Enduring

Life is a journey full of unexpected experiences. Joys, sorrows, loss, love, health, sickness, wealth and poverty, so many things that can change our direction and mold us into who we are to become. One thing is for sure...we're often asked to endure our trials with no answers as to why we have to, but only the story to tell.

There have been quite a few times in my life that I've been asked to endure, not only in the past but in the present as well. I often come to a crossroads and question why I choose to endure and not give up. Sometimes I want to give up. Sometimes it is the easier way out. But this I KNOW, giving up is not what we were sent here to do. Life is not always going to be simple or happy, but enduring teaches us patience, it teaches us hope, it teaches us that God loves us.

How does God show us his love by asking us to endure struggles, heartbreak, trials, and pain?
I read this quote today and it summed it explained it perfectly!

"Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not the consequence of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain." - Elder Richard G. Scott

I feel like this answers our question about why he asks us to endure trials. It is all about growth. We need to learn and understand and live with compassion through the experiences our trials bring into our lives.

At the time it seems too hard to bear, too much to handle, but I KNOW that God understands, that he sent his Son to experience all we are asked to experience and that he knows our hearts. He will never leave us lonely and all of our struggles, trials and heartache will be for our good. Though at the time it doesn't seem so.

Remember how amazing you are, how loved you are and that you are never ever alone. Please reach out if you're needing a listening ear. I am here, and we are all in this together! So much love to all of you living, learning, struggling and enduring!

-L

Light and Dark

These past few weeks I have had a lot on my mind. I have been pondering what the purpose of my trials are and how I can learn and grow through them. I have wondered what I could teach and how I could share everything I was feeling! I have had quite a few "ah-ha" moments, if you will, and feel gratitude for the ways I have been able to notice the Lord's hand in my life, as well as His guidance as I branch out into blogging again.

Before I share my thoughts, I will preface by saying that each of us has a journey to navigate. Our lives are anything but comfortable, but I know through that uncomfortable moments we can learn far more than we ever imagined, had we not been given that chance through our individual trials. Isn't life amazing? Isn't the chance to learn and grow such a gift? At the time it may not seem so, but I promise as we endure and do so with faith, looking for the good, we will see it as a gift.

A few days ago I watched the movie Wonder Woman. This isn't a movie review but if I can give my two cents, it was AMAZING! A must see. Anyway, in this movie I couldn't help but realize the message I gained from the script. Here is what I learned: there is so much darkness in our world, but there is so much light and ultimately love will triumph over any and all evil, as long as we let it direct our lives. Incredible no?! I bawled like a baby towards the end of the movie as I was hit with this realization. You guys, our lives, if kept in the light, will always be greater than we could have hoped, and the darkness we encounter will be dispelled as we constantly search for that light. Seriously though, I bawled, like ugly cried and then felt so grateful for that bit of inspiration.

Fast forward to today, I posted a quote by Brene Brown (Find it HERE) in my Instagram stories and was floored when I realized the magnitude of it. We cannot find light until we first wade through darkness. Until we are brave enough to use that light we will never understand the magnitude of the gift of being able to find light during dark times. I believe we are sent here to Earth with a magnificent purpose and calling, each of us. Over time the light we are sent with fades unless we fuel it with goodness, uplifting studies, and often religious attendance. That light will never leave us as long as we work to help it shine. That light can be our saving grace during times of struggle, heartache and trial. That light can lift another's burdens and bring us joy as we lend it to others. That light can inspire and create a world of goodness.

So now I pose the question to you. What do you do to find light in your life? How do create a habit of searching for the good amidst the bad and using your light for the good of others?

-L