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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

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

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

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

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

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

Touched by the light, reach for the stars

feeling that feeling that never hurts or mars

inside the house the light is full

the house of God where he does rule

Eterenally there he guides the way

inside he calls and brightens each day

Have you ever seen the brightness within

The peace of the heart freedom from sin

have you ever seen the beauty and light

have you ever seen the incredible sight

the beauty and glory within its great walls

the humble great story taught in its halls

have you ever wanted to see heavens light

while on this earth with greatest delight

inside these walls the light can be felt

by any who listen and there have once dwelt

the pathway within may seem hard to attain

but there is so much in there that you gain

I cannot explain just quite how it is

without going in you will have to quiz

the answers are there without any doubt

if you are seeking then please go find out

the place of great glory of God here on earth

The place that I hold dear, and of great worth

the temple is there, to help and to teach

the temple is there for all those who reach

it is worth all the trial, to make it within

and there for your life to again begin

with clean hands and heart with faith that is pure

with time everlasting you can endure

One little building the temple of God

Is worth always holding to that iron rod

I cannot explain just what it quite means

within my heart, but my gratitude leans

right back to him, for creating this place

guiding us back to his marvelous grace

I look to him, his marvelous word

I know that his voice will always be heard

by those who do heed, and look for the call

and come back to him whenever they fall

there is always chances to turn back again

God wants us all to come home and then

he wants us to learn of the greatest plan

that ever there was for every man.

The temple is shining, full of his light

The temple is there right in plain sight

the doors are yet open to those with the heart

who want to return or want just to start

Look for the way and there will come one

to go to the temple and learn of the Son

There is always a way for those who do seek

to come to the temple even mild and the meek

never forget that he knows your heart

and wants to help you find the best way to start

he loves us so dearly, he lights up our way

To guide us back home each single day

he gave us the temple as his place on earth

to help us to learn of things of great worth

A temple is holy, temple is great

A temple is sacred, and worth any wait

A temple is there to teach every man

of his great lessons and his great plan

for those who have tried to live a clean life

even through trials, temptation and strife

he knows every heart, and wants to help all

so heed to his purpose and follow his call

come back to him, and do the right things

and it will surprize you, the blessings it brings

there is so much light, out there to be found

the change in the heart is quite profound

just to give it a chance will be what it takes

to see what a difference that light  in life makes

The temple is there, a reminder on earth

to always seek prayerful for what is of worth

when it comes down to the last great final day

what is most important you will have to weigh

what will you choose, where do you want to be

when it comes down at last to eternity

what will you say when you look in his eyes

how will you answer, foolish or wise

how have you lived when it comes to the line

have you lived full of sin, or life that's devine

when you look in his eyes and stand at the bar

what purpose in life did you follow by far

What is the important, what is the great key

where at the last, do you wish to be

When you walk through the doors of the temple on earth

What will you find of greatest of worth

When you look out the door on the next morning bright

will you see morning, or will you see night

will you look to him, and find the path set

or will you see darkness and be caught in the net

the snares of the earth are many and strong

you must find the right way to where you belong

but it is all up to you, on day or on night

to chose where you wish to be in his sight

foolish or wise, which path will you take

the path to eternal or the path to forsake

the light of the temple is a guidelight to me

it reminds me to follow eternally.

Tags: Temple Eternal Hope Faith Love Plan Atonement God

I spend my life fighting off the tears

I spend my life fighting all my fears

yet I look up and find a shining ray

that brightens life and helps throughout my day

I look up when darkness closes round

I look to him when all the storms surround

I stand my ground for what I know is right

Someday I know that I'll win the fight

Not one lament ever falls on his ears

not one tear falls that ever disappears

he knows them all and feels the heartfelt pain

and not a single tear lost in the falling rain

I know his heart is with us all

he gives us his simple soft sweet call

he knows the pain born by each heart

and he will aid when we fall apart

he knows our wish, he knows our cries

he wipes our tears and dries our eyes

one simple task return to him

to follow his path to the light that will never dim

Not one small tear is ever lost

he paid the price the fullest cost

to bring us home to be with him

to never again bear the darkness of life so grim

he gave his all to give us light

to save us all from darkest night

he braved the storms to guide the way

our course he plots each and every day

not one small tear he does not see

not one small prayer on bended knee

is ever lost in times of need

he will be there to guide and lead

he knows your heart and gives his hand

in every shadow, darkest land

he will be there right there for you

Our Savior who loves us, and will always be there to guide us true.

Our Savior the shepherd, redeemor and light

Will never leave us in the darkest of night.

Tags: Hope Faith Love Atonement Savior Shadow Darkness Trial Peace

I keep looking at the blogs lately and the atonement and forgiveness has been weighing on my mind.  I have struggled with keeping forgiving my ex for all of the terrible things he does and keeps doing.  I guess sometimes you have to put things in the lords hands.  I have born the brunt of my ex's nastiness for seven long years now.  I would think he would move on and get a life rather than keep finding ways to try to make mine miserable.  I guess it would not get to me so much if it were not for the fact that he is always punishing the kids for contacting me, talking to me, or taking away the things I give them in the most twisted and mean ways he can.  I know short term he is winning battles here on earth, but wow, my kids are going to grow to absolutely hate and detest him!  I actually in one sense feel sorry for him, as when they get older, they probably will want nothing to do with him.

Father put the plan of redemption on earth for a reason.  He gave us the chance to better ourselves, even if others do not wish to follow or change for the better.  I think I have come to understand more the reasons why he wants us to be strong and faithful during life.  It is for times when there are people who are out to cause harm, grief, pain or suffering, and who will not stop even if you try to be nice or understanding to them.  I have turned the other cheek so many times, my heart feels the bruises, but I keep trying to keep in contact with my kids and bide my time.  Patience will win out.  Meanwhile I get my life in order and fight him where I can with what I can.  His whole fight against me is based on provable lies, on stuff that is cleverly manipulated evidence, but very provably false.  I am looking for a new lawyer to attack the case right now.  I have three people that are so getting sued just to prevent them from ever doing this to anyone else again.  It is not a case of revenge, but setting things right again so that I can have the time I want with my family.  Since this is all based on lies, there is no way he can win that part of it.

It has been a long rough road for me.  In this last few years, I have lost my family, lost my health due to a combination of west nile, crohn's disease, spider bite, gall bladder surgery, and resection of my intestines.  I lost my house and regained a new place finally. I lost two of my cars to sabatoge, and just got a new one finally.  I lost most of what I own, and finally have replaced a lot of it.  What is I think a miracle in my life is that no matter what I lost, the good lord was there to help me through it.  My friends, family, and my faith kept me going.  In my life I have been shot at and had the bullet bounce off of a button on my coat knocking the wind out of me in the process.  It felt like someone hit me in the chest with a board or something full swing.  I was nearly drowned three times, I have been through serious car wrecks three times, I was almost murdered by one of my ex's.  I went through nightmare with someone I dated once who tried to rape me, then murdered his own kids and tried to kill himself a little over four months after I walked out on him.  That one still haunts me.  I lost my house as a child to arson fire.  I have been through three major floods in my life.  I was there after the teton dam broke as a child, I was in missouri when the area flooded there after the tornados, and I was in fort collins colorado when the floods went through there.  I was there when the fires went through three island park, and my dad was working as a ranger there.  I have been through three tornadoes, golf ball sized hail, lightning storms, earthquake, and understand just how hard things can be in life sometimes.  I have lost a sister to sids when she was about three weeks old.  I have watched people I know and love go through suicide, death by accident and murder.  I have known people that were butchered to death in the worst ways possible during a murder crime in Gooding Idaho.  And people ask me how in the world do you manage to keep going through all this?

The answer is faith.  God knows and understands it when things go wrong.  He knows when you are suffering, when you are lost, in pain, out in the rain and cold.  He knows when you are needing help and are lost.  He knows when the tears of the heart fall like rain, and the pain is all but unbearable, and he is right there, and I do mean right there crying right along with you.  You know why?  Because he knows and loves each and every one of you.  He knows, and he cares just exactly what happens to you, and is right there with you through it all.  You may not always listen or chose to listen to what he would say, but if you follow what he asks, the blessings there are incredible.  God knows and loves each and every one of us, his spirit is with us when we are doing the right things.  He underdstands what you are bearing, as he bore all pain in the garden of gethsemanae for us.  He knows every pain that was ever suffered in life.  I cannot imagine just how bad that must have been. 

God knows and understands.  That is part of the key of survival.  The faith and hope that he brings can light up the darkest night, and brighten the strongest storm or crisis.  No one is ever alone, or lost, or hurt, or even strayed without him knowing it.  His love and guidance is what helps through those dark times, what gives strength and courage to go on and face the fears of life.  He gave his life for us that we might have a second chance, the chance to come home again someday to heaven.  Faith is the key to overcoming the evils and darkness of life. 

There is always hope, always a way through, and always second chances in life.  I have seen enough and been through enough to know that there is always hope, and that Heavenly father is watching out for us.  We may not understand why always that we have to go through things, but there is always a reason and a plan behind things.  Sometimes it is even to allow the evil ones of life the chance to prove which path once and for all that they will take in life, to stand as evidence in the last day of what they have become.  Freedom of choice is there to allow people to pass or fail the test of life.  God is there to help put lives back together again around those who choose badly and those whose lives are affected by it.  No one is alone, and God knows exactly what each person is going through or bearing.  He will be there if you ask and follow him.  I know.  He has always been there for me when I have needed him the most. 

Never let the darkness get you down.  Things do change if you keep doing what is right.  I know this and I know God has a plan for me or I would not be here today.  The fact that I am still here is a miracle by itself.  I know he lives, he loves us and wants us to follow the pathway back home.  Keep that path and hold on well.  Best of blessings,

Maraleh

Tags: Faith Hope Love Savior Understanding Grief Pain Suffering Hope Love Chance

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