My Yoke is Easy

• I've spoken of this experience before, but over this last Easter weekend, it has come back to my heart and mind. I hope that I can do some good in sharing it.

  Several years ago, I had the opportunity to go on an adventure!! I went with some other youth from my church. I tried to be minimalistic as I packed supplies for the week into a hiking backpack. My older brother kindly took the heavier things in his pack.

  We loaded up the cars and drove to the rim of the Grand Canyon where the trail began. From there, we hiked 10 miles to the Native American village of Havasupai and then another 2 miles to our campground. As a 14 year old, my pack felt pretty heavy by the end, but I soon forgot that as we set up camp and then jumped into the cool river to play. The week passed by and we all had a blast.

  Eventually, it was time to head home. We set out late afternoon and camped halfway along the trail. We hoped to miss the heat of the day as we finished our hike the next morning. Unfortunately, that didn't quite work.

  Exhausted and sweaty, I reached the switchbacks-- a part of the trail that zigzags back and forth to avoid creating an impossible incline. This was the last stretch. I tried to keep pace with another 14 year old, even smaller than I was. If he could do it, so could I. Every step, I told myself, "One more step. I can take at least one more. I just have to reach that rock ahead of me..."

  Fortunately, I had an older brother who was looking out for me. He was one of the first to make it up to the top. He saw me making my way and knew I was probably struggling and tired. He ran to me. He traded his bottle of water for my heavy burden. As I took a gulp of the cool water, I could feel the wind on my back. A burst of energy hit my limbs. I thought, "Yes, I can make it!"

  With my brother carrying my load, we walked side by side. Through his encouragement, I made the rest of the journey. With a sigh of relief, I was able to rest.

  Just like that, we all have mountains-- or canyons-- to climb. We may have a heavy load on our backs. You may wonder, "Can I really make this?" Maybe you wonder why you should even try.

  Don't give up.

  I testify that we all have an Elder Brother who went before us. As the Son of God, He walked this life, and He took our place. He sees our struggles and knows our pain. He suffered and died on the cross the He may know how to comfort His people "according to their infirmities." He rose from the dead, that we may also live. He showed us the way.

  As he walks by our side, He pleas:

  "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
  (Matthew 11:28-30)

Braving the Storm

Do you ever feel like you are tossed upon the sea of uncertainty, with waves of turmoil crashing all around?

Yeah, that was me a couple weeks ago. Some might call it the refiner's fire. Those periods of life that are so intense and difficult that they can purify your character and forge your very nature.

Lately, a few of the people I love and serve have been experiencing a bit of their own refiner's fire. Some have dealt with bitterness and heartbreak. There has been homelessness, tragedy and turmoil. Watching them try to cope, my hear was filled with compassion and love. Sometimes, I am even brought back to the challenges that I have faced in my life.

Last week, my mind was called to reflect upon the hardest time of my life so far. The period of time when all seemed to hang in the balance. I questioned everything. Was I going to return and follow the beliefs I had treasured all my life? Would I listen to the light within me or stay in a pit of despair? Did I really believe that God loved me? Was I even worth it?

In my reflection, I have tried not to be discouraged. (That doesn't really do much good. I've tried it.) Instead, I want to figure out how I can use those trials and that heartache to help lift and inspire others. I have tried to brainstorm ways to help those we teach feel their Savior's love and know that they never walk alone.

The thing I have found to be most healing in my life is the power of forgiveness. Truly, to forgive is to allow yourself to be released form the binding and destructive power of anger and hurt. The miracle of forgiveness is that when we are not capable on our own, the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes all things possible. When atoning for our mistakes and sins, He saw our weakness. He felt our pain. And He tasted our sorrow. No one can more perfectly understand our needs and cares that the One who took our place. 

There is relief. There can be peace. Just reach out and take His hand.

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  ~Matthew 11:28-30

My New Life

This week, one of my companions was sick, so I stayed home to care for her. At one point, we sat and watched practically every Mormon Message known to man. As we did, I rediscovered this video about Stephanie Neilson. What an amazing woman!

Learning about Stephanie and her story is actually what inspired me to start blogging. Two years ago, I started a blog called "The Wind is Blowing." It documented some of the trials and feelings I felt after the passing of my mother. Now, I have this blog to document all my new adventures as a missionary for the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I know that I still have a lot to learn, but I pray that one day, I will be able to be as powerful of a force for good as Stephanie Neilson has allowed herself to be. Here is her story:

We all face different challenges in life. Some cope with loss of sight, hearing, or even a loved one. Others struggle to adapt to new challenges and cultures. However, each of us can rest assured that we have the strength to make it through because YOU have a Heavenly Father who loves you and a Savior to carry you. I know this to be true. I have seen it in my life and I promise you can see it too.

When life gets hard, just look forward in faith and say, "This is my new life."

I believe in you. Will you believe in yourself?

What is Dignity?

Dignity: n. 1) impressive self-control of behavior in difficult situations. 2) self respect, a proper form of pride

So, last week, we had an interesting experience. We went over to visit a family we have been teaching. One of the father's friends was over. He suggested we speak outside.

He then proceeded to try to tear us down in every way. We just stood there and listened. He was far too heated to try to reason with him.

This got me thinking about what the Savior experienced. How did He handle situations like that? How about Joseph Smith and the early members of our Church?

As I stood there being called a liar, I was able to stand tall knowing that what I believe is true. I could think back on the poise and dignity of Joseph Smith and his beloved wife Emma. I knew that all I could do was represent the Savior and His love for all mankind.

Dignity comes from knowing who you truly are.

We all face adversity in life. We are all called to stand for what we know is right at some point or another. We all must choose to keep our dignity, to remember who we are.

A Loaf of Bread

Sometimes, it can be hard to feel so disconnected from the outside world. Especially when you have a tendency to worry about things...

One time, I was having a praticularly hard time. I felt alone. I confided in my companion some of my feelings, but that didn't make it go away. I prayed and prayed for the strength I needed. I asked for help trusting in the Lord and His promises. I asked for the peace and assurance from knowing that I was still important.

Nothing significant happened for a few days. I found some peace, but I still had to struggle.

Then, we went to the mission home to pick up some supplies. I was astonished to find that there was a package waiting for me. I thought it was from an old roommate, but upon examining the return address, I found I was mistaken.

It was from a family that I had never met. They were from my companion's home town, yet she did not even know them all that well.

I found inside the package some of my favorite things. Things that Sister Ward did not even know that I liked. Plus, she claimed to have no idea why they would have written me. Inside there was a simple note thanking me for my service and wishing me well.

That experience reminded me of a talk by President Monson.

I know that the Lord answers prayers and that each and every one of you matter to Him.

The Gardener

Sometimes we may wonder how a loving Heavenly Father could let so many things happen in our lives that tear us down. How could He let me hurt so much? How could I be denied such righteous desires?

As a missionary, this is a question I have heard time and time again. I think the secret to understanding why is faith. We must have the faith that God knows what we need better than we do. He knows what we can handle and has a plan for us.

This is something I have truly gained a testimony of over the years. Every hardship I have endured has somehow been able to bless my life and sometimes the lives of those around me. Because of certain trials and hardships, I have been blessed with empathy and understanding towards others.

This Mormon Message has brought so much strength and comfort to me over the last year. I pray that you may find the same peace.

"... And above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"
Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-8