"There are only 2 ways to deal with sin: Repentance or Self-justification...If at any time you find yourself saying, 'it's not that bad,' you're probably denying a prompting from the Holy Ghost that is telling you that, in fact, it is just that bad."
-Dr. Harper (my Doctrine & Covenants professor)
Wham! Lightning bolt to the heart. I am Steve Irwin & that was my death sentence, or in other words, I've undoubtedly been pulling a William McLellin & making excuses for my inadequate choices. We are all guilty of it to some extent, I suppose, but that doesn't excuse a one of us. None of us are the exception to the rule, because there are no exceptions where covenants & commandments are concerned.
I feel very unsettled. It's like the feeling I get when I'm in the testing center for more than 30 minutes, a feeling of 'this is the last place in the world that I want to be right now, but I have no choice but to endure for another hour or 2 or 3 depending on the test.' I know it'll be good for me in the end & my grade will be better the more intensely I focus on the task at hand instead of thinking of the lovely things that are outside of my immediate sphere. Oh my, that's it! I'm in the refiners fire. It burns & stings & I just want it to stop, but I know the sacrifice is worth the outcome. OK, buck up, Jenny. You're growing & it's great! Now seems like one of those perfect times to stop & list my blessings.
1. I am at Brigham Young University for crying out loud! Need I say more?
2. I have an amazingly wonderful & supportive family.
3. I went to the temple today & it's only 5 minutes from my house!
4. General Conference is this weekend! I get to hear from a prophet of God!
5. As I am making this list I have had pop into my mind about 3,000 random, small, but completely legitimate blessings that are a major contribution to why my life is SPECTACULAR.
I think a bit of sleep will make this list seem even more legitimate. Let's try it out, shall we?
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