More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us

I was flipping through the latest Conference issue of the Ensign and I came across this talk and it really provided me comfort. The talk is by Elder Paul V. Johnson. Now I just need to remember these things! In May I posted excerpts from a Conference talk and I thought it was the same one, and I double checked and it was a different one that resonated in the same way about seemingly the same topic. I am thankful for inspired leaders that have all the right words to teach us the things we should already know, but they put it in a different way, use different stories and examples and it will hit us and really make us think. This is what happened to me as I read this talk. I heard it during Conference, but rereading it months later, its meaning in my life, now, is just what I need to get me through.

Earth life includes tests, trials, and tribulations, and some of the trials we face in life can be excruciating. Whether it be illness, betrayal, temptations, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, or some other ordeal, affliction is part of our mortal experience. Many have wondered why we must face difficult challenges. We know that one reason is to provide a trial of our faith to see if we will do all the Lord has commanded.1 Fortunately this earth life is the perfect setting to face—and pass—these tests.2
But these trials are not just to test us. They are vitally important to the process of putting on the divine nature.3 If we handle these afflictions properly, they will be consecrated for our gain.4

I really liked this next part:


Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”5

At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem least able to cope. Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal—almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses. And no one is exempt, especially not Saints striving to do what’s right. Some obedient Saints may ask, “Why me? I’m trying to be good! Why is the Lord allowing this to happen?” The furnace of affliction helps purify even the very best of Saints by burning away the dross in their lives and leaving behind pure gold.6 Even very rich ore needs refining to remove impurities. Being good is not enough. We want to become like the Savior, who learned as He suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.”7

A pattern in the scriptures and in life shows that many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth. “After much tribulation come the blessings.”8 The children of Israel were trapped against the Red Sea before it was parted.9 Nephi faced danger, anger from his brothers, and multiple failures before he was able to procure the brass plates.10 Joseph Smith was overcome by an evil power so strong that it seemed he was doomed to utter destruction. When he was almost ready to sink into despair, he exerted himself to call upon God, and at that very moment he was visited by the Father and the Son.11 Often investigators face opposition and tribulation as they near baptism. Mothers know that the challenges of labor precede the miracle of birth. Time after time we see marvelous blessings on the heels of great trials.

In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation, or heartbreak we may be experiencing at the time. “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”13 The Apostle Paul taught, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”14 It is interesting that Paul uses the term “light affliction.” This comes from a person who was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and who experienced many other trials.15 I doubt many of us would label our afflictions light. Yet in comparison to the blessings and growth we ultimately receive, both in this life and in eternity, our afflictions truly are light.

Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature.

Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.16

Our Heavenly Father loves us, and we “know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.”18 Someday when we get to the other side of the veil, we want more than for someone just to tell us, “Well, you’re done.” Instead, we want the Lord to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”19

I must remember that ALL these things are for my good and will be for a moment. And that one day I will reap the benefits if I am obedient. It isn't easy, especially when what you see in front of you may tell you that things aren't going your way or how you had planned. The reason why I liked the above paragraph was because it is so true how the trials in our lives are very personal and affect us to the core. It's because Heavenly Father knows right where we need it! That really put things in a different perspective for me. It helps me understand my weaknesses and WHY the trial is what it is. I need to learn Christ like attributes and Heavenly Father knows just the right way to teach me. Just when I think I am being good, things take a turn and once again I must reevaluate myself and where I stand in regards to my relationship with Christ. (And there's that process that is grueling). I look forward to the "marvelous blessings at the heels of my trials". I think I can say that I have experienced SOME but I know the trials aren't over, and I don't think I've really reached that moment of "utter despiar" even though sometimes it feels like it when the furnance keeps slowly getting hotter. I know that I am not alone, and loved by my Heavenly Father. I just need to chose not to try and do it on my own, that's how I mess things up :)

And I do, when I get to the other side of the veil, I want more than for someone just to tell me, “Well, you’re done.” Instead, I want the Lord to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

So Proud!

I must brag about Damien, and I think the letter from his Principal that we requested so that he could earn his Scholarship Merit badge, says it all:

To whom it may concern,

Damien Escobar is a 6th grade student. I have known since he was in first grade. Damien is a young man of character. He is a kind hearted, young man who is a good citizen. He cares about what is right or wrong and he makes good choices for himself in school and at home. Damien exhibits strong character for such a young person.

Damien is an excellent student academically. His teacher has selected him to receive the President's of the United States Award for Outstanding Academic Education Excellence. Damien is one of two boys in his classroom who will receive the Heaton Bulldog Trophy for outstanding Citizenship and Leadership. Damien will receive the Honor Roll trophy for earning all "A's" and maybe a few "B's" this entire year he has been in sixth grade. During the Sixth grade Moving-On ceremony is where he will be honored with these awards.

In conclusion, I give Damien the strongest recommendation; I have no doubt in my mind that Damien is the perfect candidate who has earned and should receive the Scholarship Merit Badge for Scouting.

I read this letter before he received any of these awards, or even knew that he was getting them. Tears came to my eyes, I gave the Principal a hug, returned to my seat where I sat with a huge smile on my face awaiting for the program to begin.

Here he comes!

President's Award



Damien with his Principal

The haul!

Heaton Bulldog Award

Best Buds!

Teacher

I am so proud of Damien. Time does fly! Can't believe he is in 7th grade now. I remember when he was younger, wondering what kind of student he was going to be, and being worried cause he was sooo energetic and not the best listener at home. However, year after year the teachers would have nothing but high praises for Damien and loved having him in their classes. I was shocked and pleased. (I must have done something right). I am thankful that despite the adversity he's experienced in his life, that he's been able to rise above it, and excel! Love my Damien!

Reptile Fun

So this summer I have been on the prowl for good deals and the first of my good deal seeking began last September when I scored 5 season passes for the Island Waterpark for $125!! Next I grabbed the schedule for the library entertainment programs, plus a reading log for the boys so they could earn prizes for reading. They've earned their 2 prizes (unfortunately they didn't pick the food coupons for some kid meals, oh well). Then we read 10 more books for a free book from Borders, we picked those up after we went to the Reptile show at the library. Max and Jesse did so well at the puppet show last week, we grabbed tickets for the Reptile show. They are at the perfect age for this stuff. Makes me happy that they enjoy going and I don't have to pay anything! The entertainer calls up volunteers for their shows and Max and Jesse have gone up for both shows. Here are some pics from the Reptile show:

Max has hands open awaiting reptile



Now he's gettin' a little nervous about what's going to come out of the box



Oh, it's just a big SNAKE! (Notice hands no longer open)

"I'm not too sure about this..."

"Ok, this is cool"

Now Jesse's turn to touch the HUGE snake!




Max and Jesse glued in!

Eeeewwww! Letting the lizard kiss him!

We topped off the morning with a trip to Jamba Juice! (gift card used of course)! Had a good morning with Max and Jesse!

Who's the Man?!

Just wanted to brag about my wonderful hubby. This weekend I mowed the lawn and apparently Mike wanted to do it, and was upset that I had done it. I didn't mind since I usually do it and I was in the mood. So, since he wanted to do something around here I suggested mopping the floors (which is usually done by me). I didn't think he would do it since it wasn't "manly" but he did. Saturday he set to work. He moved the couches, desk, rug and T.V and mopped the whole floor. While he was busy cleaning, I called a friend to ask if she was going to the Relief Society activity and since her hubby was training for his job, she didn't have a babysitter, and might not go. Once off the phone with her I asked Mike if he would be willing to watch her 4 kids ranging in ages from 2, 4, 6, and 8. And his only reply was, "she probably needs a break" and laughed at the thought of watching 7 kids all by himself :) I called her back to give her good news and she was shocked and happy. We returned that evening, 2 hours later to a happy hubby and kids having fun. He said they were no problem. What a relief! What a wonderful husband I have. So willing to help another mother, knowing that she's had to do a lot while her husband has been in and out of town training. While we were at the BBQ she worried a little about how things were going back at my house, and I told her not to (in the back of my mind I was hoping I was right) and I was! And to top it all off I have clean floors (for now, no surprises under our couches).

The Scout RETURNS!

Here is Damien BEFORE Scout camp, all loaded up and about to fall over if a gust of wind came along.

Here are some pictures of him when he came home. Below is a picture of a pocket knife holder that he made to earn his leatherwork Merit badge.

Stained hands. Even some cuts. His shirt and shorts had blood stains on them too. A true, rugged Scout.

And, he came home with a new belt:

A true Scout must be resourceful :)

All in all he had a BLAST! Canoed, Kayaked, even canoed out to the other side of Shaver to camp under the stars. That was his favorite activity. Earned 5 Merit badges, Citizenship in the World, Leather work, woodworking, Environmental Science, and rifle shooting. All he needs his one more Merit Badge and he earns his next rank. I am soo proud. He passed his swimming test, after 2 attempts. On his first attempt he had trouble breathing cause of his asthma and the air being soo thin. Thankfully he brought his inhaler. The food was alright, his favorite meals were breakfast burritos, waffles, and fried chicken. A squirrel liked the trail mix he brought and ate through his pack to get in. Took only the nuts, of course! Damien wanted to do a stake out to get it. Should have brought my squirrel bait that we use to keep the squirrels out of our garden. But, I guess killing squirrels in nature isn't very Scoutly. He called me everyday on his cellphone to tell me about his day, up until the phone died. Then he called less often from someone elses phone. Loved that he thought of me and wanted to call and tell me about the fun he was having. He enjoyed staying up with his buddies and goofing off. Once he thought he heard a bear, but it was just someone snoring. Ahh the joys of camping. He was glad to come home to a warm shower, we knew that by the the shouts of joys from the bathroom :)

We are glad to have our Scout back. Now we need to take him to the Island WaterPark. He missed the first two trips.

The tooth fairy already??

I'm not sure when kids are supposed to naturally start losing their teeth (since Damien had to have one of his top teeth pulled when he was 3, after chipping it on the concrete). Well, today while we were welcoming Damien home from Scout camp, in the church parking lot, Jesse whispers for Damien to come and take a look at his tooth that he just pulled out. I really wasn't paying attention to that exchange until I heard something about Jesse's tooth, and I look and his tooth was in his hand, and there was a hole in his mouth where the tooth used to be. Damien thought we already knew about it since he had been gone for a week. NOPE! It was a shocker for all there. Joy with Damien being home, hugs all around, and more smiles and happiness after Jesse's tooth came out. He had been wiggling it for weeks since he had been to the dentist and the dentist pointed it out to us that it was slightly loose. Thankfully Max has done well with this whole experience. He hasn't shown signs of being jealous or wiggling his teeth to prove he has a loose tooth too. He even handled Jesse getting $1 from the tooth fairy without a problem too.

And here is the smile you've all been waiting for:

Today has been a good day in the Mejias household! Now when I look at Jesse I can't stop looking at the new hole in his mouth. My baby's growing up! How many remember Damien's toothless smile? I wondered if those teeth were EVER going to grow back in. Anyways, enough reminiscing! I am one proud momma!

Out of the mouths of babes

While making lunch after church today, Jesse was sitting on the couch fliping through our Gospel Art picture book. I didn't pay any mind to it as I was putting Sunday clothes away, and getting lunch ready. I did think it had been a while since he, or rather any of us had looked through that book. He came up to me with the book and showed me this picture:



While looking at the picture, he pointed to the top left corner and said,"Mom, I'm right here, see me, I'm waving my arms, and Max and Damien are with me." I just smiled, and told him to tell his Dad. He went and told Mike the same thing. Caught him off guard too. He smiled as well. (I don't think my description of our reactions do the moment justice). Sorry. It was really sweet though.

At moments like that, as parents, we really learn a lot from our children. It just brings a little bit of heaven to our home, and seemingly lifts the veil.