Friday, May 28, 2013

Had an interesting discussion with a dear friend today (this is copied from our facebook chat):
The flag icon is me, and the other is a Therese Kirchner. She has Crohn's Disease.

I walked my 500th km today.

I saw that, you go girl

My hiking boots sure have gotten some wear.

I love it. I feel so much better. I'm so grateful for all the challenges I've had this year.

I was thinking today while driving about the parable of the talents

I like that thought I sent you

(This is the thought I sent her:

Now, I wish to encourage those who are in the midst of hard trials, who feel their faith may be fading under the onslaught of troubles. Trouble itself can be your way to strengthen and finally gain unshakable faith.

President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First Presidency
“Mountains to Climb,” General Conference, April 2012

And how maybe challenges are like the talents.

very true

the more we deal with them, the more capable we are to deal with the next ones

once we know the key, prayer

And how when we make the best of our challenges we are given not only more challenges to face, but greater strength.

very good

to bad, that some people never learn that lesson

Therese: I've been very careful in all of this- at times feeling like Job, to always remember my blessings and to see the good side.

There has ALWAYS been a good side.

My blessings far outnumber my challenges.

yes there definitely is. Used to say in the mission field that are challenges are like a ladder, each challenge you meet helps you up the ladder

Therese: I really feel like I've come to understand Job very well. With everything that has been thrown at me along the way.

difference between challenges and problems do you know?

tell me

one like a math problem or a scientific problem may not have an answer

while a challenges is something you can grow over.

Therese: 

ah ha!! So instead of looking for an answer, you have to look for a solution.

a challenge makes you stronger and smarter

yes

If I look at where I was a year ago- there was nothing wrong with my life. I had a good job, great kids, active in church... etc etc...

And where I am today- There is a huge step up. Some of the everyday clutter in my life has given way for better health and refined priorities.

ah ha!! So instead of looking for an answer, you have to look for a solution.

a challenge makes you stronger and smarter

yes

If I look at where I was a year ago- there was nothing wrong with my life. I had a good job, great kids, active in church... etc etc...

And where I am today- There is a huge step up. Some of the everyday clutter in my life has given way for better health and refined priorities.