In a World of Chaos, Where Can I Turn For Peace?

   Over the past few months, I have come to the realization that this world is becoming more and more chaotic, hectic, selfish, evil, and unreliable. These can be scary times...but they don't have to be. Yes, Jesus is coming again. When? We don't know. All we know that it is soon. It is easy to see that. But we do not have to fear. The Lord tells us in Genesis, "fear not, for I am with thee.." (Gen 26:24). What have we to fear if we are on the Lord's side? Because "...God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Tim 1:7). The Lord protects His servants.
   So where can we turn for peace in this world that offers none? To Jesus Christ. His gospel. His plan. His Sacrifice. His word. The gospel is the only thing that can save this world. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, found in its fullness in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a gospel of hope and strength. It is a beacon of peace. We don't have to fear if we trust in the One who was perfect. Jesus Christ beckons "Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Mat 11:28). We will find rest and peace as we search Him. How do we do this? Read the scriptures. Pray with a sincere heart. If you feel fear, stress, or frustration or anything else...let your Heavenly Father help you. He is always there. He wants to listen to our problems, or fears. Let him. He loves us.

  I post this because I am the one that needs this. And if I need it, I doubt I am the only one. I have felt fear for the future lately. But since I have been praying for peace in my heart, I have received it. No matter what happens, God is there. He is mindful of us as His precious children. He will never let us down. All we have to do is trust Him, and look to His Son for guidance...

What a Wonderful World

    A lot of people these days do not stop and smell the roses. I have always tried to. I have always been one of those people that, if walking outside at night, will look up in awe at the starry sky. I love camping, I love being outside, I love the simple pleasures in life. What do I think about as I marvel at the night sky, or at the tall cliffs on the shore of California's beaches? I think about their Creator. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" (Col 1:16).

    God has created all things. From humans, as complex and amazing as our own bodies are, to the simplest plant at the bottom of the rain forest floor in Brazil. This is such a beautiful world. And it is such a gift to live here. We need to have gratitude for the simple things in life that we have, that God has given us. How would you feel if you gave someone a gift and they never thanked you or even expressed joy for the gift? Like dirt, right? I always wonder how our Heavenly Father feels when we are ungrateful towards the wonderful gifts he has given us.
   My ability to walk was almost taken from me 6 years ago this month. I will forever be grateful for the simple ability to still be able to run across a basketball court without much effort, or throw a baseball. The old saying goes "you don't know what you have until you lose it." Too many times I have caught myself in that situation. We should thank God for all the things He has given us. We have so much to thank Him for, we must always show gratitude to the one who has given us everything.

The Gift of Time

  Our Heavenly Father has given us many gifts. He has given us everything we have. One of the greatest assets is the gift of time.
 Do we use this gift wisely?
   Elder Ian S. Ardern of the Seventy said "time is never for sale. ("A Time to Prepare" Ian S. Ardern, Ensign Nov. 2011). There are many great ways to use this great gift of time that is so precious and priceless. How often do we pass the time doing useless things such as video games, watching TV sitcoms, sleeping too late, and many more unproductive activities? Time is precious.
   Today's world is a world of chaos, commotion and instant gratification. It may be hard at times to "stop and smell the roses" as they say. It can be pretty easy to be spread too thin. But from time to time, we need to check ourselves to make sure our priorities are in order. How often everyday are we giving ourselves time for scripture study? Personal prayer? I'm not talking about the prayer in the morning where you turn off the alarm and get on your knees and fall asleep again in the prayer position by your bed. I'm talking about a sincere conversation with our Heavenly Father. How often to we do that? He wants to here from us. He has given us everything, can't we give just a little time each day back to Him? The job that you commute to frantically...He gave you that. The kids you run around taking care of...He gave you those. The technology you always play around with...He blessed you with that. He has so richly blessed us. We must devote time to Him.
   Now, nobody is perfect and I ain't saying I am. We all do things that might need to be lowered on our priority list. At the same time, God wants us to be happy and not be so stressed. He is happy when we are happy. Even when it's a simple pleasure such as going to a baseball game. There's nothing wrong with that. But we must be careful with what consumes our time. There must be a balance to everything we do. Leave enough time for family, for work, physical exercise, relaxation, but most importantly the things pertaining to the gospel. We owe it to our Heavenly Father. He loves us so much and He wants us back. He wants us to be happy. I promise that we will find happiness as we devote more time to our Father in Heaven.