Taking a Stand

"As I contemplate all that you face in the world today, one word comes to my mind. It describes an attribute needed by all of us but one which you—at this time of your life and in this world–will need particularly. That attribute is courage."
-Thomas S. Monson


As a missionary I have begun to realize that courage can take many different forms. Courage can be the way you carry yourself throughout the day. Courage can be standing alone for what you believe even when the world around you points and laughs.

Courage is an attribute that we all must build up to get through this ever changing world.  Challenges around are getting more and more difficult to overcome.  Elder Richard G. Scott has said, "As an exceptional son or daughter of God, you are sorely needed. There is an urgent need for men and women who will stand for principles against the growing pressures to compromise those very principles. Men and women are required who will act nobly and courageously for what the Lord has defined as right, not for what is politically correct or socially acceptable. We need individuals who have the spiritual, righteous influence that will motivate others to enduring good." Let us take up courage, let us be strong in our morals, and let us set an example to all those who seek to do wrong.

Kneel Just A Little Longer

"Will prayers that do not demand much of your thought merit much attention from our Heavenly Father? When you find yourself getting into a routine with your prayers, step back and think. Meditate for a while on the things for which you really are grateful. Look for them. They don't have to be grand or glorious. Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one's voice. Thinking of things we are grateful for is a healing balm. It helps us get outside ourselves. It changes our focus from our pains and our trials to the abundance of this beautiful world we live in."--Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Improving Our Prayers," Liahona, Aug. 2004, 18

One of the many blessings that we know of in The LDS church is the power of prayer. Talking to our Heavenly Father is something that we can do everyday of our lives. He wants to hear from us. He wants to know what we are going through. He wants to help. I know that prayers are answered and that simple questions can turn into faith builders. I also know that saying the same thing over and over is easy to do. As a missionary, I pray all the time. It is very easy to get into a groove of saying the same thing over and over. Hearing the same song on the radio is kinda fun at first, it's new and oh so catchy. But as it gets played several times within the hour it begins to get old... fast. I don't believe that God will get annoyed with our prayers. I know that he wants to hear from us and even if it's the same prayer He is glad that we are talking to Him. But as I have prayed more and more. I have realized that I have so much to be greatful for. I have a body, I have the health that allows me to do the things I enjoy, and I have loving family and friends who are always there to support me. My invitation is to not be so redundant, to think, to enjoy your time you get to talk to God. That time is for you. Listen, words don't always have to be said, silence is okay. I am greatful for my opportunity to pray. I am thankful for God's love and His concern with my life. Let us all pray and really gain a testimony of its power.