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

Christ Provides Me with Peace, Comfort and Capacity

When I pause to count my blessings, or when there are events in my life that turn me toward Heavenly Father for strength, comfort, and peace, He is always there for me. These experiences strengthen my faith in Him, and it is what helps me continue to trust and have faith in Him. He provides me with peace and comfort and the capacity to do the work He has sent me to do. He hears and answers my prayers; not always in the way I hope or expect, but in a way that is best for me and my family. This is why I choose to believe. I’m grateful to know our Heavenly Father lives and loves each of us. I am grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who atoned for our sins. I am grateful to know They are aware of us and our needs and continue to bless and guide us today.

~Camie Gonzalez

I Want to Be on Our Heavenly Father and Savior's Team

Elder Holland said, “The FUTURE of this world has long been DECLARED; the final outcome between GOOD and evil is already KNOWN. There is absolutely no question as to who WINS because the VICTORY has already been posted on the SCOREBOARD. The only really strange thing in all of this is that we are still down here on the FIELD trying to decide which TEAM’S JERSEY we want to wear!”

When I was asked the question, “why do I choose to believe, even with the current situation of the world” this quote immediately came to mind.

I choose to believe because I want to be on the winning team, but more importantly I want to be on our Heavenly Father and Savior's team.

It is through them that I am able to obtain ultimate happiness. The happiness that so many in the world are searching for. The happiness that includes being with my family forever.

~Angela Harrison

We Can Trust God in Good Times and Bad

I am thankful for my membership in and testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for parents who daily taught me about what is right and what is wrong and how I should live my life. My dad taught us and reminded us all often that if we put God first everything else will work out.

Right now the world is in a state of confusion and full of contention. It can cause us to often have an inner conflict. I am so grateful I can always turn to My Father in Heaven in prayer and to the Book of Mormon for peace and guidance.

My favorite scripture is, “Be still and know that I am God.” Whenever worries seem to pile up and chaos surrounds, I try to focus on that. Our Father in Heaven knows me and each one of us. He loves us and our families. He knows what is best for us, even when we don’t always understand. He is in charge. I try to remember that He is always there and that He has a plan and then go forward in faith.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said in the October 2020 General Conference, “The point is faith means trusting God in good times and bad, even if that includes some suffering until we see His arm revealed in our behalf. “ May we have the strength, each one of us, to remain faithful and to look up.

~Ann Flint

Trust in the Lord and He Shall Direct Thy Paths

I choose to believe because I know that when I have trusted in Him he has led me through life’s ups, and perhaps more importantly life’s downs!

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When life gets difficult, I remember this scripture, I repeat it often, and I draw closer to Him. There are times I’ve found a quiet spot and prayed...literally opened my heart to him, and He has brought comfort and peace to my soul! Other times I’ve opened my scriptures and found guidance and direction applicable to me and the situation I’m facing!!

These experiences have led me to know that He was leading the way, carrying me through, comforting me, strengthening me, forgiving me, and bringing me light and understanding when I’ve needed it most.

I trust in Him, and choose to believe in Him, because really I think life would be too hard without Him. He is always there, the one person I know I can count on no matter what! He is waiting and wanting to help!! I invite you to “Trust in Him” and know that “He shall direct your paths,” bringing you comfort, peace, guidance and understanding beyond your own as well.

~Carolyn Burningham