Thy Will

I was thinking of an old story the other day, and I wanted to share real quick...

It was probably 6 years ago, when my mom was really sick. She was in and out of the hospital. Her cancer had come back. We didn't know what would happen next.
One night, we were all kneeled down in family prayer. It was my dad's turn to offer the prayer, and I am so thankful he did.
He, of course, prayed for my mom to get better and be healed. He started to end the prayer, then stops for a second. He says "We accept thy will," then proceeded to close the prayer.
I don't know why this day left such an impression on me. But it seemed to me my dad had received the inspiration to add that in at the end.
It's interesting, because my mom did not get better and was not healed.. in fact, she got worse. After many friends, family, and ward members praying and fasting for her, and several priesthood blessings, why was she not healed?
It was the will of God.

Since this experience, I have seen the reason in God's perfect plan for this to happen to my family. I received a more solid testimony. I learned to trust in God and His plan. I know families are forever.

I have adapted this same phrase into my own prayers. God's will is always higher than our own. He knows the past from the present from the future, and knows what we need at each moment of our lives. Sometimes, I get frustrated with his timing, wanting my will. But, there's a greater plan. When I trust in His will, I feel happier.

I have seen amazing experiences of people being in my life at the right time, and I being in their's as well. I have been at the right place at the right time. I have met new friends that have impacted my life. Because of God's will.

Because of my experience about my mom, I have been able to help many other people. In the mission, I had a district leader who's mom passed away while he was in the mission. I was able to talk to him about it and give him advice. One companion had a grandfather who got really sick, and also ended up passing away. We had a great relationship, and were able to trust together in the plan of salvation. Another companion, lost her father while we were together. I was able to help her stay strong, and be a witness that better days come ahead. It was amazing to see her change and her testimony to grow.

God's will is perfect. God's will is right. May we all always trust in His will and His plan, patiently waiting for the blessings that will come. Because they always do. :)

I Knew It

One of my favorite quotes by Joseph Smith is "I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it."

Sometimes, I think we tend to forget the things we really know. That basic knowledge, that can be so helpful in time of need, is often forgotten. Or, maybe not necessarily forgotten, but not remembered or realized.

I was sitting in institute, and the Holy Ghost was definitely present. I feel like I learned a lot this day, but after I thought about it, it was all stuff I had already learned in the past.
After talking to a good friend, I realized that's exactly how the Holy Ghost works. He brings things to our remembrance in time of need. That's what I experienced this day. I "re-learned" some old knowledge, that I needed. And, I know it, and God knows it, and I cannot deny it.

I know that I am a daughter of God. He loves me more than I can imagine. He helps me get through hard times. He sent me his son, Jesus Christ, to guide and comfort me. He is a Father. He has a perfect plan. I sometimes forget this, but this knowledge brings me great joy. I know I have a purpose in life. I know that someone is watching out for me.

I know that God's will is always best. He has everything perfectly laid out, in such a way that we all get the benefit we need. Our trials, the people we meet, and the places we go are all for a reason. This helps me know I can overcome all things. I know can do my best, because it is all for a reason. I know I can do hard things. His will, His timing, and my patience.

I know Joseph Smith restored the Gospel. I think sometimes, I forget how great a blessing this is. Maybe even sometimes, I begin to doubt it a little. How could it be? Well, how could it NOT be? It is true. And all that comes with it. The Priesthood, the Book of Mormon, baptism, sacrament, revelation, prophets, forever families, temples, missionary work, etc. It's something I think I take for granted too often.. that could bring me so many more blessings if I allow it to. All this knowledge should be bursting out of my mouth to share the joy it brings me with others. But, I get caught up with life, and forget. But when I do remember, I do want to share.

Remember how much you really know. Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.