This is Article #1 in Single and Still Breathing: Subject SPIRITUAL: Overcoming Trials

Overcoming Trials: 21 Way to Navigate through Troubled Waters

 

“In our own storms in life the Savior is our solace and our sanctuary. If we seek peace, we must come unto Him,” said the Apostle, Elder Joseph B. Worthlin in his talk “Finding a Safe Harbor.” “Be assured that there is a safe harbor,” he said. “You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father—who knows when even a sparrow falls—knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this.”

As we navigate our way through troubled waters, our confidence can “wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45). We can find comfort as Jesus said, “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Jesus Christ can heal us and strengthen us and prepare us to face life’s difficult trials and challenges.

 

Here are 21 Trial Tactics to Navigate through Troubled Waters:
 

We call it pushing the envelope – so if you want you can copy and print the 21 Tactics card above and the Push the Envelope card below and place on an envelope. Then place cards in the envelope. You could even copy and paste the following messages on the envelope so you have 21 cards to: PUSH THE ENVELOPE: Go the Extra Mile to Overcome a Trial (e.g. the 21 tactics that follow).

It takes 21 days to build a new habit with 9 days leway (in case you don’t quote meet your goal) in a 30 day month. Each month you can challenge yourself to overcome trials with a new habit. Benjamin Franklin was a master at achieving new habits. He wrote each new habit on a card and carried it with him working on it daily, writing his thoughts about the new habit as he achieved this goal or character trait. Benjamin Franklin said, “If I only had a little humility, I would be perfect.” 

Trial Tactic #1 – BE PRAYERFUL
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

SCRIPTURES ON PRAYER: Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers (D&C 112:10). And also the Lord will remember the prayers of the righteous, which have been put up unto him for them (Mormon 5:21). If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving (D&C 136:28). Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee (Psalms 102:1). And that this house may be a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory and of God (D&C 109:16). Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth (Psalms 54:2). Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy (Psalms 64:1). 

 

Trial Tactic #2 – GAIN KNOWLEDGE
Robert Anthony said, “Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, others just gargle.”

There is a certain kind of power that comes from knowledge; it springs you into a new world of thought. Those who do not study cannot possibly experience the type of creativity and inginuity that the true-student experiences. This knowledge gives one power to invent something new, to plan, to unleash one’s creativity. When you think of Jesus Christ creating our world and parts of the universe He did this with knowledge–giving Him the power to do so. (He created the world in six days–really Abraham likened a day in the Lord’s time to be 1,000 years.)

Why should we learn? A Brigham Young University honor student told her friend one day when she was asked, “Why do you study so hard? Don’t you want to spend more time hanging out with friends?” She said, “My future husband and I will be a God/Goddess someday and will be able to create a world. I want to know as much as I possibly can before I get there.” WOW! This woman has a goal! What are we doing to gain more knowledge?

So, where do you begin to learn? My grandmother Stella had a Balanced Study Program; she was always reading. You could talk to her about anything and she had knowledge on that subject. Her GS Program consisted of seven books/magazines/newspapers she had lined up. She would study for an hour or more each day on one subject and then shift to the next subject on the next day. She read about history, science, religion, the gospel, time management and goal setting, famous people, you name it. She would often say, “What shall we talk about?” She was a great conversationalist.

What will you add to your fountain of knowledge?

Trial Tactic #3 – BE HONEST IN HEART & DEEDS
“This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man” – Shakespere (Hamlet, act 1, sc. 3, lines 78–80).

If you were to take a test, the most important test of your entire life, how much weight would it have? Honesty/Integrity is a day-to-day test. It is said that “Character is what you are in the dark.” When no one else is looking, what would you do? Always ask this question when there is a choice as to how you will conduct yourself.

Trial Tactic #4 – HAVE FAITH
“If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me” (Moroni 7:33).

I have discovered that a person can do anything with faith and you can develop that faith by reading the words of the prophets. In Jacob 4:6 we read,”Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.”

 

Read this article: Feast of Prophets giving you an instant look at prophet’s words: Receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love (Jacob 3:2).

 

WE CAN ACHIEVE ANY RIGHTEOUS ENDEAVOR WITH FAITH.

More on Faith in Jacob 4:
HAVE FAITH TO MOVE MOUNTAINS    
GOD SHOWS US OUR WEAKNESSES    
DESPISE NOT THE REVELATIONS OF GOD    
SEEK NOT TO COUNSEL THE LORD, BUT TAKE COUNSEL FROM HIS HAND 

The Prophet Alma talks about faith in Alma 32. He teaches the poor whose afflictions had humbled them—Faith is a hope in that which is not seen which is true—Alma testifies that angels minister to men, women, and children—Alma compares the word unto a seed—It must be planted and nourished—Then it grows into a tree from which the fruit of eternal life is picked.

So, where is your faith? What will you do to strengthen it? 

 

Trial Tactic #5 – BE GRATEFUL

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ― Marcel Proust

Read about GRATITUDE DURING ADVERSITY: The Book of Mormon prophet Moroni reminds us of the importance of gratitude and encourages us to “remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts” (Moroni 10:3).

In the For the Strength of Youth (booklet, 2011), 18 we learn Key Ideas about Gratitude

“The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. …

“In your prayers, pour out your heart to your Father in Heaven in thanks for the blessings you have received. …

“… Express your gratitude to others for the many ways they bless your life.”

 

A positive change can come into our lives once we start each day with gratitude. Like putting on a smile when you don’t really feel like smiling; positive thoughts begin to appear and a natural smile takes the place of a fake one. Then come more reasons to smile.

 

Trial Tactic #6 – KEEP COMMANDMENTS
You are in a chosen generation (1 Peter 2:9). Gordon B. Hinckley said, “This I believe, is the greatest age in the history of the world. And you young people of this generation are a part of it. You are the beneficiaries of it. Its fruits are here to bless your lives if you will grasp them and live worthy of them.”

There is safety and peace in keeping the commandments of God. He will send blessings to those who honor those sacred covenants made at baptism. In the Children’ Songbook song on p. 143 Keep the Commandments we can ponder these words: “Keep the commandments; keep the commandments! In this there is safety; in this there is peace. He will send blessings . . .”

Trial Tactic #7 – SEEK GOOD VALUES
Elder Russell M. Nelson said, “Developing eternal values will help us become all our Heavenly Father wants us to be.”

He said, in his talk: Focus on Values, “I would like to talk about some of the values you ought to be focused on in your daily lives. You young women will recognize them. And you young men, they are not exclusively for the young women. These values are just as worthy of your attention as they are for the young women.” VALUES: Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue.

The 13th Article of Faith tells us to seek after certain things: “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men . . . If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

What do you do when others have different values than your own? I really like this article:  Different Values? Love’s the Answer where it gives you 5 things to consider when dealing with a friend or associate who does not value what you value or have the same standards. We do not judge, but love others.

Trial Tactic #8 – BE HEALTHY & FIT

David O. McKay said, “The healthy man, who takes care of his physical being, has strength and vitality; his temple is a fit place for his spirit to reside. … It is necessary, therefore, to care for our physical bodies, and observe the laws of physical health and happiness.”

In order to overcome any trial we need to be healthy, however, just getting healthy can be a trial. If we follow the Word of Wisdom found in Doctrine and Covenants section 89, God’s laws of health is a good start. 

Here are some good reads on Being Healthy & Fit:
• Keeping Physically Fit By Clarence F. Robison She said, “In ancient times the apostle Paul referred to the human body as “the temple of God,” and he indicated its importance when he said: “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Cor. 3:17.)

• Be Strong, Be Healthy, Be Smart By Elder Adrián Ochoa Of the Seventy He said, “Want to feel better and more confident physically and emotionally? Regular exercise will help. . . . Don’t be like the lazy bird that traded its feathers for worms (go here to read story). We need to keep our feathers (strength physically) to fly.

• 10 Weeks of Total Fitness By Mackenzie Brown She said, “These young women learned that there’s more to fitness than just exercise.” Their 10 Week Challenge: Read their scriptures every day. Exercise for 20 minutes three days a week. Complete a service activity once a week. Go eight hours straight without using their electronic devices once a week.

Trial Tactic #9 – STUDY THE SCRIPTURES

Idea List: Scripture Study Suggestions: “Studying the scriptures will bring you closer to Heavenly Father and help you become more like Him.

President Ezra Taft Benson said the Book of Mormon brings great strength to the lives of those who diligently study it. ‘You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path.'” (Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7)

How much power do you need to fight trials in life. Apparently by reading this book you can acquire it.

HOW TO STUDY: This article offers 10 Scripture Study Suggestions. Here are the first three, QUOTE: (1) “Make studying your scriptures a priority. You might not think you have the time, but if you make time to read, the other things you need to do will fall into place.” (2) “Read every day for a set amount of time, preferably when you’re alert.” (3) “Pray before you read for understanding and guidance and to invite the Holy Ghost to be with you.” (Continue to read article for more dtails on the following #4-10) . . . Summary: (4) Ponder and pray. (5) Keep a journal. (6) Share, teach, bear testimony. (7) Read without distraction. (8) Search topics of interest (9) Apply principles taught. (10) Go back and reread.

COOL SCRIPTURES ON WHY STUDY THE SCRIPTURES:
• “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)
• The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” – Book of Mormon Introduction

Trial Tactic #10 – UPDATE IMAGE
Image is a reflection of you both inwardly and outwardly. “Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?” (Alma 5:14)

The temples are a great example of image. Only the very best is put in the temples; it is the house of the Lord. So should we look our very best when we enter the temples (inside and out). You are a representative of your temple body God created for you. I think it only fitting that we take care of it and always look our best. There are times when you won’t, but hopefully there are more times that you will look your best. Your image is a reflection of you.

More on Image: See our forthcoming articles in the PHYSICAL: Image section of our website. Also see more articles in the SPIRITUAL: Plan of Happiness section of SingleandStillBreathing.com.

Trial Tactic #11 – BE A FRIEND TO FRIENDLESS
George Albert Smith said, “I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor. … I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right. … I would not knowingly wound the feeling of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.”

President Thomas S. Monson said in his talk “What Have I Done for Someone Today?”: “I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”

If you are already going somewhere often, take a friend along. My mother found a 90 year old lady walking the track with a cane. She was worried she might fall as she was pencil thin and wobbly. She called her doctor to get her a walker and then took her walking. Every week for the next five years she took her along to walk, run errands, visit the doctor, update her wardrobe and more for the next five years until she passed away.

Trial Tactic #12 – PLUS MY PERSONALITY AND CONFIDENCE

“If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

Elder Glenn L. Pace Of the Seventy said in his talk Confidence and Self-Worth: “Many Latter-day Saints know the Church is true but have unhealthy feelings about their own inadequacies, real or imagined. The scriptures inform us that we all have weaknesses and that there is a place for them in our spiritual progress (see the scripture above).

True confidence comes with the companionship of the Holy Ghost; it comes from having a personal relationship with the Savior; feeling His love. Once you figure this out you will not need the acceptance of others. Through prayer and being pure helps you realize you are a daughter of God and you know who you are.  

VIDEO: True Confidence – Standards: Sexual Purity and Modesty – Two young women share their secret for confidence and self-worth: the companionship of the Holy Ghost. How does the companionship of the Holy Ghost help you to have confidence?

Trial Tactic #13 – FOLLOW THE SPIRIT – The Holy Ghost
“When you were confirmed a member of the Church, you received the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He can help you make good choices. When challenged or tempted, you do not need to feel alone. The Holy Ghost will help you know right from wrong.” (For the Strength of Youth)

Invite the Spirit through Scripture Study and Prayer. Boyd K. Packer, Quorum of the Twelve said, “You can no more force the Spirit to respond than you can force a bean to sprout, or an egg to hatch before its time. You can create a climate to foster growth, nourish, and protect; but you cannot force or compel: you must await the growth.”

Create a Positive Environment to Invite the Spirit: (1) Post pictures of scripture heros or church leaders or their quotes to inspire you. (2) Place pictures in your home of the Savior or the temple. (3) Have regular family home evenings even if you are living away from home (have it with roommates or friends). (4) Acquire a special priesthood blessing when you are troubled or need extra strength. (5) Listen to uplifting music. (6) Take advantage of opportunities to serve. (7) Read the scriptures and church books and the New Era or Ensign and other youth-oriented Church publications. (8) Enroll in seminary or institute. (9) Attend EFY (Especially for Youth) or other youth conferences or single-adult conferences. (10) Attend all church meetings and take notes / set goals. (11) Pray for the Spirit to be with you; then listen for promptings. (12) Read conversion stories and write about your own conversion to the gospel (see Al Carraway’s story More Than the Tattooed Mormon in #14 that follows).

Trial Tactic #14 – GAIN & SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY
President Dieter F. Uchdorf said in his talk Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth, “Your personal testimony of light and truth will not only bless you and your posterity here in mortality, but it will also accompany you throughout all eternity.”

A Must Read Conversion Story: More Than the Tattooed Mormon, Al Carraway’s story of conversion (see her blog alfoxshead.blogspot.com).

Brad Wilcox* wrote about this: “Amazing lady! Amazing conversion! This is a story not just about judging but about not being offended. Al shares her story with frankness and passion. She fills each chapter with memorable insights and true wisdom. But this book isn’t really about Al. It is about God and you! It is about the transformation that is possible for all of us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

*Brad Wilcox, PhD, professor at Brigham Young University, author of The Continuous Atonement, The Continuous Atonement for Teens, and also The Continuous Conversion: God Isn’t Just Proving Us, He’s Improving Us

JENN ROSS, SingleandStillBreathing.com Author (shown bottom left) says, Although I loved Al Carraway’s (shown left) entire book, one part I want to share about what happens to our habits once the conversion to the gospel takes place. She said (p. 19), “I have not gotten a tattoo since I was baptized, nor do I plan to or ever want to. The desire is not there like I thought it would be. My interest in that is completely and absolutely gone. This is how it will be with anything not in line with the gospel.”

So, where is your testimony? What are you doing to gain and bear it?

Trial Tactic #15 – FORGIVE ALL

I’ve noticed it is very difficult to show empathy to others if I don’t listen. Listening requires that we actually look at a person and observe facial expressions and take the time to truly understand them before jumping onto other subjects. There is a saying: “Stop and smell the roses.”

If we look up from our cell phones and other tecky devices we might gain a deeper understanding of their feelings. We can then observe facial expressions, ask questions, and truly listen. A word of advice; don’t interrupt. Let them finish their train of thought before juming to the next subject; hold your thoughts. Once a person has your full attention, they can use you as a sounding board to make important decisions; you can actually provide your input, when asked for. You will have made a friend. A good place to practice this is at home; then friends. 

A good sign of mental health is to rejoice in the success of others. The secret of charm is to take your mind off yourself and focus on others; so I think this is where empathy begins . . . listening and opening up your heart as you look into another person’s heart (even if you don’t think that person has a heart). You will eventually get to the heart of a person and the heart of the matter-at-hand with empathy.

Trial Tactic #18 – SEEK WHOLESOME FRIENDS & ACTIVITIES

Who do we choose for your friends and who do we choose to be? Where will our path lead us? Which path should we take? Let’s “Stay on the High Road“ Gordon B. Hinkley said. He said, “Pray for the strength to walk the high road, which at times may be lonely but which will lead to peace and happiness and joy supernal.”

Is the road we are traveling the one that will lead us to eternal happiness or eternal regret? The right road is the road where travelers have a purpose in life. Time management experts say that only 2% set goals and they are the 2% who succeed beyond expectations. Like the 2%, we can set goals to seek wholesome friends and activities–the road less traveled. The Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley said in his talk Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children, “I am confident there are some . . . who have slipped and are slipping into the foggy swamp of immorality, drugs, pornography, and failure. I hope they are a minority among their peers, but even the loss of one is too many.” He goes on to say, “It will take the beautiful out of your life. It will lead you into the dark and ugly.”

Seeking holy and wholesome activities may not be easy. We would love it if you would share some with us to post here. WHEN DID YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE–CHOSE THE HIGHER ROAD?
#1 – Mary Ross: “When I was 28, I worked for a modeling and talent agency in California. Attending the agency’s convention, they asked me to stand up and announced in the presence of over 200 people, “She is the only tee-toodler in the group.” I smiled and sat down, remembering that just a half hour before turned down alcohol–asking for orange juice. I didn’t realize how many people were watching me.”
#2 – Mary Ross: “When I was on a date we went to a party where his friends decided to play the Weegie Board Game. It was then that I asked him to talk me home. He said, “We will play another game,” so I stayed.

Trial Tactic #19 – SELF-LESS SERVICE
As yourself, “Have I Done Any Good?” Thomas S. Monson said, “Spiritual strength frequently comes through selfless service.”

Jeffrey R. Holland in his talk “Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall”: A Look at the “Me Decade” said, “In a world where it is all hanging out, where we have immersed ourselves in ourselves . . . in our quest for instant gratification . . . we may come to find neither love of God nor love of neighbor but only love of ourselves.” He said, “Pogo Possum would say: ‘We have met the enemy and he is us.'”

 

Click → Ways to Volunteer on Church Projects for a list to inspire you and your friends as you serve. This is a great opportunity to meet others and to make connections socially. 

 

MORE READING:
• Compassionate Service by Following the Savior
• Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done for Someone Today?”

 

Trial Tactic #20 – SHUN EVIL
President Harold B. Lee warned us to “make no mistake about his (Satan’s) reality as a personality, even though he does not possess a physical body. Since the beginning of time, he, with his hosts … have waged relentless war to destroy the free agency of man.” “And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men.” (D&C 10:25–27.)

My grandfather told my mother, “Never do anything you have to say you’re sorry for.” He meant that we should avoid the wrong and not go there. I love the story about Joseph who was sold into Egypt and how he was prepared when Potiphar’s wife tempted him to lie with her, he ran away from her (Genesis 39:7–9; Genesis 39:11–12). He had made up his mind ahead of time what he would do if faced with temptation . . . he would get out of there. If he would have stayed, so would the temptation. If we shun evil as death itself them we won’t give Satan the time of day; he won’t know he can tempt us.

 

When I was around 15 my mother told me that God can read your thoughts, but Satan can’t read your thoughts. He can only read your actions. So, if you don’t want Satan to tempt you, don’t do anything that would let him see you are willing to be tempted. So, I didn’t dare disobey the commandments as I didn’t want to be bothered by Satan’s angels sticking to me and tempting me. I know that if ever we feel pressured by Satan we can ask for a priesthood blessing to have them cast out.

 

SUGGESTED READING:
• The talk Power Over Satan and The Adversary By Elder ElRay L. Christiansen, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

 

Trial Tactic #21 – BE PATIENT
“We can develop patience by seeking to do God’s will and accepting His timing, trusting that He will fulfill all of His promises to us. As we learn to be patient in small things, we prepare ourselves to face larger trials with patience” (Source: LDS.org).

I love the talk Patience, a Key to Happiness by Joseph B. Wirthlin where he explains the advantages of patience and where opposition is God’s plan to help us stretch our talents and to learn and grow.

He said, “In a passage from the Book of Mormon, Alma helps us understand patience. After telling about planting a seed that can grow to become a tree, he adds these insightful words: ‘And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, … if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit. … 

And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience … ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, … and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst. … Ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience (Alma 32:37, 42–43).'”

We welcome your comments:

How is patience a virtue?
How can patience help one?
How can one be more patient?
In relationships, how is patience important?

PLEASE COMMENT ON ANY OF THE 21 SUBJECTS ABOVE SO WE CAN SHARE YOUR IDEAS (see below to send comments)

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Embellishments found on the quote posters on this page can be purchased from www.memorymixer.com – Paula Phillips “Somethings Fishy” (cover); Ettes and Co. by Annette “Splash of Summer” (“In our storms in life . . .” Worthlin quote); Tara Reed “Fun Flowers” (#5); Albums to Remember: “Farm Yard Fun” (#2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 17), “It’s My Birthday” (#16) “Girly” (#1, 10) Lindsy Jane “Splash of Red” (#7); Ettes and Co. by Fayette “Good Life” (#11); Ettes and Co. by Fayette “Time for Me” (#12, 13, 15); Ettes and Co. by Fayette “Barnyard Friends” (#18); “Time for Me Flair” (#14); Ettes and Co. by Annette: “Heart Throb” (#19), “So Charming” (#21)

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