The Art of Prayer

      Prayer, to me, is an art, but at the same time isn't. It definitely takes practice and consistency. But, it is in no way reserved for the "skillful". It is an art in the sheer beauty of the action, in remembering the relationship each and every one of us have with our Heavenly Father. He is OUR FATHER. The fact that we can speak, plead, and express gratitude with a Divine Being is often overlooked. It is not something to take lightly, for it is so much more than talking to emptiness. We have a Heavenly Father listening to our every word, pleading with us to ask Him for help. His hand is always out, reaching for us, lifting us up after we fall, if we would only reach for Him too. He is there. He is listening. Never forget, in sin, sickness, pain, loss, success, love, and triumph, to pray. Because He will never forget to listen and answer. 

I thought I'd share one of my favorite poems. I hope you enjoy it. 

The “Praying Hands” are much, much more than just a work of art;

They are the soul’s creation of a deeply thankful heart—

They are a priceless Masterpiece that love alone could paint,

And they reveal the selflessness of an unheralded saint.

These hands, so scarred and toilworn, tell the story of a man

Who sacrificed his talent in accordance with God’s plan—

For in God’s plan are many things man cannot understand,

But we must trust God’s judgment and be guided by His Hand.

Sometimes He asks us to give up our dreams of happiness,

Sometimes we must forego our hopes of fortune and success.

Not all of us can triumph or rise to heights of fame,

And many times what should be ours, goes to another name—

But he who makes a sacrifice, so another may succeed,

Is indeed a true disciple of our blessed Savior’s creed—

For when we give ourselves away in sacrifice and love,

We are laying up rich treasures in God’s kingdom up above—

And hidden in gnarled, toilworn hands is the truest art of living

Achieved alone by those who’ve learned the victory of giving;

For any sacrifice on earth made in the dear Lord’s name,

Assures the giver of a place in Heaven’s Hall of Fame—

And who can say with certainty where the greatest talent lies,

Or who will be the greatest in our Heavenly Father’s eyes!

—Helen Steiner Rice

Inherently Weak, Blessed to be Strong.

   To anyone with good conscience, it is easy to see that as individuals we are not perfect. Far from perfect. You are not alone in feeling remorse or regret for mistakes, nor in the fact that those mistakes may be repeated. You are not alone in the anger and contempt you feel towards the ignorant, or the arrogant. You are not alone in feeling despair, the lack of motivation to continue with what you deem as trivial matters. Nor are you alone in making hasty judgments, being quick tempered, or slow to forgive (yourself and others).  As Humans, we often dance around with our partner "Weakness." And it is nigh impossible to avert her leering gaze, and skip out on that tricky two-step. We all fall into rhythm. We are weak. However, this isn't always a bad thing (depending on how we handle said weakness).

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."-Ether 12:27

Just because we have several weaknesses, does in no way mean we are stuck with them. If we are to humble ourselves and realize that through God's help, we may be blessed to become Strong! Blessed to become STRONG!! I LOVE THAT WORD!! Powerful, Resolute, Capable, Durable, Firm, Solid, Substantial, Mighty, Stalwart, Stout, UNYIELDING! I love it!

Not fixing our weaknesses only drowns us further in them. (if that makes sense-it made sense in my head). It takes time. Just as a sapling takes time to grow into the mighty oak, so will we. We have to put our Faith in God and have patience. We all have a way out! Flex that Righteous Bicep and make it huge!

The Beauty of Life and the Gospel

As I sat in my apartment this evening, I was hit with a few thoughts about life and what makes life beautiful.

I thought of the culmination of my own life up until this point. How simple happenings have lead me to where and who I am right now. The trials that I had faced when I was a little boy -and new ones I face now-, the lessons I learned from those. The people that had influenced my life, whether good or bad. The Bishop who took me under his wing. The neighbor who display incredible patience. Friends who stand by my side in lifes decisions. Family that stood, and continues to stand, as my foundation and never faltered, no matter how deeply my selfishness cut them.  

I then thought of how I am at this exact moment, and what I am doing. My self criticism was not forgiving in any field of judgment. My current life predicaments have come to define me. My reoccurring battle with school and the roller-coaster of emotions it provides. What I am going to do about a career. As well as the ever hovering eternal companionship issue. No one likes to admit it, but dating is hard and a bit of a chore. So far, timing has been swatting at the amazing women of my life left and right. The occasional feeling of loneliness. Then the sudden realization that I have Friends pulling for me, thinking of me whenever I'm not around. Family that will give themselves up to help me, to make sure I am happy. And that my life, despite it's many flaws, is beautiful. Blessings are Beautiful.

The word "Sonder", is a bit of an odd and new word.  It means to realize, as you are metaphorically walking the streets of New York, that every single person you pass is only a passerby in your life, as you are in theirs.  That each person has their own issues, the own foibles, pet peeves, temptations, emotional hardships, physical traumas. Their own decisions to make in life. Even though these people are in almost every way different from you personally, you share the fact that you have a Life! The little things are what makes up your life. Think of a sunset. You will never see the same sunset twice, they are always different, always random. But that is what makes them beautiful. The little imperfections make them whole. It's what makes them unique. The pinnacle of little events and influences in life make you what you are. Love, pain, distress, joy. We all feel it, but in a different manner.

To bring it all in. Try to wrap your mind around the fact that no two people live the same lives. The infinite number of combinations to make up ones life can NEVER be duplicated. Think of how many people lived, live, and will live on this Earth. The ups and downs of their lives are unfathomable. Yet, through the Atonement, Christ knew and knows each and every single up, down, and hard left turn of our lives. Yours. Mine. The Atonement is Eternal, reaching beyond you and I in both directions of time. I love this Gospel!