From Trepidation To Triumph

Have you ever had a stare down with an obstacle???... and your first thought is, "There is NO way i can DO that!" i have stare downs all of the time! Some obstacles are smaller than others and some are more appealing or even charming...at first. I have found that there is always a barrier to find my way around, always a hurdle to jump, always a mountain to climb~ well maybe it's only a curb to step up on, but it always takes a conscience effort (trying with a little 'umph').

Every step in our journey, thus far, has {indeed} been uphill. I know that sounds a bit melodramatic, but it is ohhhh, so true.

Our family started down THE yellow brick road 6 1/2 years ago. It looked like an adventurous, intriguing, cheerful & bright path...yet, i remember staring down this path with some trepidation. I KNEW this path was going to be rocky and on an incline. I could feel it. 

So began our journey to find COURAGE, HEART and yes, a BRAIN.

This journey continues, but here are some scripture verses that have helped:

Psalms 31:24 "Be of good COURAGE, and he shall strengthen your HEART, all ye that hope in the Lord."

2 Nephi 28:30 "For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn WISDOM; for unto him that receiveth i will give more..."

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a SOUND MIND." 

I'm feeling tremendous gratitude for the many obstacles we have had here in Kansas. Yes, amidst the current fog i am striving to navigating through, i am grateful for the many (many) growing experiences, both physically and spiritually. Hidden talents & triumphs (big and small) have been discovered. I believe that through each defining and refining experience/obstacle we have had, has caused us to recognize and reflect on the foundation on which we should be building.

Helaman 5:12 "...it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

Sometimes, okay most-times obstacles are approached with a bit (or A LOT) of trepidation, but with the simple principle of FAITH it can turn into an incredible triumph. I am focusing on faith and spending much of my time there lately. I want to strengthen that part of my foundation.

President Thomas S. Monson said: "Of course we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval...Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with FAITH have courage as well."

On this journey, as we focus daily on the Lord and His eternal truths, they will forever be etched on our hearts. As Elder Russell M. Nelson said,

"Day after day, on your path toward your eternal destiny, increase your faith. Proclaim your faith! Let your faith show!"

 So, i'm (re)deciding to be of good cheer on this path, even when (especially when) the thorns/obstacles strive to distract and/or destroy. I know God lives, guides and beckons me home. I'm grateful for the enabling power of Christ's Atonement to help me get there. I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ. My heart is full and determined because i know They love me too!