Mountains to Climb

On my mission, there was a song that we would listen to almost every single day. It was called, Mountains to Climb. I sort of remember the lyrics, but I'm sure if the song was played I could easily sing a long. The lyrics said, "I know that it won't be easy, but I wanna be strong so, give me mountains to climb, give me rivers to cross, give me something that's going to make me better than I was. Give me mountains to climb because I know it's taking me higher than I've ever been before." 

As I have started hiking frequently this last year, I always think of that song. Hiking isn't easy. I remember the first hike I did with my friends about six months ago. It is called, Three Peaks. I remember almost hyperventilating because I was so out of shape. I didn't want to make it to the top, because it was hard. It was straight uphill for almost 3 miles. But, oh, how I was so happy I made it. The view was spectacular. The reward was magnificent.

I reflected on that first hike I did, and compared it to todays. Today I did the Crouching Lion hike, it was still very difficult, but I have done harder things before, so I knew I could do it. I didn't want to give up, in fact I was with going to the the very top, which is where that guy the size of an ant is in the second picture. If we always stayed at ground level, if we never climbed mountains, we would never be able to see views such as the one below. (I of course was the last/slowest one up there, as usual).

I suppose what the song was trying to say was, yes, give me challenges, give me change, give me difficulties. With our struggles and our metaphorical mountains we can progress and we will be able to see what God has been creating for us the entire time. Sometimes the journey sucks. Sometimes it's steep and hot and sweaty, but in the end, we receive more than what was taken out of us during it all.

Love,
Caressa

From now on, I CHOOSE.

First and foremost:

This blog is a place for me to write down my thoughts and inspirations I receive. I want to share these things with those closest to me; my family, and a few of my dearest friends. My inspiration to do this is from my fathers dedication to writing his "Tender Mercies" every day. I know it brings the spirit into his life and into the lives of others. My mom has also mentioned many times that I do this. I felt really connected to my parents on my mission when I was able to share with them my days and impressions I gained. My goal is to write in this a few times a week, perhaps a single thought or a picture for each day. I know that this will help me in my personal struggles, and help me really think things through. It will also help my keep a commandment of keeping a record. Just killing many birds with one stone, I guess.

Now on with todays thought:
Today wasn't one of my best days. Whether it was due to hormones, selfishness, pride, insecurities, or anyone of my many problems, it was just a poopy day. But, it was only that way because I let it be that way. I made certain decisions that prevented me from achieving anything or being productive. I love the poem Invictus by Willaim Ernest Henley. The last stanza is powerful and it says,

"It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul."

I have the power to choose how each day of my life will be. I can choose to be thankful and happy regardless of my circumstance. I chose to be sad today. I chose to cry and whine. In the Bible, Joshua 24:15, it says, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I didn't serve the Lord today. I didn't choose to make Him the focal point. In retrospect, I realize that is the cause of many bad days, choosing to give into negativity and personal deceit instead of choosing goodness. If I am bummed that my friends haven't called me, it must mean it's time for me to reach out to my friends. If I feel empty or lost, it must mean that the Lord is just waiting for me to ask what I need to do.

This evening I went to hang out with Frietz, and we talked about this for a while. He said maybe the reason I feel the way I feel is I don't dedicate my time to things that matter most. In the midst of our conversation, I thought about the way I felt on my mission, and how excited I was to write home each week. It was such a hard time, but it was such a happy time, because I knew I was doing the right thing. So, tonight at 12:48 am, I choose to be happy. I choose to make a change. I choose to look for the good in each day. I choose to seek out friends, instead of waiting around feeling sorry for myself. I choose to dedicate time to my family each week. I choose to dedicate time the Lord, every single day.

-Caressa

P.S.

Mom, Dad, I love you dearly. I hope that you know I admire you both beyond measure. I apologize for me defensiveness lately. I am sorry for not listening. I will try harder to be humble and patient.