Memorial day

Arlington National Cemetery

 With today as Memorial Day, I would like to write and remember the great men and women who serve our country every day. We live in a country that is free. That concept seems simple to us, but that is truly a luxury most in the world do not have. The concept of liberty and of inalienable rights is one that we are truly blessed to have. It is also constantly under attack by those throughout the world who wish to destroy the freedom we enjoy.

There are millions in the world who live every day in fear, fear of punishment for actions we in America take for granted. We are allowed to speak our minds, attend college, and worship as we choose. Women can vote, own their own homes, and compete with men in the workplace. Children are protected and the law is administered justly. These blessings are not found in much of the world today. And though the system we have does not run perfectly and the law is not always kept, we should feel blessed to live in this country and enjoy the rights that are protected within our Constitution.

My Grandpa, John R. Helms.

 Throughout the course of our nations history, there have been men and women who have fought valiantly to protect our God-given rights as human beings. From the the Founding Fathers to those serving now, we owe the life of this country. And not only do they protect us, they also fight every day to bring the same security to everyone.

I honor them for their sacrifice and will remember them always from their strength, courage, and love. How thankful and how blessed we are for those who fight every day to bring peace into this world.

Peace

 Sharing time! So, here's an experience I had last night that I wanted to share. I won't go into anything personal but I just wanted to share what I learned(or rather, re-learned). It's a beautiful doctrine that sometimes I need help remembering.

So, last night I was very sad about some things and didn't understand why I was struggling again when I had worked so hard to move past certain trials. Anyways, I took out my scriptures and read Mark 4:38-40, which takes place when the disciples were on the ship in the storm and Christ was asleep. It says,

"Master, carest thou not that we perish?" And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, "Peace, be still." And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them,"Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?"

Well, I read this and began to cry because it was exactly what I needed to hear. You see, I was sitting there asking,"Why am I alone and sad? I've worked so hard to do what I've been asked to do and I am still scared and lost. Carest thou not?" And the answer was the same as it's always been,"Trust me, have faith in me. Peace, be still."

There are times in our lives when we feel like the trials are too large, the sadness is too much, our burden is too heavy to bear. But we are not alone in our trials. The Savior is always there to calm the storms in our lives. He is there to lift us up, comfort us, and bring peace in times when it seems like there is none to be found. And all He asks is, "Do you trust me?"

Looking back on my life I have seen the guiding hand of the Lord and it amazes me how very perfect His plan is. I am happier now than ever before and that is because I know I am being lead to something much better. I know that the Savior is there for us at all times. We have no reason to be afraid because He stands with us. Don't lose your faith and don't give up. He will bring you peace.