Obstacles

My primary class today was exactly what I needed.  I learned about a side of David and Galliath that I've never thought about all these years that I've heard the story.  David had an obstacle being Galliath.  He had great courage even though his obstacle was over 9 feet tall.  In 1 Sam 17:37 we read, "And Saul said unto David, Go and the Lord be with thee."  When David went to the Philistines he said, to them in verse 45-46, "I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel...This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee...And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's.  I have learned in my life that the Lord will help me when I have obstacles and challenges.  I depend full heartily on His help.  The lord helps us if our desires are righteous and if it is the Lord's will that what we want should be done.  We all have Goliaths or obstacles in our lives.  They can block our way to peace and happiness, as Goliath tried to block the way for peace and freedoms of the Israelites.

Unfortunately I've had a few Goliath's in my life over the past month.  I keep telling myself, It's just not fair.  But I know that Heavenly Father is all knowing, He see's the big picture and knows what is best for me.  I've been reading and studying scriptures and other church references and praying a lot.  The scriptures that keep coming to my mind over and over again and that I've relied upon so much in the past three years are Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct they paths; and I like to add for good."  I know the Lord is mindful of me and my trials.  I have full trust in Him and the path that He will direct me toward.  Enduring cheerfully is what I'm praying for there days.

Here are some quotes that have helped me over the past few weeks.

President Uchtdorf in this months First Presidency message said,

"God’s answers to our prayers do not always come immediately—sometimes they do not appear to come at all—but God knows what is best for His children. Assuredly, one day we will see more clearly; and on that day we will recognize the goodness and generosity of heaven.In the meantime, our goal and great joy is to walk in the footsteps of our Master and Savior and to live good and refined lives so 

that the promised and precious harvest of God’s priceless blessings can be ours."

"The question, "why me?" can be a difficult one to answer and often leads to frustration and despair.  There is a better question to ask ourselves.  That question is "What could I learn from this experience?"  Be assured that there is a safe harbor.  You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you.  Your Heavenly Father-who knows when even a sparrow falls-knows of your heartache and suffering.  He loves you and wants the best for you.  Never doubt this.  While He allows all of us to make choices that may not always be for our own or even others' well-being, and while He does not always intervene in the course of events, He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations." Joseph B. Wirthlin April 2000 conference.

"Whereever you are,whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten, no matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact He loves you with an infinite love."  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

There is a talk that I stumbled upon today entitled, But If Not by Elder Dennis E. Simmons given in April 2004 General Conference, which gives me the peace that I've been seeking.  I don't specifically remember this talk, but I've thought back to where I was when it was given. I was in my last year of PA school.  At that time I wouldn't have believed where I would be now and all that I've gone through.  But I have seen that my faith has gotten me through difficult times as I know it will bring me through this difficult time.  I especially love the last 2 paragraphs of this talk.

As a young man, I returned home from an eighth-grade basketball tournament dejected, disappointed, and confused. I blurted out to my mother, “I don’t know why we lost—I had faith we’d win!”

I now realize that I did not then know what faith is.

Faith is not bravado, not just a wish, not just a hope. True faith is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—confidence and trust in Jesus Christ that leads a person to follow Him. ¹

Centuries ago, Daniel and his young associates were suddenly thrust from security into the world—a world foreign and intimidating. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refused to bow down and worship a golden image set up by the king, a furious Nebuchadnezzar told them that if they would not worship as commanded, they would immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. “And who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” ²

The three young men quickly and confidently responded, “If it be so [if you cast us into the furnace], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand.” That sounds like my eighth-grade kind of faith. But then they demonstrated that they fully understood what faith is. They continued, “But if not, … we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” ³ That is a statement of true faith.

They knew that they could trust God—even if things didn’t turn out the way they hoped. ⁴ They knew that faith is more than mental assent, more than an acknowledgment that God lives. Faith is total trust in Him.

Faith is believing that although we do not understand all things, He does. Faith is knowing that although our power is limited, His is not. Faith in Jesus Christ consists of complete reliance on Him.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego knew they could always rely on Him because they knew His plan, and they knew that He does not change. ⁵They knew, as we know, that mortality is not an accident of nature. It is a brief segment of the great plan ⁶ of our loving Father in Heaven to make it possible for us, His sons and daughters, to achieve the same blessings He enjoys, if we are willing.

They knew, as we know, that in our premortal life, we were instructed by Him as to the purpose of mortality: “We will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” ⁷

So there we have it—it’s a test. The world is a testing place for mortal men and women. When we understand that it’s all a test, administered by our Heavenly Father, who wants us to trust in Him and to allow Him to help us, we can then see everything more clearly.

His work and His glory, He told us, is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” ⁸ He has already achieved godhood. Now His only objective is to help us—to enable us to return to Him and be like Him and live His kind of life eternally.

Knowing all this, it was not difficult for those three young Hebrews to make their decision. They would follow God; they would exercise faith in Him. He would deliver them, but if not—and we know the rest of the story.

The Lord has given us agency, the right and the responsibility to decide. ⁹He tests us by allowing us to be challenged. He assures us that He will not suffer us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. ¹⁰ But we must understand that great challenges make great men. We don’t seek tribulation, but if we respond in faith, the Lord strengthens us. The but if nots can become remarkable blessings.

The Apostle Paul learned this significant lesson and declared, after decades of dedicated missionary work, “We glory in tribulations … knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed.” ¹¹

He was assured by the Savior, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” ¹²

Paul responded: “Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. … I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” ¹³ When Paul met his challenges the Lord’s way, his faith increased.

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac.” ¹⁴ Abraham, because of his great faith, was promised posterity greater in number than the stars in the heavens, and that that posterity would come through Isaac. But Abraham immediately complied with the Lord’s command. God would keep His promise, but if not in the manner Abraham expected, he still trusted Him completely.

Men accomplish marvelous things by trusting in the Lord and keeping His commandments—by exercising faith even when they don’t know how the Lord is shaping them.

“By faith Moses … refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. …

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king. …

“By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land. …

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down.” ¹⁵

Others “through faith subdued kingdoms, … obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

“Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight.” ¹⁶

But in the midst of all those glorious outcomes hoped for and expected by the participants, there were always the but if nots:

“And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, … bonds and imprisonment:

“They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about … being destitute, afflicted, tormented; … ¹⁷

“God having provided some better things for them through their sufferings, for without sufferings they could not be made perfect.” ¹⁸

Our scriptures and our history are replete with accounts of God’s great men and women who believed that He would deliver them, but if not, they demonstrated that they would trust and be true.

He has the power, but it’s our test.

What does the Lord expect of us with respect to our challenges? He expects us to do all we can do. He does the rest. Nephi said, “For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” ¹⁹

We must have the same faith as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.

Our God will deliver us from ridicule and persecution, but if not. … Our God will deliver us from sickness and disease, but if not … . He will deliver us from loneliness, depression, or fear, but if not. … Our God will deliver us from threats, accusations, and insecurity, but if not. … He will deliver us from death or impairment of loved ones, but if not, … we will trust in the Lord.

Our God will see that we receive justice and fairness, but if not. … He will make sure that we are loved and recognized, but if not. … We will receive a perfect companion and righteous and obedient children, but if not, … we will have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that if we do all we can do, we will, in His time and in His way, be delivered and receive all that He has. ²⁰ I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen

Mom, Dad and Tenielle Visit MVY

Mom, Dad and Tenielle visited me here in MVY for 10 days.  They arrived after a bumpy red eye flight on Aug. 19 and left Aug 29.  I picked them up from our very tiny airport after I went to the gym of course and immediately took them to a flee market, which was on our way home.  Mom and dad needed a nap before I took them to South Beach and I waited patiently.  I took dad and Tenielle to Back Door Donuts which is a place that sells warm donuts from 7pm-12am.  The line is usually out to the road.  They also did this the last day they were here.  Dad loves apple fritters and they have really good ones.  We went to bed early that night because we caught the early ferry out the next morning.  It was a beautiful morning; so clear that you could see The Cape from MVY.  It was so nice to be able to be off the island.  You don't realize how trapped you are until you get off.  It's nice here and all, but it's kind of like being in another country because you are separated by water from Target, TJ Maxx and Costco.

After getting cheap fuel (cheap for MVY standards) we headed to Boston.  I can't believe I've never been to this incredible city.  It is gorgeous and there is so much to see and do.  We barely skimmed the surface.  Dare I tell you that we paid nearly $40 to park each day; crazy.  We got Go Boston cards which let us off and on the trolley.  My favorite part our Boston experience was touring Fenway Park and then going to a game.  Words can't describe the awesomeness of that place and the feeling of being there.

We went on a walking tour of Freedom Trail, went on a Boston harbor cruise, shopped a little and ate some delicious Thai food which was an order by Dr. Dan (because he went to school there).  The place was a total dive, but delicious.  We also went to a quaint Italian Restaurant and an Irish Pub, got amazing canolli's from Mike's Pastry's and tried to find the MIT museum, but no such luck.  Mom and dad were in Heaven with more than 129 Dunkin Donuts in Boston.  There seriously is at least one on every corner.

We returned back to MVY Friday in time to get Grace Church's Lobster Rolls, drink lemonade, and watch the fireworks that Oak Bluffs puts on at the end of each Summer.

Talk about the end of the Summer, the Island has been seriously dead since the fireworks, including the gym and the ED.  I'm not complaining, but it is kind of weird how all of a sudden there isn't so many people.  It's actually been a little nice to not have traffic and be so busy at work.  I worked a few days when mom and dad were here.  One day Tenielle came to the hospital to bring us cannoli's, (I've found a great cannoli bakery on MVY) just as I was putting 12 stitches in someones toe.  She was fascinated by my work.  We don't shut doors much around here much, so Tenielle literally walked into what I was doing.  Mom, dad and Tenielle were able to meet Dr. Z my hero.  I think it was a neat experience for mom, as she remembered him calling me last summer when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and telling me to get better and come out this summer.

The rest of the time we spent at the beach, playing cards, watching movies and relaxing.  On the last beach day the waves were huge and there were rip currents. You know its bad when there is a sign that says, "expert swimmers in the water only."

One evening I took them out to the Gay Head Cliffs where we watched the sunset, however just as the sun set on this super clear day one little cloud came and got in the way.  It was still beautiful and fun.