Why is it that even though we have a Savior before us, always willing to rescue us, we try to rescue ourselves?
That plan never works out.

Justify Yourself to Hell?

The phrase, "You can justify yourself all the way to hell" has been around for a long, long time, and once upon a time, I thought it was a bit harsh. But not anymore. In fact, I think that phrase holds a perfect truth.

Each time we justify a poor choice, blame others for circumstances that we've brought upon ourselves, or justify an evil by seeking out a supposed good within it, we are slowly building a road that none of us should ever want to travel, a road we should - with everything in us - fight to avoid at all cost. It only takes one step on that path, and then another, and another. Pretty soon we will find ourselves in a miserable abyss, and none of us are there alone.
May we all overcome the weakness of self-justification and rise above it, making ourselves willing vessels wherein God can perform His wonders, and the Savior can fill us with His healing and cleansing love.

Many of us justify our poor usage of agency. We chose to disobey God, we justify our choices, and we look on the commandments of God as "helpful suggestions."

Big, big, big mistake!

There is So Much More!

Have you ever had those days when you wake up with a song in your head and it just sticks no matter what? I've had "There's Got to Be More" flowing through my mind all morning, so I know it's going to be an

awesome and amazing day! This song was definitely my second favorite song on the "Saturday's Warrior" movie, my top favorite being Kenny Holland's version of the same song during the end credits.

Sometimes we get so caught up in day to day living that just living becomes our entire focus. Some of us let life consume us to the point that we forget that there is so much more than just what we see in this life! We are not here just to exist. We are here to learn and grow and gain those attributes we will need to become like Christ. Then, when this mortal journey is over, our lives will move on and we will still be learning and growing. The journey never ends.
I don't know about you, but I think that is pretty amazing! It shows just how truly mindful of us our Heavenly Father is. He has a plan, and nothing will hinder that plan. However, how His plan works in our individual life will depend on the personal choices we make.
So, on days of discouragement, take comfort in knowing that there is more to this life than we can possibly see, and the big picture - if we allow it to - will be God's masterpiece for each of us.
And yours will be glorious!