Heres to hoping:

"When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done." (Count Your Many Blessings)


Throughout the last year and a half, it has become increasingly more common for me to focus on looking at others.

With their lands of gold.

I look back and realize that I have not spent enough time focusing on my blessings and have neglected to realize what the Lord has done in my life.

So, to move forward with faith, I have been trying to recognize the Lord's hand.

So, here's to HOPING:

FIRST: In the Book of Mormon, Nephi and some of his brothers went searching for food.

His family wanted to eat.

Hunger was a major concern.

When Nephi and his brothers returned, he recounts:

"And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, I did break my bow, which was made of fine steel; and after I did break my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food.
And it came to pass that we did return without food to our families, and being much fatigued, because of their journeying, they did suffer much for the want of food."

They were hungry.

really hungry.

Nephi and his brothers did everything possible to find food. They prepared. They came up with a plan. They put the plan into action.

and yet, they still suffered for the want of food.

But, the faithful did not lose hope.


SECOND:

Moroni was the last prophet to write in the Book of Mormon. He spent some time alone.

TWENTY YEARS.

ALONE.

He tells us:
"And my father also was killed by them, and I even remain alone to write the sad tale of the destruction of my people. But behold, they are gone, and I fulfil the commandment of my father. And whether they will slay me, I know not."
He was alone. really alone.

He didn't know what was in store for him.

He looked at death as one of the most likely possibilities.


and yet,

Moroni didn't lose hope.

I know what it is like to hunger for something.
I know what loneliness feels like.

But,

I want to be like Nephi.
I want to stand strong like Moroni.

I want to have faith.

and never lose hope.

There is wealth untold.

I have found some of it.

Until I find the rest...

I'll just be here.

Counting my blessings.

and

Hoping.