Stretching, Dreams, and Good Fortune

Trials are inevitable. I know this. Still, I can't help but be surprised and overwhelmed by the big whirlwinds. I have so many aspirations and so little time and resources, it seems. Yet, I have heretofore learned that there is both a time and a season for all dreams to come true. 

For those of you who know me, you know that I'm quite superstitious and religious. I'm a former single-mother, still a mother, now a wife, a budding author, major provider, work-a-holic-type who tends to worry about the future. That's why when I received a good fortune inside of my fortune cookie this week I found it to be most encouraging, as encouraging as this quote I read the other day, which I feel inspired to share...

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught that adversity can help stimulate necessary growth in our lives:

“May I share some suggestions with you who face … the testing that a wise Heavenly Father determines is needed even when you are living a worthy, righteous life and are obedient to His commandments.

“Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Proverbs 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 18; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 16–17).

I've been thinking lately that times are tough, but then I recall the twelve plus years I spent as a single mother, working and going to school, and I realize that times have been tougher. I cannot allow myself to forget the lessons learned. I must thank God for my trials and ask Him, "Lord, what is it that Thou would have me learn from this?"

Single mothers, my heart is with you and your little ones. Remember that you are never truly fatherless, for you and your babies always have a Father in Heaven. Learn from your trials. Have faith that this whirlwind will pass, meanwhile, stay anchored, rooted in the Lord and His mercy. God will provide.

–– JNP

A New Horizon

Being the working mother of a 10-month-old and a teen has put some of my personal career goals on a major hiatus...but I wouldn't trade being a mother for the world.

Still, I struggle to find a way to make more time for my family and also for my personal pursuits. I want to raise my baby girl. I don't want to put her in daycare all day. But finding a job that is flexible and pays well is a challenge. And I love writing. I feel like I have stories to tell, but it is difficult to get into the mindset to write while chasing my baby around (she crawls super fast) and working a full-time job is also exhausting. Hence, my dilemma. I know it is not my burden alone but is shared by many a mother.

Now, this month something seemingly tragic happened. Although, I'm trying to look at this from a positive point of view, thinking of it as a blessing in disguise. See, I know that I often need a little push. (I guess I work better under pressure.) So, I've been pushed to the brink, teetering on the typifying point, looking out at all the paths that lay ahead and wondering where they might lead.

Here I go. Making choices. Hoping that these choices will bring me to the place where I should be.



--JNP