Gearing up ... for life isn't always easy

Yesterday in Sunday School the teacher pointed out the types and shadows with those religious groups throughout time who had to flee and were persecuted... Israelites, Nephites, Pioneers. The parallels between the physical hardships they had and the spiritual hardships we have/will have now were interesting to think about. We read this quote, which is so true - Isn't it!!!

“Life isn’t always easy. At some point in our journey we may feel much as the pioneers did as they crossed Iowa — up to our knees in mud, forced to bury some of our dreams along the way.

We all face rocky ridges, with the wind in our face and winter coming on too soon. Sometimes it seems as though there is no end to the dust that stings our eyes and clouds our vision. Sharp edges of despair and discouragement jut out of the terrain to slow our passage…

Occasionally we reach the top of one summit in life, as the pioneers did, only to see more mountain peaks ahead, higher and more challenging than the one we have just traversed.

Tapping unseen reservoirs of faith and endurance, we, as did our forebears, inch ever forward toward that day when our voices can join with those of all pioneers who have endured in faith, singing, ‘All is well! All is well!’ ” (M. Russell Ballard Ensign, May 1997, 61).

Some days "up to our knees in mud" seems like all the little things that add up to seem huge! And some days "up to our waist in mud" seems like the real hard life stuff that we wish we didn't have to ever deal with - major things. Feeling overwhelmed and discouraged don't help things at all do they.

I guess that's why I love the times when I feel buoyed up by the Holy Ghost to keep a goin'!

I keep trying to gear myself up spiritually, emotionally, physically for the next few months of recovery and sleepless nights and hormonal emotions. I keep thinking that I'm not sure I could handle the burden on my own. I feel overwhelmed a bit to think about mothering 4 tots (one being a newborn, and one being a stubborn toddler). I'm so glad I have Jimmy to keep things a goin' even when I fumble.

I've also realized how much I need to rely on strength from my Savior. I think the scriptural theme of my year/life needs to be, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 I think of that quote about once a week to keep me going, going, going!

Anyhoo... wandering thoughts from Sunday School. We are blessed!