I have wanted to post about something for awhile but haven't been sure how to say any of what I am feeling. I have recently been reminded that there is a lot of sadness in the world. Lately Mike and I have been made aware of heartaches of multiple friends and familly. It seems that each day brings a new set of sad news to us. We have both looked inward and wondered what we can do to combat the temptations around us everyday.

Two things have been made clear to me through all of this. The first thing is that Satan is very real and no one is safe from his power. I can't live as if I think nothing will touch me. The second thing is that while there is a lot of sadness, there is a lot of joy and triumph. I have been impressed to watch some of my friends turn to God and find peace in the Gospel through these trials. I have been saddened to watch others turn away from God and seek happiness through smoking, drinking, and other forms of sin. I understand the others that feel anger in their hardship. Embarrassing as it is to admit, I have felt that feeling before, confusion and frustration that God would give me a challenge I didn't think was very fair. Looking back I see now where God was in those challenges and feel wiser and closer to God.

I just feel so thankful to know where to find the source of joy. I am thankful for a testimony and for the tools to combat Satan. I am thankful for an amazing husband that is much better than I am. He loves me and our children. I am ashamed when I hurt him or disappoint him and so happy when we work together to bring the spirit in our home and personal lives.

This is all very serious for a family blog but I guess I just wanted to share with my family and friends that read our blog that we love them and pray for them. For those that have turned away from God, we want to say that we feel such happiness in the Gospel and hope that you will see our happines and come back to Him.

Comments

Papa Doc said…
And I'm thankful for your little family and the righteous example you set for those around you. I consider myself a lucky mother to have kids like you.
Mom
Marcy said…
Adrianne, this is a great post. Perfect tone to it: be grateful, turn to God, combat Satan. Love you.
chelsey said…
Just today I've had this strange overwhelming feeling about what a responsibility I have to teach my kids more powerfully than I am. How each of our siblings stayed active in the church is such a testament to our parents. I realize there are many parents who haven't been blessed with that -- my own in-laws for instance. I'm realizing more each day what a great job mom and dad did in helping us understand just how much they value the gospel in their lives. They showed it so powerfully with faith, even when it was really difficult. Hopefully, I can do the same for my kids. Then when the temptations come -- and I know they will-- they will have a firm foundation to stand on. We as mothers have a great responsibility to lay the beginnings of that foundation now, while they're young. Thanks for the post.
Steff said…
Great post. There is a book called The Uses of Adversity by Carlfred Broderick. It is AWESOME. It is along the lines of your post. He shares a lot of stories, which always hits home with me. They sell the book at Deseret Book. He has some really good perspective I have never thought about before. I also love that living the Gospel won't necessarily keep bad things from happening to you but the Gospel is here for us to turn to when the bad things do happen. If you want to borrow my copy, let me know. It's a quick, easy read. It took Matt and I just an evening.
Steff said…
Oops, I should proofread my comment before submitting. I meant that I like that he (Carlfred Broderick) says the Gospel won't keep bad things from happening to us but it gives us somewhere to turn when things do happen. Hope that made sense. :)
Steff, I will have to read that book. It sounds really good. I saw it listed on your sidebar on your blog. I'll check it out.

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