Saturday, October 19, 2013

The Great Mediator: Paying off our Spiritual Credit Cards

 
 When I was 18, I got my first credit card. And if you automatically just cringed a little, that's good. I was so determined that I was going to be responsible with it. I was ONLY going to use it for what I needed and then immediately pay it off. I knew that I could do it, and I wasn't worried at all. Naturally, my parents were a little more apprehensive than I was. 
 Well, it wasn't too long before I found some pretty great uses for my credit card. I really LOVED those shoes, and I couldn't live without that new dress. Of course, going out to lunch with my friends was a must, especially because I hadn't seen them in what seemed like so long. Before I knew it, I had racked up a bill I couldn't pay by myself. When the bill came, I found myself paying the minimum I could, and my head was running with stress. Thankfully I had the sense to go to my parents, and they knew what to do. 

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Dream A Little Bigger

Looking back on my childhood, I realize I was a bit of a dreamer. I always had imaginary friends, and my mom was always so supportive in inviting them to dinner. I used to love to talk with them, and tell them about how someday I was going to do big things, I was going to change the world. 

Unfortunately telling my imaginary friends as a child did me no good in accomplishing my real dreams. Alas, they were only in my mind, and could not help me along the way. However, I have come to know that there is one that can help me fulfill my dreams, He is waiting to help me change myself so that I can change the world. I too cannot see Him, but unlike my imaginary friends, He is always there.  

In a world of ever changing values, it is hard to count on anything in particular. Everyone seems to adapt this attitude of, "looking out for #1" and being 'self-reliant', which is really quite foolish. For anyone who feels like they must do it alone, and keep to themselves, I invite you to re-evaluate where you stand. There is a better way. And the way is trust, and FAITH in your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.