Allow your doubts to build your faith

I used to believe that having doubts was a horrible thing. Lately I have had a few questions about things that should already be written on my heart. I felt so guilty for questions coming up in my mind. I had this deep fear of sharing these doubts with anyone. What would they think of me if they knew I had questions like this? I couldn't even figure out why these questions were appearing, where were they coming from? I was living right, I was doing everything I should be doing, so why have such silly doubts?

I finally got the courage to bring up my question to a church leader that I have the utmost respect for and he shared something with me. He said that the question I had is the question he hears most often. He told me that this is the question he heard over and over again from missionaries as he was serving as a mission president. I couldn't believe it. There had been others that had been living a life devoted to the Lord and they were questioning the same things that I felt horrible for even doubting in the first place.

I not only learned the answer to my questions by being brave and asking, I also learned something as well through the outcome of this experience. The lesson I took away from this experience was doubts aren't always bad. Doubt and faith can't co-exist, this is a simple principle that we already know. But faith can't come to pass without first having a doubt. If you already know the answers, there's no need to have faith, so doubts are essential. 

It's what you do with your doubts and fears that can either destroy you or will take you to the top of the mountain you are climbing. 

Doubts make you think, when you recognize a doubt and you take care of it right away, you are allowing something that could eventually demolish all you have worked for to actually be a ladder that has the steps you need to be able to reach the destination Heavenly Father has in store for you. You start to realize when you fight your doubts, it's helping you climb to a higher destination than you thought was ever possible.

Every time doubt tries to sneak into your life, you have to make a decision about what you're going to do about it. You can keep doubting until you reach ultimate misery or you can do everything that is in your control to fight the doubt. I hate doubts, fear takes away my energy and it's depleting to my mind. I don't feel happy when I am full of doubt but I'm starting to realize why doubts come my way. Doubts make me think, they make me search for answers. Any time I have a question that won't leave my mind, it leads me to search, ponder, and pray which gives me a strong foundation of faith and anchors my testimony deeper and deeper.

The key to allowing doubts to become an anchor for your faith is to constantly

"Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith!" 

- Elder Uchtdorf

Every time I've ever been faced with doubt but chose to move forward with faith anyways, I came out stronger and my testimony has been renewed to a greater strength. Ask your questions, it demonstrates strength when you're trying to find answers to the questions you have. Questions are good! Ask away and then act in faith with the answers you receive. The greatest one to ask these questions to is our loving Heavenly Father, He will answer!

Never feel bad for the doubts that come your way, feel bad about what you do or don't do about them! Allow your doubts, your questions, your fears, and the lack of knowledge you have to become a tool and an anchor that will build your testimony. There will be opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:11). This is expected and we can't do anything about it. Doubts often happen to be the opposition that we face.

Doubts are something that you can't avoid in this life, but do something about them!

Be patient as you search out answers to your doubts. Study, pray, and push through every voice in your head that is telling you to give up! You will find the truth, you will find the answers, and you will become a new person with a changed heart in the process. This I testify of in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

If you want more on this subject, I suggest this talk.

Reach Out to Your Circle of Influence

Today I met with the nicest lady ever. 

She so kindly took me to lunch and we talked and talked.

Many tears were shed as we talked about some incredible experiences. 

My eyes were open to messages Heavenly Father needed me to hear. 

This woman is my role model, she is the person I would love to emulate my life after. She was so gracious, humble, and spiritual. She has so many Christ-like attributes and she is an excellent mother. She has prepared her heart to always be ready to listen to the messages Heavenly Father wants her to say and do. She is a noble woman.

If you ever find yourself lost or broken, reach out! 

Do you have any idea how many 

people would serve you in a heartbeat if only they

 knew you were in need of some love or wisdom? 

Millions!

It is my firm belief that we are put on this earth to help one another. 

I truly believe that people come into our lives for a reason. We are put into specific groups, classes, wards, jobs, and situations so we cross the paths of others. Everyone that comes into our life can teach us something and can bless us in a way that no one else can.

There are so many people that are in your circle of influence right now that can teach you and help you, but how will you ever know what you can learn from them if you don't reach out to them? I truly believe in mentors and role models, I believe they all come in many different forms. It is up to us to reach out and ask if they have a moment to talk with us and be our friend.

Have the courage today to send an email, a text, 

or a phone call to someone that is in your circle of influence or you 

could be missing out!

You will never know what lessons you could be learning or what example you

could have in your life until you take the opportunity to listen to those around you.

And just maybe the people you reach out to could learn from you too!

Every time someone has ever reached out to me, I jump with joy that they believe

I have something to offer them. It is never, ever, ever a burden!

I believe everyone wants to feel wanted and needed.

I believe we go through experiences and trials because what we go through 

will help someone that will cross your path later down the road.

I don't want stories from my journey to be wasted.

I want to share them with others that can benefit from what I've 

been through.

Reach out to others! Ask them their stories!

Get to know others and dig deep to find the gems

that will bless your life!

I promise you this isn't selfish, I promise!!!

The other person will leave feeling uplifted and enlivened for

being able to be of some assistance.

Reach out! Reach out! Reach out!

12 Gifts to the Savior (12 days of Christmas)

#Heisthegift       #Sharethegift

I've seen this video about 10 times and each time I watch it, I'm touched in a different way. I think of how Jesus Christ has touched my heart and blessed my life. It's amazing how many different ways my life has been blessed because of him. Because my Savior Jesus Christ is the gift, the ultimate gift and he has given me everything I will ever want or need, I wanted to give my him something in return. 

What do you give to the one who has everything? What do you give to someone you can't possibly ever repay for all He has given you? I don't have the answer because it's a lifetime full of improvement, love and abiding by all of his commandments and teachings. That perfection will not be achieved in this lifetime, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying. I want to be as prepared as possible for when Christ comes again. So my idea is to spend each of the 12 days we have left until Christmas doing something that will show my unconditional love and gratitude to him. 

Make the 12 days of Christmas devoted to Jesus Christ.
 Create your own rules and adapt any of these gifts to fit your personal life!

1. (Dec. 14th) - A Mighty Change of Heart 

Create a list of attributes that you would like to work on improving or attaining. Create a detailed plan of exactly what you need to change and how you plan to incorporate these attributes in your daily routine. 

What will you need to change? 
What challenges could you possibly face as you try to apply these Christ-like attributes? What will you do when one of these challenges arises? 
What would stop you from being able to hold true to the commitment you have made?

The reason I am asking you to answer such detailed questions is because every time I try to apply a goal or new attributes into my life, I get stuck. I start living my daily routine or handling situations in a way I am used to and then I find myself back to my habitual ways. You will need to plan if you want to change. Habits and changes don't just happen, they have to be planned for. You have to mold these new attributes into what you're used to and planning is the only way it will work. Plan, plan, plan! 

What changes do you need to make to have A Mighty Change of Heart?



2. (Dec. 15th) - Reflection

How has your life been touched by Christ? Reflect on the role Christ has played on your life and journal it out. How has Christ been a part of your life through grace, through his example, through his atonement, through the hope and comfort he has to offer? If you didn't know Christ, how might your life be different? Journal your heart out and you may find answers to questions you didn't even know you had! Writing and reflecting can lead to very spiritual moments.

How has Christ changed your life?



3. (Dec. 16th) - Scriptures: Power of the Word

Find a scripture that speaks to your heart before you start your day! Allow this scripture abide in your heart all day. Try to look for an opportunity to speak of this scripture to others in your daily conversations. Apply this scripture in your daily thoughts and daily routine! If possible memorize this scripture!

How often do the scriptures abide in your heart?




4. (Dec. 17th) - Heart of Prayer

Pray in the name of Jesus Christ, because he is the advocate to Heavenly Father. Pray constantly throughout the day. Pray about every thought, every action, every decision you have to make. Pray before you send a text, tweet a thought, or speak to anyone. Pray when you're in the car, pray when you get out of bed, pray when you come home from a long day. Make absolutely everything you do, big or small to be based upon prayer. 

How often do you have a prayer in your heart?




5. (Dec. 18th) - Sacrifice

What is something that you have been hanging onto that you now need to give up? 
Is there a habit you're hanging onto? 
A selfish desire? 
A fear? 
What would be a challenge for you to give up, but once you do it would bring greater peace and joy into your life?

that is the thing you should be giving up! Sacrifice that today and don't look back! Watch the blessings come flood into your life!

What are you hanging onto that can be sacrificed?




6. (Dec. 19th) - Gratitude 

Give gratitude in all that you do. Send out at least 10 gratitude notes. Thank everyone in sight, such as the grocery store clerk, a janitor in the hallway, the mail carrier, the bank teller. Give as much gratitude as you possibly can. Spend a long time on your knees giving sincere gratitude to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for all the good they have brought into your life. Thank them for the incredible blessings that have been bestowed upon you.

Who can you give gratitude to today?




7. (Dec. 20th) - A Written Testimony of Jesus Christ

Write out your testimony of Jesus Christ. Allow this testimony to abide in your heart all day long. Put it in a special place for your posterity to maybe read one day. If you're not married, save it for your future husband and children to read one day. If you want to go the extra mile, write your testimony of Jesus Christ in a Book of Mormon and give it to someone today!

What is your testimony of Jesus Christ?





8. (Dec. 21st) - Kindness

Jesus Christ is the most humble and charitable individual to ever step foot on this Earth. He loved and continues to love every individual. Because he was the perfect example and we should have the desire to emulate him, this day choose to allow your heart to be focused on everyone else. Have the desire to loose yourself and just love others. Try to forget about what your needs are or how you are feeling this day. Make it a day to give kindness in the most outpouring ways possible. 

Kindness starts with thoughts of others that are up-worthy and appraising. Do absolutely everything you can to control your thoughts and not have one ill thought of another individual. Choose to lift your mind higher and see others as Christ sees them. Do everything you can to share the love Heavenly Father has for each and every one of His sons and daughters.

How can you show kindness?





9. (Dec. 22nd) - Christ Devoted Thoughts

Try to make every single thought that you have to be based on Jesus Christ. I am going to put pictures of Christ in my car. I will add to the 10 pictures of Christ I already have in my room. I will put a picture of Christ in my wallet. Every choice I have to make, I will reflect and ponder about what Christ would do in my situation. 

Sister Hinckley once said she doesn't spend enough time thinking about the Savior, well if that was true, don't we all have some room for improvement?

How often is Christ in your thoughts?





10. (Dec. 23rd) - Share my Testimony with an Individual

Find someone to share your testimony of Jesus Christ with. Whether this be a non-member, someone who is inactive or even an active member, allow your heart to be guided by the spirit to know exactly who you should share it with.

When was the last time you shared your testimony of the Savior?





11. (Dec. 24th) - Give my Talents and Gifts

Your gifts and talents were given to you not for your own benefit, but to be used to bless and strengthen the lives of others. Make this day a day to devote everything that you have to offer, to bless others that need your talents to be shared with them. Pray to be guided by the spirit to know exactly who needs you and what specific gifts and talents you can share.

Spend some time strengthening and fine tuning your gifts and talents so they can be used in bigger ways the next time.

If this day is busy for you, spend some time planning and preparing more than you ever have before so you can be prepared and ready and it will fit with your schedule. You have time for what you make time for.

What talents and gifts can you give to others?





12. (Dec. 25th) - Spend an Hour studying stories and Teachings of Jesus Christ

Christmas is a day when you will most likely be spending lots my time with your family. Choose to make this day a day where you remember the reason of the season. Prepare to keep the purpose of the celebration in your heart by waking up an hour earlier than your family to prepare your mind for the spirit of Jesus Christ to abide in your heart all day long. Spend this hour reading the Christmas story in the scriptures and reading stories and teachings about his life so you won't get distracted by the gifts and the glitter and you will remember the true meaning of Christmas.

This would also be the perfect family activity. Before opening any stockings or presents, spend some time reading the scriptures and focusing your heart on Jesus Christ so your mind is in the right mindset for such a beautiful and special day. 

How do you prepare your heart and mind to remember that #Heisthegift?

I am a Mormon!

I am over here today being featured on Diary of a Brown Eyed Girl. Come Visit me!

Today I dare you to take a stand and let the world know who you are! If you wore a sign defining who you were, what would it say? Go be that! Don't step down, stay consistent no matter where you are or who you are talking to. That's what integrity is all about!

7 Ways to Make a Difference on Facebook

1. Like a post that has a positive message

The more likes a post has, the more it will be seen by others as the highest liked posts rise to the top. If it's a good post, be sure to like it so it can rise, influencing more people! Your like really makes a difference in the way Facebook organizes posts.

2. Use pictures

 Facebook is very heavily based on images. If you have something important to say and want to make sure it is seen, always add an image! Images rise to the top of Facebook, that's why images always get more likes than just words.

3. Wish every friend a happy birthday on their day

If you're going to be friends with a person on Facebook, say "Happy Birthday"! In my personal opinion, if you don't feel comfortable saying happy birthday, should you really be friends with them? It could mean the world to someone when you take two seconds out of your day to wish them a happy birthday. Others just want to know that they crossed your mind on their special day.

4. Write kind notes on others walls

Remember when writing on the walls of others used to be a thing? Yeah? Well let's make that come back! Instead of just these silly comics or links to the latest celebrity news that seems to be all that gets shared, what if we used Facebook to inspire and build others instead? Receiving a note on your Facebook wall feels like you're receiving a beautifully wrapped gift that can be read over and over again. Make others feel important!

5. Share Goodness 

You don't have to use the #sharegoodness to do this (although that won't hurt). But write things that are uplifting and positive on your wall. Your words could change someones day or even life. What you put on social media is a representation of yourself. Sharing Goodness can start to become a part of who you are if you allow it to!

6. Leave a comment on others posts and pictures

 Facebook can be very time consuming and has many negative connotations attached as well, why not make your goal to use Facebook for a good cause. Use social media with a purpose, make your only goal and purpose for using it to build others. Be a people builder, especially on Facebook! 

7. Send a message

If a post someone wrote touched your heart and you don't want to comment, send them a message! I can't tell you how many messages I have received thanking me for what I posted, and it never gets old. The more I know I'm helping others - the more I am compelled to keep sharing the inspiration that I have to offer. Everyone likes a positive and uplifting message in their inbox.

5 Ways to increase your gratitude

5 Ways to increase your gratitude

1. Pray

Get down on your knees and pray until you feel grateful and your heart is softened to a place Heavenly Father can heal your heart and remind you of all the incredible blessings He has blessed you with.

Sometimes when I'm in my car, I'll turn off the radio and make it a challenge to pray aloud (there is great power in prayers that have voice) ONLY thanking Heavenly Father without asking for anything in return. Once I start naming a few things I am grateful for, knowledge of my blessings come pouring to my mind and then I feel His love for me in abundance.

2. Keep a gratitude journal

Every night before you go to sleep, write down something you are grateful for. You can simply list one item in your journal a night or you can expand on the blessing. You will soon see everything you have been blessed with is far greater than you expected. When you are having a hard day, you can turn to this list and see how much you have to be grateful for.

I love writing down the tender mercies from my day. One way my faith has grown so much and I have come to know for myself how much Heavenly Father loves His children is watching for God's hand in my life. It's always there, always, and sometimes I make it a point to pray in the morning to have the ability to be aware of how God's hand is in my life. Heavenly Father knows exactly how to speak to you and He will send you a smile, a friend or whatever He sees you need, in His perfect time. Pray to see these tender mercies and then show Heavenly Father how much you love receiving them by writing them down and showing Him they are important and special to you.

3. Make a list of all the blessings that have come from your trials and heartbreaks

Trials come into our lives for a purpose. They are hard and challenging but they always bring blessings. This is what we call a beautiful heartbreak. Sometimes we think we know what we want but really Heavenly Father is the only one that knows what's best for us. Every trial you go through, there is a lesson to be learned, character to be gained, humility to be experienced, and faith to be built. 

Make a list of everything you have gone through that has been really difficult for you. Then start naming everything beautiful that came from it. This may be really hard to see so you may need to pray for some insight but I testify that trials are blessings!

4. Serve

When you stop focusing on yourself and what you don't have in your life, you are able to see life in a whole new perspective. The more you get to know the stories of others and you can serve them with your full heart, you will forget your own life and you will get caught up in helping solve the problems of others instead. You have so much to offer and blessings will become known unto you the instant you forget yourself and serve Heavenly Father instead. 

5. Get outside of your box

It can often be easy to get caught in our own comfort zone and we become confined by all we know. Do something different for a day... walk around a children's hospital, go downtown and take a look at all the homeless people, even something simple like reading a few heartbreaking stories will help you to realize how much you personally have and that there is so much more to life. You have been blessed so much and sometimes it just takes going to a new place or observing the life of another to see just how much you have!

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

Happy Thanksgiving, what an amazing holiday! A time to be with family, a time to enjoy all the yummy deliciousness (I think potatoes and pumpkin pie are my favorite), and a time to reflect over everything you are thankful for. 

I have been writing gratitude posts on my Facebook page all month long and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. It was something I just felt I needed to do. Interestingly enough, you'd be surprised how many Facebook friends I've lost because of it. After I noticed this, I started to contemplate if I should keep going and I was guided by my inner voice to stay true to the commitment I had made to myself and to Heavenly Father. As each day goes by, I've been able to also reflect on the influence it has had on others. I have received a few messages because of these posts that have brought me to tears in the most inspiring way.

Every single day I write one of my grateful posts, I pray about what to say. I pray and then listen to know exactly what I should write. These posts aren't planned out and I'm learning more about life and more about gratitude because of these posts. These gratitude posts are made possible through Heavenly Father, after all it was Him that gave me everything I have to be grateful for.

Right now I'm taking a positive psychology class that is completely focused on gratitude and how being thankful has the power to change your happiness and well-being. This class is part of my minor that will allow me to coach and train others in the positive upbeat of life. It's been the greatest experience to be living proof that gratitude really can change your life. 

10 AMAZING talks on trials

Trials bring blessings when endured in faith! Here are my top 10 LDS talks on trials. This is a great list to refer to when you need a little pick me up. 

 I also want to testify that trials are just part of our journey and the more you embrace your trials and count them as the blessing, the greater your happiness will be!

10 talks to bring you peace during trials

1. More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us

By: Paul V. Johnson (Of the Seventy)

"Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature."

{Read it HERE}

2. Bread or Stones: Understanding the God We Pray to

By: S. Michael Wilcox  (Religion Instructor and Author)

"What we need to understand about our Father in Heaven is that He prefers to prepare us to face the storms of life, the contrary winds, rather than to still them. So if you are past your fourth watch and He has not come, don’t assume that He is not there, that He doesn't care, He doesn't listen, or that you are not worthy. Assume your ship is tight like a dish. You will not sink.  Somewhere in the past of your life, experiences have been placed by a wise and foresighted Father in Heaven to prepare you to face the very things that you are facing. As the lion and the bear came to David, before Goliath, to prepare him to face Goliath, so will lion-and-bear moments come in your lives before the Goliath moments come. Because if your ship was not tight like a dish and you have reached the fourth watch, He will come to you and still the storm. So if the storm is not still, we must assume our ship is tight like a dish." 

{Read it HERE}

3.  That We Might "Not Shrink" (D+C 19:18)

By: David A. Bednar (Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

"Many of the lessons we are to learn in mortality can only be received through the things we experience and sometimes suffer. And God expects and trusts us to face temporary mortal adversity with His help so we can learn what we need to learn and ultimately become what we are to become in eternity."



{Read it HERE}

4. I will Give Myself to Him

By: Russell T. Osguthorpe (Sunday School General President)

"So, we do all we can to give ourselves to Him—our heart, our will, our soul. The more we follow this path, the more the Lord will bless us with His love. And the more we feel His love, the more we know we are succeeding in giving our will to Him."

{Read it HERE}

5. Your Happily Ever After

By: Dieter F. Uchdorft (Second Counselor in the First Presidency)

"In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy."

{Read it HERE}

6. His grace is sufficent

By: Brad Wilcox (Sunday School General board)

"As dark as our trials, sins, and mistakes may appear, we can always have confidence in the grace of Jesus Christ. Do we earn a sunrise? No. Do we have to be worthy of a chance to begin again? No. We just have to accept these blessings and take advantage of them. As sure as each brand-new day, grace—the enabling power of Jesus Christ—is constant. Faithful pioneers knew they were not alone. The task ahead of them was never as great as the power behind them."

{Read it HERE}

7. Lessons from Liberty Jail

By: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

"In our moments of pain and trial, I guess we would shudder to think it could be worse, but without the Atonement it not only could be worse, it would be worse. Only through our faith and repentance and obedience to the gospel that provided the sacred Atonement is it kept from being worse."

{Read it HERE}

8. Stepping-Stones and Stumbling Blocks

By: Steven E. Snow (Quorum of the Seventy)

"How do we turn adversity into a stepping-stone and not a stumbling block? How can we make a bad experience become a learning experience? Part of the answer lies in perspective. How we choose to lead our lives and how we make faith part of our lives ultimately helps us face the challenges that come to everyone in this earthly existence."

Read it HERE}

9. Mountains to Climb

By: Henry B. Eyring (First Counselor in the First Presidency)

"If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. In all conditions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ to shape and guide our lives if we choose it. And with prophets revealing to us our place in the plan of salvation, we can live with perfect hope and a feeling of peace. We never need to feel that we are alone or unloved in the Lord’s service because we never are. We can feel the love of God. The Savior has promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up. And He always keeps His word."

{Read it HERE}

10. Trial of your Faith

By: Elder Neil L. Andersen (Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

"These fiery trials are designed to make you stronger, but they have the potential to diminish or even destroy your trust in the Son of God and to weaken your resolve to keep your promises to Him. These trials are often camouflaged, making them difficult to identify. They take root in our weaknesses, our vulnerabilities, our sensitivities, or in those things that matter most to us. A real but manageable test for one can be a fiery trial for another.

How do you remain “steadfast and immovable” during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others."

{Read it HERE}

*Please note the callings listed were the positions held at the time the speeches were given. These callings may not be accurate the time this post is published.

*Photo above credited to LDS Church 

God is a fourth watch God

I can't stop watching this video. 

The scripture reference:

Matthew 14:25-33

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer ; it is I; be not afraid. 
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid ; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith , wherefore didst thou doubt ? 
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 


Why did Peter doubt? He was walking on water and Christ was right in front of him.
If I was in his shoes, would I doubt?
Sometimes Heavenly Father puts us in the toughest situations.
Sometimes our heart doesn't match the path that Heavenly Father has us on.

As I read the words in verse 25 "in the fourth watch of the night", the thought "God is a fourth watch God" instantly popped into my mind, which then immediately reminded of this talk. 

As it says in this talk, a fourth watch God means He is watching us toil or row through our trials all the way till the night is over. Sometimes that can feel like an eternity. Sometimes just ONE of the minutes of your hardest trial can feel so agonizing and you feel as if you will never make it through. Trials you are waiting on to be lightened, patience of waiting for everything to work out and fall into place like you have been promised and.....nothing. You start to doubt, you start to cry, you start to wonder why Heavenly Father is there crying with you but He's not doing anything about it.

"When the trials aren't over and the blessings don't come, don't assume that He is not there, or He is not listening, or He doesn't care, or you're not worthy. Always assume you have not yet reached the fourth watch." - Michael Wilcox

You take the trial these apostles had just gone through and it wasn't UNTIL the fourth watch of the night that Christ came to them. Christ is always there to carry us and lift us up, if we don't doubt and if we live in faith - that's when we can actually walk on the water.

Faith is powerful, faith can move us to do great things!
Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need to go through to shape us into the people
we are meant to be. 
He isn't going to let us fall. He's with us every step of the way.
Trials are excruciating yes, but oh so very rewarding are miraculous! 
And once you get past the trial, we too can be like Peter and God will give us a chance to walk on water!

Bring on the war

In Institute yesterday, we were talking about how God is the only one that knows your thoughts and knows the true intentions on your heart. 

Alma 18:32 - "And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning."

It was then brought up that Satan can't read your thoughts at all. He can put thoughts into your mind, (like doubt, temptations, immoral thoughts, etc.) but after these thoughts are placed into your mind he has NO idea what you're doing with them. He doesn't know if you are dwelling on them. He doesn't know if you're playing and tossing these ideas in your mind and considering acting upon them. He has no idea what you're doing with them UNTIL you choose to act upon them. 

Satan places a thought in your mind, he sits back and waits to see if you act upon it, that's when he starts jumping up and down with excitement saying, "Yeah, I got one!"

So how does Satan know your weaknesses? He knows them because of past actions. He sees what you do and how you respond to situations and he watches very carefully to know what he can do to trigger you the next time. But he will never know if you have a thought you're tossing around in your mind until you actually do something about it. HOWEVER, Heavenly Father knows. He sees it all. Jesus Christ knows, that's how he helps and carries you through it all.

I was listening to the greatest talk this morning. It's called "The difference one can make" by Larry Johnson. It's been my favorite talk ever since my very first days at Seagull Book. This talk is about a young boy by the name of Kent Williams, and the influence he has. Every time I listen to it, I can't wait to become better! I evaluate my life and decide on something to work on. This statement from the talk hit me hard today  - "I'm in an all out war against Satan." Kent would write in his journal about ways he was improving and things he could work on. He worried about every little detail in his life and wanted to become as Christlike as he possibly could while on this earth. He wanted to use every single talent and gift Heavenly Father blessed him with to take on this war against Satan. 

As I've been thinking about the example of Kent, I've been reflecting on my own life and what talents I'm not using and what messages my every day actions are sending to Satan. 

How does Satan view you without knowing your thoughts? Does he see you as a strong and faithful servant? OR does he see you as someone willing to bend and break if the right temptation were to come along?

It's the little things that actually matter. I know Heavenly Father has blessed me with an incredible talent of writing notes and crafting little gifts to take to people and just let them know they are loved. I have been slacking. I know Satan watches the little things I do or the lack thereof. He sees the little things that tempt me, like speeding to get to class on time. The more he sees what I am or am not doing, the more he knows exactly what thoughts and temptations to feed me. If I want to win the war against Satan, not only do I have to strive to be Christlike in every single moment, giving me more protection against Satan and drawing me closer to the Savior. But I also have to be aware of what Satan is and isn't seeing in my life. It was like an "ah-ha moment" for me. 

The fact that Satan doesn't know what we are thinking and will never be able to read our minds is such an incredible protection we are being blessed with. It's a way to have greater power over what buttons of yours he can push. If he sees you aren't living in faith, he knows it's the simple little things that can push you over farther. However, when he sees just how dedicated to your faith you are, and when he can actually see the armor of God you are wearing, he's not going to tempt you with the big things because he can fully see he's not going to win. He looses his power.

Commit to being in a war against Satan! What things do you need to add to your life? What gifts and talents have you been blessed with that you haven't been using? Satan is watching your every move and when he sees you forget to read your scriptures, even if just for one day, he knows you don't have the strength you need to fight him and that's when he can start to control your mind with doubt and pride. It's the little thoughts we have moment-to-moment and day-to-day that create our words and our actions.

Let the attributes of Christ work within you and become apart of who you are! The less you act on even the littlest temptation like dwelling on fear, the more Satan will see that he is never, ever going to win! You can have complete POWER over Satan when you choose to adhere to every principle, standard, and commandment that the gospel requires.

Make the Savior your absolute best friend, not Satan. Jesus Christ wants nothing more for you than ultimate happiness. He would do ANYTHING for you. He has already given you the greatest gift you will EVER receive.