Hope ya know, we had a hard time

Quentin L. Cook gave a talk in 2008 by this title.  Click here to read it.  These were the words of his three year old when he spoke to his mom on the phone after a scary and grueling experience while trapped in a surprise snowstorm.

At times when we may feel to say, “Hope you know, I had a hard time,” we can be assured that He is there and we are safe in His loving arms.

We need encouragement to make it through hard times.

Of his mother, Brigham Young said, "She taught us to reverence the Holy Book. She said, 'Read it, observe its precepts and apply them to your lives as far as you can. Do everything that is good; do nothing that is evil; and if you see any persons in distress, administer to their wants; never suffer anger to arise in your bosoms, for if you do, you may be overcome by evil.'"

Here's an uplifting story in Mormon Times, telling of Florida Relief Society sisters joining with Catholic relief efforts for Haiti.   In commenting about this partnership, Monsignor David Page said, "All of our churches should help each other and show God's love.

Becky Thomas writes a column, The Unexpected Life,  for Mormon Times and I liked this observation about the need for us to be well-rounded:

"We are given callings in the LDS Church, some which are just like pushing a square peg in a round hole. We are asked to serve with people whom we would not have connected with otherwise. We are asked to leave our comfort zone and speak in church, take youth on a modern day pioneer trek, serve missions and sacrifice our time for others. On top of that, we are faced with a variety of trials, challenges and struggles. It seems that from all angles our Heavenly Father is encouraging us to be well-rounded, not only for our benefit, but so that we can more compassionately and effectively help and understand others. "

I firmly believe that one of our greatest challenges is becoming balanced - to be able to give the appropriate level of time and attention to various aspects of our lives - house/home, family, work, service, spirituality, education/learning, personal development, entertainment, socializing, etc. 

"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." - Winston Churchill

Hope and Peace in Troubled Times

I have to agree with Dr. Elia of Mormon Times:

"I don't know if these are the "last days," but I do know these are troubled times.

Everywhere I look, I see pain, suffering, anger, betrayal, and most of all fear! Lots and lots of fear."

I think the betrayal has been the hardest for me to handle, especially from people you thought you could trust - those I have loved and served to the best of my ability.  Was I perfect?  Absolutely not.  But did I deserve the betrayal?  Of course not.  But, neither has anyone in that situation.  What I hate is becoming somewhat cynical about people as a result.  I so prefer to trust my fellow man (and woman).  What hurts even more is for those I love to believe I betrayed them by being me.  I guess this makes me realize that at least sometimes the betrayal is innocent at least.  I'll try to remember that and stay a little more positive.

I liked this statement too: 
"Remember that listening respectfully does not mean that we necessarily agree with others' beliefs or political systems, it just helps us to builds bridges to understanding instead of brick walls to shut others out."

I found a book to add to my "to-read" list.  The Last Days is one of them.

Right now I need to focus on Conference thoughts.  It's the time of year for me to clean out, dejunk, check the smoke detector batteries, finally make up the 72 hour kits, take inventory of food storage, recharge my spiritual self, relax and recommit.  I'm going to try.  I even hope to finally assemble that 72 hour kit that's scattered all over the house and garage.


Amen to Dr. Elia's words, "May God bless us all with patience, forgiveness and love."