This first one I'm only going to preview. I would actually like to spend a whole post on it. But it's been on my mind enough today that I'd like to give anyone else to opportunity to ponder on the concept before I share my full thoughts. First off, if you have never read Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage, you are doing your life a serious misjustice. I joke not! Get this book and read it. You can even find it under the "Family" section of the LDS Gospel library app. But for serious. Read it. I give this plug because I have found some very powerful personal insights today from chapter 24, which is entitled "From Sunshine to Shadow". The first section in this chapter deals with Christ's healing of the youthful demoniac, an account of which can be found in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9 of the New Testament. I would encourage everybody to read this account, and, if possible, the accompanying interpretation from Elder Talmage. Consider the application in our lives concerning our personal healing. Whether it be from addiction, abuse, the poor choices of a loved one, a struggling marriage, a wayward child, or a poor habit that one is trying to overcome, we all have wounds that only the Savior can fully heal. We all have demons that can only be cast out through a cooperative effort between our belief and Christ's power. I have more thoughts to share, but I will do that next post.
Nextly, and on an unrelated note, I would like to share my appreciation for my family. I've been able to spend an incredible few days with them on what will be our last family vacation with our family as we know it. I'm so grateful for them and the strength they are to me everyday. I remember once upon a teenage stage, I was pretty much a jerk towards them. Most of that came from the darkness of my addiction and my constant struggle to wear the mask of secrecy. Plus, I also had some serious teenage 'tude. But as I've grown, I've found one of the greatest resources I have in fighting my personal issues comes from the strength of my family relationships. And I can say (particularly to any teenager who does not believe the words I'm saying), as I've sought to be honest with my parents and loving towards my siblings, I have found a form of freedom that I could have found no other way. Now I have team members! I don't have to fight alone. Sure, sometimes I struggle to utilize my team. I'd like to think I could do it all by myself. But that's a rant for another day. For today, I want them to know how grateful I am for them and the precious time we've had to spend together over this past week. Thank you family, for your ever constant love. You're amazing.
Finally, as I've spent some time this past week mulling over my personal relationship with the Lord, I've been given some unique opportunities to witness the beauty that He places all around me. In my personal opinion, it's very difficult to deny the existence of a supreme being when I look around me and see vast oceans that extend far beyond the horizon. The sky, the trees, the mountains, and all other beautiful creations witness to me that there is a God. I've been able to feel His love for me this past week. I'd like to report that my new progress along step 3 is going well. I've learned some significant lessons that will help me to progress. More on that next post.
Any thoughts, questions, or comments? Feel free to share at the bottom of this page. Anyone can email me at soldier.on.blog@gmail.com. Thank you all so much for reading and supporting me in my journey. You're all incredible!
My name is Spencer. I am a recovering addict, and son of God who is grateful for His Father's blessings. And with that, I soldier on.
I LOVE how you have come to realize your family is your ally. That is a powerful thing. You are surely on your way to healing when you have come to that point. Thanks for a very uplifting post!
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