It Was the Lord's Timing

Why I choose to believe….

In 2019, I was speaking with Scott Monson, my dad’s best friend, I wasn’t sure why he had called, but our conversation lead to a story that he told me about his youth and into his early 20’s when he had an experience as a pilot for the Army, and what his brother, Pres. Monson, told him as he had retold the story to his brother, “It was not a coincidence, it was the Lord’s timing.” A few days, later I realized why Scott had called, as I sat at a kitchen table meeting my biological mother for the first time, it was the anniversary of my adopted fathers’ death. As that phrase came to me, I felt comfort and peace and knew that I was there at the right time. The phrase continually comes to me as I have reflected over the last 5 years when I started a journey with my health that I am still on today. I visited doctor after doctor trying to figure out what was going on, but only getting pieces to the whole puzzle. Finally, in 2019 all the pieces came together and I had the whole picture. Again, it was the Lord’s timing.

I choose to believe, because I know that the events that have occurred over the last 5 years are in our Heavenly Father and Savior's timing. I would not have been able to cross those raging rivers, climb the rocky mountains, or been able to manage the several different hats that I have had the privilege of wearing at the same time without my Heavenly Father and Savior’s help and guidance. And that my journey will end when it is time. I also know that the timing of each of my challenges are for a reason, and that I need an extremely course sandpaper to smooth my rough edges and a lot of time.

~Sheri Hemsley

My Heavenly Father Never Stops Believing in Me

As I reflect on this past year, even amidst all the heartache and pain that has been felt by many, I see the hand of the Lord. I know that even though I may not have suffered as much as some, my needs and concerns still matter to Him because they matter to me. I know this because I did a lot of falling apart this year and my Savior helped pick up the pieces. My imperfections and weaknesses became very apparent to me at times and even feelings of despair about the state of our world felt almost too much to handle. Looking back I can see each tender mercy that helped pull me through. Sometimes my prayers and pleas were answered through earthly angels, like family and friends. Other times, I couldn't figure out how to overcome it until I remembered to come to my Heavenly Father in prayer. Taking the time to not only talk to Him, but pause and listen. I choose to believe because I feel His love and confidence in me as I do the things that He asks of me. I have more joy in my life when I am living close to the Spirit and following the guidance of the Gospel. I choose to believe because My Heavenly Father and His Son never stop believing and trusting in me.

~Kristin Hawes

I am Learning to Trust an UnKnown Future to a Known God

In the last 3 years we have been through several difficult challenges, including a high risk pregnancy and premature baby, learning a daughter has profound hearing loss in one ear and discovering a son has a rare and severe form of anxiety called Selective Mutism. These diagnoses have resulted in multiple doctor visits, therapy sessions, calling an untold number of people I don’t know, sleepless nights, tearful incapacitating moments and more meetings with the school than I would care to have.

By nature, I am introvert and this has pushed my boundaries, opened my heart and mind to possibilities, stretched my wings and built a hope inside me. I know God has not left my side, nor those of my family. He is walking side by side with us through this. There have been countless instances when He has guided my steps, shown me miracles, and put words in my mind and mouth (and occasionally even calmed my temper).

My hope is that, despite not seeing results in the way we wanted or seeing progress as fast as we might like, we are being led down the path needed for us. My faith is growing stronger and I am learning to trust an unknown future to a known God. The movement forward may be small and the way may be difficult, but in the end we are becoming better for it. I once heard the quote, “Faith and fear both require you to believe in something you cannot see. Why not choose faith?” I am choosing faith. I am choosing to believe.

~Deanna Holmes

I Know I Have Never Been Forgotten

It has taken me months to write this testimony about why I choose to believe. (Sorry Tiffany).

I am not sure why I haven’t been able to sit down and write. Maybe I was being stubborn and didn’t want to recognize the good things in my life.

Dang! Life is hard. Life is heartbreaking. Life is unfair. I find myself asking, “When are we going to catch a break? I can’t handle one more thing. No one understands? Why do my family and friends have to suffer so much? Why aren’t my prayers being answered? Why do I have such big trials in my life? Have I been forgotten?”

I know that I have never been forgotten. You have never been forgotten. I truly do have a testimony of my Savior and know the He is aware of me. He is the only one that truly understands everything that I am feeling and the struggles that I am going through or have gone through. He knows. He has felt my pain, my discouragement and my heartache. He knows my weaknesses and mistakes and still loves me unconditionally.

I choose to believe because I would be lost without Him. I would be lost without the knowledge that this life is but a small moment. I choose to believe because I know that our Heavenly Father and our Savior will make all things right in the eternities. Our tears will be wiped away and our joy will be immeasurable.

Heavenly Father knows us, and he knows our hearts and he knows that we are doing our best. He will never give up on us. I have felt His love for me. When life is hard, and discouragement sets in, and we question God, remember His love, remember that no matter where we are, He will be there.

Thank you for inspiring me and sharing your testimonies with me and loving and serving and praying for me and for each other. You are enough.

Love, Your Sister in the Gospel

My Faith Brings Me Peace and Answers

Faith is why I choose to believe. In Ether 12:6 it reads, “And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for you receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”

Trials come to all of us in this lifetime. Some may seem more serious than others. Some may affect us and try us more than others, but we will all have trials. Through the trials in my life I have learned great lessons. One of the lessons learned is, “how strong is my testimony?” Is my testimony strong enough so that I can gain a witness of the truthfulness of the things I claim to believe in?

Believing came easy for me most of my life and I feel blessed for that. I was blessed with goodly parents who were not active in the church most of my life, but were very supportive of the decisions that my siblings and I made to be active. I was blessed with a wonderful eternal companion with whom I have gone through trials, from infertility, adoptions, job loss, loss of parents, etc.

On June 10, 2016 was a day that we will never forget. We had all been in Idaho to a family party and our youngest daughter needed to come back to Utah for work the next day. On her way back to Utah she was involved in a one car rollover that took her life.

Through the weeks that followed I felt the love of my Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ in my life unlike any other time. But as time stretched on, I started to struggle. As hard as I tried to push back the “why” had this happened, it started to creep in. I remember one day in particular I had to stop and find a quiet place and have a talk with myself. Did I truly believe what I thought I did? Through weeks of soul searching, reading, praying and wrestling with my spirit, the doubts started to lift and a sweetness returned to my soul and I knew that what I had believed all my life was right. It was the way back to live with my Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ again. It was the means by which we would see our daughter and my parents again and have the chance to be with them and others for eternity.

I choose to believe because my faith brings me peace and brings me answers and I am forever grateful for that.

~Trudy M.

I Have Faith that Even Hard Things are Part of His Plan

My day started off with a Priesthood blessing. I was having a procedure yesterday and I was a little nervous. I asked my husband for a blessing of comfort. In the blessing he said, “your Heavenly Father knows you and is aware of your illness.” At the end of the blessing he said, “Cindy, your Heavenly Father loves you”. I felt that and I know that he does.

I’ve been diagnosed with a form of pulmonary fibrosis. Something that might cause me or anyone for that matter to give up hope, give up faith, or give up on Heavenly Father. I choose to have hope, faith and trust in my loving Father in Heaven. Whatever my tests and trials in life are, I just feel like this is one more of them. How well can I endure to the end, how well can others deal with my illness or death? I love the knowledge of eternal families. I love the gospel and I know that I am a child of God and he loves me and watches over me. I take comfort in that knowledge. I am so grateful for the power of the priesthood. I know it’s not magic. I know things may not work out the way I want them to but I know whatever happens it will just be part of his plan. There will be tears but I am ready for whatever comes.

~Cindy Fail-Ortolani

The Promptings of the Holy Ghost Help Me Endure

This year has been quite the roller coaster! Not only have we experienced this crazy pandemic and unrest in the world, but we have had an especially hard year with some unexpected family challenges. It’s hard to watch our loved ones suffer and in turn we suffer right there with them! Through these and other challenges, there have been times I have felt utter despair and with Satan’s lies, of no worth. Through it all, I choose to believe in this plan of happiness and in our Savior and his redeeming love. I have been grateful to notice the tender mercies along the way. I have had many promptings of the Holy Ghost on what to say, and the exact moments to act. I choose to believe in the blessings of the priesthood and the comfort and reassurance that those blessings leave. I recently received a priesthood blessing and as I would silently ask a question during the blessing, those questions were immediately answered. This happened several times throughout the blessing with answers to my silent pleadings with the Lord. It’s as if he were right there speaking to me through his worthy priesthood holder. I choose to believe because I don’t know how I would navigate through this challenging life without the promptings of the Holy Ghost to help me endure and overcome the lies of the adversary.

~Jennifer Taylor

The Savior is by My Side in Good Times and Rough Times

I choose to believe because I see the hand of God in my life constantly. I have suffered a stroke and a hemorrhaged brain tumor over the past 4 years. As I struggled through these trials I was given Priesthood blessings to comfort and heal me. I have no residual effects from either health issue. I know My Savior has a plan for me! I am still here among the mortals. I should really not still be alive. I have the most incredible 3 sons. When their dad and I divorced I felt incredibly broken! I am the person I am because God needs me to be their mom. I was lead by my Father in Heaven to a wonderful man, Drew Matthews is my best friend and he helps me see the best in myself! When I was having my children I had a set of twin girls. They lived for only a few minutes! I was crushed beyond words. My Savior put his arms around me and carried me through some of the most painful moments in my life! I know he is by my side in good times and in rough times. I love Him, He loves me! That is all the reason I need to choose to believe!

~Tina Milewski

The Savior has Oft Times Carried Me

 

This year has truly been a trying year. Not just through the pandemic, but also through personal trials. It is a year that we are eager to be done with. The past two years have been exceptionally difficult for my family and me. Yet, it has also brought our family closer together. We have been more supportive of each other, we have leaned on each other, we have been more caring towards each other. I personally have greatly leaned upon my Savior. I can truly say that He has walked with me and oft times carried me. Through my diligent reading, studying and learning of the scriptures and of the teachings of our church leaders, and the countless books, my testimony and faith have grown immensely. Never before have I been this close to my Heavenly Father and my Savior. There is a quote that I would like to share that has greatly helped me: 

"No pain that I suffer, no trial that I experience is wasted. It ministers to my education, to the development of such qualities, faith, fortitude and humility. All that I suffer and all that I endure, especially when I endure it patiently, builds up my character, purifies my heart, expands my soul, and makes me more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called a child of God... and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that I gain the education that I came here to acquire and which will make me more like my Father and Mother in heaven." 

                                                                                                                    Orson F. Whitney

 My trials have been no different than yours. I hope and pray that through your difficult times, you too have been blessed with the Saviors hand in your life, and that your hearts are turned to Him for strength and guidance. And always know that our Savior loves you.

 Rebecca Sanborn

Having the Knowledge of God's Plan Brings Peace to My Soul

I choose to believe because I have had many experiences where I know the Lord is there with me. Our 22-year-old son, Alec, just passed away a couple weeks ago. I truly believe that the other hard experiences I went through a few years ago, and the comfort that the Lord gave me during those times, helped me with this most recent loss. Life isn’t always easy, but the Lord is mindful of us and he will give us the comfort and strength to make it through any trial. During those hardest times is when I feel the closest to the Lord. I have heard his voice reminding me to “Be still." Having the knowledge of God’s plan brings peace to my soul. This mortal life is but a short time in that plan.

~Jana Richards

I Choose to Believe in the Prince of Peace

Why do I choose to believe? Thinking about this question it all comes back to one answer...PEACE. Believing in Him is the one true path to peace in this life and in our eternal life to come. This knowledge brings so much comfort, relief, and help as we face challenges everyday. With each new day the world around us is changing - nothing is constant, nothing is stable. We have all been a witness to this and have all experienced it first hand in one way or another. Health, economy, careers, illness, death, struggling children or loved ones, finances - the list goes on and on. The one thing that is never changing is the love of our Savior and His eternal plan. Knowing that the Lord is in charge and is aware of us gives me so much peace and hope as we face our struggles, trials, fears, and heartaches.

Last year our family experienced a major trial that literally dropped me to my knees in fervent prayer. I remember countless times asking Heavenly Father to bring me peace and calm my heart. Putting my trust in Him, His plan, and His timing instantly brought a calming peace that washed over my entire body - like nothing I’ve experienced before. Looking back on those experiences I often think about how Heavenly Father never left me alone. Though he hasn’t taken away this trial, he has provided me/us with all the tools we need to grow and learn and become closer to Him. Reading the scriptures and words of our prophets, using the priesthood power and priesthood blessings, receiving the love and service of those around us, and heartfelt fervent prayer are just some of the blessings that have helped me. These actions on my part have opened the door for Heavenly Father to give me peace. Isn’t that what we all long for...PEACE.

L. Whitney Clayton’s talk “Choose to Believe” beautifully illustrates my feelings on why I choose to believe. He tells us, “The decision to believe is the most important choice we ever make.” I can not imagine going through this life with all the challenges we will face - ALONE. I have a testimony of Our Lord and Savior, Our Comforter, The Prince of Peace. Isn’t it awesome that His very name reflects the very peace we are all longing for! Elder Clayton continues, “If we are WILLING to believe, if we DESIRE to believe, if we CHOOSE to believe, then the Savior’s teachings and example will show us the pathway forward.” Isn’t that where we all want to eventually be - Back in our Heavenly home with our Savior and our families - surrounded by a love and peace that only the Savior can provide. I know he loves each of us soooo much! I know this to be true and I am eternally grateful for this knowledge. This knowledge is what brings me peace EVERYDAY! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

~Melissa Lunsford

Thank God for the Rain

I choose to believe because I have a testimony of our Heavenly Father's Plan, which is a plan of happiness. I know that no matter how difficult life may be, that as we look for the good things in life that good will come back to us. I recently read a talk by Elder Uchtdorf in which he talked about how sooner or later all of us experience times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift. However, there is one thing we can do to make life sweeter and more joyful, and that is to be grateful. When life is difficult, it can be hard to be grateful, but if we focus on being grateful, despite our circumstances, whatever they may be, we can experience peace in the midst of tribulation. He asks, "How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God for the rain?"

Over the past several months, I've been able to see the silver lining, even though there are times when I feel anxious or worried. I've enjoyed the time I've been able to spend with my children, having sacrament meeting with my family and parents, spending time with close friends and family, and a slower pace where I've been able to accomplish things that normally I wouldn't have time for.

I'm so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. For the knowledge that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father. And that despite the challenges we face in life, that because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the future is bright.

~Lari Frandsen

Christ has Given "Beauty for Ashes" in My Life

I was recently thinking about what I was doing a year ago at this time. The kids were all in school. I was trying my hand at some home canning and thinking about Halloween decorations. Fast forward a year and canning is about the only thing that is familiar. We’re now a good six months or so into a once in a hundred year pandemic and it has put its mark on just about everything- church, work, school, and social lives. Meanwhile, our country is in an extremely divided time politically. There is civil unrest and protests around the nation as we try to work out our issues with race. There are wildfires that are consuming large swaths of the West. Even locally, there are contentions about school schedules, and wearing masks, etc. IT CAN BE A LOT.

When it is A LOT, I have learned to turn to my Heavenly Father in prayer and to turn to my Savior for comfort, counsel and example. I “CHOOSE to believe” in them because I have tested Christ’s gospel in my life and it works. I have trust in Jesus Christ because when I have put his counsel to the test, it has born out to be true. He has helped me through the darkness. He has helped me to grow and become stronger.

You see, as rough as this year has been it is not my hardest. My most difficult year was a few years back. I faced some challenges that absolutely shattered me. Every part of me and my life. It was so difficult that it even made me question my idea of who God must be. I couldn’t see how God could be a “loving Father” and have this happen. Why would He allow it?

There is a painting called “Hope” by George Fredric Watts (see photos) When I saw this painting, I could identify immediately with the woman in this painting. I felt blinded and struggling. I was down to my last string straining to hear any sound that might still be there to get me through.

That string was Jesus Christ. It was his life, his example and his teachings that saw me through. I held on and listened to that string for dear life and he did not let me down. Little by little he helped me to find my way. He was sure and unchanging. His teachings were true.

In Japan, there is an art form called Kintsugi, (see photos) where an artist will take a broken piece of pottery and glue it back together. Next they will take gold and place it in the repaired seams highlighting them and making it into something new. When this is done well, it can make them worth more than they were before. This is what Christ did for that shattered me. He put me back together and used my scars to make me into something new. Something better than I was before.

This is what Christ always does. No matter what hard thing you face, He can get you through. No matter what garbage you are given in life, He can make it into something of value and beauty. This is Christ. This is what He does. He gives us “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (Isaiah 61:3). All we have to do is turn to Him. As that old young women’s song says, “Learn of [Him] and listen to [His] words. Walk in the meekness of [His] light and [He] will give you peace.”

So, when you find yourself down to your last string, listen closely to Christ. He will not fail you. Let Him work in your life. And then, when you find your song again, follow His example by making beauty out of the ugliness around you. Each of us will do this differently but we all can all do it. Ask yourself: What can I do? Can I build? Can I repair? Can I strengthen? Can I teach? Can I care for? Can I forgive? Can I protect? Can I create? It is within each of us to do something like Christ to make our current situations better and more lovely. I hope we can all follow His example. I send my love to you all.

~ Jamie

Combating Satan's Tactics Day by Day

In the October 2019 Conference, Elder Peter M. Johnson of the Seventy gave some incredible counsel that I am just now beginning to fully appreciate.

In his talk, he discussed how we can find peace, remember who we are, and overcome the three Ds of the adversary. Those three Ds were Deception, Distraction, and Discouragement.

If ever there was a time when we are seeing these tactics of Satan’s being used in full force, it is today.

I choose to believe my Savior and my Father in Heaven. I choose to believe the promises They have made. I know that if we read our scriptures, pray, partake of the sacrament, repent, attend our church meetings, go to the Temple (when we can!), and remember that we are daughters of God; we will be just fine. It doesn’t matter what goes on in this world.

I know this is easier said than done. So, one of my most favorite ways to remember these principles, to truly feel peace, and to fight back against the deception, distraction, and discouragement is to be out in this amazing world our Father has created for us. So, my dear Sisters; if you are struggling to believe or to feel peace during this time and haven’t found your own way yet, please use mine.

~Mona Andrus

Making Time to Hear Him

Why do I believe? Nothing is sure in life except the love of our Savior and the Gospel. As the world is in total chaos right now, I am so grateful to know something that is true and that I can believe in. My sister told me of a challenge her husband gave to her. When she is in the car alone, not to turn on the radio. Let there be silence so she could “hear”. I loved that challenge and try to do it myself. It is a time where I can just focus on what the Savior wants me to do, a time where I can just hear Him. I am thankful for that time alone to listen. It brings me peace. I am with people daily that don’t have the same belief as me but hope by my example they can see what the Gospel brings into my life. Awhile back a co-worker of mine asked me if I would pray with her. She is not a religious person but knew that I was and hoped that I could help her. There we were in the back room of my business and I offered up a prayer with her as she was going to the doctor that day and was worried. Heavenly Father blessed her life that day. Our Prophet also helps me to stay believing. He brings such hope and love when he speaks to us. I am a little anxious about his comment that “We need to buckle up”, but know that if I am doing all I can, I will be blessed. I don’t know what is coming down the road, but I am just leaning on the scriptures, family, the words of the prophet, and the Holy Ghost that will get me through “still believing”.

~Jamie Hancey

Choosing Light Over Darkness Makes All the Difference

I choose to believe because I know what it is like to choose otherwise and I have learned how quickly the light of Christ can leave you and darkness can start to creep in. I somehow thought that certain things would hurt less if I chose to believe that the Gospel was not essential to happiness. Shockingly (haha), it didn’t work and I found myself struggling with anxiety and depression even more than usual. I distanced myself from those around me and felt overwhelmed. I knew what I needed but it wasn’t easy. I was embarrassed and ashamed and had to humble myself. It didn’t take long to feel the light start to come back and heal my soul. The trials we all go through, quite frankly can stink but I can testify that the difference between choosing to walk them alone or with our Savior by our side, is literally choosing light over darkness. In the end, I realize my Savior was always there just waiting for me to let him back in.

I often feel a little envious when I hear others testimonies of how they have never wavered but I have actually become grateful for my experiences, they are what makes me who I am today. I have a simple testimony and I am not eloquent with my words but I have come to realize that I am enough. Whether we don’t feel worthy or maybe just can’t find the energy to muster the strength to get on our knees, it’s OK! He is there waiting patiently with unconditional love. HOPE is all we need and CHOOSING to believe is the first step. It is never too late! Our Savior will never leave our side and I am so grateful for that knowledge.

~Shelly Franklin

In "Simplifying" I Hear Him

Every year for New Years I pick one word that I want to focus on for the upcoming year. My husband teases me and tells me not to pick such good words because without fail the Lord teaches me (and my family) lessons on the word that I have chosen. Usually they are hard lessons, but worth it. This year I picked the word 'Simplify'. Now some might think that 2020 has been anything but simple, but 2020 has taught me what's truly important and what can be weeded out. My husband got furloughed before Christmas and was furloughed for 7 months. With my husband being home, the soft closure of the schools, the 'stay at home' order, and having a high risk child, needless to say we have spent a lot of time together this year. It's been wonderfully trying! We didn't have any of the usual busy/normal life stuff to fill our time. We had each other. We laughed, cried, fought, played, prayed, and learned. I took this time to refocus on the Savior and follow the prophets council to "Hear Him". 2020 has been noisy. Things are constantly changing. But there is one thing that has remained the same and always will... the love of our Savior. It's simple. I choose to follow Him because he is constant. When I get caught up in the noise of the world and social media, I refocus on the Savior and I instantly feel His peace. He does not take away the problem, but he strengthens me to be able to take another step. It has not been an easy year for any of us. I have been so grateful for the opportunity the Lord gave me to 'simplify' so I can 'hear Him' more clearly. Next year I hope I can learn the lessons of my word more quickly so we don't have to shut the world down with another pandemic!

~Brittney Patane

I Know He Believes in Me

I choose to believe because through countless simple and strong tender mercies…I know He believes in me.

There is no possible way I can describe these sacred and sweet moments that have flooded my life, especially these last two years. I never saw coming what came. I never thought I would be fighting the mental battles that I witnessed so many courageous women fight every moment of every day. I never thought I would personally feel those dark places the mind can take you. I never thought I would know the deep despair the adversary relentlessly tries to compress into the hearts of His daughters. It is real. It is a battle. And it is one brave reach in trusting His hand, and the hands He sends, to give you that reassurance…you can do this…He believes in you…and after a simple yet strong reminder one afternoon in May, I held tight to the fact that I knew He believes in me too.

I needed to stop driving and breathe. I needed to stop and just let out the sadness, the fear, and the desperate cry to be given relief from all of it. With my wet and swollen eyes from the hours of tear filled pleading, I finally turned into the nearest church parking lot. The despair and worry was just too great. It was suffocating. Gratefully, I had a dear friend with me in the car, pleading her own prayer to Him for help. She didn’t need to say or do anything. All that mattered to me was that I wasn’t alone.

My despair grew deeper and my fear grew stronger. I wanted to quit. I couldn’t do it anymore. I was exhausted. How can this be happening to me? How can my once calm mind feel like storm raging every moment? Who was I anymore? I couldn’t do it. I was done.

Just as those thoughts came into my mind, another car pulled into that church parking lot. I looked over to see who it was. It was the sweet husband of my friend. I wanted to hide. I didn’t want anyone, especially him, to see me like that. My friends husband walked calmly towards us. He knocked on my window, and with the most peaceful and merciful smile, he told me everything was going to be ok. How did this good man find me? How did he know the mental battle I was struggling with that day? Even seeing the mess that I was, he never asked and never felt he needed to know why. This man knew He knew, and that was enough. This man just came, and shared hope. I could feel it. So, I looked up and by the slightest glance into this good man’s eyes, I knew He was there for Him. I felt in that moment it wasn’t just my friends on either side of me, but He was there and so many from the other side. He believed I could and would get through this. That this battle...all this I was fighting against in mind…will and is being made beautiful. I needed to just be patient. I needed to hold on tight. He believed in me. And that simple truth was enough to let my heart and mind breathe.

We find so many experiences in the scriptures of God finding people where they are, and extending a hand of undeniable confidence in whatever challenge they are faced with. He gives tokens of strength and resiliency to demonstrate His belief in our ability to get through the tests and trials given. He sees and knows we are stronger than we think we are. He sees us perfectly. Loves us unconditionally. He has armed me and you with everything we need to fight through those deeply personal tempests. And as we take His hand and look into His eyes, we will dwell with Him. In a place of peace...of joy...and discover a love He has for us that is profoundly powerful.

How can I not believe in Him who has perfect belief in me.

~Ashley Quist

Heavenly Father (and His Angels) are Watching Over Us

A year ago last spring I was unloading a few groceries from my car. I was in the last month of pregnancy and my mother had come to help me that day. As I unloaded the bags she unbuckled my 22-month old son and then came to get a load. After putting the bags on the table I looked up to see my mother with her load of bags, but no Maxwell. I quickly moved to the front door calling his name. As I came to the door I caught a glimpse of him running down the driveway towards the busy street. Adrenalin kicked in and I sprinted with my 8-month pregnant belly towards him. I flew down the steps, across the patio and down some more steps. He had taken the longer route around our van. I took the shorter route in hopes that I would catch him before he came to the street. Just as he came into my view I tripped on some uneven grass, smashed my knee into the ground and went skidding on my belly head first from the grass to the driveway. My first reaction was to hop up and catch my son, but as I tried to do this my body wouldn’t do what I was telling it to do. I couldn’t move. Panic struck and I began to sob as I laid there watching my son running at top speed right for the street where many cars were passing by. I was completely helpless and in a lot of pain. I thought to myself, “I’ve just killed my unborn child and now I’m going to watch my little boy get hit by a car and die!” I watched my little Maxwell through my tears dreading what I was about to witness, then suddenly a miraculous thing happened. He had been headed directly for the street, but once he came to the sidewalk he immediately turned and continued running. A huge wave of relief and gratitude passed over me. My mom helped me up, then caught Max. She helped me hobble inside. I couldn’t stop crying for a long time. Finally I was able to compose myself enough to call my doctor and ask what I should do.

Later on while I was alone laying in a hospital bed connected to the monitoring equipment I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened. Why did Max stop and turn down the sidewalk instead of continuing his path into the street? I pondered that question for a while and then an answer came that filled me with the spirit. Either Max at 22 months of age knew better than to run out into the street or God had placed angels there to guard the way. As I remembered how Max turned and changed his course it was as though there was someone there blocking the way. I believe angels were there that day guarding the street and protecting him from danger. I don’t think Max was mature enough to know how dangerous the street was. I am full of gratitude to God for protecting my son. I am also grateful for that experience. Every time I reflect on it I feel the spirit testify to me personally that Heavenly Father cares about me, He loves me, and He will protect me and my family. Choosing to believe this brings me great joy, peace, and relief.

When I choose to believe I feel the Holy Spirit bearing witness of truth. Choosing faith takes courage and it brings the best blessings. Lately I find myself asking this question when a choice arises: “Am I choosing to believe?”

Every time I remember this question before I react I am happy with my response. When I don’t remember this question it’s easy for me to lose control of myself or say something I regret. I’m grateful for the theme “choose to believe” and the strength and courage it gives me. Remembering these words helps me retain my agency and stay in control of myself. It helps me be who I truly want to be and act for myself instead of allowing other people or situations to control me and to be acted upon.

The world is in commotion. All of the difficulties we are facing as a nation aren’t going to go away. They aren’t going to get better on their own. They may even continue to escalate. I believe God is giving us an opportunity to step up and dig in. I believe now more than ever is a time for us to choose to believe, to be an example of the believers, and to do something about it. We can ask God what he needs us to do and then do it. I love our Heavenly Father and His plan! We can trust Him!

~Jen Doll

Adversity Aquaints Us with Our Savior

A great blessing of adversity is that we can become very personally acquainted with our Savior as we look for Him. I have witnessed this many times. It brings me so much comfort knowing that He is there for us and with us every step of the way. He helps us endure, guides our path and gives us strength. I've learned that He is the Prince of Peace, and can bring peace to our souls! He blesses our lives with so many amazing gifts! He truly loves each one of us and desires to bless us. In this crazy time we are living in, I choose to believe! I choose to follow Him. I choose to allow Him to bless me and help me through. With God, all things are possible!

~Nedra Hunsaker