Humility in Practice

Today I remembered and have felt impressed to write this post as a background to an upcoming post for my other blog, Remember. The topic I want to write about must be done delicately because it is on the different faces of pride and how humility shapes us to allow God to mold us into who we truly can become.

Let me be clear, humility shapes us, which then helps us allow God to shape our eternal characters.

We briefly talked about humility in our Sacrament meeting, how having a broken heart and a contrite spirit allow us to repent, and how that is how we become as God. It was an incredible meeting.

Something happened to me today - I have been studying Isaiah lately in the scriptures, and one of the concepts is that revelation comes by small and simple things, that it comes "here a little, there a little" it's very poetic and I love it. I realized that this big task I've been given, to "give" God the control in my life, has been coming slowly and surely. This day, I learned that I don't quite yet have the desire to fully follow God's "schedule" for my life. I now want to have that desire, but there is still a rebellious corner of my heart that wants it my way, that wants it to be something I can control and maneuver between on my own.

As I've been learning the past few weeks, I am on my way to a truly contrite and humble spirit. I am working and I am improving. The Spirit guides me to become better and has been helping me daily realize things that can help.

Here a little, there a little. It's been amazing to watch the pieces of my progression fall into place with me just asking for help and desiring to become better. He listens and He helps me, always.

There are different types of pride in the balance of life. It all comes down to the priorities in our hearts, whether they be on God's truth, or whatever else we place as more important. God lives, and He will help you put the pieces together and become better, one step at a time, if you'll let Him.

Yesterday: July 15, 2012

So, I am late at writing this and I have 3 minutes before I have to go.

Yesterday was amazing. I felt the Spirit so strongly in Sacrament especially. I learned/remembered that repentance is a process, and that I can be faithful all the time. I don't have to plan for me to fail in faith. See, for awhile I'd been 'planning' to have a hard time having faith, just in an attempt to be rational about the whole thing, because I am not perfect, and so it would make sense. Well, yesterday, I heard very clearly that I am not to plan like that anymore. I am to plan that I will always be faithful, I will always have the help of the Savior, and though I will fall short, I will not fall, and I will not plan on it in my prayers or in my heart.

Repentance is definitely a process, one that I probably won't notice the differences in my character, but they are there. I can enjoy the fruits of repentance as I move forward.

Keep working hard, you'll get there! Sorry, I am out of time, but I hope you get the idea.

Trusting and Progressing

First, this is a detailed outline of talk that I gave today. It doesn't expound on everything, but it gives you a pretty good idea.

Main Point: Trusting in God even when others, and maybe even yourself, tell you otherwise… Having faith and trust in His promises to overcome fear and weakness that prevent progression	Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5-6 D&C 50:40-42 1 Cor. 10:13 Alma 5:33-38, 12:9-14, 32:21-42
-1 What does it mean to trust + why -2 How do we trust -3 Rationality -4 Others’ opinions	Examples and quotes, see below Testimony-

1 What does it mean to trust + why

Briefly, it is letting go of that fear, and it is so we can move forward, with faith that God is there, letting go of the need to know everything and just moving forward.

-2 How do we trust?

Elder Packer talks about how we need inspiration, and we are commanded to pray so that we are able to receive it.  It is a plea from our Father to help us get help.

President Eyring, Mountains to Climb: “Many of you are now passing through physical, mental, and emotional trials that could cause you to cry out as did one great and faithful servant of God I knew well. His nurse heard him exclaim from his bed of pain, ‘When I have tried all my life to be good, why has this happened to me?’”

“The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way….therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.”

1 Cor. 10:13

"Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come." -Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"So work hard, and pray, but do not worry" Howard W. Hunter

"Peace in this life is based upon faith and testimony."
James E. Faust

"You have a heritage honor it. You posses a testimony share it. You will face temptations withstand it. You know the truth live it."
— Thomas S. Monson

“Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it.” Thomas S. Monson
“In Search of Treasure,” Ensign, May 2003, 20.

-3 Rationality

Proverbs 3:5-6, Alma 32:21-42

This one can be hard. When you want something to be true so much, and you don’t have all the pieces in front of you, it is sometimes so incredibly hard to trust that He will give you the pieces at the right time. Keep going. Deal with what you can, put the pieces you have together.

Be curious, but doubt not! Always hold fast to faith and to the light you have already received. Because we see imperfectly in mortality, not everything is going to make sense right now. In fact, I should think that if everything did make sense to us, it would be evidence that it had all been made up by a mortal mind. President Uchtdorf

D&C 50:40-42

-4 Others’ opinions/perspectives

“Every man eventually is backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand. “And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye,” said Nephi, “for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words…” President Benson

It is very important that we not assume the perspective of mortality in making the decisions that bear on eternity! We need the perspectives of the gospel to make decisions in the context of eternity. We need to understand we cannot do the Lord's work in the world's way. –Maxwell “But from a small moment”

Having faith and trust in His promises to overcome fear and weakness that prevent progression

There have been times in my life, recently in fact, where I have felt backed up to that wall of faith. I have felt so alone and helpless, too weak to carry on by myself. Luckily, I am not alone. I was able to hold on to that desire to know my Savior better, to know that His promises are real, so in those dark times, I was able to cry to Him, and He heard and strengthened me, and helped me move forward, even though I still don't have all the answers to my questions, I can move forward in faith.

Testimony Quotes:

President Eyring, Mountains to Climb “It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior, you can repent and plead for forgiveness. There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and however alone and deserted you may feel.
“I cannot promise an end to your adversity in this life. I cannot assure you that your trials will seem to you to be only for a moment. One of the characteristics of trials in life is that they seem to make clocks slow down and then appear almost to stop.
“There are reasons for that. Knowing those reasons may not give much comfort, but it can give you a feeling of patience. Those reasons come from this one fact: in Their perfect love for you, Heavenly Father and the Savior want you fitted to be with Them to live in families forever. Only those washed perfectly clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ can be there."

“Wherever you now find yourself on the road of discipleship, you are on the right road, the road toward eternal life. Together we can lift and strengthen one another in the great and important days ahead. Whatever the difficulties confronting us, the weaknesses confining us, or the impossibilities surrounding us, let us have faith in the Son of God, who declared, 'All things are possible to him that believeth.'"
—Elder Neil L. Andersen

Let me [remind] you [of]that we so blithely say in the Church that life is a school, a testing ground. It is true, even though it is trite. What we don't accept are the implications of that true teaching—at least as fully as we should. One of the implications is that the tests that we face are real. They are not going to be things we can do with one hand tied behind our backs. They are real enough that if we meet them we shall know that we have felt them, because we will feel them deeply and keenly and pervasively. –Maxwell “But from a small moment”

If God chooses to teach us the things we most need to learn because he loves us, and if he seeks to tame our souls and gentle us in the way we most need to be tamed and most need to be gentled, it follows that he will customize the challenges he gives us and individualize them so that we will be prepared for life in a better world by his refusal to take us out of this world, even though we are not of it. In the eternal ecology of things we must pray, therefore, not that things be taken from us, but that God's will be accomplished through us. What, therefore, may seem now to be mere unconnected pieces of tile will someday, when we look back, take form and pattern, and we will realize that God was making a mosaic. For there is in each of our lives this kind of divine design, this pattern, this purpose that is in the process of becoming, which is continually before the Lord but which for us, looking forward, is sometimes perplexing. –Maxwell “But from a small moment” –Maxwell “But from a small moment”

“Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.”

This topic was given to me that I may bear testimony before all that I know that He is faithful that promised help and happiness, and I know in whom I have trusted, even though the promises have not been fulfilled yet, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Just Right

June 24, 2012

So, in my meetings today, God truly guided their words to my soul. The messages were based on a talk from Neal A. Maxwell, who truly is inspired and called of God.

First, was the repeated lesson that our trials are never going to be pleasant, no matter how hard you try to convince yourself. This is a lesson I've been learning, because of my honest effort to endure well. It is hard for me to balance everything sometimes and it often feels like we're supposed to be happy all the time because of our testimony that it will be for the best in eternity. I am so grateful for the understanding that it is not supposed to be that way. Trials are always going to be hard and awful. A great attitude helps, but it is always going to hurt. Now, the trick is getting the balance just right--Luckily I've got my whole life, so as long as I keep striving, I will be ok.

Another lesson that truly helped me is that one speaker helped give me a concrete example of the difference between enduring and enduring well. See, all of us will endure. That's not the challenge. So, how do I endure well? She gave the example of Nephi and Laman and Lemuel (see this link). The three brothers were given a task from the Lord, each of them followed obediently. However, only one endured well: Nephi turned to the Lord repeatedly, and kept a good attitude as he was being stretched. I know that if we are meek, we will be stretched, and we will grow as our relationship with God develops. Press forward, Saints! I love that song.

Look around you, and find things to be grateful for, see the hand of the Lord in your every-day life. Remember that life is going to be awful at times, things are going to be so hard, but as they are, turn to the Lord for help. People have agency, and sometimes we bring to pass our own trials and hardships, or others inflict their will upon us. We can still have faith as we struggle, as we cry out for help, for that truly is an act of faith.

Sometimes we need to get a new 'prescription' for our spiritual eyes. When life doesn't go as planned, and your relationships are strained, get a new perspective, work hard to listen to the Spirit.

God helps people change internally, who then change their circumstances.

We know enough, our characters are strong enough to move forward in faith. Just keep asking for help and direction, and somehow, you will find the faith you need in your heart.

Remember the joy and peace the gospel brings. Remember to live it every day and share it with those around you. Everyone needs a little help somehow, and you were put into the place you are so that you can help.

Just What I Needed

June 17 - Father's Day
Wonderful day, definitely felt love for and love from my Father in Heaven and my Dad. :) I again have lots of notes, that I always am intimidated by. See, I take them on a small piece of paper, and write so small, when I get around to writing later, it seems like a lot of work to have to go through and dissect/interpret everything.

Lazy? Yes.

Let's see:
Power of the Atonement helps keep our lives in balance
Seek to have a more personal relationship with the Father

Oh, there was an amazing talk on "Sweet is the Peace the Gospel Brings" and the central nature of the family. Brother Child, a high councilman and institute teacher gave it.

Have the Spirit, have the wisdom of God with you. It gives you the strength, direction, and hope to move forward.

Let not your heart be troubled, Cristina. Be of good cheer. Return speedily and remember that it is ok to do hard things. :)

The Lord Hears YOU

I just wanted to post that I know the Lord hears and loves you. This day was truly amazing and it has helped me grow so very much. The Lord hears and answers me. I know He is there for you too.

I was a slacker about writing today, but that was because I was out living, which was much needed.

For instance, for an activity I am planning for RS, we are making a video where the guys in the ward answered three questions, it was amazing to hear their wisdom and perspective. Sometimes I think our society discounts men way too much.

That's slightly off topic, and I will remember to scan in my notes so you can see I did pay attention, I just don't have time right now to write them all.

Also, the Lord helped me find something today because He knew it was important to me, right in the middle of the closing prayer in Sacrament Meeting. He also helped me make a lot of new friends, which has also been needed and quite a blessing. And, He has helped me keep my testimony firm and my heart open, it was an amazing day.


Miracles happen all over the place, we just have to remember to see them. I hope and trust that as you experience the challenges before you this week that you will be able to go forward with a brightness of hope, that you confront each day with a love in your heart for others. I know that you will witness miracles, and that to do so, you must first have faith; for faith truly precedes the miracle.

We all need more faith, we all need more love and trust in our Savior. And we can find it by turning to Him a little more fully.

Here are my handwritten notes, sorry if you can't read them :)

June 3, 2012

Church today was lovely. It is amazing how the Spirit can direct a meeting. Our ward is actually incredibly unified and it makes living there a true joy. We all mourn together, but most of all we rejoice together, which is a better comfort for times of trouble, for we know we have people surrounding us who care and are our friends.

Sacrament meeting, our beloved 2nd counselor was released. In the student wards, the bishop and first counselor are from surrounding stakes (ours are from a stake in Lehi), and then the 2nd counselor is from one of the married student wards. Anyway, it was a joy to watch our ward's reaction to both the leaving member and the new counselor.

We discussed over and over again that we are right where we need to be, to keep going, to endure in faith, and my prayer in my heart for fast Sunday was truly answered. Lately, I've been making a ton of changes by degrees. I haven't had major break-throughs, per se, just little reminders, little helps, little insights, but I have loved every minute.

Sunday School we talked about the differences between God's way, and the devil's counterfeits, that look similar but are so fundamentally different.

Relief Society we discussed unity and individual worth. They were great lessons and I remembered and gained a lot.



Be bold and steadfast. We're not sliding around by chance. There is a divine meaning and purpose behind the direction and context of our lives. Treasure the Priesthood and hold on to your roles, to truly be unified, and to progress, we accept the different "positions" that men and women, leadership, the functions of society, and the different perspectives we each share, to gain the truth and stability to move forward.

He knows what you need and helps you find it. Reach out in faith for a miracle. It may not come as you expect, maybe it will, but open your minds and your heart enough to move forward.

Release the hurt and pain, become something better through the divine power of the Atonement.

Focus on goals, it is the differences that make life work, different roles give meaning and depth, and help us find joy. We each have a different part to play, we each need to feel valued and appreciated, and keep ithe worth and eternal perspective in balance. (**remember, that though we have a eternal perspective, we don't need to stress about the future, it will work out as we move forward in faith today, in dealing with each moment as it comes**)

You are in His hands and are being molded into who you truly are, the true, best version of you, that is already inside you, just surrounded in distractions or imperfections. You're on track.

Keep the commandments. Don't think of them as forcing/taking away who you are, remember that they are the markers, the 'items on the checklist' to find true happiness. A thought I just had: it's a recipe, no, you don't have to use those ingredients, but it won't come out the way you want if you use onion instead of honey.

Pain is definitely real. It hurts, and is a part of life. Don't negate its teachings, but know that if you keep moving forward in faith, no matter what problem you are facing, you'll come out stronger and closer to Christ. See, the reason you need faith is because it is going to seem impossible. It is going to seem like its never been done, and there is no way that you can find happiness. This is why you need faith in that Infinitely Powerful, Wise, and most of all Loving God, who is your Father and your Friend. Don't lose hope, you are on track. Your prayers are heard, and your answers are on their way. You are so loved.