Journeyings and Faith

Dear Reader,

Once there was a man who was walking a great distance. He stopped, looked behind him and realized how far he'd traveled. He looked ahead to see how much farther he had to go, and all the while, a friend stood by his side and asked him which seemed the farthest from his viewpoint.

"Well, they both look like the same distance to me! It just seems that the journey ahead is quite long compared to what is behind me." He chuckled, with a wry smile.

"When you discover part of the journey is also the contemplation, joyful moments, moments of pause and despair, planning, and arriving at your destination, and being at your destination, you will realize it is not quite as long after all."

"So...you are saying..?"

"I'm saying, don't focus on, particularly, the journey and the length, but rather focus on the small accomplishments in between. Focus on why you are making the journey, and when you figure that out, you will realize the grandeur of each moment."

Life is too short, to not enjoy EVERY part!! You are probably thinking, so what is this girl trying to tell me...? Am I supposed to enjoy heartbreak? Well actually, yes. If you think about it, heartache can be quite enjoyable. You realize your vulnerabilities, your prestige, worth, and the importance of knowing pain so you'll recognize true joy when you are blessed. I am feeling something right now. Because God endowed me with a gift. Something that I will forever have. A gift of empathy, love, joy, and many more emotions that color our lives.

Finding joy during pain can mostly be often difficult, but Christ has said multiple times, "Fear not! I have overcome the world. Let not your heart be troubled. Have faith. Be believing. Perfect love dissapates fear and we need to know that Christ is on our side, right now. He is cheering for us, and leading us to our victory march! We only need to trust Him and place our burdens at His feet. We need to realize our great worth, and potential as Sons and Daughters of God. Of course, when life doesn't go the way you hoped, or planned, you can know that as part of the process you are learning and that minor discomforts are necessary as we go through the human experience.

Which I, personally, am so thankful for. I don't really have the words to completely say how I feel, but I want to enjoy life to the fullest and follow the spirit as best I can. After all, it's only the best we can do.

God and Christ pick up the pieces. And they do it, quite well. So really you don't have anything to fear, and be afraid of. As you await the beautiful tapestry of your life, know that you are free to choose your own path! Nothing is set in stone :) our lives are really open ended books, with ability to change the outcome for the better. So let Heavenly Father help you! He knows what story of your life will be best. Trust the master author!

I seriously am super thankful for all I have been so blessed with. Life is beautiful folks. I hope you have a seriously great Sunday evening and continue to enjoy the everyday moments! Take time and thank your Father in Heaven. Keep a gratitude journal. Write your thoughts and feelings out and I promise the Lord will show you the puzzle pieces of your life. He has totally done that for me. After tears being shed, prayers and pondering, wondering which direciton He wants me to take in my life, I got an answer loud and clear, and I am sticking to it. NEVER. GIVE. UP. Follow your heart, trust the feelings God has given you, and work towards your goals!! It's so amazing. Heavenly Father lets us CHOOSE our destiny.

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 1:5

"Choose your love, love your choice." :)

"Wherefore, man are free to choose the way of eternal life, or death"

I could list many scriptures that share this principle, but the Lord has shown me great tender mercies and it really hit me as I was studying earlier, that everyone has their own personal agency, and because of this great gift, you can be the captain of your own ship, the painter of your life's portrait, and the author of your story...you only need to Trust the one who is all knowing, and He will lead you to life and happiness beyond what you could ever imagine. The gospel is literally amazing.

Christ is so kind. He is gentle, loving and will never abandon us during trials. Heavenly Father is merciful and promises us aid, as we rely on Him and Christ.

We have the scriptures, our families, friends, church leaders, and so many blessings that allow us to see the bigger picture. The Holy Ghost can be our guide, and friend! :)

So there you have it. Just do your best and allow God to fill up the rest.

Have a great day, love you all <3

Lauren