But God is Bigger

"And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span... Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:4, 45-47)

Ever since I started my mission papers it seems that my trials were ramped up in many different ways. I fractured and sprained my foot, I got the run around from my doctor in two separate appointments, far too many panic attacks to count at this point, exams this week, several essays and presentations during the last week, looking at my checking account makes me want to cry, my dog is old and likely dying, my wardrobe dwindles smaller every time I sort through it getting rid of immodest and ill fitting clothing, I fly out to Utah in 12 days, I woke up late this morning and nearly missed my millionth doctor appointment, I locked my keys in my car, and not being able to go to the temple with my family before I leave for Utah because I need my mission call. 

Friday and Saturday I felt like my chest was going to explode. I felt trapped and scared. How was I going to get everything done in time? Should I go back out to Utah for the summer? Will my foot be healthy enough for me to work? Will it give me problems on my mission? Will I ever turn in my paperwork? Will my doctor cooperate with me?

I prayed and prayed for help. Because of a quiet prompting I then wrote down everything that needs to get done in a list. I put this list in a folder that contains things that need to be dealt with soon such as my immunization record, wisdom teeth evaluation referral, etc. I, yet again, am learning the hard way that my way isn't always the best way. Now that I'm more organized, my list is nearly completely checked off. My anxiety levels are minimal. My podiatrist said that my foot should be back to normal within two to three weeks (let's pray it is two please). My mission papers are nearly complete. God is good! 

We all have Goliaths in our lives. We all have trials that seem too big and too difficult to bear. But you know what? Goliath might be big, but God is bigger. 

I testify to you that I know that Christ suffered, died, and lived again for each of us. He suffered so that He knows our trials and that He can provide the mercy we need. He died so that the dead may hear his message also. He lived so that we may live again through His grace. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's true church. I know that God is so much bigger than our trials. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Gratitude and Grammatical Errors

Recently this blog has reached a total of roughly 2,000 views since it first began last year, with the previous post being my fifty-fifth post. The views might be small but my testimony has grown with each post. It has helped me every week to take a topic, ponder on it, learn a little more about it, then write. I'm so greatful for y'all (my readers) and the wonderful feedback I get. (I officially give you permission to message me on Google+, email, Facebook, or Pinterest if I have grammatical errors and typos). Thank you so much. 

I know that Christ lives, and through my daily experiences of learning about him and sharing those experiences I have grown, and you can too. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

I am my brother's brother

"I may not be my brother’s keeper, I am my brother’s brother, and 'because I have been given much, I too must give.' " Jeffrey R. Holland

This is taken from a talk about service and caring for the less fortunate, but when I first read this quote it brought me back to something I was thinking about a while ago, "why do I want to serve a mission?" And automatically this thought came to mind, "The happiness I have I can't keep to myself. I want to share it with those I love, and I genuinely love my friends." The happiness I get from the gospel, knowing my Savior, and His plan for me brings me to want to share it. I love my friends. I love YOU. I testify that this happiness can be YOURS. :) in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Prayers and Running

I love my body. I just got back from a run where it was hard but absolutely glorious at the same time. I started this school year with no running since May, so I had to start my training all over again. I surprisingly found it hard to get back into it. I thought I could just springboard into running and it'll be ok. I was wrong. I was running in worn out shoes, I hadn't run in months, and I hadn't had very good running habits in the spring. 

After a few weeks everything started to smooth out. I was running on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I was doing yard work on Saturdays and I did some yoga on Thursdays. I had a good routine going. Then it started to get cold. I don't like the cold, at all, under any circumstances. I slacked off a little when it came to running. I would wait to go running till Tuesday, which set me up for failure because I knew I wouldn't go running on Saturday. I slacked off because it got hard. 

This can very much correlate to my scripture study. I read cover to cover for seminary, and I did again for the Doctrine and Covenants and Book of Mormon this summer. Almost immediately when I came I was out of my rhythm, I fell short in my daily scripture study and prayer. 

This week will be different. I plan on tomorrow jumping rope, running again on Wednesday, yoga on Thursday, running on Friday, and then doing an upper body workout on Saturday. I have now also been praying and listening to my scriptures in the car every school day, and at odd times (whenever I can get it in) on the weekends.

I am so grateful for my strong powerful legs. They are beautiful and I love how when I run I feel like I'm flying. They are a gift from God, and He wants me to run and be the best I can be.

I am so grateful for prayer. It is a glorious blessing to be able to communicate with my God every day, no matter the hour or circumstance. His scriptures are His word, and I love them (thank you Sister Cogdell and Sister Wright :) ). Our souls are our bodies and spirits, and when we take care of both we are stronger and able to serve better and more fully. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.