If you answered yes to that question, that is wonderful. But if you answered no, please know that you are not struggling with this alone.

Trusting in the Lord—especially when times are tough—can feel like trying to take a step forward when it’s pitch dark all around you. You can’t see the path, and you don’t know what to expect with your next step.

But learning how to trust in the Lord is a skill that can bring so many blessings into our lives. How can we learn to do this, especially when it feels most difficult?

Trusting in The Lord Even When It’s Difficult

Putting our trust in the Lord in moments where everything feels safe and good can be easy. We see the steps clearly; we understand what happens next.

But saying, “Okay, Heavenly Father, I trust you,” during times when you are struggling, when you are unsure, and when you are scared is a completely different challenge. It can feel like being told to jump into deep, dark waters, not knowing if you are going to keep your head above the surface.

If you feel this way, please pause before you think, “Oh, perhaps I am faithless.”

Remember that this struggle happens even to the most faithful. Even great prophets have faced moments where the path was unclear and their hearts were heavy.

Consider these three experiences:

Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail

Even the Prophet of the Restoration faced moments of deep despair. While trapped in the freezing darkness of Liberty Jail, with the Saints suffering outside, Joseph cried out, “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?” He felt abandoned and confused, yet he poured his heart out to the Lord rather than turning away.

Nephi Returning to Jerusalem

When Nephi was commanded to return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates, he didn’t have a map or a strategic plan. He described his experience by saying, “I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.” He had to trust the Lord literally one step at a time, walking into the dark of the city without knowing how the night would end.

Moses at the Red Sea

Imagine standing before the Red Sea with an army approaching from behind. Moses and the children of Israel were trapped. To the natural eye, it was a disaster. It looked like the end. But Moses had to trust that the Lord could make a way where there was absolutely no way. He had to stand still and trust before the waters ever parted.

Even the faithful have felt fear and uncertainty. And there is nothing terrible about that. We are human beings with feelings that are, by nature, very human. Our vision is limited. We simply do not always see what God sees.

But what we choose to do, even when we are unsure, matters the most.

• Joseph Smith endured his suffering well. He didn’t let the darkness of the prison overcome the light of his testimony. He eventually emerged from Liberty Jail and continued to lead the Saints with renewed strength and revelation.

• Moses stood his ground. With the enemy behind him and the ocean before him, he still raised his staff. He acted in faith before the miracle occurred.

• Nephi kept walking. He continued moving forward into the city, even though he knew his life was on the line, trusting that God would prepare the way.

The Lord doesn’t require us to ignore our feelings or pretend to be fearless. He, above all, understands our hearts. But He does require us to trust Him.

And moving forward—even when there are so many unknowns—is the very definition of trusting Him.

So, how do we master this? 

How Do We Trust The Lord Better?

Trusting the Lord sn’t about erasing our fear, but knowing where to put our focus on in our journey. 

Like Moses, just do what the Lord asks.

It might be full of unknowns, but we have to trust that He will perform the miracles He promised us. This might include paying your tithing even when the bills are tight, trusting that He will open the windows of heaven. Or it might mean forgiving someone who hurt you, even when your heart isn’t quite ready, trusting that He will heal your pain as you let go of the bitterness.

Like Nephi, remember that He prepares a way.

We have to hold on to the truth that when the Lord gives a commandment, He provides a way for us to accomplish it. This could mean leaving a relationship that you know isn’t right for you, even if you are afraid of being alone, trusting He has something better in store. It could mean accepting a calling or a responsibility that feels too big for your abilities, trusting that He will qualify you for the work.

Like Joseph Smith, understand that faith doesn’t mean a trouble-free life. We have to realize that even though we follow the Lord, not everything will immediately be “sunshine and rainbows.” We will still be tried. Sometimes, it is going to be hard. You might be doing everything right—reading your scriptures, praying, and serving—and yet you still face a chronic illness, a job loss, or a family struggle. These trials are not signs that He has left you; they are often the very experiences that are refining you.

To Trust The Lord Is To Make That Step

Trusting the Lord is a journey, not a destination. It is a choice we make every single day.

So, if you are standing in the dark right now, unsure of your next step, don’t stop. Take that step. Trust that the Lord is not only watching over you, but He is also walking right beside you.

He knows the end from the beginning, and He promises that if we trust Him, He will lead us home.

The post How To Learn To Trust The Lord Even During Difficult Times appeared first on morefaith.ph.

You know that power-packed scripture in Proverbs 3:5-6? “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.” 

It’s one of the most profound Bible passages that talk about God’s timing. Believing in Him means believing in His schedule for your life. When you look at the incredible stories in the scriptures and hear the testimonies of people who leaned into God’s timing, you see the blessings – they’re undeniable.

But if we let ourselves be honest, there will be days when we feel that the Lord’s timing is taking too long. 

Blessings seem to come slow. 

We have been waiting for a long time. 

It constantly feels like walking in life without winning anything while everyone else around is getting blessed. 

What do you do when you’re down to your last nerve, feeling totally drained, and maybe even questioning if God’s even listening while you’re waiting for His promises to show up?

What God’s Timing Really Means

When God’s time doesn’t coincide with yours, this does not mean God is being slow or forgetting about you. 

Think of it like this: your life is a masterpiece in progress, and God is the ultimate Artist. Remembering that God is in the details of our lives – like a good artist is – every moment, every delay, every unexpected turn becomes part of His divine design. 

When we talk about His timing, it’s not some random delay; it’s a perfect orchestration that goes way beyond what we can see with earthly perspective.

You might be hyper-focused on one little piece of the puzzle, maybe it looks messy or out of place, and you’re thinking, “Seriously, Heavenly Father?” 

But reader, please remember this: our Father in Heaven sees the whole canvas, the breathtaking beauty that’s going to be revealed. His timing isn’t Him saying “no”; it’s Him saying “not yet, because I’ve got something even better in store.” He knows the exact right moment for everything to come together in a way that brings you the deepest joy and helps you grow in ways you can’t even imagine right now.

So, when that clock feels like it’s moving in slow motion, take a moment to think of this: God operates on a whole different level. Trust His wisdom, because His timing is perfect. 

It takes grit and it takes faith that feels stretched thin sometimes. But when blessings come in His time, they’re gonna be richer, deeper, and more meaningful than anything you could have ever planned on your own. 

Here are some things you can remember every time waiting for the Lord feels exhausting. 

#1: Flashback to The Time Trusting The Lord’s Timing Bore Results

Trying to line up your “ASAP” with God’s “when it’s perfect” can be a battle. Here’s how to dig in and trust Him more when you’re feeling the wait:

When doubt starts whispering in your ear, hold on to the times God showed up for you before.

Think about a moment when trusting His timing led to blessings you never saw coming. Replay that in your mind. How did it unfold? How did God prove faithful? Holding onto those past victories will fire up your faith and give you the strength to trust Him right now. It’s like looking at your highlight reel to remember what our God is capable of.

#2: You’re a Child of God – And His Love For You Is Infinite

Never forget who you are in God’s eyes. You’re His beloved child, gifted with unique talents and potential that He’ll unleash in His perfect time. Think about a loving parent nurturing their kid’s abilities when they’re ready to soar, not before. That’s God with you. Knowing your divine identity gives you confidence and the assurance that He’s got your back every step of the way.

#3:Don’t Just Sit and Wait. Choose to Actively Wait.

Waiting on God ain’t about hitting pause on your life. It’s about actively becoming the person He wants you to be during the wait. Use this season to cultivate patience (yeah, it’s tough!), show love, and work hard. Find ways to serve, dive into His Word, and live in a way that honors Him. By actively growing and getting closer to God, you’re positioning yourself to receive those blessings when they’re ready to be poured out.

#4: Be More Aware of the Lord’s Small Blessings

Don’t be too focused on a big win – you might miss the small blessings the Lord has been sending your way.  

Even when the big answer feels delayed, God’s showing His love in the little things every single day. Open your eyes to those small blessings – a moment of peace, a kind word, a feeling of hope. Being grateful for these daily reminders of His presence will fuel your faith and remind you that He’s always working, even when you can’t see the full picture yet.

#5: Be Still and Know Who’s Got This

When anxiety tries to steal your peace, take a deep breath and remember who God is. Look back at the giants of faith – Moses leading a whole nation through the wilderness, David waiting years to take the throne, the Israelites sustained against all odds. These weren’t overnight successes. But God was faithful then, and guess what? He’s the same God today. His plans are rock-solid, and He will, in His perfect timing, deliver on His promises to you.

Child of God: Be True, Be Faithful, God’s Blessings Are On Your Way

When the weight of waiting feels crushing and you’re running on empty, remember you’re not alone in this battle. Reach out in prayer to the One who gives all good things. He knows your heart, your deepest desires, and your struggles. As you keep turning to Him with unwavering faith and trusting in His perfect timing, you’ll find the strength, the peace, and the ultimate fulfillment that only He can provide. Keep the faith, keep moving forward, and know that your breakthrough is coming.

The post God’s Timing: What To Do If It’s Taking Too Long appeared first on morefaith.ph.

I almost broke my toe after kicking one.

I just finished eating a club sandwich at the gate where I was waiting for my flight. It was a small airport, and it was packed with people. I was thirsty so I looked over to see if there was a vending machine nearby and luckily, it was just a few meters away, close enough to still supervise my luggage left on my seat.

You see, my flight had been delayed and I was tired, so I didn’t really want to give up where I was sitting.

I walked over to the vending machine, selected a bottled water, and paid for it. When my water didn’t come out as it was supposed to, I decided to wait for a few seconds, thinking that it would come out eventually—but it didn’t. I banged the machine a little bit. Maybe it just needed a little nudge. Still no bottled water.

I looked around to see if there was someone in line behind me before giving it a harder nudge.

Because I was thirsty, I selected another bottled water and paid for it. I was really counting on it since I had already paid twice but I guess I wasn’t so lucky that day. I still didn’t get my water. Frustrated and thirsty, I kicked the vending machine hard, not realizing that I was wearing open-toed shoes.

It hurt really bad, but I managed to return to my seat, limping and feeling defeated. I kept thinking, “But I followed the instructions and paid for it. TWICE.”

I was reminded of this incident months later as I sat pondering about why the Lord was taking so long to give me the blessing that I desired the most. I did an inventory of the things that I thought I needed to do to deserve such a blessing and realized that I had checked each item off the list. I had been faithful, paid my tithes and offerings, served others, treated people around me with kindness and respect, and many other good deeds that I knew I ought to do.

With my thoughts directed to God, I reasoned, “I already paid my dues. I already did everything to measure up to your expectations. Where’s my blessing?”

Do you sometimes feel the same? As though God is indebted to you because you followed His commandments and consider it paying your dues for the blessings you’ve been praying for? Do you sometimes feel that you’ve done everything you’re supposed to do and yet heaven seems so distant? Do you sometimes wonder if God answers prayers?

As I was mentally wrestling with my faith and logical reasoning, a very distinct thought came to mind, “God is not a vending machine.” You see, vending machines are pretty simple. You pay the required amount and the goods you selected come out. I realized that God doesn’t operate that way.

Why?

Because God answers our prayers exactly how and when He means to. He sees the end from the beginning so He knows the blessings that we need to overcome our trials and grow to our fullest potential.

From the outpouring of blessings that I’ve received from God in my life, I’ve rarely received exactly what I’ve prayed for at the time I thought I needed those blessings the most. Sometimes, I’ve received something totally different, not knowing the wisdom behind it, only to realize later that it’s exactly the blessing that I needed.

Other times, He blessed me with exactly what I prayed for, not in the way that I had hoped, but in a way that God saw fit for me.

Some blessings are still pending. And even though sometimes I still find myself echoing my desperate reasoning about already paying my dues, I trust that He can grant me the blessings that I prayed for in His own due time. And if He doesn’t, I find comfort that “all things [are being] done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things” (2 Nephi 2:24). 

Of course, it is easier said than done. Who enjoys waiting anyway? Especially when you don’t know when you’re going to receive what you’re waiting for. Even more so when you’re not even sure that you’re going to receive it.

It can be hard. Waiting can sometimes make us feel weary and doubtful but we can find comfort that God answers our prayers. He is a God of promises and He always keeps His word. 

In Doctrine & Covenants, we read, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise”. This scripture verse shows a part of God’s nature—that He is a just God. And when we continue with our efforts to obey His commandments, we can hold on to His promise that He will bless us with eternal and temporal gifts that He sees fit for us, in His own time.

And while we wait for the blessings we earnestly seek, we can reflect on the many gifts that we receive from Him each day—gifts that are not contingent upon our obedience to His commandments, gifts that He gives us because of His great love for us.

He loves you. He knows you. He hears your silent petitions and cries for relief. He knows the righteous desires of your heart. And during your season of waiting, you can find strength and hope in Him who has nothing but love, even the grandest love known to man, for you. Because you are His child and you are precious to Him.

For more related content, read Why God Makes Us Wait For Blessings.

The post God Answers Our Prayers But God Is Not A Vending Machine appeared first on morefaith.ph.

I can still remember how I felt after hearing these remarks from a person I thought would understand why people set goals.

I was a young professional who had just spent the last year working hard for  a consulting firm, which helped me to apply what I learned from college into actual business scenarios. However, as I sought growth within the company, I didn’t see it fitting what I wanted for the future. So I decided to leave for a better opportunity.

Then I stumbled into someone who knew of my work, and I shared with him my goals, hoping to hear some inspirational remarks. But to my horror, I was lectured for being too focused on wanting more and not being happy with what I had accomplished.

For many weeks his remarks kept creeping back into my head, making me question if there was any truth to them. As I reflected on his questions, here are 3 important lessons that I learned.

Seeking growth does not mean you’re unhappy with where you are in life.

One of the biggest misconceptions on happiness is that everyone seeking growth and striving to become better is not happy with where they are and what they’ve accomplished.

Of course, this can be true for some. But there are those who are happy with their present circumstances while also working towards continuous learning and self-improvement. Some even find happiness in the learning process—with its highs and lows, wins and setbacks, and everything in between.

There’s nothing wrong with reawakening your intellectual curiosity on what more you could discover about yourself—what talents you could improve, what skillsets you could learn, and what new things you could integrate into your life that will make you feel most alive and engaged.

Seeking growth doesn’t mean unhappiness. It means you know you can reach beyond the limits you’ve previously set for yourself, toward your greater human potential. After all, isn’t that the reason why we are here on Earth—to learn how to become the best version of ourselves and find joy in the process?

You can find happiness in the present while working towards your goals.

One of the fears associated with setting goals is the “I will be happy when” mentality. It is when one’s happiness is entirely dependent on the outcome that one is hoping to achieve. It is when people delay and ignore any gratification until they accomplish a goal, obtain something of value, or experience a specific life event such as landing a dream job, getting married, or having a child.

Of course, achieving these can give you indescribable joy but finding joy while you’re working towards these goals is also possible.

The first step is self-awareness. Self-aware individuals know how to set realistic goals and expectations. They don’t overestimate the value of their abilities. They know that achieving goals involves discipline, consistency, effort, and most importantly, time.

The second step is self-compassion. You can find happiness in the present by treating yourself with a degree of compassion that enables you to accept setbacks, embrace learning experiences, and find areas that you can improve on. Self-compassion enables you to celebrate incremental progress, even the smallest inch that pushes you towards your goal.

The third step is stepping back so you can see the big picture. Why are you working so hard to achieve these goals? What do all these achievements mean to you? Who are they for? Are these goals enriching other areas of your life? Are you so focused on your goals that you are unintentionally neglecting other areas of your life that can also give you joy?

Seeing the big picture allows you to recognize how the different aspects of your life are interconnected in a weave towards the fulfillment that you’re truly seeking. It enables you to recognize that every day is an opportunity to enjoy and celebrate your progress with those dearest to you.

You can find joy when your focus is on the Savior Jesus Christ.

A wise man once said, “If you look to the Savior for joy, you can never go wrong. After all, He is the source of all joy.”

No matter what path you’re taking, what circumstances you’re experiencing, or what goals you’re diligently working towards, you can find happiness when you pattern your life with the principles and teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is not to say that focusing on the Savior will take away all the hardships and other factors that can overturn your happiness such as sickness, loss of employment, or goals that seem so out of reach. But focusing on the Savior will allow you to see through the lens of the Plan of Salvation—that growth does not come with ease, that trials can refine you and strengthen your faith in the Lord, and that His grace is sufficient to sustain you in your times of need.

You can find joy in knowing that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father’s love for you “is so vast, so encompassing, that no matter how broken or flawed [you] think [you] are, [their] love is simply there.”

You can find joy in knowing that Jesus Christ has set an example for you to receive a glorious and exalted existence in His and Heavenly Father’s presence. You can find joy in knowing that by following the Savior’s teachings, you can be sure that you are living a good and honorable life.

There are many things that can contribute to one’s happiness, but these are the key aspects that have helped me seek growth and self-improvement, set realistic goals, celebrate incremental progress every day, and most importantly, see the Lord’s hand in my everyday quest for a life fully lived.

What has helped you find happiness in the present? What goals are you working towards that give you hope?

The post How To Find Happiness In The Present While Pursuing Your Goals appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Talks about religion can sometimes cause drama, arguments, and even conflict. So most of the time, people’s initial reaction is to avoid any discussion with those who have differing views and ideals. But what if it’s possible to have a peaceful interfaith dialogues with others where you can discuss your beliefs without resorting to disrespect or yelling. Would you be encouraged to stand up and defend what you believe in?

Here are some tips that you can use.

Check your intention at the door.

When sharing your faith and beliefs, it is important that you are clear about your intentions. Is it to prove that you’re right and others are wrong? Or is it simply to share your beliefs and learn from the views of others in the process?

When your intention is the latter, it is highly likely that it will lead to a healthy conversation where common grounds are celebrated, and different views are respected. Often, the faith and beliefs of others all point to one goal—to live good and honorable lives, a common ground that we can all relate to.

Rather than hoping to change someone’s belief, focus on how you can gain a better understanding of their beliefs. You don’t have to agree with them but it’s important that you treat them with tolerance and respect as you would afford to anyone with the same belief as yours.

Sharing your beliefs doesn’t have to be about who’s right and wrong. The main goal should be to inspire others to come unto Christ and share the blessings and joy that come from His gospel. After all, the Lord’s gospel is full of glad tidings.

Check other people’s motives.

Even if your intentions are good, some people will engage in a conversation looking to start an argument. If this is the case, it is wise to know when to walk away especially if they try to rile you up to make it a heated conversation.

Sometimes people think that walking away means that they are not defending their beliefs enough but walking away actually means you’re choosing peace over contention. And that’s a better option. Your faith and beliefs aren’t going to be less true just because you didn’t score some points over a conversation. It’s not a competition in the first place so chill out. Know that the Lord knew that you tried. As President Nelson said, “[T]he Lord loves effort.” One day, your efforts to share the gospel will bring a plentiful reward.

Be mindful of your non-verbal cues.

The most common misconception is that verbal communication is the only important factor to have a good conversation. But guess what, non-verbal cues are also important. In fact, even more so, especially when you are conversing with people who have different points of view.

Rolling your eyes, not maintaining eye contact, looking at your phone, smirking to show disagreement, crossing your arms, and raising your brows are just some of the non-verbal cues that can convey dismissal of what the other person is saying. Although some of these could be unintentional, such as looking at your phone, try to focus your attention on the person you’re talking to. This will convey that you’re engaged and interested. This will also encourage them to continue having peaceful interfaith dialogues with you in the future.

Sharing your faith and beliefs is not a one-way street. The person you’re sharing your beliefs with deserves kindness, respect, and interest when they are sharing theirs—the same expectation you would have while sharing yours.

Tactfully correct misinformation with facts.

During an interfaith conversation, people may bring up incorrect information about your beliefs. It is wise to not consider this as an attack on you or your faith. Think of it as an opportunity to share correct information and encourage them to ask questions or clarify information that they may have read on the internet. This will help them feel safe to come to you when they want to know more about your faith.

It is also wise to stick to facts. If you’re unsure how to answer their questions, you can politely say that you don’t know the answer and that you’ll get back to them. There’s no shame in not knowing the answer. Gospel learning is life-long learning. It’s better to gather the correct information first than to provide incorrect information.

Rely on the Spirit when you’re sharing your beliefs.

In the Bible, we are taught that “we [must] speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth” (1 Corinthians 2:13). When you rely on the Spirit as you share your faith and beliefs, you will be guided and shown “all things [that] ye should do” to invite them to come unto Christ (2 Nephi 32:5). You will also be inspired to communicate with respect and tender regard for their feelings, views, and experiences.

More importantly, the Spirit will bear witness that what you’re sharing is true. It will testify of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and their abounding love for all of us. The Spirit can soften and change hearts, enlighten the understanding, and influence people to learn more about the Savior.

Sharing your faith and beliefs may sometimes feel unpopular amidst all the political and pandemic talks these days. But what better time to have peaceful interfaith dialogues to share the joy and light of the gospel of Jesus Christ than now, when there are so many who want to cling unto hope in their lives. As you share your beliefs, may you do so gladly with compassionate regard for the trials and hardships of the people around you.

The post 5 Tips For Peaceful Interfaith Dialogues With Others appeared first on morefaith.ph.

This was how I felt for a long time after being bombarded with endless unsolicited comments from different people- mostly from my family and friends, regarding how I was doing as a new mom. 

I remember feeling furious at how they seemed insensitive in telling me that I wasn’t doing things right and that I lacked effort. 

I needed help, but when help was given, I took offense to most of it because I felt like their actions and words were all to belittle how I was as a new mom.

How Being Offended Stops Us From Progressing

For a long time, I was trapped in this cycle of wanting to improve, but I couldn’t because I didn’t want to take comments and suggestions from other people, other than books and articles I found online. 

Because I was always offended by almost every bit of help that came my way, I realized that I was torturing myself. Instead of being grateful to the people who went out of their way to help me, or give me suggestions on what might work for me and my child, I took them negatively and believed for so long that no one cared and no one understood me and my journey.

My Father in Heaven heard my cries for help and my prayers for comfort, but because I took things negatively, I wasn’t improving. I wasn’t sensitive enough to understand the Lord’s way of answering my prayers.

Over time, I slowly realized that the things I was praying for were already in front of me. People and their comments were not always the problem, most of the time, it was how I took them. 

The moment I started to realize that, was when my progress also started. 

How To Overcome The Feeling Of Being Easily Offended

Have you ever felt offended by someone’s remarks, comments, or questions? 

Some of us may have a hard time not getting offended or hurt after a bit of unsolicited advice or an unwanted comment from someone. It could be about our career, our family, our personal choices in life, our physical appearance, or even the random things that others say about us.

Although we should indeed all be mindful of what we say and how we say things, some of us sometimes tend to take things too personally, which can affect our relationships with others or even our faith in the Lord. 

However, part of building our spiritual strength and maturity is learning how to overcome this feeling of being easily offended, and learning to understand and be more conscious of how we react to “offensive remarks”.

Is that easy? Not at all! Is it possible? Absolutely, with the help of the Lord!

Here are three things I learned on how to overcome being easily offended.

1. Listen with the ears and heart to understand and not to attack or defend.

Most of the time, the comments and opinions we receive, especially when they come from people who love us, are offered with good intentions. Not everyone can say things the way we want to hear them, but let us believe in the good intentions of those who love us.

If we listen with our ears and heart with the intention of understanding, we will be more engaged in the conversation instead of being offended. It allows us to think about what they say and makes us want to ask questions and get clarifications. 

Let us try to see things the way they see them and understand how they have come to their opinion. It could be that there is something that needs addressing on our part, and who else would be honest enough to tell us if not our loved ones who truly care about our well-being?

2. Be honest with how you feel. They will not know unless you tell them.

These offensive remarks will probably continue, unless you let them know how you hear what they say and how you feel about it. 

Sometimes, people do not have bad intentions in what they say but their words can still hurt others. Letting them know in a nice way that their words are inappropriate will also help them become more sensitive to other people’s feelings.

Make sure to choose your timing, which means wait for a time when you are not angry, just to avoid contention. You can also do it right after the “offensive remark” has been said. Usually, if these people have good intentions, they will apologize and clarify what they mean. After they apologize and clarify what they have said, we can overcome our negative thoughts.

3. Remember that what they say about you or others, says more about themselves and less about you.

Some people might intentionally try to make us feel bad about ourselves, but when we deeply understand who we truly are, these words will not cut into our hearts. We will understand that these people may be going through something within themselves, and that’s why they unconsciously or consciously inflict this pain on the people around them.

This can be a chance to show more love and kindness to them. Instead of being furious and offended, we can focus more on how they must be feeling to have to deal with such negativity. We can take this chance to be a light to others and show our good example by forgiving them and being more loving. 

“What if a certain person intentionally or unintentionally offends me multiple times? How often should I even forgive?”

In Matthew 18: 21-22, Peter asked how many times shall he forgive someone who had sinned against him. The Lord answered, “…I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.”

We Are Not Perfect, But The Lord Wants Us To Always Remember Our Divine Nature and Heavenly Potential

As Elder Dieter Uchtdorf said, “The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life, it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way.”

Painful comments, being judged unjustly, and being misunderstood- all of these, and even worse, were experienced by our dear Savior, Jesus Christ when He walked the earth. He knows every bit of the pain you feel, but He has also laid the foundation and way for you to overcome that pain. As He has forgiven all of His oppressors, as well as our shortcomings and sins, we, too, can forgive others. 

This is not an easy challenge at all, but with the Lord’s help, and the daily guidance of the Holy Ghost, may we be reminded that all of us have different weaknesses, and in one way or another, we are debtors that need forgiveness, too. 

You are a child of God, with a divine nature and heavenly potential. 

Comments and opinions will vary from one person to another. We just can’t please everyone no matter how hard we try. What’s important is we know who to please, and that is our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

What They say about you is the only absolute truth and nothing else. And as we strive to be Christlike, let’s remember that The Savior simply never took offense. 

Here’s a related article on forgiveness.

The post How to Overcome Feeling Offended appeared first on morefaith.ph.

People who never once imagined recording a video of themselves have started sharing updates about what is happening in their lives or new things that they have learned that they want to share with others. It has become the means for people to satisfy their need for human or social connection.

Because of this shift, it has become very easy to see the highlights of people’s lives via even short 15 or 30-second videos. As a result, it’s become easier to unjustly judge others’ actions in passing without really knowing what’s happening behind the screen.

What harm can it do? After all, we mostly keep the judgments to ourselves. It’s not hurting anyone so it’s all good, right?

Yes, it’s not hurting others, but when we do this, we’re hurting ourselves.

How?

We fail to see the good in others and feed our pride. The formation of thought patterns is very similar to the formation of physical patterns. Exercising in the morning, cleaning the dishes right after eating, sleeping on the same side of the bed, and other actions done repeatedly over time become a habit or pattern. The same process happens when we start thinking a certain way, in this case—judging others unjustly.

Sometimes we may think that our negative thoughts are only temporary, but they can reach full swing quickly if we don’t get a grip on our thoughts. Our thinking patterns are also harder to break. Unlike physical patterns which can be broken by not doing the actions permanently, our thinking pattern, once deeply ingrained in our minds, can sneak into our thoughts unconsciously.

How is this harmful?

If we keep having similar streams of negative thoughts and don’t do anything to stop them, we will fail to see the good in others and the need to fellowship them. We might also withhold our service or substance thinking that they deserve what’s happening to them.

All these feelings can make us prideful, thinking that we are better or more righteous than others, which in turn can make us forget that we all walk this life and follow the teachings of the Savior differently.

Some of us follow the Savior with unwavering faith and solid commitment. Others stagger unsteadily all the while holding steadfastly to the truth that they know—that Jesus is the Christ. Some are doing their best to break old habits and lifestyles to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. In short, almost everybody is trying to live the best they can, with all of the challenges, strengths, and weaknesses that are a part of life.

As we try to become better disciples of Jesus Christ, we must learn how to be kind, considerate, and merciful to one another. If we find this hard, we can ask ourselves the same question President Dieter F. Uchtdorf asked in one of his talks, he said, “Because we all depend on the mercy of God, how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves?”

When we judge others harshly, we lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost. One of the greatest gifts given to us as members of the Lord’s Church is the companionship of the Holy Ghost. How fortunate we are to have the ministering influence of one of the members of the Godhead that we ‘may know the truth of all things”. (Moroni 10:5) When we have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we are influenced to do good, see the good in people, serve others, and extend grace and mercy to those who are struggling to follow the Savior Jesus Christ.

But when we let pride and negativity overcome our thoughts, we lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost. In the Book of Genesis, we learn that the “[Lord’s] spirit shall not always strive with man.” We offend the spirit when we think ill of others, judge unjustly, feel envious of others’ fortune, or withhold our service and substance from those in need of help.

To keep the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we can apply Apostle Paul’s counsel in one of his epistles to the Philippians. He said, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things”.

Lastly, whenever we justify our unjust judgment as appropriate, may we remember that unless we can look into another’s heart, judging others unjustly cannot ever be justified.

It may be hard to break the habit of judging others. But when we seek the Lord’s help with changing our thought patterns, we will be guided to opportunities and experiences that will help us have a mighty change of heart.

We can find peace and joy as we try to show the same love, mercy, and compassion that the Savior did when a woman accused of adultery was brought to Him for judgment. In all our dealings, may we be reminded to let those without sin be the first to judge unjustly, criticize, or find fault in others.

The post Why Judging Others Is Harmful To You appeared first on morefaith.ph.

The good news is you can do something about it. The first step is to recognize the reasons behind your exhaustion. Here are the most common.

Lack of sleep. With so much going on in your life, you may sometimes think that you can’t afford the luxury of proper sleep. When you plan your day, do you write down ‘sleep’ as one of your priorities? Does it even make it to the list? More often than not, we only sleep with whatever time is left over after our day.

You might think that you accomplish more by sacrificing your sleep because you can spend more hours completing a task, but this idea is counterproductive. Without enough sleep, the human body is at suboptimal capacity. Difficulty maintaining focus, increased irritability, and vulnerability to stress are just some of the known effects of sleep loss. Science suggests that lack of sleep decreases your productivity so the chances are high that you end up working more to make up for it, which can become an exhausting daily pattern.

So what can you do?

The most common suggestion you’ll find in the media is to reassess your priorities and stop doing the least important things. But what if everything seems to be important and you can’t really find anything to cross out?

The trick is to know the time when you need to wake up then count backward until you have the hours of sleep that you need. Then add another half hour for relaxation. That time will be your hard stop. You can then plan on how to fit everything else that you want to do with the remaining hours left.

Instead of focusing on reassessing your priorities, put sleep as the first item on your priority list.

Pleasing others. One of the most common motivators of our actions is trying to please others. Pleasing others involves a high tendency of conforming to other people’s opinions or expectations even if you don’t want to. This is exhausting because you end up doing what you don’t want to do or act in a way that is not true to yourself. Pretending takes a huge conscious effort and tremendous willpower that drains your energy. You become so focused on the comfort and welfare of others that you begin to neglect your own.

Sometimes pleasing others can be underestimated and confused with generosity but pleasing others is done at the expense of your happiness and helping others is a genuine act that lifts both the giver and the receiver.

So what can you do?

The most important step is, to be honest with yourself on what gives you fulfillment and joy, then define the things that make you feel otherwise. This then gives you a clear backbone in defining your boundaries and expectations. The next step is to communicate these boundaries and expectations to others. These steps may be difficult at first but can free you from unnecessary stress and anxiety and can eventually lead to self-nourishment, healthy self-regard, and vigorous intent to share your happiness with others.

Being TOO ‘anxiously engaged in a good cause’. Have you ever done something where you put in so much more effort than required that it ended up being overdone or too perfect? It’s not bad at all. Going the extra mile is good but it can also be unnecessary. Sometimes you can be caught up in the idea that you must go above and beyond to be appreciated but the truth is, the simple effort that you put in to serve or help others is more than enough.

Extra effort can provide ‘nice to have’ additions but the people you are with are more important.

Going the unnecessary extra mile every time will only cause exhaustion and exhaustion does not equal perfection.

Disregarding personal time. In today’s overscheduled world, how do you find the time to give to yourself? Personal time allows your brain to reboot, think more clearly, and engage in deep thought on what drives you, inspires you, and makes your life fulfilling. It’s an opportunity to connect with your true sense of self, without any distractions. It is the unstructured time and space to let your mind wander, process, and decompress without fear of being judged and influenced against your will.

This is not to say that personal time can give so much energy that you won’t feel exhausted after a hard day’s work, but science suggests that personal time can help you to be in a better and healthier mindset to accomplish your tasks, which can lessen mistakes, repetition, and stress that often lead to exhaustion.

And not only your mind, but your spirit needs personal time. Taking a few minutes throughout the day to pray to your Heavenly Father, read a scripture verse or two, or just sit quietly and think about things you are grateful for in your life can make a huge difference in how you feel, calming you down and giving you a more eternal view that can put stress in perspective.

Not forgiving yourself. Do you constantly torture yourself with thoughts of, “I could have done better?” It’s not bad to think about what you could have done better and use that knowledge to improve your performance. But when you start beating yourself up because of it, it becomes a trap—a trap that can kill your will to move forward and progress. If you focus on the mistakes and not the lessons, and then spend time imagining what could have been, it’s easy to fall into a spiral of self-blame which can be emotionally and mentally exhausting.

Falling into this trap only impedes your progress because there’s no point in agonizing over something in the past that you have no control over. Instead, focus your thoughts and motivation on what you can do to improve in the future.

The journey ahead might be a little bumpy but you can be assured that the Lord will bless you with inspiration, comfort, opportunities, and aide along the way. The light of Christ that is within you, will always be there to provide divine influence as you strive towards daily progression.

Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself. Celebrate small wins. Aim for excellence, not perfection because God doesn’t expect you to be perfect in this life, and perfection is not a pre-requisite to becoming successful—whatever success means to you. Success is so much more blissful when you’re less exhausted, isn’t it?

So take your time and reflect. What makes you feel exhausted? What activities deplete you mentally, emotionally, and physically? What makes you feel alive? What activities make you feel that you’re one with your true self?

The post 5 Reasons Why You’re Exhausted And What You Can Do About It appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Adulting can mean different things to different people. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ definition to adulting. It’s an individualized definition that only you can determine for yourself. For some, it might mean earning a stable income to achieve financial freedom while for others it can mean providing daily sustenance for the family. For you, it can mean setting a goal and preparing yourself to achieve it.

So the next time you judge yourself using someone’s life as a mirror to see how far you’ve come on your adulting journey, PAUSE, and use your own mirror. Only you can determine if you’ve become one.

There’s no timeline to adulting. This is one of the most important truths that you should know. Adulting doesn’t happen at a certain age. Every person’s adulting journey is different. We all have different experiences, cultural and religious backgrounds, upbringing, privileges, limitations, and everything else that makes our journey unique. Adulting can happen at any age or at any stage of someone’s life.

Moving out of a parent’s house at age 18 may be the marker of adulthood in some cultures but even within that culture, every individual’s journey is different. This marker can happen at age 20 or 25 or even 40 and can still mean adulting to someone. Although social norms would say otherwise, your adulting timeline is your own.

Adulting is not a one-time event, it’s a non-stop journey. Others might think that adulting happens only once and that once you’ve achieved it, it won’t ever change. The truth is, as our lives continue to unfold, our adulting journey also continues to evolve. You might consider graduating from college to be a marker of adulthood but once you’ve achieved it, your journey does not stop there. You then set your eyes on landing a job that will help you pay the bills and save for your future. Then you set your eyes on another goal and the journey goes on.

It doesn’t stop. It doesn’t mean your goals gets bigger or harder to achieve either. It can be as simple as choosing to get up in the morning even if you don’t feel like going to work or deciding to take a day off to take care of your mental health.

The journey is not just about the victories but also the lessons. Just like most journeys, everyone’s adulting journey has its ups and downs. Sometimes, even after giving your all, it just doesn’t work out the way you want it to . And it’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up. It’s okay to feel discouraged and disappointed. What’s not okay is not learning from your experiences or choosing not to act on things that you can improve.

One of the true markers of adulthood is learning from your mistakes and failures and using those lessons to better yourself to become one step closer to your full potential.

Adulting doesn’t mean figuring it all out. If you’ve asked yourself the question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” and you haven’t quite figured out the answer yet, know that you’re not alone. Many people are not sure what’s next for them in the next 6 months, let alone 5 years. The truth is people figure things out as they go.

Not knowing what’s next doesn’t mean you’re failing at adulting.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Being an adult has so many demands and it’s so often hard to keep up with. The pressures of work, family, marriage, dating, school, or other priorities that you deal with everyday can pull you in different directions and be overwhelming. It can even make you feel inadequate sometimes.

This is a reality for many and it’s okay. It’s all part of the journey. If you’ve made it through the day, then pat yourself on the back. Take it one day at a time. Celebrate small wins. Set realistic goals and commit to a consistent follow through. Don’t set the bar too high when you plan your day but also not so low that you won’t grow.

Adulting is not about finding time to do everything. As you grow into adulthood, you will realize that there will never be enough time to do everything you want to do but if you focus your time on the things that are most important to you, you will find that the time you’ve been given is enough.

The most important things could be financial stability, purchasing a home, investing and other big goals or it could be anything related to self-care and mental health, preparing a meal for the family, providing a safe space for learning for your kids, or finishing that book you’ve always wanted to read. What’s most important in life varies for everyone. Focus on what is most important to you and don’t let social norms dictate what you spend your time pursuing.

Adulting is fun. When people talk about adulting, sometimes all you hear is about how hard and challenging it is. Some would even say that they envy a kid’s care-free life. The truth is, adulting can be fun—you learn to stand on your own feet, make decisions, be accountable for your choices, earn from a hard day’s work, meet new people, create new relationships, carve your own path and reach for your dreams. You also learn from drawbacks and improve yourself along the way.

It is hard and sometimes exhausting but there’s also beauty in the journey if we embrace the truth that adulting means growing and growing isn’t supposed to be smooth and easy.

Having a ‘lazy day’ is okay. Binge watching your favorite show on a Saturday morning, sleeping in, or deciding to just chill for the day is okay. It doesn’t mean you’re slacking from your adulting goals. It just means you need time to relax—no deadlines or list to check-off. But it also doesn’t mean mindless scrolling on social media all day. It means taking a moment for some peace and quiet.

As you try to figure life out, don’t forget to let your body recuperate. Your mind and body work best when you’re well rested.

Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re not adult enough. We all need help from others, one way or another. We all need compassion, kindness, empathy, consideration, professional expertise, and the grace of God or divine intervention of some kind. Needing something from others does not equal not being adult enough. It’s the opposite. Recognizing when you need help and asking for it are marks of adulthood.

You might think that no one has time to lend a hand. But you will be surprised by how many people, even strangers, will come to your rescue if you need help. Sometimes, even the help you didn’t ask for will come.

Some help only those who are trained professionally can provide such as counselling or therapy, but don’t be afraid to seek professional help when you need it. Some things are not meant to be done on your own.

Whatever life throws at you, help is always available through the Savior Jesus Christ who knows you personally, knows your needs, and hears your silent petitions.

As you navigate your way through your adulting journey, you’ll discover more truths as you grow and flourish into the person you want to become. Cherish life as it goes. The beauty of adulting does not only lie in the destination but mostly during the journey in the search of what it takes to really become an adult. Enjoy life. Become better than you were yesterday and most importantly take care of yourself.

The post 10 Truths About Adulting That You Should Know appeared first on morefaith.ph.

One skill that can help us is resilience. Resilience is the ability to not only bounce back from life’s setbacks and difficulties, but also adapt well to change and find profound personal growth from adversity. It’s something that, once learned, can impact our behaviors, thoughts, and actions. So whether we are going through a tough time right now or we just want to be prepared when trials come, here are 11 ways to foster resilience in ourselves.

Believe in yourself. This is the most important way for us to build resilience. We have to believe that we are worth it. We have to believe that what has gotten us this far in life are the lessons we have learned and the right decisions we made. We have to believe that we are capable of thriving.

If you don’t feel this way about yourself because of mistakes you might have made, remember the last time you were in a similar situation. Remind yourself of all that you have already overcome. Remember how hard you fought to get to where you are now, and how far you’ve come from where you started.

Believe in yourself because someone so powerful, eternal, and perfect does. Our Father in Heaven knows exactly what we are capable of. Within us are godly attributes and divine potential that can give us strength and confidence to overcome our trials.

Another thing you can try is positive self-talk. It feels so good when others encourage us or believe in us. But you can give encouragement and compliments to yourself every day. If you did great and no one noticed, give yourself a pat in the back and say, “Great job!”. If you think you didn’t do so well, thank yourself for doing all you can. Positive self-talk can go a long way!

Nurture yourself. Self-care is a buzz word in the media and on social platforms every day but it’s more than a buzzword because our personal well-being depends on it. Self-care means nurturing ourselves mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally and across all areas that wellness encompasses.

Self-care is very personal and varies from person to person. It could be an hour of quiet time daily or during the weekend for some reading or meditation. It could be regular exercise and healthy eating or a weekend of watching your favorite movies. It could mean a spa day, a bubble bath or a day without the kids. It could be doing something you love, or enrolling in a class to learn something new. It could mean a day with friends or slowly moving away from toxic relationships, setting boundaries and saying no.

Self-care can mean many things but one thing is for sure, it isn’t a guilty pleasure or something we should do as a last resort to regain our sanity. It’s a life-long pursuit to maintain vibrant health, harmony, and happiness in our lives. It can transform our lives for the better.

When we nurture ourselves, our capacity to endure challenges increases. Our mind, body, heart, and spirit are ready to take on challenges because we’ve already developed a routine to help us cope with stress and that can sustain us during difficult times.

Accept that change is inevitable. Whether we like it or not, change will always be constant, no matter how well we plan our lives. When we accept that change is a part of life, it helps us be more open to stepping out of our comfort zone and evolving as a person. We will be more comfortable and prepared when life suddenly alters something that we had planned or hoped for.

Knowing that change can happen anytime can also help us prepare for contingency plans and teach us to become more strategic when everything goes south. It fosters flexibility to rediscover ourselves—our goals, desires, what we need for our inner well-being and how to find personal fulfillment. We could even find ourselves embarking in new directions we never knew possible.

We also become more accepting when our goals are no longer attainable given our current situation and shift our focus to what we can do to make our situation better. Having this mindset will allow us to recognize the good things that come from change, or count the blessings that we receive everyday despite our difficulties.

Accept circumstances that can’t be changed. When things don’t go as we hope, we tend to dwell on the “what could have been” and “what if”. Often times we daydream of what we wished would have happened and get stuck on wishing for things that we have no control over. This can cause us a great deal of stress and exhaustion and keep us from growing and living our lives freely.

The truth is, there are things that we have no control over, no matter how hard we try. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we can liberate ourselves from the baggage of the past, boost our self-esteem and grow our confidence to pursue the very things that make our souls feel most alive.

It can be really hard, even scary. But accepting is easier when you focus on the liberating and exhilarating feeling of letting go and no longer worrying about the things that you cannot change.

Recognize that your struggle is valid, no matter what you’re struggling with. Our individual struggles vary. Even similar struggles can come in different degrees and forms. No struggle is the same. So the next time you hear someone say that you shouldn’t fret because others have it much worse, you shouldn’t feel guilty.

We have every right to feel that we are struggling, regardless of what others have been through relative to our experience. There will be others not affected by something that’s stressing us out, but it does not mean that what we feel is not real. The fact that others might be coping better does not mean that our struggle isn’t valid. Each of us deal with our struggles differently. So let’s be kinder with ourselves. The sooner we recognize that we’re struggling, the sooner we can take action to solve whatever we’re struggling with and move on.

Establish manageable steps to solve the problem. Once you recognize that you’re struggling with something, you must act. You can’t simply sit and expect the problem to go away. The first step is to define your goal, then develop realistic steps that will help you move forward toward your goal. You can also reflect on the things that you could have done better in that kind of situation. This will help you not make the same mistakes you might have made in the past.

And when you accomplish something that brings you one step closer to your goal, celebrate it! Give yourself some credit—even if it seems like it’s a small win. If things get overwhelming and you feel discouraged, focus on the progress that you’ve made thus far.

Proactively working towards solving our problems or reaching our goals helps us feel more in control of our lives. This feeling can empower and motivate us even in the midst of adversity.

Build and strengthen relationships. Even when we think we can do it all alone, social support in all its forms has an important role to play in our lives. Relationships that foster love, trust, encouragement, and reassurance of our worth can help boost our resilience. It helps us feel more at ease when we have people who genuinely care about us—in both good and bad times.

So strengthen those relationships—in whatever way you can. Drop a text or do a 5-minute catch-up over the phone. Share your milestones and celebrate with them in whatever way possible given our present circumstances. Support their businesses, give them a follow on their social media accounts so you stay connected and aware of what’s going on in their lives.

Strengthening a relationship is different for everyone, so explore what works for you and the people you love and care for. If you don’t have solid relationships yet, maybe it’s time to step out of your comfort zone a little and find someone you can do activities with—little steps that can flourish into a friendship you maybe never knew you needed.

Build on your existing strengths. We have all been on a rough journey—one way or another, but the fact that we are still here means we were able to pull through somehow. And because we have been through that rough journey, we all have strengths that have helped us to persevere in the face of difficulty, personal attributes such as the ability to stay calm in the midst of a heated argument, or the ability to see the silver lining in every situation.

When you face hard times, remember that you already have existing strengths that you can utilize and build on that will help you make it through.

Cultivate a positive attitude. Positivity means so much more than simply “seeing the good” in all things. It also means acknowledging that unpleasant emotions are part of life and are essential to our growth. It means that we can see the things that are not working, giving us the opportunity to improve them. It’s understanding that challenges are temporary and can teach us a thing or two about life. Cultivating a positive attitude requires conscious effort in the beginning, but with consistent effort, it will come  more naturally when we need it.

Avoid negative outlets. It may be tempting to turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances to temporarily relieve us from our pain and suffering, but these can do more harm than good. Or we may be tempted to go to places that are dark with banging loud music to shut our minds off but again, these kinds of outlets are all temporary and can even be damaging if we’re not careful. Some seek out people who are negative or sad themselves, thinking that they will understand them better, but such friends only increase the negativity in our lives, instead of helping us to heal.

The truth is, all these cannot cure our pain at all. Focus your time and energy instead on things that will help, and people who can guide you when you feel lost. Turn to people you can trust who will care for your well-being, exchanging negative outlets for more positive and encouraging ones.

There’s no other way forward but through. The sooner we realize this truth, the sooner we can get back up and pull ourselves together. It may be tempting to put our struggles aside and deal with them later but it’s like baggage we need to carry up a staircase. The more weight we take with us, the harder it is, and the more it will slow us down. So when a struggle presents itself, let’s face it head on. Some baggage will take only a little effort and time to unload and others will take a lot more, but if we deal with them as soon as we are able and act to make them a little lighter each day, we can move forward with less weight on our shoulders.

Increasing our resilience takes time and effort. It’s not something that we can develop overnight. In fact, it’s a life-long quest that we need to continue to pursue. As we do, our ability to bounce back from challenges and adapt to change will increase. It can even transform our lives for the better if we let it.

The post 11 Ways To Help You Become More Resilient appeared first on morefaith.ph.