Spring and then some

With the change in the weather it seems like spring may have finally arrived! Spring is a time of change, a change of seasons, and the beginning of some very important changes in my life; namely, the beginning of the final quarter of my high school career, and the beginning of my path towards college and "real life". I admit I have mixed feelings about these changes. I'm quite excited about what is essentially the beginning of my independent life; however, it also feels me with intense apprehension. I'll be leaving behind many of the comfortable barriers that have cushioned me from the true blows of life. I'll be moving on to college, moving out of my house, and living away from my parents and family. I'll be missing friends that I have had for years, and who have helped and supported me throughout my school years. In the words of Marty Mcfly, this is heavy stuff. However, more nerve wracking, as well as more exciting, is the fact that I could conceivably be sending in my mission papers in only six months, and leaving on a mission in only nine. The idea is frankly kind of terrifying. I could be going to a foreign country, speaking a foreign language, knowing literally no one, and then living for the next two years without seeing my family or friends. Fortunately it's all well worth it. The flip side of it is, I could be living in a foreign country, learning a new language, getting to know and love the people of that country, and preaching and spreading the joy of the Gospel of Christ for two years. Not a bad trade off. It'll be an amazing experience, and in truth I can't wait! There's nothing that I'd rather be doing with my life at this time than preaching the Gospel. I've witnessed the joy it brings into people's lives, and that witness has only made me more eager to go forth and tell the world of the wondrous news of Christ's atonement and resurrection! Though I may not feel quite ready for the changes that lie ahead, I trust that "He whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies." With the Lord's help nothing is impossible. So bring on the change.

The Power of Prayer

The subject of personal prayer is one which I feel very strongly about. Prayer is one of the biggest blessings in my life. I cannot imagine what my life would be like if I couldn't talk with my Father in Heaven. Whenever I am in need of help, or when I'm going through a particularly difficult trial, I know that I can always turn to my Father in Heaven. He never fails to listen, and I have found that He truly does care for me. He speaks peace to my soul in times of need, and I have often felt His arms encircling me in Love. He is always there to give me strength when I need it, and through His strength I have been able to accomplish things I would have been incapable of doing otherwise. These blessings are in a large part due to the blessing of prayer. I sincerely believe that our Father in Heaven is constantly waiting to give us blessings; however, many times these blessings will come only when we ask for them, and in order to do this we have been given the blessing of prayer. And not only will He give us blessings and strength in our times of need, He is the best listener you'll ever meet. Sometimes you don't need anything more than to talk something out, and to express the feelings that can only be expressed through the heart. To truly pour out your soul to God is an incredible experience. There are few times when you will ever feel more loved, and closer to our Heavenly Father than when you express to Him the deepest feelings and desires of your heart. That is the power of prayer. It enables to transcend to a higher spiritual plane. It allows us to find peace when we believe that only chaos can exist. It allows us to see from the eternal perspective, and to see the purpose behind the trials of the day. Above all, it allows us the opportunity to communicate with our Father in Heaven, and through Him find acceptance, peace, hope, joy, and love. So when you feel overwhelmed, when the powers of darkness and the chaos of the world are threatening to overwhelm you, humbly kneel, and turn to God.

Who Am I?

Our lives are complex. Every one of us is defined by our many hobbies, interests, personality quirks, desires, and values. However, there is a single universal definition that supersedes all these things. We are all Children of God. It is a simple statement that carries with it profound significance. With the realization of this single definition, many of the conflicts within the world, and within ourselves would simply disappear. Conflicts in the Middle East and throughout the world would cease, and we would discover that perhaps we're not too bad ourselves. Too often we berate and degrade ourselves over small insignificant details. Yes, we do all have flaws, imperfections, and challenges; but, these in no way diminish the utter reality that we are Children of the Most High. That God is our literal Father. By realizing this simple fact, our lives will be changed. We will realize the Love that our Father has for us, and that he is indeed there as a Parent is there for their child. However, it is not enough for us to just hear these facts, we must come to know them for ourselves. I know I am a Son of God, a child of the Most High, I am a son of my Father on Earth and in Heaven, and I am a disciple of Christ, and I bear His name. Now it's your turn. Who Are You?