What Puts the Ape in Apricot?

If you're feeling troubled, especially if things aren't seeming to work out, read this. And PS. I'm super excited that CEDAR CITY IS GETTING A TEMPLE!! It's amazing to see the Lord's work hastening and the gospel spreading.

 

 

I'll fill ya in on a little secret. Sometimes I'm angry. Angry that I can only walk a half mile before my leg starts hurting. Angry that I wake up with a sore neck every morning. Angry that it takes twice as long to eat.

 

And then I get sad. Sad that I have to go through a trial that I NEVER thought I would. Sad that while everyone and their dog my age is getting ready and leaving for missions, I'm still here. And I'll still be here for at least a year. Sad that I could be out in the mission field right now if this didn't happen again.

 

But then I remember how blessed I really am. A family who loves me. A church that I can rely on. A testimony that strengthens me. A Savior who felt every pain I have and who never leaves me.

 

And I remember that no matter what happens, one of the most important things in time of trouble to remember is this:

 

 

Courage. I mean, come on, it puts the "ape" in apricot.

And on a more serious note, watch this next video.

 



 

"Being brave doesn't mean that I'm not afraid."

"Brave is just acting in faith."

 

(if you want to read Esther's story, found in the Old Testament, click here)

 

I cannot explain just how perfect that video says the things I've learned over the last few years. Courage is a hard thing, but it's relying on the Lord with faith. The Lord has a plan for me. It's not even close to anything I imagined four years ago. But it's blessed my life. Even though I've suffered and felt pain, it's been worth it because of the growth I have received.

 

For example, I noticed yesterday, that for the first time in my entire life, I look forward to reading the Book of Mormon. For the longest time, I looked at it as a chore. I knew it was the right thing to do, but I just read it because I was supposed. Not really because I wanted to. I'm currently in the middle of Alma, and I can tell you that I really do enjoy reading. It's been a great blessing in my life.

 

Here are a few different aspects of courage I have noticed:

• The courage to stand strong. You know those CDs you get at the end of EFY? Well my last year, the theme was "Courage to Stand Strong" with the first song on that CD of the same title. Three years later, I still listen to that CD quite frequently. Because it reminds me that in every situation we are told to stand strong. Stand for our beliefs, stand against the adversary, and most importantly, "to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9, link here). If you want to listen to that song, click here.
• The courage to ask for help. It's amazing how fast this prayer was answered. Yesterday, as I just thought about life and where I wanted to be, I was really discouraged. I pray before I read my scriptures that I may be led to read what I need to read. And here came my answer. "O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me" (Alma 31:31, link here). Heavenly Father loves us with all his heart. It is through his son, our Savior Jesus Christ, that we can truly feel happiness and I tell you that this is true.
• The courage to "be not afraid." "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Joshua 1:9, once again, the link is here). Yes, I'm afraid, but I am guided by the Lord and when I have the right perspective, that fear vanishes. As I said who knows how many times, I've learned this and am still learning. The Lord has a plan for me. It may not be what I want, but it will ultimately be a blessing. And He will never leave me. I might feel forsaken at times, but really, He is here in my life now more than ever.

I'm sorry this is getting so long winded. But I really am glad that I have courage in my life. It's helped me through trials. Have courage and faith, and you'll never be forgotten! Keep running.