Persistent Hope

Mom shared with me part of a recent Mormon Times program, and I'm so glad she did. The program this morning included an interview of the author of the book Love Life and See Good Days Emily Freeman. Her thoughts and stories were inspiring. Today, I would like to share a few of them with you:

•In the scriptures, we are commanded to "see good days," not to "have good days." To me that means that we will face obstacles and challenges in life, but as we see the good, we will overcome the obstacles and find joy in the journey. She illustrated this point by sharing a story which happened in her family. They had recently been trying to eliminate the weeds from the front yard grass of their home. But like we have all experienced, the dandelions seeds soon matured and the seeds spread and started more problems all over the grass.

Well, they were driving in the country one day, and mom looked to see acres of dandelions in the fields surrounding them. She thought something like "That poor farmer. How will he ever get control again with all those weeds in his fields." From the back of the car, one of the younger children piped up "Look at all those wishes!" referring to the tradition of making a wish and blowing the dandelion seeds out into the world to achieve it--instead of a thousand weeds, the child saw a thousand wishes.

How we see the challenges of life and difficulty is all in a person's attitude.

•Of course you all know about my recent job change. It would be easy to see it as upsetting our plans and a real nuissance altering the conveniences and normal flow of life. I was devastated but didn't lose hope. I was fearful but didn't lose faith. I was concerned but didn't quit relying on our Source of peace, happiness, and security. Gratefully, the Lord helped me to see this as a chance for growth and the opportunity to become stronger, more influential, and better able to bless the lives of my family.

•We have hope in Jesus Christ. All things will turn for our good if we love and serve Him in faith. That is something I know beyond a shadow of any doubt. Of this principle, you can be certain.
Doctrine and Covenants 130:20

I plan to buy the book and will share inspiring thoughts as I come across them. You are also welcome to borrow it and read it yourself.

Listen to this interview and watch Segment 1 of the program referred to above. It could change you life.

One more thought:

I love this time of year. Each January is a new beginning and an opportunity to set new goals and accomplish even greater things in our lives. The Lord has worked it out so that we get that opportunity every week, however. Each Sunday we get to renew our covenants with our Heavenly Father and re-commit to living lives in accordance with His will.

He then blesses us again and again. Mosiah 2:24