Forks in the River

“There are always two choices.

Two paths to take. One is easy.

And its only reward is that it's easy." -Anonymous

Forks in the river happen frequently. Especially in the mountains. When forks occur the river is divided into two or more directions and sometimes the forks never meet up again. The fork that we choose to follow many times is permanent. The current can be swift enough that it's difficult too change your course after you've already made the choice to follow it. 

Different choices lead to different locations just as choices we make in life take us to different places. Some lead to happiness and contentment, others lead to difficulty and sadness.

The ability to choose was given to us by our Father in Heaven. We have choices to make all the time. Some have little consequence and some have eternal consequence.  He wants us to choose wisely. We need to know that there is a right and a wrong. Most of the time the easiest path in life seems to be the one that is wrong. For example many teens are peer pressured into doing things that they know aren't right. Sometimes it's easier to give in  to the pressure opposed to not and making a scene.

The great thing is that our Father in Heaven will always prepare the way so that we can choose the right. It may be difficult, but he'll always support us as we stick to our guns and follow the path that He would want us to, the path that Jesus Christ walked before us.

Remember that through the atonement of Christ we can change our paths. We can change and repent even if we feel there is no hope. It takes extra work, but it can be done through his love and grace.

This very day I'd like to Invite You to Choose the Right.

In the long run I promise you'll never regret it.

-Thanks for Reading

Living Water

WATER: The liquid that descends from clouds and forms rivers, lakes and streams. Water is essential to sustain physical life. We can go without food for days and even weeks. If we go without water for more than a few days we die of dehydration. Two thirds of our bodies are composed of water. Water is also great for cooking, cleaning, and many other things like recreation.

There is someone (I'm not going to mention any names) in my current area of service that is convinced that they are allergic to water. This is really funny because that's just not possible. Water is necessary for everything.

Much like water is essential for all physical life the Savior and his teachings (living water) are essential for eternal life.

In the New Testament, in John 4:13-14, Jesus Christ teaches a Samaritan woman at a well about living water.

 “Whosoever drinketh of this water (the water from the well) shall thirst again:

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life”

Living water is the 'good news' of Jesus Christ. It is Jesus Christ's teachings and Gospel. We are promised Eternal Life and happiness as we tap into this living water and live Christ's Gospel teachings.

Water nourishes and supports growth. Why do deserts seem to be more void of life than any other places on earth? It's due to their lack of water. The same principle can be applied to our lives. If we use the living water, we are nourished and grow. We form a closer relationship with our Father in Heaven.

Just as water is used to wash our cars living water heals and cleans us. The Gospel can ease burdens of guilt that come from sinning. Jesus Christ can heal us as we let Him into our lives.

Last but not least Living Water brings joy and peace. It brings Eternal Life and true happiness. Also it brings that happily ever after that everyone wants.

Thanks for reading! Sorry I put a funky background on the text I couldn't figure it out...

 

Wear Your Life Jacket

When I was in grade school almost every summer I attended swimming

 lessons. At the beginning of every swimming season we went over the rules of swimming as a class. One rule that is a little catchy and has stuck with me is, "Don't just pack it, wear your life jacket."

Wearing a life jacket significantly increases your chance of having a safe, fun filled day on the water. They float, keeping you on top of the water. Having a life jacket on when the river gets rough could make all the difference in preventing a disaster. From my experience wearing a life jacket sometimes has felt a little constricting. Sometimes I feel like I'd rather be more comfortable and not wear one, but it's also my experience that wearing a life jacket gives me much more freedom on the river. Freedom from worry that I may drown and also makes me feel free to navigate the river as I choose.

Many principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be applied to wearing a life jacket, the commandments especially. Just as I sometimes viewed wearing a life jacket as constricting and not as fun, we sometimes view the commandments that have been given to us by our Prophets as being the same. In reality the commandments give us true freedom, freedom from worry, guilt and shame. Keeping the 

commandments keeps us happy, safe and free to navigate life with the help of our Father in Heaven.

You wouldn't want to run a river without a life jacket and you shouldn't want to live life without the blessings of keeping the commandments. 

Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

We all have weaknesses, but the Lord promises us here that they can become our strengths through his help. There is always hope. I know that as we do our best and focus on living the commandments, and not just knowing them, we will receive Heavenly Help and gain the added power we need to change. Living the commandments brings blessings in this life and in the next. Don't give up and keep pushing forward!