Ebbs and Flows

What is it about life that makes it seem to flow by easily and enjoyably for some period of time, and other periods are extremely difficult? I have thought that it is because circumstances will often change and cause us varying degrees of happiness or frustration, but I have realized lately that I still find myself having a particularly difficult or good time even when the status quo of my life remains relatively unchanged. And at other times circumstances change drastically, affecting to varying degrees how I feel.

I am not sure which is preferable, constancy or variance. The terrifying thought of constancy is getting caught in a less than desirable state of mind, so it is only comforting while you are happy and feel like things are going well. In contrast, variance brings reassurance during difficult times that things will and must eventually turn around. Of course it does not matter what I prefer. Life will bring you constantly changing motivations and circumstances, like it or not.

I have my own thoughts and ideas that trouble me that come around every now and then, at times I am incredibly motivated to fulfill certain goals, while at others I just feel like I need to make through the day, week, month, semester, etc. But in the darkest times, the old cliche "when God closes a door, He opens a window" holds true. Some kind of good is always flowing, even if the vast supply of your happiness seems ebbed. That is what we need to hold on to. The fact that happiness is always flowing. There is always something that can bring us satisfaction, joy, or fulfillment. It is difficult to focus on the water that gets past the hoover dam, because all that is held up behind it, and the dam itself are so awe inspiring as to steal all of our attention.

So when I just don't feel at all like reading my scriptures, or sticking to a budget, it is likely at that point that I really like to exercise, and I should focus on that and enjoy it as much as possible until the tables turn and reading scriptures is a pleasure and working out is like pulling teeth. There are wonderful times when many, if not all of these kinds of things seem to flow easily in your life. Embrace those times, however long they last, they are a great blessing.

So when some aspects of life really suck, acknowledge those things, without focusing exclusively on them. Do not convince yourself that your whole life is doomed to sorrow, because you failed a test, got sick, had your feelings hurt, got laid off, lost a friend, or whatever else. As you do so, I think you will find that happiness will "flow" more freely and frequently.

Honestly, I hope that such is the case, because it is what I am striving to do. I am no oracle or guru that has obtained unending peace and happiness. I need this advice as much as or more than anyone, which is often the case with what I write. So if you are struggling, look for the good, and if you are doing great, bask in it. Enjoy it as much as possible, and fill your positive memory bank so that you will have something to draw on when things are not so smooth.

In closing, I quote the demon Screwtape in a letter to his nephew, Wormwood on the need we have for change (ebbs and flows) and the dangers that arise if we allow their kind to exploit that need through fear, as well as an assurance that, in times of seemingly excessive ebbing, eventual flows are inevitable...

"The horror of the Same Old Thing is one of the most valuable passions we have produced in the human heart—an endless source of heresies in religion, folly in counsel, infidelity in marriage, and inconstancy in friendship. The humans live in time, and experience reality successively. To experience much of it, therefore, they must experience many different things; in other words, they must experience change. And since they need change, the Enemy (being a hedonist at heart) has made change pleasurable to them, just as He has made eating Pleasurable. But since He does not wish them to make change, any more than eating, an end in itself, He has balanced the love of change in them by a love of permanence. He has contrived to gratify both tastes together on the very world He has made, by that union of change and permanence which we call Rhythm. He gives them the seasons, each season different yet every year the same, so that spring is always felt as a novelty yet always as the recurrence of an immemorial theme. He gives them in His Church a spiritual ear; they change from a fast to a feast, but it is the same feast as before."

Something To Be Thankful For

I have had a couple experiences as of late that have really humbled me, if that is the right word. Maybe a better way to say it is that I have realized how much I have to be thankful for, and I supposed, with Thanksgiving next week, today was as good a day as any to describe my experiences. Please don't think I am bragging in anything I say here, it is meant only to convey how blessed I am, anyone who knows me could name more than several weaknesses of mine, so I am not trying to boast here, just so you know.

Blessing Number 1: The Gospel.
I have been reading this book as of late (don't worry, this isn't a book review post) called "Tortured for Christ" it was written by a man who suffered for his Christian beliefs in communist Romania. I have always been grateful for the Gospel, but I have never had to suffer anything near like what I read about. I won't go into exactly what they suffered, but it was literally the stuff of nightmares. When I hear what others have suffered for something I have always had abundant access to, including the Scriptures, the Sacrament, the Temple, and much more.

Blessing Number 2: My Family.
Throughout my youth, I have long taken this for granted as well. It was not until I went on a mission and into the homes of many, many, different families and individuals that I realized what a great blessing I had. I have two wonderful parents who love each other, as well as me. Four siblings that I love dearly and would do anything for, just as I know they would me. As a family, we sacrifice for, learn from, and teach one another. I could not ask for anything more in a family.

Blessing Number 3: My Friends.
Having been on the side of the spectrum where friends are scarce or non-existent, I am extraordinarily grateful to have such supportive, fun, caring friends as I have now. Many of my friends have sacrificed for me in ways that are more meaningful to me than they may ever know. Others have set examples for me that have impacted me a great deal.

Blessing Number 4: My Health.
In both mind and body I realize more all the time how richly I am blessed. I always kind of figured that school was as easy for others as it is for me. But when I think about how much more effort others put into certain study efforts than me, and have to work much harder to achieve the same results, I realize that a clear mind is a great blessing. (Once again, I'm not bragging, most of you who read this have the same blessing in this regard.) In the same vein, I am so grateful for a healthy body, all five senses, the ability to walk, run, swim, jump, bike, and play. The ability to do virtually anything I set my mind to. I hate to close on a sad note, but I want to share the story that set off this whole reflection on how good I've got it.

Yesterday, as I was driving down South Temple on my way to school when I saw a woman, holding a cane, indicating that she was blind, sitting in a "jazzy" motorized wheel chair, indicating that she couldn't walk, and worst of all, she had driven off the platform of the trax station, and gotten stuck half on the platform, the other half of the tracks themselves. She sat there, rocking back and forth, weeping. I saw her and my heart wrenched. I stopped my car in the middle of the road and ran out to help her. Two other guys were coming up at the same time and together we lifted her back onto the platform. She sit there, weeping, as the other two guys left. I had to resist the impulse to wrap her in my arms and just hold her, trying to offer her any comfort I could muster. Instead, I helped her across the street and asked her what I could do to help. Between gasping sobs, she cried that she was just trying to get to the Crown Burger, I told her I would help her, if I could just get my car out of the road. I parked, and ran back to her, now she was accompanied by a UTA attendant, who called for medical help because this young woman had likely broken her foot, in an attempt to brace herself from falling off the platform. My heart wrenched again, and I couldn't leave for fear that there was anything I could do for her. When the fire department arrived and started asking medical questions, I learned that she also had a damaged back from a bus incident a few months ago, she was on several anti-anxiety medications, and I noticed her "Jazzy" battery was almost dead, and she was only 19.

Even now, I have a difficult time keeping the image of this young girl out of my mind. I can still see her, stuck on the tracks, rocking back and forth and weeping because of pain, fear, humiliation, anxiety, frustration, and helplessness. All I wanted was to comfort her, I could only imagine the fear of being lost in a big city, without taking into account being blind, with heightened anxiety, not being able to walk, riding an electric wheelchair in which the battery could die any miunte.

Reflecting on these experiences, I cannot help but feel like I have no right to ever complain about anything, ever. On the contrary, I feel like I should do nothing but go about giving thanks every moment of every day.

Book Review: "On Wings Of Faith"

Frederick Babbel, author of the previously reviewed book, "To Him That Believeth" shares stories and relates faith promoting experiences from his time spent in post World War II Europe with President Benson as they sought to bring aid to the needy members there.

Teaching doctrine straight up is more my style and preference, but if you are one of those who enjoys hearing others experiences and seeing how you can relate, this book is a must read. Many of the most faith promoting and inspirational stories you have heard in General Conference were taken directly from the first-hand accounts in this book. You cannot read this book without having your testimony of God's love and power strengthened. I especially recommend having read it for the times when you face a task that seems insurmountable, then you can reflect on how the Lord always prepares the way, even though He does so in different ways and for different purposes. And if nothing else, this book is a true testament that the day of miracles has not ceased and that God continues His great work in our day, just as much as He ever has.

Book Review: "To Him That Believeth"

When it comes to books about the Gospel , there are very few I could recommend more highly that this one. I truly consider this book a staple in Mormon literature, and think it deserves a place on the shelf right next to the Standard Works!

The author, Bro. Frederick Babbel is a wonderful writer, and keeps a very good pace when covering the material. He does not breeze over it so as to leave you confused or wanting for more information, but at the same time does not bury you in repetitive statements and superfluous stories to illustrate an already well established point. Managing to keep it simple enough to understand and deep enough to enlighten, the author provides you with a lot to ponder and much reason to glorify God. When I finished this book, I thought it was like a "greatest hits" album that covered some of the most precious pearls of knowledge I had acquired from a variety of sources. All of this combined with a tone that is in no way condescending or superior, makes for a volume I could describe in two words: "truly edifying."

If you don't have a copy, buy one and read it now; If you do have a copy, go read it again!

How to NOT Get Sick

As any of you who have read my blog know, the last time I did a Triathlon, I got sick 2 weeks before. Because of this, my swimming was sub-par on race day and my entire training schedule had a big nasty wrench thrown in it. I learned from that experience, that it takes approximately 2 weeks to fully recover from being sick, and get back to where you were in your training when you started feeling ill.

Needless to say, when my nephew and sister got sick a week or so ago, I took every precaution, and when I started feeling that dreaded "scratchy throat" feeling with my biggest triathlon yet in ONE week, I was desperate. I tried almost everything I knew that could possibly prevent illness, and tried to learn more and do that too.

The good news is: something that I did, or maybe a combination of things worked, and my scratchy throat was better in a day or two with no disruptions to my training. So for the benefit of those of you who also consider "s-i-c-k" to be a four letter word, I decided to post the list of 10 things I've done to help my immune system emerge victorious...

1. Prayer
I did a lot of begging, pleading, and bargaining with the Lord because I know that what is important to us is important to Him, and unless necessary for our own growth or experience, He is happy to help us out if we will just ask.


2. Positive Thinking
This one almost goes hand in hand with number one, as it is in my opinion a way to exercise your faith. But even if you are not religious, there is a lot of power that comes with the way you think and visualize things. We can truly attract what we think about and visualize, good or bad. I think I may do a post on this later, when I can go into more depth. For now, just don't say or think what you don't want to happen.


3.Vitamin C
This is probably the most well known precaution known to man. I am not sure how much of the effect is a placebo and how much is valid, but I took enough vitamin C pills/chewables to kill a small horse. (This was easy to do because the chewable ones taste really good!)


3 1/2. Airborne
I know that this stuff is mostly Vitamin C and is listed as number 3.5, but it also has some herbal stuff and zinc or something in there to help, so I drank 2 or 3 of those a day.


4. Eucalyptus Oil
Of course I have to throw in an Essential Oil remedy or some of my readers might be disappointed. (...Amber) Rubbing 2 drops of pure Eucalyptus Oil on the bottom of your feet after showering is a great way to strengthen your immunity. I did this a couple of times a day, as well as sleeping with a little Eucalyptus and Lavender on a tissue in my pillow case. (You can also diffuse EO's to kill airborne germs in your home. (Namely Spruce, Cinnamon, Frankincense, and any Citrus oils)


5. Water
They say when you get sick to drink lots of clear fluids and get lots of rest, I say to do the same thing to avoid getting sick. I drank a LOT water the last week, and I got a LOT of rest. This helps to keep your body clean and free of toxins that weaken your immunity. Also, don't be afraid to get really sweaty, that is a great way to clear your body of toxins as well. I think you can "sweat it out" when it comes to some sicknesses, especially in the early stages. Also, cut down on dairy intake until you feel a lot better, dairy increases mucous production, which is where the germs live that make you sick.


6. Common Sense
We should always be eating lots of fruits and veggies and avoiding sugar. But this holds ESPECIALLY true for when sickness is more of a possibility. I'm already on a "Dessert Fast", (as you know) and I think that helped a lot, but I also ate tons of fruit the last couple weeks, melons in particular. FYI: The amount of sugar in one can of soda can lower the efficacy of the immune system for several hours by almost half! And we all know to wash our hands frequently (but NOT with anti-bacterial soap!) and not touch our face a lot.


7. Nasal Cleansing
When I first heard what a "Neti Pot" was, I was completely freaked out by the idea. Basically you just pour salt water up your nose, and it cleans out your sinuses, it feels great and is quite entertaining to watch the water come out of the other nostril. And when you have clean sinuses, you have no germy mucous to get you sick.


8. Bom Dia
Danielle gave me this advice, and it is actually quite an enjoyable remedy. Near the produce section of the grocery store, where they sell the "POM" and "Naked" Juice is a product called "Bom Dia" it is a mix of Acai berry juice, and others that have tons of antioxidants. I got the Mangosteen one, and it was really good. The only downside is that they are a little pricey, about $3.00 for one 8oz bottle. But totally worth it!


9. "Cold Kicker"
I got this recommendation from Salt Lake Running Co.'s Blog. It is a juice concoction of raw carrots, ginger, and garlic. It really sizzles the taste buds, but I can't see how it couldn't help.


10. Homeopathic Potion
This is one that I only use in severely drastic circumstances. I have only ever used this potion twice. The first time was to end a month-long sickness on my mission, and the other was just last week. It may be the worst thing I have ever tasted. It is a mix of Echinacea, Cat's Claw, Goldenseal, and Grapefruit Seed Extract. It is so terribly bitter, and the echinacea will numb your tongue and throat if it is not diluted, so you have to put a tablespoon or so into a bottle of water and sip it throughout the day. It is truly awful, but it truly works.

The other options are ones I do not really suggest, some try Zicam, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or flu shots. I think that all of these will only contribute to a weaker body and immune system in the long run and make your body more dependent on them, rather than helping your body do its job more efficiently. So there you have it, stay healthy!

Book Review: "Nephi's Isaiah"

As was my goal, I finished a book this week to report on. "Nephi's Isaiah" by Denver Snuffer Jr. was a fabulous commentary and explanation of Nephi's intentions behind quoting the ancient prophet in his own record. For such a difficult task as engraving characters on gold plates, Nephi certainly thought it worth the effort to inscribe a sizable portion of Isaiah's words. I never took the perspective of reading these words as if Nephi may have had different intentions in writing them than Isaiah's.

Nephi knew we would have access to the bible, and could have just said, "read Isaiah, chapters..." Just as we often use the words of others to get a point of our own across, so does Nephi, and this book, while not intended to be an exhaustive work on the subject, opens up new ways of thinking and reading the words of both of these great ancient prophets.