell our house; and then—after two years and three months of uncertainty—suddenly having the miraculous opportunity to move back to our unsold home!) But I must state that I'm also relieved and ever so grateful to be on the other side of our incredible journey!

So I say this to the world: If anyone reading this is struggling in life, hold tight to your faith! :) Even though maybe you can't imagine how things could ever be okay, hang in there. I can honestly say—through my family's many and varied life experiences—that everything happens for a reason. (Yes, I know that's so much easier to say now that my family is happily settled, but I truly mean it!) Even though you might be kicking and screaming inside (I know I did innumerable times during our recent three-year trial), remember to breathe deeply, pray constantly, and know that things always work out. It's true!

I have fully learned that our Heavenly Father (God) knows us and loves us more than we could ever comprehend. He is aware of every breath we take, every tear we cry, and every wish in our hearts. He truly gives us life situations that reflect the scripture, "...all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (D&C 122:7) I firmly and wholeheartedly believe those words! :) He does not forget us. Ever. He wants us to become what He already sees in us: our best selves!

Oh, and if, by chance, you are at a super awesome place in your life (because I know there are those of you out there!), use your happy life situation to bless the lives of others! :) Go find someone who could use a smile. Be a friend to the one who is lonely. Make a yummy something for that soul who could use a reminder of the good things in life. Show mercy to those who seem undeserving. Just try to make someone happy! I know we can all make a difference in our world, so let's be a force for good! :)

I wish you all a very happy new year! Make it a great one!

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