Look Up!: Possibility

Showing posts with label Possibility. Show all posts

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Scratching the Surface

I've been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be truly humble by recognizing our nothingness compared to God. Just when you feel you finally "get" something about life, or that you just "get" life, you learn something else that makes you "get it" again. Translation: We as human beings aren't even beginning to scratch the surface of God's knowledge and marvels.
When I think I've seen the most beautiful sunset and that I'll never experience anything to top it in this life, when I feel depressed because that moment is gone, another moment occurs and I see a more beautiful one. When I've had an experience that's amazing and think life can't get any better, the Lord proves me wrong by showing and blessing me or those around me with an even more amazing experience.

There will always be more. More sunsets, more calm spring nights, more crisp mountain mornings, more enchanting holiday seasons with snow and lights all aglow. There's more revelations, more inspiring words, more moving music, more touching portraits and photos, more scriptures that speak to you in a new way. God always has more. There is never an end to His glory, His works, and His love.
I have sooooo much to learn here and I want to ask, seek and open myself up to all that He has to offer.

Look for the sunlight in the sunsets Y'all!

Saturday, October 6, 2012

The Paradox of Life

"That's the paradox of this living on this earth, that in the midst of great pain,

you can have great joy as well."

-Kathy Mattea

No matter how much we want to deny it when the going gets tough, we can have joy in the midst of pain. The key to having joy is to choose it.

Two months ago, I made a choice that marked a turning point in my young adult life. A HUGE choice. THE huge choice. For years I felt I wanted to let be or postpone the "good" things in life (e.i. relationships, recreational activities, marriage, etc.) until I felt good again, because I couldn't really enjoy them now (half the time I could hardly get out of the house for heavens sake!). But I came to the realization that I was allowing the pain to have a death-grip on my life, and why in the world was I letting it do that in the first place?!? I was not going to let this pain control me any longer. No siree!! I decided I was not going to let my pain stand in my way and prevent me from moving forward.

I recall a gal in church recently commenting that when we make good choices, "There is power that comes with that choice." After I made my choice, I had to put forth a LOT more physical, social and emotional effort than usual to push past the pain and push outside myself into uncomfortable territory. But with those things came power and help from the Lord and immediately blessings began to pour down on me. Those blessings have brought great joy into my life. That joy has sustained me the past couple of months. It's interesting how a good period of your life can be followed up by, or simultaneous to a rough one. I have found that these past two months have been wonderful and amazing, so full of blessings and answered prayers. They have been so joyful. At the same time, I've had a few new problems pop up and they've been extremely taxing, both physically and emotionally and have left me, many days, completely drained from sun-up to sun-down. I haven't been able to get on top of them, no matter how hard I try. It seems I'm hitting a brick wall with every attempt to understand and resolve the situations. I may not have the answers yet, but they are out there somewhere!

The message today is one of gratitude, happiness and joy!!! You can have great joy in the midst of great pain. It is possible! Maybe not everyday. Maybe not every week; for there is pain that is so deep that it has to be worked through. I've worked through part of mine, and I'll continue to work through it each and every day. When I wake up each morning, I have to recommit myself to "Look Up!" as Pres. Monson would say.

When you wake up tomorrow morning, what will you choose?

A moment of joy with Maeg's on a particularly painful day!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Anything is Possible

Have you ever had a dream taken away from you, one which you worked your whole life to get? Even when you try your hardest to rise above what may seem the impossible? Then, when you think you have given it all you've got, a small glimpse of hope enters your life and it makes you realize that this dream, this goal you have always wanted to achieve may still be a possibility.

In my own life, I have always had goals and dreams based on gymnastics. Many things in my life have happened, making it seem impossible to accomplish what I think the Lord wants me to accomplish. In the past month, since the Olympic games, when the Woman's US Gymnastics team earned gold, I have had many thoughts racing through my head. If they can do it, why can't I? If a 37 year old German women can be incredible on vault, why not me @ 30? If the USA can win gold in Woman's Gymnastics, only the second time in history and Gabbi can be the first African American to win the individual Gold all around, why can't I do something extraordinary? Something that others may think completely impossible and ridiculously insane? I CAN!

My body is falling apart and is exhausted from the stresses placed on it. But I feel strongly that He still has a mission for me in this sport. Through Him, nothing is impossible. You must have determination and faith that He will strengthen you as long as you come to Him for help. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and His guiding hand, leading me the way to success and living my life in line with his will. I know I will be happiest when I do this and

I KNOW I CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE THROUGH HIM!

"Do you look forward with an eye of faith?" Alma 5:15

"Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive it in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it." Enos 1:15
"I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith." Enos 1:12

These are just a few verses I came across when I was searching my scriptures. The scriptures can be so powerful and so many answers can be found just by reading its words and pondering. Then, with faith and prayer, you will find answers!

Despite my worn out knee, my aching back and shoulder, my reoccurring hernia, and my age; I can and will do this! Where there is a will there is a way!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Promise Yourself

Hello everyone! I received this little mantra from a coworker this week and it was perfect timing. Life is Limboland right now as I look for a new place to live, prepare myself to move out into the big 'ol world, and deal with the everyday pains and discomforts that often bog me down. I believe things will fall into their proper place at the right time, but right now I'm falling and gravity can't drag me down fast enough to a soft landing.
This is a great creed to live by, especially in the roughest and darkest of times. Believe in yourself and promise to be and give your best!

The Optimists Creed

Promise yourself to be one who Looks up!

This is Us!

We're two best friends who were put in each other's lives for a special purpose. We later realized our uncanny connection was more than uncanny! Together we have endured years of chronic health problems that have allowed us to be strengthened and polished by the Lord. In the process we have only grown closer to Him and to each other. We know that everyone has their own crosses to bear and it is through this blog that we hope to inspire and strengthen others.

LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson’s encouragement to "Look up!" is a metaphor for remembering Christ. As we remember Him and trust in His power, we receive strength through His Atonement. It is the means whereby we can be relieved of our anxieties, our burdens, and our suffering. It is the means whereby we can receive the faith, strength and hope to endure all things.