Brothers and Sisters, We have been sent to this earth to learn lessons that could not be taught while we lived in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Two plans were proposed, and we CHOSE to follow our Savior’s plan to come to this world and learn through our own experiences. As we have come to this earth, we have discovered that our lives is made out of moments of love, happiness, and pure joy. We have also learned that our lives are full of challenges, limitations, frustrations, and disappointments. We were told that this life was not going to be easy, but in the end, would be worth it. In fact, the scriptures say that we shouted for joy at the opportunity to come “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:7). Our trials and limitations in this life are what we will give us the experiences we need to develop into becoming like our Heavenly Father. But the Lord has also promised that He would help us as we try to overcome these challenges. In Ether 12:27, the Lord promises us that “... if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” Humbling ourselves does not mean accepting our weaknesses and waiting for the Lord to make them strong. In my perspective, humbling ourselves before the Lord means that we make him a part of our journey and then we show our FAITH by doing all that is within our power to overcome our weaknesses. The Lord expects us to act in faith and take charge of our personal development, and only then He will “... make weak things become strong...” Dear brothers and sister, during the last six and a half years that I have served as bishop and stake president, I have learned that everyone I have met deals with problems and challenges in their lives. Some deal with greater challenges than others, those who are happiest seem to find a way to push through those challenges. They stop depending solely on their abilities and begin relying on the Lord in faith. It is still not easy for them, but they have found a way to make the best of each circumstance. There is a Toyota commercial that always brings tears to my eyes. Here is the link if you would like to watch it: https://youtu.be/fqWG5_7nwyk. It is the story of Jessica Long, and how she was adopted and became a Paralympian Swimmer. In the end of the commercial, it shows her adopted mother receiving a call regarding Jessica’s condition as she replies with the most humbling and faith-filled answer: “it might not be easy, but it will be amazing.” I believe our Heavenly Father embraced each of us before we came to our mortal life experience and said something similar to that of this mother. The Lord reassured Joseph Smith of that promise in D&C 121: 7-8 “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.” We love you my dear brother and sister. Your love and example strengthens me daily. May the Lord bless you and your family always. Washington Stake Presidency President Emerson Carnavale
Stake President
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