Week Five

             When listening and then reading through "A Hero's Journey" video and transcript I found it extremely eye opening that we should have a personal board. Having great role models on our board that we look up to and can ask questions and learn from.

          I love how a hero’s journey was explained, “It means to live every moment of your life like it matters, because it does. It means to live as if you have an important mission, because you do. It means seeing struggles as adventures, and setbacks as lesson.” How often do I get discouraged after trying something time and time again and finally giving up and typically telling myself that it wasn’t worth it or that it must not be important or it would have worked? Several times. Whether it is in school, or at work, or in my personal life.

          That brings me right to the word perseverance. When we get back up when we fall, we are pushing through. When I read through “Perseverance” by James E. Faust I was extremely intrigued to see how many of our Prophets have had perseverance. Joseph Smith was treated absolutely horrible and ridiculed on a daily basis, but he had perseverance and never once faltered his testimony. Brigham Young also showed a lot of perseverance. Leading 60,000 people from their homes into the wilderness and the unknown. Having the faith and strength to follow the Prophet and go where they were asked to go. These three great examples help open my eyes to the fact that my life can use a little more perseverance. I need to get up when I fall down, not give up when things get hard, and keep going because there is a destination.

          The last part of the “Perseverance” talk I want to add is this quote by President George Q. Cannon which stated, “Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed according to the order the Lord has revealed for his holy Priesthood, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in mighty power in our behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of the Eternal Gods, and those who reside in their presence.” What a beautiful thought. When I drive past a Temple, I can be reminded that we are also building Temples to lessen Satan’s power on earth. These beautiful and powerful buildings not only stand as a face for the church, but for life after death, faith through trials, and a house of God that we can escape too.