Status Updates From But If Not: Finding God in ...

“Let us pursue truth, get back up after stumbling, seek opportunities to lift and serve others, and build relationships along the way.”

“We try to see what lies ahead and make plans accordingly, but if not, He does. All he does is for our benefit, even if we can’t decipher it now. Especially when immersed in our sorrows and heartache. In His wisdom, God created this world with invitations around every corner to rely on Him, to grow faith in Him–that with Jesus Christ, all things are possible.”

“Cease fixating on preconceived details of our expectations, because our “hopes and fears of all the years” are met in the holy one of Israel.”

“With God, nothing [that he foresees for us) shall be impossible.”

“When nothing is expected and everything is appreciated, life becomes magical.” -Gary B. Sabin

“Instead of relying on my fellow mortals for constant validations of my worth, I should be relying on the foundation of my Father in Heaven and my Savior. They are constant. No matter how imperfect I am, they will always love me and be my source of strength.”

“The truth is that it is much more exhausting to see happiness where you can never find it!” -Russell M. Nelson

“Intrinsic success continues to bring us joy long after the initial stimulus. Intrinsic accomplishments involve relationships–relationships with God, our Savior, our family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers at times.”

“In truth, it is not our suffering, stumbling and challenges that define us. Rather it is how we respond to them that determines our fulfillment and satisfaction in life. The choices we make and the attitudes we exhibit–after the unexpected happenings, alter the details of our life–determine our happiness. Not what we might’ve been.”

“When we are young, it’s easy to get frustrated because you can’t imagine how a current “setback” or “failure” could lead anywhere productive. Over time, however, you look back and with wonder detect a clear path that led to opened doors of opportunity you never knew existed and avenues for growth and contribution you now cherish.”

“One of the great blessings of getting older is that you have the benefit of hindsight.”

“With His long view of our immortality, He may invite us to take a lesser known trail along the covenant path that we cannot see. Another reason our expectations to materialize because God has something better in mind for us.”

“When we view this mortal journey through an eye of faith, the loss of some of our expectations isn’t such an exorbitant price to pay for greater direction, revelation, and wisdom. Having Him with us to teach, direct, and transform us to become more like Him is always miraculous.”

“God gave us prayer not to direct and educate Him on our personal needs and desires, but to educate and refine our desires to grow in faith.”-Jeffrey R. Holland

“God rarely and infringes on the agency of any of his children by intervening against some for the relief of others, but he does ease the burdens of our afflictions and strengthen us to bear them.” - Dallin H. Oaks

Giggling at Laman and Lemuel being called “perpetual baddies”

“No pang that is suffered by man or woman on the earth will be without its compensating effect if it be met with patience.” -James E. Talmadge

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility.” -Orson F. Whitney

“Our Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have His children DO what is right; it is to have His children CHOOSE to do what is right and ultimately become like Him.” -Dale G. Renlund

“Greatness comes from character and character isn’t formed out of smart people–it’s formed out of people who suffered.” -Jensen Huang