4 Tools for Overcoming Any Challenge

It's once again my privelege to be able to write a little blog post on here today.  It was my opportunity a few weeks ago to do a cameo on Elder Bevan's blog where I wrote about General Conference and the need to study the addresses that have been given to us over the years because they are scripture.  Today, I want to thank Elder Wright for giving me this chance to talk a little bit more about a somewhat related subject; maybe sort of an expansion of what I was talking about last time. 

Everyone faces challenges in their lives.  We all get a little bit of everything.  Some challenges are serious and difficult to overcome, sometimes even life-threatening.  Others are much more minor, but still have the potential to slow us down for a little bit.  However, there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome.  Not one.  The scriptures say, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).  (Temptations can also be intrepreted to mean trials here as well.)  We are spirit children of a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to return to Him.  He has provided a plan to guide us throughout our mortal journey.  If we follow this plan, we will be rewarded with eternal life in God's presence and joy forever. 

When faced with our challenges, it is often difficult to remember that God really does love us and that he really wants the best for us.  A question often asked by those plagued with difficulty is "Why me?"  It is only natural to react this way initially.  But there is a better way to face our trials.  Instead, ask yourself something like "What can I learn from this experience?" or "How will I work to overcome this challenge?"  Analyzing our problems and challenges like this will help us to have a much more positive approach to everything that comes to us in life, no matter how great or small the predicament in which we find ourselves.  And the Lord Himself has always provided us with ways to overcome anything that burdens us. 

The gospel of Jesus Christ and His commandments provide many solutions for overcoming life's daily struggles and greatest trials.  I wish to mention four in particular:

1. Daily personal and family scripture study

The scriptures can be a powerful source of strength for us as individuals and families.  The prophet Nephi in the Book of Mormon extends to us a wonderful promise related to the scriptures.  "...Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do" (2 Nephi 32:3). How about that for a promise?  Not sure what to do about something?  Feast upon the words of Christ!  They'll tell everything you need to know!  But it gets better.

2. Following the inspiration of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a being of spirit.  He, unlike our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, does not have a body of flesh and bone.  But being how he is gives him a wonderful power.  His presence and influence can be felt simultaneously in multiple locations.  His presence is manifest in two different ways: (1) the power of the Holy Ghost and (2) the gift of the Holy Ghost.  The power of the Holy Ghost can be felt by anyone that is not yet baptized by priesthood authority.  The gift of the Holy Ghost is conferred upon those who have taken upon them the covenant of baptism.  When we receive this gift of the Holy Ghost, we are promised that he will be our constant companion, as long as we keep ourselves worthy and in places where he can follow us.  Remember Nephi's promise about the words of Christ?  He gives us a strikingly similar promise two verses later.  "For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do" (2 Nephi 32:5).  Still not sure what to do about something?  Listen to what the Holy Ghost tells you!  He'll show you everything you need to know!  So with the combination of the words of Christ (scriptures) and the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we will be shown and told all things what we should do!  It's not really leaving anything out, is it?  But let's keep going.  There's more.

3. Prayer

Some people may get to this point and say that all of this talk about scriptures and the Holy Ghost is all fine and good, but oftentimes we don't understand what we read, or we don't know what the Holy Ghost actually feels like, or even how to receive his guidance in the first place.  Our Father in Heaven has given us prayer as a means of verbal communication with Him so that we can express our thoughts and feelings about everything that is going on in our lives.  True, He does know everything that goes on with us daily and He knows our thoughts, but He has asked that we pray to Him in faith to seek His will concerning us.  And if we trust Him, that will will be made manifest unto us, somehow or by some way.  Prayer is where we can ask the questions that we need answers to, ask for help with our difficulties, and express gratitude for the multitude of blessings that we have already received.  Prayer is a good tool to use to clear up our doubts and fears.  It is a source of strength and spiritual renewal.  

4. Faithful church attendance 

Being in church among people with great faith and their own share of trials and difficulties is another great source of strength.  There's strength in numbers, right?  We're not meant to toil and labor during our days here on Earth just by ourselves.  We're surrounded by people who are more than willing to reach out and help us!  In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in serving one another and lifting up those who are weighed down by difficulty and sadness.  When we are faced with seemingly insurmountable trials, we need not withdraw into ourselves.  There are many willing to help.  The doctrines and principles of the gospel taught by inspired teachers and leaders bring comfort and guidance.  Let these comforting messages fill your life and give you hope for the future.  

I want to conclude by sharing my testimony that Heavenly Father does indeed love us.  He has not left us here on the earth to struggle helplessly.  He would never do that.  It is not part of the plan!  He has provided numerous resources, many beyond those I have named and described, to provide us with joy that can last throughout the duration of our lives and on into eternity.  Our Savior Jesus Christ has sacrificed Himself, as a perfect man, so that all of us can receive exaltation and eternal life.  He loves us and understands everything that we suffer because He has already suffered it.  I repeat what I said earlier.  There is no obstacle that cannot be overcome.  Christ has made it possible.  Seek after Him.  Seek after His words.  They will bring you the comfort and guidance that you seek.   

-Elder Caleb Condie

Hakuna Matata

    My name is Elder Vea and I hail from Hawaii. I am currently serving with Elder Wright on an "exchange" where missionaries switch with other missionaries and learn from each other. Just last night we started this exchange and I learned a lot within a few hours. Anyways, I am one of five children and I currently reside in Mesa, Arizona. I am loving every bit of being out here serving our Heavenly Father. It has been a neat experience to serve other people. I have learned many things here in California and one important thing I learned is that everyone is different. Everyone has lived a different life and has different backgrounds. Everyone has either experienced their life in a good way or has seen the "rough" part of life. I can honestly say that I have seen both worlds. My entire life has been centered around Jesus Christ and his teachings and how families can be eternal. But it hasn't been all sunshine and bright days. We all have a dark time in our life and sometimes it lasts for a while. We sometimes feel the need to "awake" and do something about our life but we can never find out how.

"If you want to be somebody,

If you want to go somewhere,

then you better wake up and pay attention."

Jesus Christ has provided an opportunity for us to "wake up and pay attention." His Atonement is sufficient for everyone. No matter what happened to us or where we are at in our life. People can change and experience a change of heart.

Growing up, my parents taught me the principles of the gospel and wanted me to live it. I was a rebel. I wanted to be free and I wanted to experience life the way I wanted to. I didn't want anyone telling me how to live my life. As I became older, in high school, something changed my life. As a senior, I was excited and I wanted to get the most out of high school while in this last year. I had a job, played football, and was enrolled in Theatre Arts. Everyday was a busy day: wake up at 6:30, school, football practice, rehearsal, and work. I wouldn't get home till probably around 11:00 at night. Then finish homework and finally went to bed. And then my whole day starts again. This went on for about 6 months. Football ended but I still wanted to do more. I soon forgot about reading my scriptures, saying my prayers and going to church. I forgot about God and what he has done for me. I FORGOT.

A few months went by and I recieved an important call . . . It was from my counselor at school. I received the most dreadful news ever: I was one credit short of graduating and so I needed to enroll in summer school. I was devastated. When I told my parents, they were furious! I felt like a failure.  I didn't know who to turn to but my older sister who was living in Arizona at the time. I told her what had happened. She asked me if I prayed.-- I said no.-- She asked me if I read my scriptures. -- I said no.-- She then told me, "You are asking the wrong person so get on your knees and call me later!" The phone call ended. After about 5 minutes, I got on my knees and prayed hard as I never had before. Still feeling sorry and tears in my eyes, I walked to the kitchen. My little sister was watching "The Lion King" at the time and as I was in the kitchen, These words came out and spoke to me: "Hakuna Matata." It means "No Worries." My soul was at peace. My tears ceased to fall and a smile came across my face. I was being told just that! Not to worry and do what God wants me to and everything will be alright. So, I read my scriptures, went to church and said my prayers. I was doing all that I can that would please my Heavenly Father. My counselor called me again and said, "You can graduate with your class but it would require some time of yours." I quickly took the offer and I was able to graduate.

     

  In the Book of Mormon, there is a prophet that I felt much like during this time, Alma 36: 12-21 "I could remember my pains no more..." I had finally awaken and did something about my problems. I know that as we follow Alma's counsel, and remember what "our fathers have taught us," then we can experience joy. "There can be nothing more sweet and exquisite as was my joy." The power of the Atonement is for everyone. If we put or faith and trust into the hands of our Savior, I can promise that He will tell us not to worry. We don't have to be perfect to come to the Savior. I am not perfect and neither are you but if we give our all, that would be perfect for Him to accept. So, I leave you with two words of wisdom: "Hakuna Matata."

FIRE WORKS

I think back to my youth and remember the days when my family and I would go on adventurous camping trips, which would usually include fishing, shooting, and doing the outdoor stuff.  I remember anticipating the beautiful sharp pine trees, and hearing the rushing river alongside our campground.   I love breathing the whispering winds as we are overwhelmed and humbled by nature and the creation of our God.

Some moments will never be forgotten.  Being young and learning to enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors I always came to love the campfire. Hear the crackling goodness of warmth and peace, staring into the blazing hot coals, as if your face was going to melt.  It's comforting to ponder and retain life's most precious moments as bouldering stress flow away. I find myself huddling close to a campfire while I have deep thought. 

So you're maybe asking yourself; why would he be talking about campfires?  Fire is an amazing reaction in which can sustain life, cook really good food, and keep us nice and warm.  But I want to relate how a fire can save us from harm, keep us happy with light to see and food to cook --- and how the gospels simple truths are likened unto a fire.  How Jesus Christ and His teachings can keep our own fires(spiritual fires) burning with light, happiness, warmth, and maybe full of tasty cooked food. 

       How does fire work?

PS--Don't Smoke

Fire is a combustive oxidation reaction--a chemical

reaction between oxygen molecules and any

molecules that have the potential to take on an

oxygen molecule. Energy, in the form of heat or

light, is released from the molecules as the reaction

takes place.

When enough oxygen and heat combine with the fuel source, ignition occurs. Once the initial heat source has ignited the fire, the flame generates its own heat for combustion, and oxidation continues in a chain reaction. The fire will burn until one or more of the necessary components is exhausted or removed. (1.)

When the elements of heat, fuel and oxygen are put into one bowl served together the reaction will produce FIRE!!  Like a fire, we are to put three elements into our spirituality such as:

 first, prayer; Second, scripture study; Third, sabbath day worship.

Prayer

In prayer we speak openly and honestly with our loving Father in Heaven. We express

gratitude and thanksgiving for our blessings. We may acknowledge our love for Him. We

also ask for help, protection, and direction according to our needs.
In turn He will give unto us our direction according to our need and His will. -- I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father--  2 Nephi 32:9

Scripture Study

“feast upon the words of Christ … ,(and) the words of Christ will tell [us] all things what [we] should do” (2 Ne. 32:3)

Search out diligently for your life and others questions of your soul, your current needs and concerns and challenges WILL be made light.  For the "words of Christ" will direct you to make correct decisions.

Sabbath Day Worship

"Our Sabbath-day behavior is a reflection of our commitment to honor and worship God.

By keeping the Sabbath day holy, we show God our willingness to keep our covenants." (2)

We show our God we love Him by remembering him and His Sacrifice.  As we partake of his sacrament, and abstain from shopping, attending sporting events, and partaking of unrestful things, we will see and feel him more in our lives.

These three simple ingredients turn into what is called a testimony (fire of the spirit).  When you feel clean, you feel happy, independent, worthy, and last but not least, loved.  You know the Savior is pleased and happy for what you are doing.  These basic applications turn into a life sustaining reaction, in turn will increase your happiness, love, peace, and joy in not only this life, but in the life to come. 

We mush continue to apply these principles:

 1) prayer(communication with our Heavenly Father), 2) scripture study(Book of Mormon, Bible, current teachings of latter-day prophets), and attending to fellowship in the unity and body of His church(church attendance and sabbath day observance).  As we do so, we will become acquainted with love, which is in Christ our Lord and Savior.

Look at Tom, he's so excited because he has fire now!!  Remember fire can make us warm, but if we cease to feed this fire, it will burn out.  Keep feeding your spiritual fire with the required needs, and you will find the peace which comes for safety of the soul.