Am I Turtly enough for the Turtle Club?

Well.  I have decided that I want to be more like a turtle one day.  Now I do not know to much about the thought process of the creatures, but from what I have observed they are worth admiring.  I can not even count how many of the little guys we have passed in our recent travels.  They are all just there.  Right in the middle of the road.  Some might consider them suicidal.  I choose to call them determined.  It takes a lot of dedication to ones end goal to endure facing so much danger.  I mean there are a lot of crazy drivers out on these Kentucky roads.  We all know they can not dodge those kinds of things.  And its hot, they could melt right on the spot.  The turtles however stay focused.   Maybe they know that a better life is just on the other side of that long stretch of pavement.  Maybe the mere hope of such an ideal is enough to drive them to act.  Maybe they trust their instinct so much it leaves no room for doubt.  They are determined to the end.  Sticking with what they know is right even when they know it may cost them everything.

Our challenge today is simlar to that of my turtle friends that patiently, and diligently maintain a larger perspective.  An eternal perspective you might say.  Often we do not know what promised blessings await us on the other side of that long and dangerous journey.  But if we stay fast to what we know to be true, trusting in those instincts that are greater than our own, our reward will be of infinate worth. 

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God adn of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

2 Nephi 31:20

The Namesake

I remember all too well coming home from school in my younger years (okay lets not lie it still happens sometimes) seeking refuge from the torments of my peers.  Or leaving the gym frustrated because the taunts and screams from the opponent had gotten into my little head and taken a toll on my athletic performance.  This world is not lacking for that constant opinion of what you are not, and what you should be.  There will always be someone to tell you that you are not good enough, not skinny enough, not funny enough, or not smart enough.  It seems that such people are always easier to find than those who will build and encourage you to meet your potential.  When I came home with these feelings of discouragement I was often met with the same advice.  "You know Mar, just don't listen to them.  You know who you are and what you are about.  Just drown them out."

Always the easier said then done right?  I have however found it to be the most effective way of avoiding peer pressure/rejection.  As a missionary I am far from the most popular person in town.  Daily my deepest beliefs and passions mocked.  I will admit that there are times when it really gets to me, because this is who I am and I know that what I have been called to represent is true.   A scripture in the Book of Mormon has come to be especially meaningful to me on the matter.  You might recognize it.."they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we HEEDED THEM NOT" 1 Nephi 8:33.  Here the people Lehi is referring to had made it to the Savior.  They were feeling of His total goodness and love.  They had endured struggle to feel the peace that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Many however, were mocking them.  Often times in the world in which we live doing what is right may not be the most popular decision.  They will try to tell you that the cool kids drink.  That love does not wait.  That making religion a priority is nerdy.  Yes undoubtedly there will be a never ending supply of beliefs that tell you that being part of the crowd is the answer.  The important thing is that we remember who's vote really counts. The Lords.  When all other opinions come in remember the counsel of the prophet of old HEED THEM NOT!