Why life is hard (Favorites Friday)

If your life is always easy, with a doting husband, perfectly behaved children, financial security, prosperous health, and no worries, feel free to skip this post. Still reading? You mean your life isn't perfect? Neither is mine. Which is why I found this message so moving. Click on "watch" or "listen" to hear the words, or simply read. I guarantee you'll feel a little better about your tough times. Some of my favorite quotes:
"At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem least able to cope. Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal—almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses." "A pattern in the scriptures and in life shows that many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth. “After much tribulation come the blessings.” "In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation, or heartbreak we may be experiencing at the time. “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” The Apostle Paul taught, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” It is interesting that Paul uses the term “light affliction.” This comes from a person who was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and who experienced many other trials. I doubt many of us would label our afflictions light. Yet in comparison to the blessings and growth we ultimately receive, both in this life and in eternity, our afflictions truly are light." "Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature. "Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us." "Someday when we get to the other side of the veil, we want more than for someone just to tell us, “Well, you’re done.” Instead, we want the Lord to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” "

Comments

Curls said…
Great quote-thanks for sharing
Great quotes and a timely message. Thanks for sharing them both.
Corine Moore said…
I SO AGREE! In fact, I just posted a blog about it (again... :o) myself:

http://corinesmiles.blogspot.com/2011/03/struggles-weaknesses-trials-and-finding.html

Thanks for sharing!
Corine :D
Thanks for sharing, I love the picture!

I also wanted to let you know I awarded you the versatile blogger award you can check it out here
http://chocolatedroolandkisses.blogspot.com/2011/04/versatile-blogger-award.html

Crystal
Unknown said…
My mum just died -- and it has been interesting the re-evaluation that her death has made (and is still making) me do. Who do I want to be - whether in my role as a wife, mother, member, friend? What do I really value? And am I doing what I need to do to be that person who values what I want to value? I remember I loved this talk -- I need to go re-listen to it again. Thx!