See the Good in the World. Be the Good in the World.

With seeing all of the horrible things going on in the world these past couple of months-well, let's be honest, years-I've tried to look for and focus on the good that is in this world.  There is a bunch of bad stuff in this world, from moral crud that has taken over our media, to the worst evils known to man, abusing, terrorizing and killing for the sake of hatred, for the sake of power. The adversary is taking the hearts of men and turning them cold.  But just because that is running rampant doesn't mean that good isn't flourishing too!

We know good will conquer evil in the end, so some people ask, why fight? Because we have to fight the evil in order for good to win! So look for the good in the world, and focus on being the good in the world. That is how we will continue forward, that is how good will prevail. Here's some little ditties to drive this home. Hope you like 'em :)

We are More than Conquerors Through Him

I love a talk given by Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy entitled, "More than Conquerors through Him that Loved Us".

 I came home from church one Sunday and thought I'd grab the Ensign to read. I skimmed through the address titles, decided upon this one and was blessed with a new perspective on the message, "After much tribulation come the blessings."
Here are my favorite passages from it:

• "At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem less 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 [ain't that the truth!]. And no one is exempt, especially not Saints striving to do what's right."

• "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.' The children of Israel were trapped against the Red Sea before it was parted. Nephi faced danger, anger from his brothers, and multiple failures before he was able to procure the brass plates.  Joseph Smith was overcome by an evil power so strong that it seemed he was doomed to utter destruction. When he was almost ready to sink into the despair, he exerted himself to call upon God, and at that very moment he was visited by the Father and the Son.  Often investigators face opposition and tribulation as they near baptism. Mothers know that the challenge of labor precede the miracle of birth. Time after time we see marvelous blessings on the heels of great trials."

• "In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation or heartbreak we are 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.'"

• "Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way...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.' (Phillippians 4:13)"

So when the trials of life rain fire upon you and you don't understand why nor think you can get through them, remember this,