Be Looking

I have a confession to make.  I've been in my pj's, laying on the couch, feeling lousy for weeks, almost months now.  Yup, I'm pregnant.  Thus, no new posts, (it's hard to be positive when you feel ... pregnant)  Haven't even tried to keep up with the blog.  My apologies.

Due to my health I have had to sit back and watch things not get done, ask people to help and accept offers of help (which by the way is really really hard for me), and accept the fact that everything is OK even if things are on the floor and dishes are on the counter. every day. done on an as needed basis.  (gasp)

On top of that we had a bad storm come through, damaging our house and property in several areas.  I was useless.  We were in need of help!  And not just once.  Things we thought were repaired broke again, sometimes random things just broke, to keep us on our toes I think.  Some nights it was needed a.s.a.p.  It was a humbling experience to have to ask people for help over and over.

One of the things I have learned through these experiences is this: 

You can only help someone if you are able to hear their call for help.  

How grateful I am for the people who weren't too busy to help out at a moments notice.  They were there to answer the phone and hear of our need for help.  Their lives weren't too full to add one more thing to the to do list.  

It seems most everyone nowadays is busy doing stuff.  We feel proud if our lives are packed with things to do, it's like a badge telling the world "I'm important".  You feel good/needed/special when you say no because you're already busy with something else.  

But what about the phone that rings with a request for help that you don't hear because you are busy.  What about the knock at the door from someone who is in need at that very moment, that doesn't get answered because you are too "important". 

I know the holiday season is in fact the busiest season of the year and what I am asking will be hard to do, but let's try to make our calendars a little more open.  Open to help others at the last minute, to hear their cries for help and be there when they need us.  Some of the greatest blessing come when we are helping others in need.  Some of the best lessons we can learn can be in moments of service.  We can feel truly important when we are able to help others in a way that they could not do themselves.  

I can testify of the love and gratitude we felt toward those that helped us.  Please be open to service.  Be looking for those that need you.  Be available, even at a moments notice.  If you do, I believe you will be blessed, just as much as the people you are helping.  

Picture Link here

Difficult Blessings

Ever receive one of those blessing in your life that requires frequent "this is a blessing" reminders?   Short term thorn-in your-sides, that eventually become long term joys.  We are experiencing a couple of those in our family.  Though they are private experiences, I thought I'd laugh with you all about it without sharing any details.  I think it's quite hilarious that there are things you want, you hope for in your life, and when you get them the slow uphill climb of difficulty sets in.

For instance, for me child bearing is extremely difficult.  No, I am NOT announcing a pregnancy here, just using this as an easily relate-able example.  Children are a wonderful gift and blessing.  We pray for them, and long for them.  But actually getting pregnant and staying pregnant, (for me) is not fun.  It means months of illness, tests, stress, and accepting help from others.  Pregnancy is definitely one difficult blessing.  But it is absolutely worth every hardship!  Children are a beautiful gift and there is nothing in the world like loving and being loved by a child.

I would also include schooling in the difficult blessing category.  What a blessing higher education can be.  But there are many moments where you have to remind yourself, "This is a good thing",  "It will be great in the end"  or "It WILL be over one day!".

So if you have a moment, please humor me and share one of your previous "difficult blessings".  It will help me get through mine, and it's always fun to laugh at things from the past.  Thank you for sharing your experiences and laughing with me.  You were laughing with me right?  Just Kidding.

Image Link

Personal Gifts

Have you noticed that each person on the Earth is unique.  We have our own physical characteristics.  Some of us have red hair, some have brown eyes, some are tall.  We also have different personalities.  Some are shy, stubborn, fearless.  Some characteristics we were born with, and some we receive through our experiences.

To make us even more unique, we all have different talents or gifts.  Each and every one of us have multiple talents or gifts.  Typical gifts are things like: musical ability, culinary skills, artistic abilities, but there are also gifts not as obvious.
Gifts like:

• patience
• being a good friend
• being a good listener
• lifting others up
• being hardworking
• the gift of loyalty       
• the gift of humor
• being easy going
• faithfulness
• not easily offended
• the gift of imagination
• the gift of communication
• easing the burdens of others

The list could go on and on.

I think that when we take a moment to find out what our own gifts are a few wonderful things will happen.  First, our confidence and self worth increases.  Yay!  Don't we all need a little confidence boost!  I know I used to think that because I didn't have an obvious talent like "Singing Sally" my worth was less than hers.  Not so!  We all have value.  And when we realize what our gifts our self worth will increase.

Second, we will use our gifts to help others.  If you are a good listener look for opportunities to help others by listening to them.  That not only makes you feel useful, but helps those in need.  Double blessing!

So when you have a moment, think about what your personal gifts might be.  We all have them.  No one was created talentless.  OOoooh, and if you see a gift in some one else, tell them.  Maybe they don't even know they have it!

Good Luck my talented friends!

Image link

Where's the drive - updated

In July we celebrate Independence Day and Pioneer Day here in the South Western United States.  To me those holidays are important because of the many sacrifices that were made for greater causes.  In the days of the pioneers, people were courageous and unwavering.  Most everything they did had tremendous value and purpose.  Where has that gone? 

When was the last time you or I were passionate about something?  Yes, I did try really hard to get my finger nails perfect, I passionately shooed the kids away as I applied the oh-so-cute polka dots, but that's not what I'm talking about. 

It seems like we have forgotten two things in my opinion:

• what is important (to see what I personally believe is important click here.)
• and how to keep those things in the important column.

Seriously folks, a lot of work has been done for us by our ancestors, and in return we are.... casual and laid back???  They lived and died to give us so many blessings and I feel like we have totally dropped the ball.  We hardly remember what their struggles were, and at times even mock the things that they worked so hard to give us. 

Sure it is great to live nowadays when everything is done at the touch of a button.  But let's not get so caught up in the trends of today that we forget why we are here and how we got here. 

I personally am perturbed with the lack of values of the day.  It is a frustrating thing to teach my kids right from wrong, when the world thinks wrong is right.  So here's an idea, let's follow the example of our ancestors and put forth real effort in to something.  And hopefully something of great value. 

I'm not saying stop what you are doing and go save some dolphins. In fact that's the opposite of what I am saying.  I am saying today for just a moment stop.  Stop and think about what is really important.  And then figure out a way to share that with others -through your actions.  And then stop doing things that are contrary to what you believe is important.  That's it.  That's how we get back to civility.  One person at a time doing what they believe is right.  That is enough to impact others.

Alright, that's it.  I'll get off my soapbox for the day.  I just like the kindness and purpose that I imagine life had long ago when a handshake, your name, or your word meant something.  I don't want to go back to churning butter, but I wouldn't mind life with a little more curtsies and a little less curtness. 

As always I am curious to hear your thoughts.  Please comment. 

Give Away

Hey Guys!  I am doing my first Give Away today Monday July 15th at my Facebook page.  I made a really cute Owl Prayer Board to help you remember the people you know who need prayers, you could also use it as a to-do board etc.  It's 8x10 and it comes with everything you need, papers, pins, etc. 
Here's the link to my FB page so you can enter:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Focused-on-the-Positive/207847512639736

All you have to do is like my Facebook page, or share this give away on facebook with your friends.  Pretty easy.  It is open today Monday July 15th until midnight.  Good luck!

A Mother's Purpose

I want to share some of my thoughts about what it's like to be a mom today.  Thanks to the wealth of ideas on the Internet the expectations of a mother have become a little... unrealistic.  We feel pressure to:

• cook yummy meals using all the latest healthy ingredients; create edible creature snacks for the kids and fancy festive treats for the neighbors.
• maintain a clean and organized home, decorated with homemade crafts for every season. 
• rear our children with our sweet peaceful voices and artsy activities..... AND SO ON

Yes, I have participated in this latest practically-perfect-mom trend, until I remembered what my real purpose as a mother and wife is. The most important task I have is to teach, nurture, and love my children.  Everything else is secondary.  Even the cleaning. 

In Today's Family: The Eternal Role of Mothers Elder Ballard says, “What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.” 

Above dirty dishes, and homemade soap? 

I think so. 

Don't get me wrong, it is important to live in a clean home and participate in wholesome activities, just not as important as spending time with our children.  Certainly most days have time for a little of everything, but let there be some days where the lessons learned and memories made take up more time.  Nothing terrible is going to happen if you read a book with your kids instead of mopping the floor.

So please, don't be embarrassed if the house is a little askew.  And do not feel sub par when you look at other moms who seem capable of doing everything. 

Be reassured in knowing that your children feel loved and valued, and when they are all grown they will fondly remember the love we gave them and the lessons we taught them.  Motherhood is such a divine calling.  I am grateful to be a mother, and I know that a mothers job is so very important. 

Credit: Edgar Barany (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0).

lady cleaning image by fanfo

My First real 4th of July!

As most of you know I officially became an American citizen this year, so this is my first real Independence Day!

A few days ago my family and I returned home from a vacation, in which traveling by car for 14 hours each way was required, and may I tell you this truly is a beautiful country to live in.

We travelled through the desert and the prairies, and it was all stunning!  What a blessing it is to live in a country so richly blessed, so vast and beautiful, and so abundant in freedoms!

I hope you have a happy Independence Day!   

Photos: Sunset 

Being Happy in Unhappy Circumstances

Below is an article I wrote for the Good News Network.  If you haven't checked out the site take a second to do so.  It's a website that shares only good news from around the world.  Their link is on my side board.

It seems that every day life is getting more and more difficult.  For everyone.  We no longer have to turn on the t.v to see sad stories anymore.  Yes, hard things are happening.  But that doesn't mean that we have to become hard.  I believe that we can be happy even in unhappy circumstances.  How is that possible?  In her book The How of Happiness Sonja Lyubomirsky concludes that 50 percent of a given human's happiness level is genetically determined (based on twin studies), 10 percent is affected by life circumstances and situation, and a remaining 40 percent of happiness is subject to self control.  Isn't that interesting!  Only 10 percent is affected by life, and 40 percent is subject to self control.  I find that amazing, and contrary to popular belief.  If that is true, then we do have the ability to choose to be happy.  So, how do we do that?   

Here are a few things I believe will help us to be happy in unhappy circumstances.  

1.  Help Others.  Feeling down about yourself, your life???  The best remedy for that, in my opinion, is doing something for someone else.  Seriously, it's like magic.  Helping someone else has the power to eliminate your own sadness.  And it's not just by doing grand acts, sometimes small kindnesses bring the greatest relief.  Like the familiar quote says, "If you see a friend without a smile give him one of yours".  Sometimes that's all it takes. 

2.  Be optimistic.  The definition of optimism is "A tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation."  Now, sometimes it's hard to "expect the best possible outcome", but I like that second part, dwelling on the most hopeful aspects of a situation.  Ahhh, dwelling.  We are all prone to dwell on things now and then.  Why not embrace it by dwelling on the good instead of the bad!  See the good in situations.  Look for it.  Write it down.  Be thankful for it.  Tell others the good things going on instead of the bad.  If you can make that a habit, you'll be much happier.  "I can complain because the rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because the thorn bushes have roses",  J. Kenfield Morley.  Be optimistic!

3. Don't give up.  Take a break.  Have a cry.  Call your BFF.  But DON'T QUIT.  Here is something that gives me the endurance to keep going.

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit...

Success is failure turned inside out.
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit.
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Author Unknown

Don't give up.  You are strong.  You can get through it.  Believe in yourself, and have faith.

I believe that even though life is difficult we can still be happy.  Without pretending.  Without ignoring our feelings.  We can be truly happy on the inside if we help others, embrace optimism, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.  Good luck to you with all you're facing.  May you find happiness during the trial.

The Walls My Family Lives Within

So, I started writing  a post today, and ended up writing a poem. Strange.  This poem had nothing to do with what I was going to write about.  But somehow it ended up coming out of me.  I am no poet.  But here is what I wrote.

The Walls My Family Lives Within

There are things inside my house, things you might not see.

It is these things that make my house a special place to me.

There's a race track in the living room, and a secret curtain cave,

for my little roaring lions on the days they're feeling brave.

There is a room inside my house with sweet dreams, and sister giggles.

And a canvas in the driveway with hopscotch and chalk squiggles.

Then in the spring there is a place with green and growing things,

where you can spy a ladybug, or hear the robins sing.

There's a front porch for us to gather, and greet friends passing by.  

And soft green grass to lay in as we gaze up at the sky.

You might see rooms and windows, and a fence that's giving in,

But my heart sees more than just the walls my family lives within.

by Maria Ellsworth

Squeal!

Hey guys, guess what?  GNN, the good news network, posted an article I wrote.  It has my picture and little blurb and everything!  Please go check it out, write a comment, and show your support.

 All Things Good (GNN)

Also... I am also a new contributing writer for Mormon Mommy Blogs!  I know, I'm totally excited.  So many great things going on.  Anyways, when my first article is up over there I will let you know!  

Thanks for your All your support!  You guys are the best!!!

My Conversion Story

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to prepare to be a speaker at church.  I am NOT good at giving talks, or doing anything that involves an audience.  I AM a fainter and a shaker.  Needless say I do not volunteer for these things.  However the topic I was given about was something I enjoy talking about because the spirit always takes over and testifies.  Plus, there were 5 speakers, so I only had to speak for 7 minutes!  So, yesterday was the big day, and it turns out I did fine!  I believe that it was totally due to me being obedient and doing what I was asked, and the fact that I had complete faith that if I was supposed to speak God would help me do it.  And he did. 

For those interested here is a copy of my talk.  Do not feel obligated to read it.  But I know some of you will be interested in what I said.  It is about my conversion, and some of the teachings of the church that helped me gain my testimony.  Here it is:

In 1995 two missionaries knocked on the door of a home while serving in the small town of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada.  The mother reluctantly let them in, and over a period of time was taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ, along with her two children.  I would like to share with you a few ways the Gospel of Jesus Christ has blessed my life when those two missionaries visited my home years ago.

I was 14 years old and I took the discussions with the missionaries very seriously. I didn’t want to get baptized just because my mom was.  I wanted to know for myself that it was the right thing to do.  It was a few months after my mom and brother were baptized that I received the answer to my sincere prayers, that the information I had learned from the missionaries was true.  I was baptized 3 days after my 15^th birthday.

What is most inspiring to me about my conversion was that at the age of 14 I received such a strong witness that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was true.  It is not hard at all for me to believe that God answered the prayers of Joseph Smith when he was a young man, because I knew that he too had answered my prayers when I was young.  I would like to take a few minutes to share with you some of the wonderful truths I learned from the missionaries that helped me gain a testimony of the gospel.

First, they taught me that I am a child of a Heavenly Father.  I was 14 at the time, and felt in a vague way that there was a God, and that he knew of my existence.  The only stories about God that I knew were; the commandments, and the story of Abraham and Isaac.  So, for the first time I was taught, and taught by the spirit.  I felt the spirit testify that there is a God, he is my Father in Heaven, and that he loves me.  I now know that we are all His spirit children, literally the sons and daughters of God.  He has created us in His image.  He is the Father of our spirits, and we call Him our Heavenly Father.

I had never heard the term Heavenly Father before.  I immediately felt it was an appropriate name for him.  I felt the depth of his love for me, and for all of mankind.  Because I have the gospel, I now believe as the scriptures say, "that nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Jesus Christ our Lord."  Romans 8:38-39

I was taught that there was a pre-earth life, where we existed as spirits in Heaven before we came to earth.  Before we were born everyone who has lived or will live on earth, lived with God in heaven as spirits. In the “pre-earth life,” each of us were individuals with a divine nature and destiny.  It was in the pre-earth life that Jesus was chosen to be our Savior.

I also learned that Heavenly Father created a plan to overcome sin and death to return to his presence.  It’s called the plan of salvation or the plan of happiness.  Those who follow this plan are promised “immortality and eternal life” or unending happiness with God and our families in heaven. This is what God wants for all of us.  Following the plan of happiness is easier when we do the simple things, like reading the scriptures, going to church, praying, and serving others. Jesus Christ was the perfect example of following God's plan.

I learned that because we are human, we are not perfect and are prone to sin.  Sin results in the withdrawal of the Holy Ghost. It makes the one who sins unable to dwell in the presence of Heavenly Father, for “no unclean thing can dwell with God” (1 Nephi 10:21).  Being separated from God by sin is called spiritual death.  We can overcome sin through sincere repentance, and faith in the Savior's atonement.  His Atonement, or sacrifice, can wash us clean of our sins and make us worthy to return to God’s presence. Christ’s sacrifice and Resurrection also allows us to overcome physical death.  Because of His Atonement, all people will be resurrected, and those who obey His gospel will receive the gift of eternal life with God.

Lastly, I learned what the purpose of this life is.  In Abraham 3:25 it says, "And we will prove them herewith to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them".  We are here to be tried and tested, to see if we will keep Gods commandments.  We are here to gain a physical body and learn to choose between good and evil. We are here to do the work that God has for us to do, like sharing the gospel.   And we are here to prepare ourselves to live with God again with our eternal families.  You can imagine how valuable it was for me, as a teenager, to know these things.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has been such a blessing to me.  Because the gospel was shared with me I now know who I am, where I came from, and what my purpose is.  I know that life does not end with death.  I know that I can live again with my family, Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ.  Because I have the gospel in my life I have the tools I need to raise my children in the turbulent times of today.  I have the added confidence of knowing that good will prevail.  I do not have to fear or worry about what is going on around me. 

Of everything I have been given in my life, I am the most grateful for the gift of the gospel.  I love my Heavenly Father, and Savior Jesus Christ.  I testify that your life can also be blessed by following the teachings of Christ which are found only in the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The mending pile

It's that time of year again.  T.shirt and shorts weather, find the bottle of sun screen weather, time to put away the hot chocolate weather.  This is the season when I get out my pen and paper and make my project list. (yup, I'm a list writer)  And this tends to be a long list.

Today I am going through clothes.  Getting rid of clothes that don't fit, making sure we have clothes that do fit, and mending clothes.  That darn mending pile seems to grow just as rapidly as my children.  My daughter has several pairs of pants that have holes in the knees.  They have been in the mending pile for quite some time now.  If we're in a jam, (laundry day) and she has nothing to wear I'll let her wear them to play in, then after they're washed back in the mending pile they go.  But today while doing the laundry I decided I was sick of looking at them.  They needed to, deserved to be fixed once and for all.

So now I ask you... What is in your mending pile?

What have you been ignoring, or waiting for the right time to fix?

Your heart?

A relationship?

That is the question that stole my thoughts today.  What is in my  mending pile?   A challenge I pose to us all is to try to mend something on our list.  If that is to difficult, perhaps think of a step or two that we can do to get closer to being whole.   May you have the strength and desire to do so.  Good luck!

New Quote Designs!

Hey guys, guess what?  I've started designing quotes!  I am totally excited.  It took me a while to figure out the new program I'm using, so this first one is a little bland, but there will be more to come soon.  Here it is, check out my first piece of work.





This is a special scripture to me.  It's one I whole heartedly believe in.  I hope you enjoy it.  I'm looking forward to sharing more with you!




Here's the second one I finished.  I love this quote about gratitude.

Look at me! I'm crafty!

Remember my last post about the prayer board???  Well, I made one!  Yup, all by myself.  And guess what else?  I like it!  Check it out.

I used an old frame, it's one of those $5 frames from Walmart, it was missing the glass and needed to be used in a project.  I painted it black, then used a scrap of fabric and stuffed it with fluff. 



Then I made that little pin cushion, hot glued it on along with the little envelope, stuffed it with paper, added stickers (I don't have a criket) and voila!  Not too shabby if I say so myself.  With so many people in my prayers, this will come in handy.  And it's cute too. 

Prayer board craft

Hey friends, here's an idea I found on Pinterest that I wanted to share with you all.



 It's a prayer board. 

I thought this was a great way to remember those who need our prayers.  The link on Pinterest doesn't take you anywhere (it says it's a suspicious link), but you pretty much get the idea by looking at it. 

That's it.  Just wanted to share this thoughtful craft with you.  Have a great day!  

Spring is grand

I love that no matter how high it snows in the winter, spring always comes.  The colors of spring are blooming at my house.  Happy day!

Call me old fashioned

I have been sick in bed for the last couple of days.  Being sick when you're a grown up isn't nearly as fun as it was as a kid.  First of all, grown ups have responsibilities.  The children have to be taken care of.  I can't just let the dog lick their faces clean and send them off to school, though it is tempting. Also, I don't have a little bell to ring when I need something, AND day time t.v for grown ups is pa-the-tic!   Even the commercials are ridiculous.

T.V. today is all about the next new thing, the snazziest (yes, I said Snazzy) way to get you to want to do something, buy something, be something.  I think I am tired of  all of the hype that's on t.v.  Who cares about the newest latest gadget/phrase/style/fad etc. etc?  Those things are all secular.  Why does so much money and advertising go toward things that have little to no value?  What about things that really matter?  Society's morals are deteriorating rapidly, and we are watching it like it's a soap opera and then ordering every infomercial during the commercial break.

So, what's my point?  The point is, we are raising the next generation.  What do we want them to be?  Do we want them to be focused on having great things, or do we want to to be great people?

As a parent I feel I have a duty to fill my children with knowledge, self worth, love, gratitude, and all the other skills necessary to have a happy and fulfilling life.  In doing so I also feel like I'm in a tug of war with the outside influences that are trying to grab a hold of my children.  And it's not just t.v.  Influences now-a-days come in so many different forms.  Does anyone else out there feel the same way?

The scriptures I have been reading lately include a close description of what I feel I need to be doing for my family.  It's really interesting.  I am reading Alma 48:7-9.  It is a story about how a wicked man named Amalickiah was trying to destroy the Nephites who were followers of God.  It reads:

 "Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been ^apreparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God.

 8 Yea, he had been strengthening the armies of the Nephites, and erecting small ^aforts, or places of resort; throwing up banks of earth round about to enclose his armies, and also building ^bwalls of stone to encircle them about, round about their cities and the borders of their lands; yea, all round about the land.

 9 And in their weakest fortifications he did place the greater number of men; and thus he did fortify and strengthen the land which was possessed by the Nephites."

It goes on in greater detail, but I want to share this comparison with you.  I feel as though I am Moroni, trying to prepare and teach my children, the Nephites, from those who would do them harm. I feel like the temptations and evils are multiplying around us, trying every sneaky, deceitful thing they can think of to get a hold of us.  And as a mother I need to protect my home with "banks of  earth, and walls of stone" to fortify and strengthen my family.  Some days the task seems heavy, but I feel it is of extreme importance.  I hope and pray that my children will come to know what is right and what is wrong, what is important and what is trivial, and that they will be strong enough to withstand all of the evils and temptations that are placed before them.      

Being a parent is difficult.  Our children may not like us all the time, they may say and do things that are hurtful.  But they are children.  That is what children do.  We are parents.  We have a responsibility to do the difficult things.


The scriptures I shared today are not found in the Bible.  They are in the Book of Mormon, which I believe to be scripture revealed from modern day prophets.  If you are interested in finding out more about the Book of Mormon click on the link below.  There you can receive a free no obligation copy of the Book of Mormon, and also find out more about it.

Free copy of the Book of Mormon

Pics & Quotes

Here are some of the uplifting images I've posted on the Focused on the Positive Facebook page. If you haven't checked it out or liked it yet take a second to do so!

There you go.  A small sampling of Focused's Facebook page.  Head over there and like it if you haven't yet!  Click here Facebook Page

Bearing our afflictions with faith

Well hi there!  It's been a long time since I've written anything.  Did you miss me?  Ah, shucks, thanks.  I came down with a case of "life-is-hard-can't-do-anything-without-crying-itis".  Wasn't fun.  Not sure I'm over it, but you don't need to know the details.

Anyhoo.  What's been going on with you guys?  Any exciting news?  Please feel free to share your joys with us in the comment section.  I'd love to hear about the great things going on in your lives!

My thoughts lately have been turned to accepting trials.  Trials are a part of life.  I know this.  That statement makes sense to me.  Why then, when a trial is placed before us do we crawl into the fetal position and wonder "Why?"  Interesting question... Why do we ask "Why" during trials?   Perhaps out of fear that we cannot handle it, that it is too hard, that we will break instead of grow.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I have come to know that we can handle each trial that we face.  The scriptures tell us:

"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which The Lord hath commanded, for I know that The Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commanded them." 1 Nephi 3:7

He does not give us challenges that we cannot conquer.  He has placed each trial in our lives for our benefit.  Yeah, it's contradictory, but it's true. If you look back on the things that were difficult, I think you will find that after it was over it had some reason, some benefit, for you or someone else.  And I do believe that there are some trials we will not understand until after this life.

That being said, if you want to truly understand why we go through trials, I think you have to ask yourself why we are here.  What is the purpose of this life?  

In my opinion we are here to be tested and tried, to learn and grow through our trials, so that one day we will be proven worthy to live again with our Heavenly Father.  If you want to be truly optimistic, then you could rejoice when a trial is given.  Knowing that you will become better for it.  If that thought is a little hard to grasp, here's another scripture to help:

"But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions."  Alma 34:41

That scripture has bought me peace recently.  I just have to keep making good choices, and continue on in faith, and one day I will receive rest from my afflictions.  I am grateful that God believes I am as strong as the challenges he gives me. I believe in God, and I believe he knows me.  He knows: what is best for me, what my potential is, what I can handle, and he knows the greater purpose.   We have many reasons to rejoice.  God loves us.  God is with us in our trials.  Each of our trials have a purpose.  And one day we will be able to live again with our Savior and Heavenly Father.

May you be blessed with strength in your struggles.  Please share your thoughts and perspectives.