Life

So many thing have been on my mind lately.  I mentioned to Mike the other day that things seem odd to me.  We have friends who have/are getting divorced, friends who have cancer, or other major illnesses.  Life just seems to be a struggle for so many people we know.  There have been all of those shooting last year as well and even if I don't know anyone involved it's still a shock to my soul.  There is a strangeness in the air if you will.  It makes me sad inside to see and hear all of this.  How can so much be going on at once and it seems to be non stop.  How can life be so harsh.  Where is the love?  Where is the let me help you you?  Where is the peace?  

I have pondered this for sometime.  I have come to some conclusions and some pondering is still needed on many others.  But one thing that always remains the same and I come back to how much the gospel bring peace to my life and my soul.  When I get the panic feeling or the scared feeling that comes when things happen that seem out of the norm I just have to remember that I have the gospel and a living prophet who will lead me back to peace.  It doesn't mean it will make my/their life easier just that I/they will be able to deal with it.
 
Last General Conference there was a song that was sung that I instantly loved and love listening it to over and over.  You should You Tube it.  It's called "Does the Journey Seem Long?"

Does the Journey Seem Long?

Does the journey seem long,
the path rugged and steep?
Are there briars and thorns on the way?
Do sharp stones cut your feet
As you struggle to rise
to the heights thru the heat of the day?

Is your heart faint and sad,
Your soul weary within,
As you toil 'neath your burden of care?
Does the load heavy seem
You are forced now to lift?
Is there no one your burden to share?

Let your heart be not faint
Now the journey's begun;
There is One who still beckons to you.
So look upward in joy
And take hold of his hand;
He will lead you to heights that are new.

A land holy and pure,
Where all trouble doth end,
And your life shall be free from all sin.
Where no tears shall be shed,
For no sorrow remain.
Take his hand and with him enter in.

Text by Joseph Fielding Smith, 1876-1972
Music by George D. Pyper, 1860-1943  
Aren't those words just wonderful?  I didn't know until last night who wrote the words.

I have again been trying to read my scriptures faithfully and I started in the Book of Mormon AGAIN.  Keeping in my mind all the promises given to us by Prophets who have said reading The Book of Mormon will bring you happiness and peace along with other things promised.  I know this!!  I have read it before and I have been a faithful scripture reader but have slacked off for some time.  I'm listen to the scriptures on my way to work now.  I've finished 1 Nephi and started into 2nd Nephi.  I wasn't sure much was sinking in but today while in Sacrament as we were singing the Sacrament song I had the sweetest peaceful feeling come into my soul.  I have missed this feeling.  As we ventured through the passing of the Sacrament the Spirit was so strong in my heart.  I knew these feelings came because I had been reading the scriptures.

I have come to understand that as the world becomes more wicked my only source of peace will come from the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It will bring peace to my soul as things continue to swirl about me that are ugly and unpleasant.  My heart aches for those whose marriages are gone.  My heart breaks for those who face unknown futures because of health issues.  My heart cries for friends who are choosing other things over gospel guidance.  I have to have faith and keep my focus on the Prophet and our Savior Jesus Christ.  Doing what I know is right.  Giving support to those who have had/are having life lash out at them.  How blessed I am, how blessed Mike and I are!  How blessed my children are.  How blessed my grandsons are.

I look forward to the day when all wrongs will be made right through the Atonement of our Savior.  Until then I will look forward and keep my eyes on the Savior and our Prophet.  One thing these feelings and experiences do is to remind me of what really matters in life.  Staying focused on the things that truly matter.