I have a subscription to something called "Inspirational Messages" through the church's website which sends me little thoughts or scripures daily by email. It's just something I have enjoyed to keep my mind in the right place each day and think about all my many blessings.
These past couple months have been somewhat intense and have really been emotionally draining. There's been a lot of ups and downs that have kept me on my toes. It's been a very busy summer and it has just flown by!
So back to where these inspirational thoughts come in......
The day I took my licensing exam for nursing (NCLEX) was one of the hardest things of my life. I had been studying constantly for the past while, was sleep deprived, and nearly a nervous wreck going into the biggest test that would define my career. I had studied and prayed and received a blessing from my dad. After 4 hours of intense testing I came out of it not knowing if I had passed or failed. I knew I would be have a lot of anxiety knowing I wouldn't know my results until at least 48 hours later. As I got in my car to drive home from Ogden with tears ready to explode from my eyes from the draining day, I grabbed my phone to check my messages. As I checked my email, I looked at the spiritual message of the day and couldn't contain my emotions as it read Alma 26:12 "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things;" I could swear that these messages were just written for me! This scripture has and always will be one of my favorites. It gives me so much peace and comfort to know that the Lord will be there to pick up my slack. He is right by my side to help me with all my challenges in this life.
The next experience came today as I found out my dear grandpa had passed away. It has been an emotional and heartbreaking past couple weeks as his health had increasing deteriorated and having to watch him suffer and be placed into a nursing home. As the news of his death was given to me, I read another inspirational message that proved to me that God listens and understands me personally. D&C 98: 1-3 "Fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks ..., for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of the Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament--the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord."
I know that God listens to me and understands what I'm going through. He is always there for me and knows what I need most. I'm grateful for His love for me that He was willing to give His son so that I may return to Him someday. I know that families are forever when we are sealed in the temple and continually renew our covenants with Him. This gospel is true. There is no other way. My life would have no meaning without it's principles. This church is inspired and has a very clear set out plan to help us achieve the greatest happiness there is; exaltation.
