Daily Thoughts

A verse from the Old Testament tell us that will blot out our transgressions and remember our sins no more. Isa. 43: 25 "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

In the Book of Mormon I read a verse that says that because of the length of the war, many hardened their hearts. But due to the same reasons, many others were softened. Their afflictions had humbled them and caused them to turn to the Lord for help. I've seen this among people I know as well. Sometimes trials and tribulations will cause people to become bitter and angry and turn from God. But I've seen the same trials and afflictions cause other people to humble themselves and turn to God for support. It isn't so much what happens to us that makes us the people that we are, but it's our response to it that makes or breaks us. Alma 62: 41 "But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility."

I read some verses with a thought booklet that remind us to press forward toward our goals, not worrying about the past but continuing on to those things we want to attain. The thought that went with this, written by Shirley M. Corder from Eastern Cape, South Africa says: Recovering from an aggressive tussle with cancer treatment, I sat on a beach overlooking the sea. At my feet, multitudes of black ants scurried around in seeming chaos. One tiny ant, burdened by a dead insect at least ten times its size raced from the pack. It weaved across the grass, around weeds and over tufts. No matter what stood in its way, it kept moving forward. When a gust of wind blew it backwards, the ant adjusted its load and resumed its journey. After several minutes and many setbacks, it reached a tiny hole and disappeared from view. I marveled at how it had persevered until it reached its nest. I compared myself to that little ant. The goal of total health seemed so far away. Just as I made some progress, I felt blown backwards. Many times I felt tempted to give up. It seemed easier to say, "This is too hard. Maybe I'm not meant to do it." I laughed aloud at the realization that a tiny little creature I would never see again had taught me a valuable lesson: "Pick yourself up, redistribute your burden, and take the next step forward." Lord God, thank you that you will never give me a burden to carry that is beyond my ability. Please help me to perservere and not give up. Philip. 3: 13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."