Hard Times and Holy Places

I'm reading a book by Kristin Warner Belcher called "Hard Times and Holy Places." I suppose the title of the book, and maybe the title of my post, might make you wonder if I'm searching for answers. I am having some hard times. Aren't we all?

Nothing new. Just dealing with old demons. What are old demons? If there were a Tina Dictionary, the definition of old demons would read: challenges, struggles, or trials previously thought to have been conquered, mastered, or demolished that have resurfaced.

My Mom gave me this book while I was dealing with Cancer. I just finished reading several other books that I've been working on for a while and after listening to Kris Belcher speak at Time Out for Women in San Antonio I was really anxious to start this book.

I normally underline all the great stuff in a book and later write a short report on the book. (I poached the book report idea from my brilliant friend, Ali.) But, in writing my report on "A Disciple's Life" I discovered that I lost some of my initial reactions. So guess what ... I think I'll blog about the books more as I read them.

So, today as I was reading ...

The Chapter is titled, "Choosing Christ." Kris talks about turning to Christ during trials and how it makes a big difference in whether the trials are just really hard times or whether they are holy times. I found that to be really true during my battle with Cancer. I think that is also much of what I struggle with in the mundane of life.

It is so much easier to keep focused on Christ during really, really tough times. Maybe I'm the only one who finds that to be true. I don't think so, but maybe. I'm working on it though. I'm working on being more faithful at all times because I know it makes a difference at all times.

During the Cancer days it was so easy to stay focused on the things of eternity. They were really the only things that mattered at the time. Not only did other things not really matter, I could not physically tend to much else. I didn't have the energy to worry about whether or not my toilet was cleaned. I didn't have the energy to worry about whether or not piles of paper that needed to be filed were 10 inches high or 10 feet high. I knew that I had to stick to the list of priorities: strengthening myself spiritually, my family, service.

So, why is it that when struggling with the mundane tasks of daily life ... the non-Cancer life ... why do I try to do it another way?

Kris also shares a scripture 2 Nephi 32:9: "But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."

I have recently had some very neat experiences with consecrating my performances to the Lord. They are very special to me. I can tell you it works. It really works! I have applied this idea to serving in various ways. I had not thought of applying it to trials and old demons. It seems so obvious, doesn't it? Thanks, Kris, for pointing that out in your gentle way.

I can't wait to experiment on His word. I know from past experiences with my Heavenly Father and with the Savior that they always keep Their word, and that prayer always seems to be the best place to start.

I hope that whatever hard times you are facing whether new or old, that you will find peace today.