Something struck me today and I just wanted to write about it.  I know that there are a lot of people out there struggling right now.  There are fires closing in on homes to the north of me, fires in california, floods and tornados striking people in missouri, Oklahoma, and texas.  But one common thread I have found is people pulling together in faith during these times.  I would like to ask everyone to keep the people in the troubled areas in their prayers, your best thoughts and/or  wishes this week as things are going more and more chaotic all over. 

For those who are personally struggling to find the light in their lives, I know you can find it.  Look into your hearts and take the time to search, ponder, pray, and surround yourself with the good things of life, with good spirited friends, clean uplifting music, with going to church and fasting and praying for answers.  Listen to the leaders, search the scriptures, ponder and pray on what strikes you the most and note it for future reference.  Find what it is that matters the most to you for your spirits sake and seek it out with earnest endeavor.  God knows the innermost parts of your heart, and knows what you are struggling with.  He knows when you are down, he knows when you are afraid, alone, hurting, and when things are just not going right.  He loves you and wants to help, yet you have to do your part too.  If you are trying your best to do and say the right things, he will help you find just what it is that you need to do and say to set things on the right path. 

You are though only accountable for what you do and say in life, and you cannot change anothers path if they do not wish to change.  Free agency is one of the most prized and painful gifts sometimes.  You have the right to choose to stop what you can, do, say and work with what you can, but remember this one lesson, if someone chooses to do the wrong things, nothing you do or say will necessarily change what they are going to do anyway.  You can always try, and never give up hope that they will change, but if you did your best and they are still doing the wrong things, then sometimes you have to let the answer fall on their own heads.  It is out of your hands at that point, and you are not to blame. 

Even in families, people can and will fall.  People are people and are not perfect.  You will find both saints and devils in almost every faith there is.  If you dig for dirt, you are going to find it in every walk of life, every faith, every science, everything...  but if you look for the light, the good and the blessings you will find those too. Life is not about pointing fingers about who is better than who.  Life is about making it through doing the right things, finding the path in the darkness and finding the way into the light.  If you make a mistake, admit it, set it right as much as humanly possible, repent from it, and go on.  There is always a way to find the light in life. 

No one is perfect, and anyone who says they are... well, you know that line too well by now.   What I am saying is that there are second chances in life, new birth, regrowth and times that will seem to knock everything you have, every friend, every bit of family, everything you own and love and know down into nothingness.  Those are the times when you have to find what really matters.  What is it, when you have lost everything, when there is nothing left to you but your own soul and body that keeps you going?

What is the one key that when the darkness strikes and all seems lost, like the trials of Job in the scriptures that keeps one going in utter loss and despair?  For me it was that love of God, the sure knowledge that he is there and does love me.  It is the true faith, the knowledge and understanding that even though the devil may pursue to the worst, and all may be lost right down to even your health and ability to work, that you will still be able to make it, because he is there, he does care, and he will provide a way for things to progress if you keep the faith in him.  He knows, and he does care, and the light is there and does help in unexpected and sometimes even miraculous ways.  I am only here still because God has a plan for me in life.  I should not even have survived most of what I have been through and still come out with as much as I have.  God does know, he does understand, and the suffereing he bore for us was unimaginable.

Just think of it, someone who loves us enough to bear the entire torment of grief, guilt, pain, evil, and suffering that was ever inflicted on the full of mankind.  That kind of love is priceless and without end.  He knew, and still he bore it, he endured it, and then he also died for us in the worst possible way known at that time.  He gave his very life, his existance all for love, and to think that if he would go that far he would leave us in the darkness alone???  NO way!  He loves each and every one of us.  He knows what we are going through.  He knows just how hard it is, and just how much we endure in our hearts, bodies, minds and spirits.   He loves us.  You, me, even the lost on the street.  He loves us.  He grieves for the lost and fallen, he cries for the griefstricken, he sends comfort and aid to the fallen.  He knows!  What powerful words those are, he knows.  No better friend could you have than him, as he never leaves, he listens to your heart every time you pray, every time you need help, and every time you seek answers that you cannot find.  He knows!  He loves us! 

With one sweep he could stop all the evils in life, but he lets them happen.  Without the evils in life, there would be no great good, no growth, no understanding, no learning, no peace or joy.  Without the trials to make us grow, we cannot grow in life or progress in the path back to heaven, and there can be no mercy or judgement, as there is no evidence of good or evil without them.  The blood of the innocent on the hands of the evildoers will stand as a testiment against them in the last days, and I can only say may heaven have mercy on their souls.  I would not want to be in their shoes for the world.  To stand and look in the Saviors eyes at the last days, the day of judgement, all will have to do.  By their works and fruits in life, people will be judged, and without the influences of good and evil, there would be no trial to test and mold the spirit into what kind of person they can become. 

Yes there are evil people in this world, and God created people with free agency to choose for themselves how they would be, what they would do and say in life, and what they would become.  He created spirits with infinite possibilites that could be used for good or evil, knowing that some may choose the evil path, but he had love enough to let them go to give them the chance to possibly change, to grow, to become something mighty and special.  He knew some would potentially fall, so he set a path to where the spirits who would heed him could come home, the greatest plan of them all.  Free choice is ours to have.  We can control our own lives, but not the lives of others, so for good or ill, we can make the choices to become what we want.  God knows, and understands when we make mistakes, that is why the atonement was there in the first place.  That was key and part of the greatest plan of them all.  He loved us enough to give us the light and knowledge to change.

He knows what we are going through, he understands what we need to grow.  He knows that sometimes bad things have to happen to allow the greater blessings and growth of the spirit for later in life.  He loves us enough to help us through those times, by sending people, answers and comfort to those that need it.  He knows and loves us enough to seek us out when we are lost, to send the people with the right answers to help us when confused, and to give us peace when we are in the midst of the battles around us.  Never give up hope, because he knows.

That is one thing that when you lose everything else will be a constant.  He knows and loves us!  He is there and does care!  He knows and will help, not always with the answer that we want to hear, or with what we expect, but with the path that will be the greatest blessing in our lives if we hold to it.  He knows and understands.  Never give that hope and faith up.  Best of blessings and remember this,

Maraleh

Tags: Faith Hope Atonement Savior Suffering Help God Love Faith Light

4 comments View Entry

Good news everyone, My friends baby  is getting lots better, and is up to four pounds now. His mother finally was able to hold him for the first time this week.  He is not out of the woods yet, but he is on his way to full recovery.  Best of blessings and a huge thank you to all of you who have kept him in your prayers.  I am sorry I did not type much this week, but I hurt my wrist and have been having a tad bit of trouble typing.  Best of blessings and talk to you all later,

Maraleh

Tags: Baby Hospital Newborn Premie

0 comments View Entry

New beginnings every day.  I looked out the window this morning and all is still and quiet for once. Oddly not many people are stirring in town just yet.  It is still pretty early though.  I keep running into walls it seems lately in the sense of life just keeps redirecting me, and I am not sure what is going on, or where it is leading me yet.  Sometimes the path can get a bit confusing.  I am trying to decide whether to move back to Gooding, or find a new place in Twin falls.  Either way, I want out of this basement.  I need light and fresh air.  I am too much of a summer person to be in the dark, lol.  I keep looking at options, and keep thinking maybe I need to stay here in Twin for a bit.  There are both good and bad things both directions, but it seems this is going to be the better area for a little while.  I am waiting for the Temple to open too.   I really want to be there for the grand opening.  There is just way too much going on lately too.  My ex keeps leaving me appology messages and asking to get back together again, but there is no way in the world I would ever do that after what he did.  The guy stepped across the wrong lines, and he knows it, in such a way to make a relationship absolutely impossible. 

Life can throw some wild swings sometimes too. My friend just got married this fourth of July to someone she met on this site, lol.  I am glad for her, as this is a wonderful second chance in life.  I hope things go well for her too. 

I decided that it is time to rejoin the dating life again.  It has been three long years since I have dated anyone or even really gone out.  I think it is time and well again to start over and open the doors again.  I for a long time have not even dated anyone, but I realized that the good lord would not want me to be single and alone forever.  He would want me to give life a second chance, and that is what I am doing.  It is time to clear out the garbage and start over new.  What is past is past, it is time to let it go and try to fly once again.  This time I know the spots to avoid, the signs to watch out for, and know that my heart is a lot stronger and wiser than it used to be. 

I spent three years trying to understand the pain and suffering I had been through from the ex's I had been around, both boyfriend and marriages.  I came to figure out that a lot of it was just that I had no clue what I was getting into with any of them at the time.  No one had taken the time to sit down and talk to me about relationships, what they were like, what they should be like, or even what to watch out for.  A lot of it was my fault too for not being smart enough at the time to know that just because someone is giving you lots of attention, does not mean that they truly love you.  I also learned the hard way that sometimes peoples dark secrets and problems from before a relationship can sometimes really wreck a good one.  It pays to be open and honest when you are really getting to know someone.  My ex hid from me for a long time that he was a pedophile.  I was heartbroke when I found out by accidently opening up one of his links to find child porn.  I left him over that.  Another ex was cheating on me, and had drug problems that I found out about the hard way.  I have had to learn how to trust all over again, and it has not been easy. 

I have had some very good friends in life.  Some from the good side of town, some from the rougher side, but that have lived life enough to know when to sit someone down and talk to them.  Sometimes the good lord works in mysterious ways.  The best advice I ever got was from a gal I talked to years ago, and can not longer remember her name, who was on meth, was pregnant by an unknown father, and was once lds and coming back to the church.  She said that she knew she was doing wrong, and that she would pay a price for it, and she was going through the programs to get off meth. But she said that she had realized that there is always second chances, and that every person in life, even if they fall into the worst gutter can always come back out if they know the right path to take. She said her biggest wake up call was finding out that she was going to have a baby. It is never easy, it is often painful, but it is so worth the effort and the light at the end when you do get out. 

I never knew what happened to her, but I hope she made it.  I know I can have that kind of strength too if I keep at life, and keep trying to do and say the right things myself.  I never did drugs or alcohol, and never will, yet I want things to go the right directions in life.  I watched a brother go through the drugs though, and do some horrible things while he was on those.  I pray constantly for his spirit to find the right path in life, and think he finally is out of that stuff, but you never can be sure.  Dark paths can hit anyone, and everyone has hidden closets, secrets that they do not want to get out and problems.  When it comes down to it, there will be others who do understand and know what it is like to walk through those times and paths.  I know.  I have been through fire, flood, tornado, earthquake, murder of friends, death of family members, car wrecks, health problems, and even lost my family temporarily to divorce, but I will never give up hope and faith that God will provide a way for me if I keep at it. 

I have seen drug abuse by people I have known and loved, and cried for their sake.  I have been through rape by someone I thought I cared about at the time, and was badly mistaken about their integrity and honor.  I have been through one ex that tried to murder me, because he was on drugs and alcohol at the time and I did not know it until I came home and he almost strangled and stabbed me.  It was the grace of the good lord that put the words in my mouth to let me escape.  I was in blackfoot when the teton dam broke and was there at three with the clean up crews.  I was in missouri when it flooded there, and in Fort Collins Colorado when the floods went through that town.  I watched people pull through things that you would not think that people could bounce back from, and still manage to keep the faith and hope alive in their hearts.  I know that God has kept me here for some good reason and purpose.  If I were meant to go, he could have taken me a thousand times over.  But there is a purpose and plan in everything.  I know it sounds unbeleivable that someone could go through all this and still survive it and stay sane, but it is true.  I have lived through and seen some pretty crazy things in life.  There will come a day when these things will be lost in the dust of time too, but I will always remember the strength and the miracles that came from the strength, courage and love of the people who have passed through these things. 

I am but a voice of a child echoing in the darkness, but I am always working my way past the obsticals to someday find the light, the true light and the way back home to heaven.  I will always hold that prayer in my heart, that hope for better things, and that faith, that someday God will provide the way and the means to have back what I have lost.  The good lord knows what I have born, and what I have endured.  He knows the suffereing of my heart every time I have to listen to my children scream and cry.  He knows the ache of loss, the grief I have born.  He knows the joys I have seen in life too, and the good things that help to keep me going.

Do I find joy in life?  Yes, every time I see a child learn something new, every time the sun rises, the stars come out, the people find miracles and bear their testimonies.  Yes every time someone makes it to the temple, finds true love and is sealed forever, every time a child is baptized, every time my friends overcome their trials.  I find joy when I see people make it, bless their children, help others, do missionary work.  I find joy when things are set to the standards God would have them be in movies, music, life in general.  I find joy where the light is, where the true spirit of Christ resides. 

I know that my redeemor lives, I know what the true meaning of faith is, and I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is very real light and truth out there to be had.  God knows the suffering of the heart, he knows the spirit within, what we think, what we feel and what we endure.  He knows without a doubt exactly every stripe we have ever born in life, arnd every time we have helped to heal a wound, or lift the tired and weary.  He knows, and he loves us.  He will never abandon a soul, and will always strive to try to help them come home.  Anyone can turn their back on the Lord, but he will never turn his back on us or close the door so long as we are trying our best.  He truly does love us.  The greatest sacrifice that every could be, or ever might be came by the hand of Jesus Christ.  The pain of Gethsemane was unimaginable, and to think that my sins of life had a hand in an ounce of that pain is horrible, yet his love is great enough to forgive us of the wrongs we have done in life.  He died on Calgary, that we might have that chance.  What greater love is this, than that he lay down his life and endure the torments of the purest hell that we might live again free from sin in his sight. 

I love the savior, I know he is there, and I know what he has done for me.  I know that my children and grandchildren will someday chance to meet the spirit within the faith, and it is my sincere prayer that they will find the love of the gospel like I have.  Faith is sometimes all you have left in life, and when the darkness is all around and all you can see, there is always that one little light, that pure hope and love in Christ that will help you get through.  Just get on your knees and pray. Talk to him, he hears you and knows what you are going through, he just waits for you to ask.  Best of blessings and I pray that you all have a wonderful week.

Maraleh

Tags: Faith Hope Endurance Christ Atonement Suffering Light Darkness Atonement Lo

0 comments View Entry

What a week.  So many people around me struggling, working on things and trying hard to set lives straight.  One rises on new wings, one falls into the pits of darkness and is trying to find the right direction, one falls ill and cannot seem to find the answers to why, and all seem to be at different stages. 

Odd thing is, again today the gardner was mentioned.  A garder of full meaning in this day and age.  A story was told today of a currant bush.  The bush was bought as part of a farm and was tangled, snarled, and in very rough shape.  The gardner came along and saw the bush out in the field and recognized it for what it was.  He took some sheers and went over to the bush and started to trim out the tangles, the snarls, the crooked parts to set it straight.  As he trimmed, the bush wept sap like tears, and he thought to himself, the bush is crying and asking why are you doing this?  He related it to the lives of those who are trying to come in from the wilderness and darkness.  Sometimes you cannot see the reason why you are cut the way you are, why things are so painful to bear, but those times are the times when the good lord is shaping the spirit, the soul to the way it needs to be.  Those are the times when it is giving a great change to the path and the direction of growth of the whole. 

Sometimes we cannot see if we are meant to be a great tree, or a humble bush, a rose to give flowers or a berry bush to give fruit, but what ends up coming out at the end is the hand of the makers design, the second chance to be and do and say the things that are needed in life.  What happens is not always our choice either.  Sometimes the growth of the wild thorns around can crowd out and wound the tender flesh of the growing spirits around too.  These are the times when the gardner takes extra care to help to tend the wounds and strengthen the roots and branches with the food and water necessary for the plants health.  Other plants may try to steal it, but the vigourous plant will still grow well and strong, as it will still strive to find more and reach for the light, even when the weeds will try to choke it out. 

Life has unexpected twists and turns, and things happen that no one expects from choices of self, choices of others and from just random chance.  You never know just quite what direction things will turn.  But the more you look at the light, the more you work towards it and seek for the truth, and the more you turn to God when things are seeming too painful and dark to bear, the easier it is to get through the trials and work through all the problems thrown at you.  Never give up hope, never give up faith or on the Lord.  There always will be a way if you keep going and keep trying for the things that are right and good in the world.  Someday the trials of Job do end, but it is in the Lords time, not ours.  There will be days that are dark and dreary, and that is part of being in this world, but there will always be the return of the light, always be that next sunrise, the next leaf budding on the tree, the next chance of new growth, of change and advancement.  God knows what he is doing in the garden, and it is up to us to adapt to the changes that come around us.  We will have new neighbors be planted there, old neighbors and friends that are uprooted and moved to other place in the garden, random people who come through and either damage or beautify the garden, but there is always the thread of the plan through it all.  You never know when your heart and spirit will touch and inspire others, will uplift the weary soul, will bandage the wounded one, or cure the sickly heart.

By what you do and say things change, so use care in the things you do and say.  No one will ever know is easy to say, but it is rarely true.  Things do get out, even if it is just one little slip, and people remember for a long time.  However people also see when you are trying to do the right things and are working toward setting things straight.  They will know when you are going the right directions, and will often let the past lay when things are done and gone.  God knows the truth of all things too, and when the price is payed and the sin is payed and repented for, he does not keep reopening the wounds and beating you for it.  People are people and things change in life, hearts, spirits and testimonies, faith and hope.  What is the most important is how you live your own life.  You can raise a child and teach them everything, but sometimes they make their own choices and go astray. As long as you are doing your best, the good lord understands. 

The garden is full of many things and dangers in life, but you can prevent a lot if you keep the worst things far away from your heart and body.  Listen to what the prophets have said.  Avoid temptations like the plagues they are, and if you have one, avoid the areas where you are the weakest.  Distract yourself when you are tempted.  You can master yourself if you truly wish to, and you can find strength in good friends and family.  Be wise, be wary, and be yourself most of all.  You do not have to pretend to be someone you are not to be accepted in life and have true friends.  Do not be afraid to talk to others, as many people love to meet new people and get to know others.  Sometimes people will put up walls, but do not dispair, as there are always ways to find new friends too.  Sometimes change is a good thing too.  God often puts things in places for good reasons, and for good purposes that you cannot see.  Life is too short to be without the people around you, and without knowing the light and joy that can be had in finding the true path that God would have us follow. 

Sometimes the pruning and shaping may hurt, but there is so much good that comes when things are shaped to the path that is true and right.  Do not be afraid to do and say what is right in the eyes of the Lord.  He knows just how hard it is, and just what you are going through.  He understands and is there to help and to comfort in times of need.  Never give up on him, and trust him to help you, because I can promise you if you do your part, he will do his, maybe not in the way you expect, but in ways that are so incredible  that you can never imagine what will come of it.  Best of blessings and hang in there,

Maraleh

Tags: Faith Garden Hope Atonement Repentence Savior Love Pruning Heart Jesus Chri

1 comments View Entry

I took off for a bit to do some serious thinking about life and just how things should be.  I was really having a rough week this week, but at least my friend's baby is doing better.  He had a hole in his heart that seems to have healed up, his lungs are doing a lot better and it sounds like he is going to make it just fine. It still will be a bit touchy for a while around him, but he has a very good outlook right now.  Thank you to everyone who was keeping this little guy in your prayers and thoughts. 

I also had one thing bothering me greatly.  I had someone I was talking to online that was going through a divorce and asked me out on a date. I realized what was happening and stepped back for a bit to think about what was going on. I also sent them a letter telling them I did not feel right about it at all.  It is good to have friends and to have fun, but to date someone who is married still is not right.  By the laws and the ordinances I took oath to, I could never do this.  This person also is now dating someone else that they met online, and it troubles me.  I fear that they may be stepping a bit out of bounds without understanding the reasoning and concept behind the rules.  I know just how hard it is to be alone, and how nice it is to have people to talk to when you are struggling.  But I also know that things should go in the proper order, that there is no question or grey areas where people could cause problems later. 

I love my kids too, and want to set the right  examples for them.  I know that  they watch what I do even when they are not around me, and I know that the examples and mistakes I make now reflect in their lives as well.  It has really been hitting home this week as my friends are all pushing for me to take up dating again.  I am not sure I am ready, but I do want to go make some new friends at least.  I love to get out and have fun.  I am one who is trying their best to live life the right ways and do things that my kids will be proud of.   I also know the value of taking time to really get to know people, to know what they are really like, and communicate the good and bad things both to them and from them to understand where they are coming from.  I know better than to rush in on a real relationship too, as those are built on trust, friendship, companionship and on truthfully getting to know a person.  The real friends take the time to know the boundaries, likes and dislikes you have, and listen and share their own as well. 

I guess I am just waiting for the right one to come along that is actually following what they say they are, if that makes sense.  I would like to see people with honest effort, with real intent, and with the real true light in their eyes.  I am not expecting perfect life, as no one is perfect, but I am looking for someone that is truly trying their best with life.   I know what Fther expects of me, and what I should be doing, and I will be following it for the rest of my days to the best of my ability.  I am not perfect by far or ever will be, but I am going to do the best that I can.  I pray that others find the answers to the paths they choose, and wish you all the best of blessings,

Maraleh

Tags: Thoughts Random Faith Hope Relationships

2 comments View Entry

Hi everyone, I just wanted to ask you all to keep my good friend Ashley's baby in your prayers, he was born four days ago three months early at three pounds, five ounces and sixteen inches long, however his lungs are not right, so he had to be lifeflighted to Boise Idaho.  This little guy has a long battle ahead of him to live.  His mother is frantic with worry, and the father is unsure how they are even going to meet the bills, but they are doing everything in their power to save their boy.  His name is Malachi Sivett.  Please if you can keep your prayers and thoughts with the family, I would greatly appreciate it.  Best of blessings,

Maraleh

Tags: Baby Premie Newborn Hospital Need Hope

1 comments View Entry

What is the nature of good versus evil?

What makes a good person go bad?

What can I do to help someone who has turned to evil?

Sometimes in life things can turn very ugly in a hurry. People you thought you knew and trusted can turn Jeckle and Hyde and do things that you would never even think they were capable of, but they still do. People can make unwise decisions, even people who you thought were the strongest ones in the church and do things or make mistakes that shake those closest to them. Why do they do these things you may ask?

When it comes to this earth, people have free agency, the right to choose good from evil. In this life everyone faces the battle on every side, every day between this good and evil. Pushed by the past, the good things and bad that they have seen, enjoyed, endured and even touched or been touched by, they change as much as the growing trees do inside.

Everyone carries scars and locked memories of trials they have born, and there is not one spirit on earth that is untouched by the influences of evil even in the slightest way. I know there are people out there who struggle daily with this battle, that face challenges of immense proportions. Facing abuse, drugs, pornography, lies, deception, poverty, famine, disasters of all kinds and descriptions. The common tie though that helps people through all these if they are willing to listen is the Savior.

The plan of God was never that man was made to suffer, but that man was made to learn and progress in life. I keep going back to that image of the path going to the tree in Nephi’s vision of the tree of life. In some ways I want to describe this path too, but add a bit to it to show something very important.

When people picture a path, most often they see this nice smooth paved path, one wide and easy to walk, with a nice rail to hold onto. I always pictured it as a long path, through all kinds of places, straight and narrow, but to keep it that way, it had to cross some rough terrain. It was not a path that is easy to tread, as there are holes near it, places where it can ger a bit slick and treacherous if you are not holding on tight, places where people wait with earnest fervor to try to pull the unwary off, places where it is dark and stormy, cold and seemingly lonely, and even places where it can be hard to cross because of the thorns and brambles on the side. There are sections where people wait to help others across who are willing to accept aid. There are others where groups wait to try to drag by any means possible people off the path.

The struggle down this path can be daunting at times. Along the way, people see the building off in the distance, see people they know and love calling. They see people seemingly having fun with no consequence, no sorrow, and calling for them to join in on things they know deep down are not good or right. They see the troubles ahead if they stay on the path, but they never quite see the pitfalls and snares out there if they let go and wander, even if just for a second, or know just how hard it is to get back once they fall off it.

The river is deceptively swift though calm on the surface, and the undertow great. It takes a lot of strong swimming and some help to get back out of it. The light that comes in the dark and treacherous land that everyone must look to to escape is the savior. He is there guiding the way, aiding those who need help the most, providing comfort, help and hope to those who are having a hard time finding it, and helping to pull people across those spots that seem the worst hurdles in life. He gave his very life to open the door that people could repent, pass through the atonement, return and find a way back.

There is a way back through the darkness, there always is, but the cunning plan of the devil would have all think that there is no way to return, nothing will ever be good or right again, so why try. There is so much more though to life, and hope springs for anyone who wishes or dares to try for it. If you truly want something, and I do mean really want to go forward and go for the Saviors plan, then you will do so with full heart. If you are doubting though and unsure of what you are doing there, that is when the snares are the closest, the eager hands of the enemy the strongest, and offer sweet words of flattery, twisted truths and deceptions that look good on the surface, but are rotten to the core when you look at them solidly. Those are the times when you need to search your heart, pray, study, review and find the real truth for yourself. Find out what the guides and leaders in the church have said on the things you are struggling with the most. Seek the iron rod and know for yourself the truth of it. There are others out there to help too.

When others you know and love slip, give them your love and support, but be very careful not to get dragged into their sins. Pray for them, try to show them a good example, and just do your best to work with what you can from the edges for keeping their problems from causing trouble for others.

If it is serious, such as abuse, seek help and do not wait for the problem to progress. People who abuse need help, and even if you love them, they will never get the help unless they either admit it and seek it themselves, or are caught and have to go through the programs to get help. In spite of the problems it can cause when they do get caught, it can be a huge relief in life though, and it can bring untold blessings when the problems are truly faced. Some people do not get caught in life though, as they can be slick or smart in how they pursue them. Those are the ones that it is best to stay away from and just pray that the damage they cause is not super bad. They are truly in the hands of the devil, and what they escape in punishment and justice on earth, someday they will have to answer for in heaven. May there be mercy on their souls then, for the tears of the innocent shall bear testament to every pain and stripe they have laid on the hearts of the ones they have hurt. Leave such as these in the hands of the savior, let it go as much as you can within his hands and pray for those they aim for that they might escape the worst of their abuse. Put the names of the afflicted in the temple that the prayers of the saints might be with them to aid in time of need. Pray for the soul of the one who is abusing, that they might see the error of their ways and stop, or have someone catch them and stop them. Never, ever let someone that is abusing though stop you from going to church. There is always a way to go to church and participate with the much needed spirit at times like this. When you feel the least like going to church, that is when you need the most to be there. Those are the times when God is trying to get a message to you, but the devil is trying his hardest to keep you from hearing it or learning from it.

Sometimes people are lost in life due to the cruel acts of others. Do not despair. Often when a heart has feasted in the spirit as a child, they will return at some point, because there is always that still small voice whispering, telling them that something is not right, something is off, something is not where they should be. Often they do come back, older and wiser, and just wish to be a part of it again. Give such as these the example you can of living as much as humanly possible as a good saint. Never give up hope, as that is the one thing that is always there with the light of the savior. When the darkness closes around at its worst, when the storms of life arise, when the land grows treacherous and steep. When hearts are turned to ravening and the wolves close round, those are the times when you need to look for the light the most. When death strikes those you love, the tears of heaven fall with you, and you are never alone. The light is always there, always shining, always leading and guiding the way, always sending comfort and trying to help in any way possible. When the spirit whispers for you to do or call someone listen, please listen, that one small act could mean the difference between disaster and someone coming back to the light themselves. Hope springs from the most unlikely of places sometimes. If you do the right things, the light will follow, and blessings do come, often blessings you never expected.

Sometimes the answer to prayers is no, but for good reasons that you cannot see. Often that no, that uneasy feeling like something is not right has good cause and meaning that you cannot see at this time, but that really is important. If something is bothering you listen to that whisper. God knows the innermost hearts of all spirits on earth, and just who and what we are, what each person is capable of, so his hand guides in ways that are unexpected but best for everyone who needs to see it the most. Trust him, he knows what he is doing.

Sometimes he gives us the right to make a choice in life as to which path is right, and there is no good or bad feeling about either decision when we pray. Then it is up to us to research well, study and pray about it, and find the best answer for what he would have us do. Take the time to research it out and plan it well if such is the case.

Good people can go bad, I know. I have seen it many times, but just because they go bad is no reason at all for you to let go or give up on what you know is right. Hang on all the tighter to that rod and keep fighting up that path. It is worth the battle in the end. You might be surprised later and find them on the path somewhere behind you. You never know. The key is though that it is your spirit you need to bring down the path in the end, your heart that needs to find the pure light of Christ and your soul that has to work on building itself and filling itself with the right and good things of life. You are the one whose light will shine or fail at the end depending on what you do. By staying with it, you build the reserves to keep it shining through the dark times. You can make it if you truly wish to work and stay with it through rough times in the church.

If you do not have one, get a patriarchal blessing too. There is a lot of good in those, and they are a very good guide and inspiration at times when you need them the worst. The other thing you can do if you are struggling very hard is get a blessing, and put your name in the temple. Do not be afraid to ask for help, that is what it is there for. Hang in there, best of blessings and think on these things. You are not alone, nor ever will be in the dark. I send you this message in the hopes that it helps,

Sincerely,

Maraleh

Tags: Faith Hope Iron Rod Atonement Christ Peace Love Tears Abuse Blessings Spiri

2 comments View Entry

I wanted to write something for those who are struggling with trials, sin, and coming back to the church.  It is so important to keep looking to the light and the good things in life.  Please remember this and the reasons for the gardening in your hearts.  Best of blessings.

The Garden within:

Pruning the roses has to be done

For glorious blossom and growth to be won

The dead and the dying, broken and diseased

will not yeild flowers of which to be pleased

So the gardener comes with the tools sharp and bright

he cuts out the problems the broken and blight

He shapes the bush well with the greatest of care

to bear the bright flowers hidden in there

He knows of the problems the things that creep in

he knows of the wisdom of sometimes to thin

He treats it quite careful with just what it needs

With sunlight and water and good earth he feeds

Just so with the Savior he gives it his all

to garden the spirit with the broken who fall

he prunes and he cleans out the spirit within

he sets up the things there for where to begin

on the withered the dying he works with great care

to clean up and prop up and feed and prepare

with the light of the gospel he shows it the way

to stretch for and grow up in this final day

with the soil where the church lays he lets the roots grow

and the water of faith will help it to know

that he does truly love them as he prunes them with care

the love that he gives them will always be there

he calls out so softly in clear quiet voice

please come back and prune out the darkness in choice

come follow me and grow in the light

The savior will show where to bear flowers bright

not a single soul out there who is trying hard

cannot come home even if battered and scarred

with the pruning of life yes it may hurt a bit

but I can promise truly his love will not quit

just keep on yet trying and things will work out

The gardner is always there helping you out

Never alone is a soul who needs aid

For the garnder with each one has nurtured and stayed

trying his best to pull each spirit through

Calling them daily with just what to do

with the tools he tries battles to keep the soul clean

he does this with great love and not to be mean

he knows every soul and he does his great best

to help you and aid you in this lifes great quest

Someday to the garden in heaven you'll see

if you let the gardner do his work eternally.

The gardner of hearts, the savior of all

the one who is there whenever you fall

listen to him and you will someday see

the garden within blooming eternally.

Tags: Faith Atonement Fall Pruning Sin Return Hope

1 comments View Entry

Have you ever seen someone really struggle with doing something, really want to do it badly and then finally at the last moment manage to do it?  That is what this clip is all about on youtube.  I hope you enjoy it.  The video is a bit out of sinc, but you will see just what I mean in this story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzLNl0xvtLQ&NR=1

In my book this kid has come a long ways and will go even further toward his dreams.  He has learned that you can never give up if you want the prize.  Way to go Sean!  I wanted to share this one, because it is the one time I have seen someone come back that really deserved to be heard.  Best of blessings and I hope you enjoyed it,

Maraleh

Tags: Music X Finals Sean Hope Courage Endurance

0 comments View Entry