Small and Simple Things

A Land of Promise "To make us love our country, our country ought to be lovely." -Edmund Burke The United States of America is my home, but it is also much more than that. It is a land of liberty opportunity, and promise. Millions of people have traveled across plains and seas chasing the American dream. During the summer months of 2016, I lived in India. While I was there, my friend and translator asked me, "Why do you think that America is so advanced?" My mind almost immediately thought about entrepreneurship, liberty, and the free market system. After thinking for a moment, other things such as fertile soil, rich resources, and mild climate also came to mind. I started responding with those answers, but something inside of me knew that I was overlooking something much bigger.  For weeks afterwards, the question lingered. Why is America so advanced? I would pose the same question to you. Why do you believe that America is an advanced nation? While there ...

While speaking with a classmate the other day about the crazy nature of life and how we often feel lost or out of control, we remembered the story found in the gospel of Mark 4:35-41. The disciples were on a ship with the Savior, crossing the sea of Galilee when a great tempest arose. In the account, is says that "the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full." The disciples, apparently fearing and frantic woke the Savior and asked, "Master! Carest thou not that we perish?" My classmate and I realized that we too are just like the fearing disciples. At times, I feel as though life is throwing me about and I have little knowledge or control as to where I am going. In fear, I kneel in prayer and plead, "Master, carest thou not that I perish?".  Upon being awaken, the Savior rebuked the wind and calmed the sea and turned to his disciples to ask them where their faith had been. " Why are ye so fearful? Where is your faith?" W...