Can I??

The last five years of my life have certainly been a roller coaster to say the least.  Without going into too much detail let's just say that it has been both miraculous, humbling, and exhausting and at times (several times) I have cried out "I CAN'T DO THIS"  I have felt both hope, and despair.  It does seem like it may be coming to an end but who knows??? Only the Lord.

I have found strength that I didn't know I possessed.  I have very literally felt the strength that comes only from the grace of God.  The strength that comes from the atonement-  I couldn't do it alone.  This is one of the lessons I believe I was required to learn from these experiences;  that I can do more with the help of God than I could ever do on my own.  It has not been easy in any sense of the word.  It has been a struggle for me to first even admit that I needed help.   I am independent, and in a way I wanted to show my Heavenly Father that I can do this.  Now as I think about it, I remind myself of my toddler who doesn't want help because he can do it.... "don't help me with my spoon when I eat, I love food all over myself" this list could go on and on.  If he could only understand that I can help him and make his life a lot easier; he could learn even better how to make things work, his life would be simplified. Yep! I am a spiritual toddler...... and I hate to admit that at times through the last five years I have even thrown a spiritual tantrum.   How grateful I am that He is a LOVING Heavenly Father.  He has been patient with me, and continues to be.

I have needed to learn that if I will turn my life over to God; He'll do a better job than I ever could on my own.  President Ezra Taft Benson taught, "men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.  He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds,.... lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends and pour out peace".   I won't lie... this is hard, to turn my life over to Him and align my will with His completely.

It has been interesting as I struggle with crying out "I can't do this"  and realizing that if I turn my life over to Him, He will help me....... I will be able to do whatever is thrown my way.  He will strengthen me.  I have learned that we are not meant to do this alone, He wants to help us.  He needs us..... to let Him help us....... so we can be the people He needs us to be!!!  He will give us the power and strength we need to fulfill all we are here to do.

President Boyd K. Packer said, "When you say, 'I can't!! I can't solve my problems!' I want to thunder out, "Don't you realize who you are? Haven't you learned yet that you are a son or a daughter of Almighty God?  Do you not know that there are powerful resources inherited from Him that you can call upon to give you steadiness and courage and great power?"

I am sad to say that I sometimes forget.... I could use a little more steadiness, courage, and power in my life!!!  And the good news is it is available for me- and for you.  He is there ready to help when we ask.

How do you remember who you are?

What do you do to remind yourself that you CAN!!!???