2023 September 23, Journal Entry

We took a sunrise drive over to the Saratoga Springs temple grounds and then drove up American Fork Canyon and the Alpine Loop. 

Worked on our garden by planting the flowers that we had previously purchased. Then we got three more boxwood style bushes that we will plant hopefully on Monday.

I'll try to get better photos later.

We will serve at the Lindon Bishop's Storehouse this morning... Usually a very satisfying, thought-provoking and learning experience. I always look forward to our missionary service at the Storehouse.

Come Follow Me 

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

"…[F]aith cannot…force our will upon God. We cannot force God to comply with our desires—no matter how right we think we are or how sincerely we pray. Consider the experience of Paul, who pleaded with the Lord multiple times for relief from a personal trial—what he called “a thorn in the flesh.” But that was not God’s will. Eventually, Paul realized that his trial was a blessing, and he thanked God for not answering his prayers the way he had hoped."

Fourth Floor, Last Door, By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, OctobeR 2016

Indeed, who of us prays for or otherwise seeks hardships in our lives? Our Heavenly Father knows that trials and difficulties will (should) strengthen us and help us become better and will lovingly help us get through them.

Book of Mormon reading