That I Might Have JOY!!!

    Hi Everyone!! 
     Since my last post, I have started an AMAZING new journey in my education. The Pathway program which is offered through BYU-Idaho and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a year long educational program which, after I complete, I will be more prepared to further my higher education. My long term goal is to earn an online Bachelor's Degree in Marriage and Family Studies through BYU-Idaho. I have many passions in relation to this degree; only Heavenly Father knows where all of those will lead me.
     In our reading of the Book of Mormon this week, we get to learn about a scripture in 2 Nephi 2:25: "Adam fell that me might be; and men are, that they might have joy." First off, "men" means, in this instance, men, women and children. In studying about this scripture, I have come to a stronger belief of it's truth and that had Adam not partaken of the "forbidden fruit", none of us would be on the earth. And though I cannot describe it as eloquently as some of the talks I have recently read, essentially, Christ's Atonement could not have happened either, nor would the entire Plan of Salvation which God has made possible for each of us. And since Christ was to come into the world to set a perfect example for us, and since we were all to be here on Earth, and since we need the Atonement (Christ's giving of His life for us, suffering for our sins, understanding our pains, being our ADVOCATE), it was essential for Adam to fall from the presence of God. He did not sin, he transgressed: an often overlooked difference in wording and definitely in meaning.
     I have been wanting to include in my blog the following quote by Russell M. Nelson (and now is a wonderful time to do it): "What will you and I be able to endure as we focus on the joy that is 'set before' us? What repenting will become a strength? What chastening will become a blessing? What disappointments, even tragedies, will turn to our good? And what challenging service to the Lord will we be able to give?"
     That is so POWERFUL!!! I, like most in this world, do not look forward to or welcome disappointments or tragedies. However, as we view enduring, repenting, chastening, service and yes, even tragedy through the lens of our eternal lives and the growth that our merciful God desires for us, we see His plan. We feel His love, we take upon us His strength, we feel blessed, we serve with joy, we know good, and we DO HAVE JOY!!!

May each of you truly be blessed with joy on this day, 
even in great physical or emotional pain,
even in the depths of disappointment or tragedy,

Love,
Katie