Wednesday

Let's be real: at times, life can be hard.
In fact, there are times when life can downright seem impossible.
Trials are placed before us just when we feel as though we're on our last straw.
And then it gets harder.

This has been a phenomenon that has forced many people away from religion, leading to the question:
"How can God allow this?"
Their inability to answer this oftentimes leads to dismissal of a God, entirely.

Well. Heavenly Father is real. He does exist. And He allows us to experience such obstacles because He knows we can overcome them.
He knows us better than anyone else.
He does not give us that which we cannot surmount.
He hedges up our paths so that we may reap the blessings of successfully overcoming our hardships.
He places pains, sorrows and sadness in our life so that we may come to more fully know and appreciate joy, love and happiness.

I'm always humbled to look at those around me.
In fact, I often feel silly for complaining.
Is my life perfect? Absolutely not.
Do I struggle? Everyday.
Could it be worse? Always.

It could always be worse.
But even in those situations where we doubt the truth of such a principle, it must be remembered that our Savior atoned for us so that we don't have to carry that burden alone.

And it is my testimony of that truth that makes the trials seem conquerable.
If you don't have such a testimony, I invite you to gain one.
It's the simplest process,
which reaps the most significant blessings.

"I find myself saying 'it's not fair' so often, and then one day I realized that the biggest blessing in our lives is that it's not fair. If it were all fair, we would have had to have suffered in the garden and on the cross just like Jesus did so that He could say that it's fair. But since we didn't have to suffer, it really isn't fair, and that's a miracle."
-Marci's Comment that just made my day.

9 comments:

ConnieB said...

This is beautiful Natalie! See?? this is why I tried to marry you off to my brother (;
In all seriousness though Nat you are amazing and I couldn't agree more with this. My favorite post from you

Kate said...

This is the most devastatingly beautiful temple picture ever. And this post was exactly what I needed this morning. Thank you.

Emily Nicoll said...

This was beautiful and much needed on a cloudy, dismal day. Thank you! Have a wonderful day!

Marci Dawn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

These are two of my favorite scriptures. Both of which are taped to my mirror:

D&C 123:17 Therefore, dearly beloved...let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

2 Chr 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you...fear not, nor be dismayed...for the Lord will be with you.


Remember to keep an eternal perspective (= This was a remarkable post today Miss Natalie. Thank you for sharing.

Marci Dawn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Marci Dawn said...

ohmygosh. i love this. it goes so well with this story i was reading on myspoiledeggs.blogspot.com blog. imma copy and paste. from here down is from her blog.

Yesterday I heard something that motivated me to be a better person this week, especially in regards to my infertility. The woman who was talking said that she lost her first baby to miscarriage and her second baby was still born a few weeks ago. Then she said this:

"I find myself saying 'it's not fair' so often, and then one day I realized that the biggest blessing in our lives is that it's not fair. If it were all fair, we would have had to have suffered in the garden and on the cross just like Jesus did so that He could say that it's fair. But since we didn't have to suffer, it really isn't fair, and that's a miracle."

Lindsay Shreeve said...

Very well put:)

Alexa Mae said...

So true Nat! I love this. You are amazing!

And yes, that quote: from my cousin Ashlee who just found out she is paper pregnant. She is amazing. Click on the Basket of Eggs button on my blog. You'll love her!