Achieving Goals...

       For the last few months I have been training myself to run a 5k. I felt I needed to do this to prove to myself that I can do anything that I put my mind to. Back in December of 2012 I felt that I needed a change. I was just coming out of a deep depression that I didn't think I could come out of. It's hard to pull yourself out of that deep of a hole. I realized that I wasn't alone and that I had to change my perspective on my situation and make myself a better person.
      I wanted to change and I felt inspired to run a 5k. I felt that this would help me to become the person that I have always wanted to be. The overwhelming feeling that came over me and inspiration to run came as quite a shock. I have never liked to run. I was never good at it when I was younger. So running didn't sound like a great thing for me to do, yet I had a strong impression that it was just the thing I needed to do. Weird.
     I made a plan to do a "Couch to 5k" running program at home. The first day I started my program I was feeling really good about myself until I started to run. 30 seconds into my run (really, it was a jog) I felt like my lungs were on fire and that I was going to die. (A little dramatic on my part, but that's how I really felt). So I slowed down and decided to take it 30 seconds at a time. Once I could run 30 seconds with ease I upped the amount of time I would run at any given moment. Over time my lungs felt great, I could run for minutes at a time and I felt like I could accomplish anything.
     I got up to running 15 minutes straight and was so impressed with myself. My husband, who is awesome at running even when he hasn't run in months or years, can run for 20 minutes straight without stopping or even feeling like he is going to pass out. I wanted to beat him so badly in running which gave me extra motivation to run and put more effort into what I was doing.
     I started to run outside once the weather became nicer. I changed my strategy from "minutes I ran" to "miles I ran". I mapped out distances around the neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods of where I live. Let me tell you, running outside is sooo much better than running inside on a treadmill!
     I now run 2.5 miles without stopping. I have never felt better, more energized, and happier than I do now. I'm amazed at how far I have come from the first day of running. When I run I feel like I could go on forever.
     Last Saturday I ran my first 5k. I ran it by myself in an area that I mapped out the distance. I'm happy to say that I accomplished my goal! I can run a 5k and plan on running many more. My time, which is an awesome time for me, of running the 5k was just 33.35 minutes! I'm so stoked and proud! I never could have imagined me running, let alone running a 5k in 33 minutes a few months ago.
     If I can do it anyone can do it. One thing that I have learned is that it is all a mind game. Once you get over the hurdle that your own mind puts in the way, you can accomplish so much more than you ever imagined.
     An added bonus and one of the main reasons for starting to run was to lose weight. Since I've started running I've lost almost 30 lbs! I'm so happy to say that I'm proud of myself and what I have accomplished. These last few years have been a roller coaster of emotions and running has helped me to turn those emotions into something productive. I still have a ways to go before I'm to where I want to be (weight and emotion wise), but I know that it is possible. I never would have thought that running could help me get there.
       I'm so thankful to my Heavenly Father for inspiring me to do this for myself. I know I would have never thought it was possible. I'm so thankful for my husband and his continued support in all that I do. Without his love and support I know I wouldn't have been able to accomplish my goal of running a 5k. He inspires me to continue and become a better person everyday.

Overcoming Adversity

* I gave a talk last Sunday on overcoming adversity. In reading many talks given by General Authorities, I found strength to push through the trials that I currently am dealing with. This talk was exactly what I needed to be asked to do so that I could find these quotes and have them change my perspective on the adversity in my life. I hope that this can help you to understand how much our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ love each and everyone of us.*

 

My talk today is primarily based on a conference talk given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin titled: “Come What May, and Love It”. This specific talk has always stood out in my mind. IT has helped me to keep perspective as I go through adversity in my life.

President Monson said, “Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order for us to be tested, we must face challenges and difficulties. These can break us, and the surface of our souls may crack and crumble—that is, if our foundations of faith, our testimonies of truth are not deeply embedded within us.”

Think about it. Has there ever been a person who did not have to go through his or her own dark valley of temptation, trial, and sorrow? 

President Uchtdorf stated, “The scriptures tell us there must be opposition in all things, for without it we could not discern the sweet from the bitter. Would the marathon runner feel the triumph of finishing the race had she not felt the pain of the hours of pushing against her limits? Would the pianist feel the joy of mastering an intricate sonata without the painstaking hours of practice?

Adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy.”

Elder Wirthlin said, “You will experience your own adversity. None is exempt. You will suffer, be tempted, and make mistakes. You will learn for yourself what every heroine has learned: through overcoming challenges comes growth and strength.”

The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

Elder Wirthin said,

 “When I was young I loved playing sports, and I have many fond memories of those days. But not all of them are pleasant. I remember one day after my football team lost a tough game, I came home feeling discouraged. My mother was there. She listened to my sad story. She taught her children to trust in themselves and each other, not blame others for their misfortunes, and give their best effort in everything they attempted.

When we fell down, she expected us to pick ourselves up and get going again. So the advice my mother gave to me then wasn’t altogether unexpected. It has stayed with me all my life.

“Joseph,” she said, “come what may, and love it.”

I think she may have meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.” 

How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can’t—at least not in the moment. 

Elder Wirthlin goes on to say, “I don’t think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don’t think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.”

If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness.

Elder Wirthlin gave four different steps that can help us keep perspective as we go through adversity. The first step in doing this is to:

1.     Learn to Laugh

Elder Wirthlin recalled this memory: “I remember loading up our children in a station wagon and driving to Los Angeles. There were at least nine of us in the car, and we would invariably get lost. Instead of getting angry, we laughed. Every time we made a wrong turn, we laughed harder.

Getting lost was not an unusual occurrence for us. Once while heading south to Cedar City, Utah, we took a wrong turn and didn’t realize it until two hours later when we saw the “Welcome to Nevada” signs. We didn’t get angry. We laughed, and as a result, anger and resentment rarely resulted. Our laughter created cherished memories for us.”

(Personal Experience) I love this step in helping us to deal with adversity that is thrown in our way. It’s not easy to remember to laugh, especially when things haven’t been going our way. I remember one day when I was younger, my parents went out on a date and my siblings and I were left at home. It was winter time and we were cold so we started a fire in the fireplace. Everything was fine until my brother and sister decided to argue over who would get to poke the fire and move the wood inside around so that it was burning more even.  After poking the fire a few times my brother pushed my sister to the side so that she couldn’t get the poker from him. While trying to keep my sister away from the poker, he ended up placing the poker on our carpet. A couple seconds later we smelled something burning. We realized that my brother had burned the carpet and when he picked up the poker, the carpet had a perfect poker shape melted into it. He was so upset and worried at how my parents would react. We called a neighbor (who happened to be my husband’s father) and he came over and helped us to re-arrange the floor rug and furniture so that it covered the burned spot. A little while later, my parents returned home. After walking in, it was obvious to them that we had rearranged the furniture and they asked why. One of us finally told them after a minute or two what happened. My parents walked over to the burnt part of the carpet, lifted up the rug and just laughed. We all started laughing and to this day have very fond memories of the carpet burned in the shaped of the poker. My parents could have easily been upset and made a big deal out of what happened (especially because it cost a lot of money later on to replace it), but instead they decided to laughed about it. 

The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable.

The second step is to:

2.     Seek for the Eternal

Elder Wirthlin said, "You may feel singled out when adversity enters your life. You shake your head and wonder, “Why me?”

But the dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to each of us. At one time or another, everyone must experience sorrow. No one is exempt."

The scriptures show great examples of noble men and women such as Abraham, Sarah, Enoch, Moses, Joseph, Emma, and Brigham. Each of them experienced adversity and sorrow that tried, fortified, and refined their characters.

Elder Wirthlin said, “Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others.”

Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others.

Remember the words of the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith when he suffered with his companions in the darkness of Liberty Jail:

“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.”

Elder Wirthlin continued, "With that eternal perspective, Joseph took comfort from these words, and so can we. Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome."

(Personal Experience) It’s hard to keep perspective while going through adversity. Sometimes I have felt “singled out” and have asked “why me”. While going through a very  hard a personal trial right now, I’ve found comfort in knowing that my Heavenly Father loves me and is aware of my situation. I’ve also looked to my Patriarchal Blessing knowing that as I continue to live my life righteously I will receive all that has been promised to me.

We can read the scriptures, pray and also look to our Patriarchal Blessings for answers to our problems and the strength to overcome our adversity.

President Monson said,

“Your patriarchal blessing is yours and yours alone. It may be brief or lengthy, simple or profound. Length and language do not a patriarchal blessing make. It is the Spirit that conveys the true meaning. Your blessing is not to be folded neatly and tucked away. It is not to be framed or published. Rather, it is to be read. It is to be loved. It is to be followed. Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers. … Your patriarchal blessing is to you a personal Liahona to chart your course and guide your way. Patience may be required as we watch, wait, and work for a promised blessing to be fulfilled.”

 

The third thing we can do to overcome adversity is to:

3.     Understand the Principle of Compensation

Elder Wirthlin stated, “The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

One of the blessings of the gospel is the knowledge that when the curtain of death signals the end of our mortal lives, life will continue on the other side of the veil. There we will be given new opportunities. Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father.”

Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails. I have seen this in my own life. 

(Personal Experience) I’ve learned this principle of compensation since the passing of my older brother a few years ago. Since his passing, my family and I have been blessed beyond measure. We have been blessed with so many experiences from our Heavenly Father in knowing that my brother is happy, healthy and doing the Lord’s work beyond the veil. These special moments and tender mercies have helped my family and me to keep perspective and know that our Heavenly wants each of us to know just how much He loves us. 

The fourth thing we can do to help overcome adversity in our lives is to put our

4.     Trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”  The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate. He wants us to be happy. He wants us to be successful. If we do our part, He will step in.

He who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort and uphold us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He will make weak things become strong.

Elder Wirthlin stated, “The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him.”

President Uchtdorf said, “Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.”

Isn’t it remarkable to know that our eternal Heavenly Father knows you, hears you, watches over you, and loves you with an infinite love? In fact, His love for you is so great that He has granted you this earthly life as a precious gift of “once upon a time,” complete with your own true story of adventure, trial, and opportunities for greatness, nobility, courage, and love. And, most glorious of all, He offers you a gift beyond price and comprehension. Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.”

There are those among you who, have already suffered a full measure of grief and sorrow. How dear you are to the Church. How beloved you are of your Heavenly Father. Though it may seem that you are alone, angels attend you. Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands. He suffered more than we can possibly imagine, and He did it for us; He did it for you. You are not alone.

Enduring adversity is not the only thing you must do to experience a happy life. How you react to adversity and temptation is a critical factor in whether or not you arrive at your own “happily ever after.” 

President Monson gives these comforting words, “Remember that you do not walk alone. … As you walk through life, always walk toward the light, and the shadows of life will fall behind you. 

Conclusion

Elder Wirthling stated, "I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it."

As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as Elder Wirthlin’s mother did, “Come what may, and love it.” 

I’m so thankful for the knowledge that I have of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that Heavenly Father is our Father and loves each and every one of us. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and has suffered for our sins, afflictions, and sorrows. He knows and understands what we are each going through. I know that if we turn to Him He can help us through our adversity. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and as we read the scriptures we can find peace and comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father loves us. I know that we have a living prophet on earth today, Thomas S. Monson. I know that the things he says to us are the things that our Heavenly Father wants us to know. I know that as we strive to live our lives worthy of the eternal blessings that are given to us, we can overcome the adversity that comes our way and be proud of the life that we have lived. These things I say in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Eating Wheat & Gluten Free

      I've recently done quite a bit of research on eating wheat and gluten free. It seems as though eating gluten free would be considered wheat free, but not entirely! They go hand in hand with each other, but aren't the same. The wheat that is grown today is very different from the wheat grown a hundred years ago. There are many health issues that have come to fruition over the past several decades relating to wheat/gluten intolerance or allergy.  I've made the decision to  eat wheat and gluten free so that I can help my body to become more healthy, as well as relieve some problems that I have which are due to consuming wheat and gluten. 
       There are many diets and fads out there that claim that you will lose weight and be healthier than ever. What they don't say is that you'll more than likely gain all the weight back plus more, after you stop the diet. Diets are temporary. They never last, a lifestyle change is what needs to happen to make yourself happy and healthy.
       This is my lifestyle change. There are so many pluses to living a wheat & gluten free lifestyle. Every week or so, I plan on writing about my struggles and achievements living without wheat & gluten.
      If you've ever paid attention to your food labels, you know that wheat is in EVERYTHING! Seriously, it's crazy to look at all the foods, condiments, and drinks that I've been eating and drinking and seeing that the majority of them contain wheat! My husband is very supportive of this lifestyle change (although I'm not making him change much of his diet, of course the meals I make will be wheat/gluten free, so he'll have to deal with that : ) Without my husband's support, I don't think I would do so well with this lifestyle change.
       I'm on day 4 of eating wheat/gluten free. It has been a little challenging, especially at first, when looking for a snack and realizing almost all the snacks that I would "go to" when hungry, had wheat/gluten in them. So the first step was to throw away everything that would tempt me, that included wheat/gluten. I also gave away some of the food to friends and neighbors. The next step was to go to the store and buy snacks I could "go to", that were healthy and wheat/gluten free. Some of the best snacks that I "go to" are raw nuts, cheese sticks (have to be careful with these, some include wheat), fruits and vegetables.
      You may be wondering what I would eat in place of bread, pasta, cereal, etc. Well, there are TONS of other replacements you could eat. You could make (or buy) bread that is wheat/gluten free (which are tasty). You could replace wheat pasta with quinoa or rice pasta. (Although I'm trying to avoid white rice, & soy at all costs). These are also very tasty. Some oats are ok to eat, but many contain wheat that is not included on the ingredients list on the packages they come in, so I'm also trying to avoid most oats.
      I recommend that if you are curious about the health issues that can/do come from eating wheat and gluten, check out some books and do your own research. It's best to do research for yourself than take someone's word for it. Especially, with things as serious as your health. Some books that I've found informative and helpful are:  "Wheat Belly" by Williams Davis, MD., "Healthier without Wheat" by Dr. Stephen Wangen and "Wheat-free, Worry-free: The Art of Happy, Healthy, Gluten-free Living" by Danna Korn. These are a few among a huge group of books, and scholarly journals out there that are very informative and helpful.

Come What May and Love It

          A week ago I was asked to give a talk about overcoming adversity later on this month. I'm actually excited to speak. Not many people can say that. What I'm more excited about is that this topic isn't music. (I've always been given the topic of music to speak about in the past.) Well, as I've been pondering about what I want to say, knowing that everybody goes through adversity, this video came to mind. It's from a conference talk by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. This is only a blurb of the whole talk, and if you have a chance to listen to the whole thing I encourage it, but this is one of the parts that stood out to me the most. It seems that my family, as well as myself and Anthony, are going through a lot of adversity, often times it seems too much to handle. The thing to remember is keeping perspective. The Lord is aware of each of us and what we are all going through. We need to keep the faith and change our way of thinking to "Come what may and love it". This is something that I've been working on personally and wanted to share it with all of you.