This is Faith

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It's working

I'm exhausted. I worked a long, emotionally taxing day at work. Baby is asleep and I'm ready to head the pillow hard. But...instead I am here, working on my spiritual goals. I'm not bitter, I'm just pooped. Anyway, let's get on with it. Yesterday I posted a scripture about Faith. To me, this element of the LDS religion and really any belief, is pivotal. There is no physical, tangible proof that any of this stuff is true. There is personal proof, spiritual proof, things that are just as valid and maybe more important than physical or scientific proof. But because the world only sees what is in front of their eyes, it is hard to convince ourselves that there is more. That is where Faith comes in. Faith is so much more than just believing in something you can't see or prove. It is a belief that leads you to action or inaction. Why do I choose to not drink alcohol? There is scientific proof that a small glass of wine is actually good for you and if you don't get drunk then why not? Well, I have faith that it is not a wise choice and I have many personal reasons why I don't. My faith leads me to inaction, not drinking. This may be a lame example, but an example non-the-less.

Faith also comes into play when I am going through a personal crisis or a hard time in my life. I have Faith that if I do what I know to be right and stay true to those things that bring true joy (not momentary pleasure) than all things will end up for the best. This Faith leads me to move forward and do what I need to do to find happiness and success.

Okay, its late and I may not be making any sense...this may help...

"Even if you cannot see that silver lining in your clouds, God can, for he is the very source of the light you seek."

- Jeffrey R. Holland

1 Nephi 9:6

“But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.”

Faith. Crazy faith. What is it and how do you have it?

Starting something great, maybe

It's good to know that age does come with some perks, like learning things. I have learned a few things about myself, I am less likely to succeed at a personal goal if no one knows about it. I set many goals in my life, but it seems those that have staying power are backed up by peer pressure or perceived peer pressure. Remember that time I decided to ride my bike 206 miles in one day? The only way I trained sometimes is because I thought someone out in cyber space might notice I was being a slacker. I call this PERCEIVED peer pressure. No one actually read my blog. Who really cares about the ride I went on that day, what I ate or how my tush felt after 100 miles in the saddle? I'll tell you who, no one. But for some reason, I still felt compelled to write, record and talk about what I was doing. This narcissism our generation has grown up with really pays off when it's time to create a new habit or do something hard and awesome.

I am going to apply perceived positive peer pressure again to help me create a better study habit of my scriptures. I hope to post at least one scripture, spiritual thought or something valuable each day. Some days (most days I fear), will just be one scripture posted, hopefully other days will have some deeper thought provoking question or statement. If anyone is reading or paying attention in this world, then please comment and chime in. Maybe this personal improvement project can benefit other people as well.

Rae