Give it 110%

Awe yeah!  Another post about swimming is coming at you!

I am a competitive person.  I don't like to lose.  My family can attest to this fact (we get kinda into board games....)  When I got into swimming, it was the best thing I could have done.  The competition is incredible!  Swimming is a unique sport.  It is both a team and individual sport; this made it a great sport for me.  Not only was I swimming against another person in hopes of beating them and earning points for my team, but I was swimming against myself.  Double competition!  Booyah!

On a team level, we were all working together for one cause: to beat the opponents.  We all know it's true!  No team goes into a competition or meet saying "well, let's not win this one.  Who cares?"  Haha, no.  It matters.  The goal is to come out on top!  Each of us is there trying our best.  We cheer on our teammates.  Help each other reach our goals.  There is also a coach there to tell you what you did that was good, and where there is room for growth; which ultimately helps you to become better.  As solitary as this sport may feel, it's not.  There's always someone there for you.

As much as you have a team there with you, competitors in the pool in the next lane over, it's ultimately you verses the clock.  Each race the goal is to go faster than you did before.  Drop more and more time and become better and better.  It's self perfecting at it's best!  To do this, you practice daily (sometimes more than once a day).  During these practices you better your technique, build up your endurance, push yourself to the limits, and do as much as you can to be ready for the day of the meet and beat your old time.

Swimming was something I poured my soul into!  I physically and mentally drained myself in this sport!  There were times that I thought I couldn't go any longer or give it anything more.  At those times, it was the help of my team and coach that got me to push past the limits.

In 2 Nephi 25:23 it says "...for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."  This life we are expected to do all that we can.   Give ourselves 110% to the Lord.  Obviously, we aren't perfect.  As much as we give, it will never be enough.  That is where the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comes in.  He is there with open arms to lift us up; He is there to help us push past the limits that we reach in this life to become much more.  To help us become "2perfect, even as [our] Father which is in heaven is perfect." 

What has helped you give your 110%?

The Last Crossing

All of us have heard at least something about the Mormon pioneers crossing the plains.  It was a long and treacherous journey.  Many didn't even make it the whole way.  Back in high school I had the opportunity to go on two pioneer reenactment's (commonly known as a Pioneer Trek or just Trek).  We wore the clothes, pulled hand carts, played the games, and read many of the experiences from the actual pioneers.  In short, it was a very fun and humbling experience.

A few weeks ago, two of my younger brothers were able to go on a Pioneer Trek of their own.  From what my mom and dad said in their emails, my brothers loved it!  One of the things they did on their trek was write a poem about their experience.  My mother (the stellar woman that she is) mailed me a copy of my brother Josh's poem.



When I read it, I was amazed!  Maybe it's because he is my brother and I'm a doting older sister, but it really is amazing.  So, here it is.

The Last Crossing

by Joshua Nestman

The sun is beating down with a vigorous zeal,

Attacking the hats that are protecting it's meal.

The sun's fiery breath is filled with hate,



My Bro's!  Joshua (left) Jordan (right)

Giving the saint's a taste of hell's iron-gate.

But when heat turns to cold and ice turns to snow,

The saints start to wonder how far they can go.

Before they collapse from the strength that they lack,

As snow drifts pile up as ice on their back.

An ice filled stream appears in our way,

I can't help but feel that death is at bay.

Waiting to claim us in his cold grasp,

"How can we do this?" to no one I ask.

But I straighten up and I stand tall,

I promise to keep going even if I fall.

I forge across the river leading the others,

Strangers at first but now we are brothers.

I make the bank as I look back pausing,

I see some members who can't make the crossing.

Back and forth I walk and wade,

Helping all those who are in need of aid.

My body is frozen, my hands are shaking,

I can't even feel my legs as they're quaking.

It's done; they're across, I sigh in relief.

I step on the bank and I collapse in a heap.

As I lay cold and dying in the snow-covered sand,

I feel a scarred palm take up my hand.

As my Savior pulls me to my feet,

He says "Life's a journey and yours is complete."

I hope this touches you as much as it touched me.  The more I reflect upon these words, the more I desire to give my all to the Savior.  I love my Savior.  One day, I want to have Him tell me: "Welcome home dear daughter.  You've served me well."

Thank you Joshua for the inspiration you have given me and hopefully many others.  Love you!

Answers

There has been a lot on my mind lately.  So many questions and concerns that my head has become it's own swirling cosmos that seems to have no end.  Needless to say, I have had a lot to sift through.  Things I thought I knew and had planned out are being questioned.  Concerns about what lies ahead have become rather daunting.  How can peace come to such a madhouse as this?  First, I said a handy dandy prayer and asked the Lord for some guidance.  That's always the answer it seems right?  To pray.  But it is true and it works! 

How can I go on?

I would like to share a letter I received.  It cut me to the core when I read it.  There has been some editing for privacy, but I'd like you to visualize how this person feels as you read it.

"I guess I just have a lot on my mind that I need to get out....  There are so many things going through my mind I feel like I am almost going insane.  Literally going insane.  I cannot make my mind just think straight, I want too; I really do, but it just won't.  I wake up every morning and I ask myself, "Is life worth living?  Do I ask for help?" 

Traditions

Each year my family gets together on Christmas eve and celebrates the season.  The night usually includes carols, treats, basketball (when in the church gym), and time with the family.  One of the best parts of the night is when my Grandpa, Lo Thar Nestman, pulls out the scriptures and reads from Luke 2:

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all ^athe world should be ^btaxed. 
2(And this ^ataxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called ^aBethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his ^aespoused wife, being great with child.

6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7And she brought forth her ^afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the ^binn.

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the ^aglory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you ^agood tidings of great ^bjoy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is ^aborn this day in the city of David a ^bSaviour, which is Christ the ^cLord.
12And this shall be a ^asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14^aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth ^bpeace, good will toward men.

In verse 9, when it says "And, lo", he pauses and stands up.  Always has to point out his name.  He thinks he is funny sometimes.  But, it has become something we expect and anticipate.  Not just because we find my grandpa entertaining, but because this tradition has always helped my family remember what the true meaning of Christmas is.  It is about the Savior.  It is a remembrance of one of the most important historical events this world has ever known.  I love Christmas time!  As you go through this season, try to remember what it truly is about.

Do you have a streak going?

"You want to get a streak going.  You can carry a streak forward, but when you start losing a few you can get in a real dive."  Personally, I don't think President Monson was applying this statement just to sports.  We learn in science from Newton's first law that "an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force".  Our daily efforts to do what's right can be considered our "spiritual streak". 
At first, it is hard to start.  Starting from ground zero is always a daunting task.  An unbalanced force is necessary to get that streak going.  But what force can help?  Well, here's a couple of things that have helped me out.
1.  Pray daily.  By doing this, we invite the spirit into our lives.  "As you make a habit of approaching God in prayer, you will come to know Him and draw ever nearer to Him"1.  Heavenly Father wants to hear from us.  He is there for us whenever we need him.  His line is never busy. Moroni 7:48 reads: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, ^apray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true ^bfollowers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall ^cbe like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be^dpurified even as he is pure. Amen" 2.
2.  Study the scriptures.  Scripture study is key!  The purpose of the scriptures is to draw us closer to Him.  They testify of Christ and lead us to eternal life.  Daily study will help us to be receptive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.  It is also how we put on our daily "armor" to protect us from the things in the world.  Helaman 3:29-30 reads "Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the ^aword of God, which is ^bquick and powerful, which shall ^cdivide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and ^dnarrow course across that everlasting ^egulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked— And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the ^aright hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out" 3.
3.  Attend Church each week.  It is a commandment, plain and simple.  The Lord has asked us to set one day apart, Sunday, for worship and rest.  Sunday is a day for us to partake of the Sacrament and remember what our Savior has done for us.  "Our Sabbath-day behavior is a reflection of our commitment to honor and worship God" 4.  By going to church and keeping the Sabbath Day Holy, we will be filled with joy and peace.
By doing these 3 things, it will be the start of a whole new streak.  You will be able to feel the spirit more abundantly in life.  It will make it easier to continue to make right choices and stay on the straight and narrow path.  We will be prepared for the things that the adversary will throw at us.  Starting them may be rough and you will face challenges, but I know that the Lord will provide a way for you to be able to do them all.  He will help you down the path and help keep you there.  The "spiritual streak" is the "streak to success".  Get the ball rollin'!

Family

"Because families are ordained of God, they are the most important social unit in time and in eternity" (PMG p.32).  Each of us is given an incredible gift in this life, family.  When I first hear the word "family", I think of my immediate family: mom, dad, brothers, and sisters.  After thinking more about it, everyone in this world is a part of my family.  We are all sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father.  He knows each of us individually.  He knows our strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, desires, and our potential.  As we view everyone as a beloved son or daughter of God, a brother or sister, we will have a greater love for them.  Each person on this earth has divine potential.  How much better would this world be if we could all see each other as children of god with endless potential?  I love my family dearly.  They mean everything to me.  I know that if I can have that same love for everyone, I will be that much closer to becoming like our Savior. 

Sunday Rain

Rain is an amazing thing.  It is so pure and clean.  The rain is what cleanses the earth and gives it that renewed feeling.  Just as the rain cleanses the earth, our Savior and His Atonement can cleanse us.  We too can feel cleansed and renewed by relying on the Atonement and applying it in our lives.  Today, I was able to see both processes of cleansing.  It rained, cleansing the earth, and we had sacrament meeting, which cleanses us all weekly.  Both, amazing blessings.