September 11th

Eight years ago today I was getting ready to go for a morning walk with my friend, oblivious to what was happening in New York City. Ty was just 6 months old. My friend called and told me to turn on the TV. I sat in shock and disbelief as I watched the Twin Towers go up in smoke. I will never forget the emotions I felt, the sorrow for the evil in the world, for the people who died, for those who so bravely sacrificed to save others, and for the families who lost loved ones.

I think it such a testimony to the power of the human spirit that out of tragedy comes greatness. That out of the dust and rubble of destruction and hate can come such hope and love and power for change. The human spirit is an amazing thing, and I am continually amazed by people all around me who confront trials and suffering with faith in the Lord and a perfect brightness of hope.

I will never forget those who have sacrificed for our great nation, and hope to show that remembrance each day of my life, living to appreciate and defend the freedom that I enjoy each day.

Click on the following link to see the inspiring story of a 9/11 survivor. Have a wonderful day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E

Hope

So I just gave a talk on Sunday about hope. I love that topic. And I think I needed it. I read so many wonderful scriptures/talks about hope, and wanted to share a few of my favorites, because we all could use a little more hope in our lives, right?

So we all hope things every day. Sometimes those hopes are fulfilled, and our hope grows stronger. But sometimes those hopes fall apart, and we end up a wee bit discouraged. What then? Elder Neal A. Maxwell differentiates between these two different types of hope. He calls our daily hopes "proximate" hopes, and our hope through our Savior "Ultimate" hope. He said, "Life's disappointments often represent the debris of our failed, proximate hopes. Instead, however, I speak of the crucial need for ultimate hope. Ultimate hope is a different matter. It is tied to Jesus and the blessings of the great Atonement, blessings resulting in the universal Resurrection and the precious opportunity provided thereby for us to practice emancipating repentance, making possible what the scriptures call a "perfect brightness of hope" (2 Nephi 31:20)"

Okay, so what about timing? I happen to know that things don't always work out the way I plan them. Sometimes we have to wait a really long time for something good that we want right now. Does that mean that Heavenly Father has forgotten about us? Neal A Maxwell said, "When we are unduly impatient with an omniscient God's timing, we really are suggesting that we know what is best. Stronge, isn't it--we who wear wristwatches seek to counsel Him who oversees cosmic clocks and calendars." Ouch. That humbled me to the dirt.

So what does a life full of hope look like?

“Real hope keeps us “anxiously engaged” in good causes even when these appear to be losing causes on the mortal scoreboard (see D&C 58:27). Likewise, real hope is much more than wishful musing. It stiffens, not slackens, the spiritual spine. Hope is serene, not giddy, eager without being naïve, and pleasantly steady without being smug. Hope is realistic anticipation which takes the form of a determination—not only to survive adversity but, moreover, to “endure…well” to the end (D&C 121:8).” --Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Hope is not the wishy-washy word it might appear to be. It is full of power when it is centered in our Savior. His promises are sure. He will never let us down. Never give up hope. Ultimate hope. Work and pray and do all that you can, but then trust it to the Lord's hands. There is no better place for us to be. All is well. Tudo bem.