I’m really stressed today about all the things I have to do and the fact that we’re leaving tomorrow for the rest of the week on a trip with the kids.
I have the following things on my mind:
- NW fixes
- Vision fixes
- Absolute fixes
- Red Zone work
- DEP doc
- A La Mode work
- Evans work
- NW work
- JP work
- HC work
- And a bunch of other small things
- CC for Stacy T
- Invoice for Nebo
- Invoice for Sals
- Invoice for BYU App
- BYU App review
I want to have faith that I can get all these things done, but I feel pretty alone and isolated and not sure who I can rely on to help me get the projects done effectively.
I’m going to study the talk from conference titled, “The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life.”
This part of a story really stood out to me:
Elder Aoba had several of the youth come forward to try out their new interest. They assumed, after watching him, that this would be quite simple. However, none of them were successful in their attempts to make even a simple bowl. They proclaimed: “I can’t do this!” “Why is this so hard?” “This is so difficult.” These comments took place as the clay flew all around the room.
And this too:
The world in which we live is similar to the potter’s spinning wheel, and the speed of that wheel is increasing. Like the clay on the potter’s wheel, we must be centered as well. Our core, the center of our lives, must be Jesus Christ and His gospel. Living a Christ-centered life means we learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel and then we follow His example and keep His commandments with exactness.
And this as well:
The joy we experience in this life will be in direct proportion to how well our lives are centered on the teachings, example, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
So how does this apply to me?
I feel that, as I put my trust in God and His Son through study, prayer and writing, I will receive clarification on what I should do, how I should do it, and I won’t be tempted to give up, quit, or “cope” through other means that have never worked in the past (ie. pornography, browsing on the internet, etc.)
I must center my life on Jesus Christ and on His teachings in order to experience the fullness of joy. I must be honest in my dealings. I must take things one step at a time, break things down into bite-sized pieces, and just do the best I can.
I really like what Nephi says here:
…some 30 years after Lehi and his family left Jerusalem, Nephi makes a well-documented and somewhat surprising statement, especially after recording in the scriptures the many afflictions and tribulations they had faced for so long. These are his words: “And it came to pass that we [did live] after the manner of happiness.”5 Despite their hardships, they were able to live after the manner of happiness because they were centered in Christ and His gospel.
Nephi and his family went through a lot of hard times, but Nephi kept his heart and mind centered on Jesus Christ and His teachings and things worked out.
I know this can be the case for me too. I just need to stay focused on what is most important, keep practicing faith and surrender, and trust that all things will work together for my good as I put my trust in Him.
I love my family.
I love my wife.
I love the gospel and I want to follow its teachings 100%.
I feel grateful that, today, I made the choice to study first thing in the morning despite the temptation to start working on other things right away. I know that Heavenly Father will bless me as I put first things first and do my best to live in recovery.
I’m grateful for where I am today.
I look forward to living in recovery today through being patient with myself and others, chipping away at the items I’m my list, and communicating with clients effectively.
Hasta luego!
Nate
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