A couple of months ago we were able to go on a wonderful 3 day hiking trip to Southern Utah. Jeff is an amazing tour guide! He read and researched where we should go, wrote out an agenda and organized the whole thing. There were about 14 of us so it was no small task. I often think about Father Lehi when we embark on such an adventure. Keeping everyone happy is a difficult task. Thank goodness there was little murmuring. One of the rules to qualify to go on this trip was NO complaining. In fact before the 3 day event my little nephews had to go on a practice hike with no complaining or carrying before their parents would allow them to qualify for the real hiking trip. We were about to do some serious hiking!
We were able to see some of the most beautiful creations. It is amazing how glorious and different each area we hiked was. One in particular was called “Spooky.” It is a slot canyon where wind and water have eroded a large crevice within a huge rock formation. Now this crevice is large enough for SOME people to pass through from one end to the other. As we faced the entrance we realized that not everyone in our party would be able to make it through the tight constricting passage way and instead they would have to walk up and around and meet us at the end.
We parted and went forward with some sadness that everyone would not be able to experience the adventure, the challenges and the beauty that was found inside. Inside the canyon it was squishy, a whole new meaning to “get skinny.” There were some curves where your chest and your back were flush against both walls. We had to strattle turrets, push and pull each other through holes and hard patches. We had to work together to ensure every ones safe exit on the other side of this grand formation. We made it through and we realized we didn’t know where to go next so we decided to follow the path with the most footprints. We had to climb up a steep sandy hill at the top was a vast plane of desert beauty. We went a little ways and to our great joy we could see the ones we had left behind coming to meet us. Now I don’t know exactly what THEIR journey was like but the point is we all got there.
In life we are all going to take different paths and have different journeys but hopefully we will all get there! ETERNAL LIFE is our goal. When our chest and our backs are up against the wall, and when we need someone to push or pull us through a trial, I hope that we will be able to turn to one another more importantly, “Turn to the Lord.”
Recently I read a conference talk entitled “Turn to the Lord” by Donald Hallstrom. In the talk he says “Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually.” Lets face it we all have EARTHLY CIRCUMSTANCES. He said, “deal with these matters directly and with all the strength you have. “Hold on thy way” and without delay turn to the Lord. Let him share your burdon. In the most difficult circumstances of life there is only one source of peace. The Prince of Peace Jesus Christ.”
“The most exemplary act was the atonement. It required Jesus to suffer the “pains of all men.” The atonement is for all men and all pains. Not just a means to over come sin. If we turn to the Lord and put our trust in Him he will deliver us in His time. He will not allow us to suffer more than we can bear. He will forever light our way our truth and our life. He is our brother and our Savior. He loves us and he alone left foot prints for us to follow. I am grateful that he has given us a living prophet Thomas S. Monson on the earth today to guide our paths and help direct us in the ways that we should go.
I testify of the truthfulness of this Gospel and the remarkable way that it was brought again to this earth. I applaud Joseph Smith his strength and his courage to take on and complete such and awesome task that would come to lead so many to a path of righteousness and eternal life. I love him and am indebted to him. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding…and he shall direct thy paths. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
We were able to see some of the most beautiful creations. It is amazing how glorious and different each area we hiked was. One in particular was called “Spooky.” It is a slot canyon where wind and water have eroded a large crevice within a huge rock formation. Now this crevice is large enough for SOME people to pass through from one end to the other. As we faced the entrance we realized that not everyone in our party would be able to make it through the tight constricting passage way and instead they would have to walk up and around and meet us at the end.
We parted and went forward with some sadness that everyone would not be able to experience the adventure, the challenges and the beauty that was found inside. Inside the canyon it was squishy, a whole new meaning to “get skinny.” There were some curves where your chest and your back were flush against both walls. We had to strattle turrets, push and pull each other through holes and hard patches. We had to work together to ensure every ones safe exit on the other side of this grand formation. We made it through and we realized we didn’t know where to go next so we decided to follow the path with the most footprints. We had to climb up a steep sandy hill at the top was a vast plane of desert beauty. We went a little ways and to our great joy we could see the ones we had left behind coming to meet us. Now I don’t know exactly what THEIR journey was like but the point is we all got there.
In life we are all going to take different paths and have different journeys but hopefully we will all get there! ETERNAL LIFE is our goal. When our chest and our backs are up against the wall, and when we need someone to push or pull us through a trial, I hope that we will be able to turn to one another more importantly, “Turn to the Lord.”
Recently I read a conference talk entitled “Turn to the Lord” by Donald Hallstrom. In the talk he says “Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually.” Lets face it we all have EARTHLY CIRCUMSTANCES. He said, “deal with these matters directly and with all the strength you have. “Hold on thy way” and without delay turn to the Lord. Let him share your burdon. In the most difficult circumstances of life there is only one source of peace. The Prince of Peace Jesus Christ.”
“The most exemplary act was the atonement. It required Jesus to suffer the “pains of all men.” The atonement is for all men and all pains. Not just a means to over come sin. If we turn to the Lord and put our trust in Him he will deliver us in His time. He will not allow us to suffer more than we can bear. He will forever light our way our truth and our life. He is our brother and our Savior. He loves us and he alone left foot prints for us to follow. I am grateful that he has given us a living prophet Thomas S. Monson on the earth today to guide our paths and help direct us in the ways that we should go.
I testify of the truthfulness of this Gospel and the remarkable way that it was brought again to this earth. I applaud Joseph Smith his strength and his courage to take on and complete such and awesome task that would come to lead so many to a path of righteousness and eternal life. I love him and am indebted to him. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding…and he shall direct thy paths. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Great experience, talk, story and perspective!!!
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