Don't Forget to Include...

“You can do anything you set your mind to!” “Follow your dreams!” “Envision it and it will become reality.” These kinds of statements always make me cringe a bit. So, when the speaker prior to me spoke to the youth with such words, I began squirming in my seat. I believe firmly in envisioning great things, setting righteous goals, and working hard to make my life great; however, there is a huge component missing from the statements above. It is vital to include the Father’s will in the whole picture, or discouragement will take over when life doesn’t match our plans. The room was filled with teen-agers, including my sons. How was I going to share my story of facing cancer and going blind without telling them that the previous speaker was almost correct? I had giant plans for my own life. I had great faith. I even worked hard to have good things happen. But, mortality gets in the way of dreams sometimes. My battle with cancer and subsequent blindness were devastating to me and to my dreams. No matter how much faith we have, we are not completely in control of what happens to us. I taught those kids that we dream big, follow our dreams, and make great plans for our lives. We do these things with the help and direction from the Spirit. Then, when hard things come, because they will, we don’t remain crushed. Because we already have a strong relationship with our Father, we can trust that we are still on the right path for our lives, the path he wants us to travel. For, he will take our dreams and exceed them.

The First Star of Christmas

I have always loved studying the attributes and titles of Jesus Christ in the scriptures. I get excited when I find a new title that I can study and ponder. This stems from my mother’s love for the Savior, and that she taught us to search for Christ’s roles and titles. So, when I was told about a new product sold by Deseret Book, I knew exactly what to get my mom for Christmas. It’s always so difficult to find something for her that is meaningful, but not this year. I gave it early, so she could enjoy it before Christmas. Going crazy with curiosity yet? It is a box of twelve silver star Christmas tree ornaments. On each star is one of twelve titles of Christ from the New Testament. It was the perfect gift for my mom! I got some for my own family, too. My youngest son was as intrigued as I pulled each star out of the box. There were several titles that he had not heard before, and I was able to teach him. It was a sweet few moments for me to share with him my love for the Savior and the Savior’s love for him. “What does this mean, Mom?” Benji asked as he stumbled to sound out the word. It was the ornament that had “Mediator” on it. I love this title! Christ is the Mediator, the one who goes between, or bridges the gap between us and the Father. The “Guide to the Scriptures” states, “An intercessor or intermediary. Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and man. His atonement made possible a way for people to repent of their sins and become reconciled to God. • No man cometh unto the Father except by Jesus Christ: John; • There is one mediator between God and men:1 Tim. 2:5; • Christ is the mediator of a better covenant:Heb. 8:6; Heb. 9:15; Heb. 12:24; D&C 107:19; )The Holy Messiah shall make intercession for all the children of men:2 Ne. 2:9” This is a fabulous title to ponder on and learn about. It’s only through Christ, my Mediator, that I can be reconciled to my Father in Heaven. Through his atonement, Jesus is the link that enables my return to my God.

A Miracle Just in Time

I recently spoke to one of my cute friends about a miracle that had occurred in her life. I asked her to write it down so I could share it. It’s a good reminder that the timing of things is really in the Lord’s hands. He will work miracles as he’s sees fit for us. Thanks for the reminder Kenzie. “Ever since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to be a nurse, and when I started my freshman year at BYU that desire got even stronger! About three weeks ago, now a sophomore at BYU, I applied to the nursing program. This was my second time applying, and because I wasn’t nervous enough…they decided to only accept 49 students this semester, rather than their usual 64. On the Friday we were supposed to find out, I got the news that I wasn’t accepted. This meant I would either have to switch schools or change my major, and I didn’t like either of those options. I was sad and confused, but I didn’t doubt that the Lord would guide my steps and provide a way for me to accomplish all He had in store for me. But don’t worry; this story has a happy ending! Two days later, I received a call from the Nursing Advisement Center. One girl was going on a mission, and I was next on the alternate’s list! Obviously, I was shaking, crying, and jumping so much that I could barely accept their offer! Looking back, I am so grateful for the way things happened. I am grateful I didn’t get in at first because it gave me the opportunity to show my Heavenly Father that I would trust whatever He had planned. Getting into the nursing program truly turned into a miracle and helped me to see that our Heavenly Father is in our lives every step of the way. He knows exactly what we need and is so anxious to provide the way for miracles to happen. “ You’ll be a fantastic nurse! Trust me. I should know.