Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end

With Obama's re-election, and things coming to light about things I should have read a loooong time ago in regards to new laws and things that Obama supports, I can't help but feel hopeless.

Helpless.

Like John and I won't be able to start our family in these conditions.

It doesn't help that it's that time of the month where I cry my eyes out when I'm reminded that Jef and Emily broke up. Or when I hear my niece say "Hi" to me over and over again and wave her little hand at me, even though she has no clue who I am.

Given the circumstances, I could just sit and cry all day if I didn't have to work or act like a normal human being. It is SOO easy to just fall into that funk of "Nothing is ever going to be okay again." And this past election sure got me a good head start into that funk. Yuck.

I have always been one who will think the worst of things, plan for the worst to happen, and just can't really look to the bright side. I'm not pessimistic. I'm just an overcautious optimistic. I hope for the best, plan for the worst. And lately, I've been planning on the United States turning into a socialistic sister of Greece.

(Here is where the fact that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints comes into play)

One thing that I keep forgetting, is that this is all part of my Father in Heaven's plan. I wish I could write down some scriptures that I found on my own. That way I could be all prophetic, knowledgeable, and insightful. Instead, I searched the all-knowing internet. And luckily, I found a scripture that made me cry even more and has since become one of my top 3 favorite scriptures. To preface this, I have included the previous few scriptures.

“Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things—

“Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof

“Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven.

“And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake yet shall they partake of all this glory."

[And here is where it gets so wonderful.]

“Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full” D&C 101:32-36 (emphasis added)

If we but just trust in the Lord, and have faith, we will be alright. Yes, things might SUCK, and they might be really, really hard, but it will never be too much.

A very beloved prophet once said, "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed.  The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise.  Life is like an old time rail journey…. delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed.  The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." -Gordon B. Hinckley

This song is so humbling and is my favorite song, hymn, or piece of music.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake

To guide the future, as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know

His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord.

When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. I love my Heavenly Father so much and am so grateful for the opportunity he has given me to strengthen my weaknesses and to grow my faith.

And with this, I bid you adieu.