Fall Seven Times, Stand Up Eight

I hope you all learned as much as I did from the last post, by Momma Stook.

I'm telling you, I have the most AMAZING MOTHER ON THE PLANET. 
She just has this way of inspiring everyone she talks to. 
I know her story and example has touched many people.  
I hope it has stood out to you also. 
If you missed last weeks post by her, click 

Mom's Post
to read up and don't forget to share, by copy and pasting the link above. 
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For feedback shoot me an email at madison.stucki@myldsmail.net

I would love to hear your comments you have about past postings, hear
your stories, share inspiration or thoughts, as well as answer questions you may have about past blogs, The Plan of Salvation, The Gospel of Christ, The "Mormon" Church, Eternal families and Missionary work.  I try my best to respond to all emails and comments within eight days.

This past week was my ONE YEAR MARK of serving as a Missionary. Only six months left to go. We did lots of service this week. My companion has her nail license...like she does nails... So we went to D.'s house for Preparation day and gel polished all of our nails. It was quite fun actually. We got to meet her family and my nails look awesome. We also got a wreath to hang on our door from a member this week. Which is exciting!!! We also got Christmas lights for our apartment and started lighting up the tree and candles. Yay for Christmas. 19 days until Skype time :)

I’M SO EXCITED. 
We are going to the G. home to Skype at one o clock our time. Which means... Eleven’ish your time. 

We also had a Big Mission training this week on Charity and Love.
Maybe I will formulate it into a future Blog post because it was really
quite good and I know y'all wanna hear what the Riggs have to say
about CHARITY & love (#AMIRIGHT?)

Little Miss Sister Rossi was there! It was great to see her, can you believe she's already been out six months! (Mind. Blown.) Like remember her first day in the mission field? Remember when I trai(hazed)ned her? Whaaaat.

this must be what getting old feels like...

We went to a different church to do service this week and there was this guy there named S. who was in charge of the whole service project. Super funny guy. And he taught us all the "Santa Claus Song" for Christmas. I thought it was hilarious.  So let me virtually sing it to you....

"Ho, ho, ho, hosanna

Ha, ha, hallelujah

He, he, he, he saved me

I have the joy of The Lord,"

??
Deuces

So anyway... as of lately, giving advice to other people seems to resolve my own concerns. And bearing testimony to others, seems to strengthen myself more abundantly. Maybe this has always been the case for humanity. But this week I've felt the power behind sharing. Sharing thoughts, feelings, beliefs. Sharing a part of yourself with another, seems to take you beyond yourself and allow your own soul to expand.

We should all do it more often.

It seems lately things I've been concerned about, or maybe reluctant
to understand, have been proposed to me by others. I've seen my own
concerns in the lives of those around me.  It's interesting having
questions, or concerns arise, that seem to be exactly how you've been
feeling. It's funny, really. How God answers our prayers. Or maybe the
prayers of another. So that we may all learn together, grow together,
become together.

This past week my friend "Cary" we will call him (for privacy sake, we
won't use his real name), an older gentlemen proposed a question. Or I
suppose it may be considered more of a statement. As we were discussing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, discussing the Mormon faith and simply discussing in general, he stopped and said,

"I'm not good enough to be like you folks."

WHHHAAAAATTT?????????

He must not know very many people like me then…
LOLOL,
But really.

That phrase has been on my mind ever since! It's stuck with me. As he
formed the words “I'm not good enough“ My immediate reaction was "OF
COURSE YOU ARE!" But by the time he finished his sentence "I'm not
good enough" I heard My own voice, in My own mind, telling ME the
same exact thing.

I'm not good enough.

It was more of a flashback statement. Not necessarily a current agreement, with Cary. I feel like personally I have let that phrase define many insignificant aspects of my life. 

Like the time I wanted to try out for a school sport… 
but saw the other girls playing and thought to myself 
"I'm not good enough" 

or

when I had a crush on that boy in high school…
but he had a thing for my gorgeous friend and I thought 
"I'm not good enough" 

or 

when I wanted to get a scholarship to go to my favorite college…
but the kid sitting next to me had a 4.0 GPA and 32 ACT score 
so I convinced myself  "I'm not good enough" 

or 

even the day I met MY trainer and saw the kind of missionary she was…
and thought heeeccckkkk no. 
"I'm not good enough!"

AND THEN

..I settled.

So what? 
We settle for what is adequate? 
We become just mediocre?
Naw, girl.

Can we drop this whole I'm not good enough thing? 
And just go for it?

You have no idea how Grateful I am I let go of the "I'm not good enough" slogan and came out on a mission. Even though I continually find things I need to improve on, and people that are way more qualified for this than I am. I'm grateful I've given it a shot, stuck it out. I've learned so much, more then ever, and I've learned so much about myself as well.

I can remember countless moments in my life, countless self reflections, countless prayers where I've cried out "I'm not good enough!" "Forget it Mom, Dad, Heavenly Father, I'm done." Without regard to what anyone has to say about the matter. How silly it is to go to a parent for advice only to say NEVER MIND I’M SETTLING. I'm not good enough. And even more so, to go to your Father in Heaven in prayer, on your knees, seeking for answers, only to be closed minded, closed hearted and declare "I'm done trying!"

When Cary voiced that sentence "I'm not good enough" flashbacks throughout my lifetime popped into my head. All the times both minute and HUGELY IMPORTANT, where I have convinced myself I'm not good enough to even try.

I feel like God was just pushing the replay button on all his many recordings of me stubbornly telling him I'm done trying. For a split second talking to Cary, I felt like I was talking to myself. And I realized, for myself, I'm not done trying. I'm not inadequate. I'm not mediocre. I'm definitely not settling, and I truly am "good enough."

Let me explain.

Our God has given us a way to make it past
ADEQUATE
and
MEDIOCRE
and
Settling
and
"I'm not good enough"

Our God didn't send us here to conform to mediocracy. He most certainly didn't send us here to fail. To be tested and tried? Why yes. But to fail? Absolutely not. He set high expectations because he wants us to do good and to be good. To become someone, to become something more.

And sometimes that's a daunting task.

But our God has provided us A WAY to be good enough.

"Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how
can we know the WAY? ...Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE WAY, the truth,
and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." -John 14:4-6

JESUS CHRIST
is the WAY
The truth
The life
And may I add
'The gift'

The Gift
{see video clip}

The Gift from God.
To provide us a WAY
To be good enough.
And eventually, even more than that.

We all make mistakes. We all mess up. Seriously, reflect on the past week and I'm sure several moments will pop into your mind of instances you wish you could redo or take back. Whether they be big or small, we are all imperfect. We all can do better. But does this mean we are not good enough? Absolutely not. We are good enough, we just have a ways to go. And there's nothing "wrong" with that. It's improvement.

THIS GOSPEL IS 
THE GOSPEL OF CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT AND PROGRESSION
(I'm pretty sure Elder Holland said this to President Riggs one time or
something anyway..)

The best part about the Gospel of Christ is there isn't this set bar that qualifies us to be "good enough" rather, the gospel of Christ is personal and tailored to each of our individual needs. What is my best and what is your best is completely different. What you struggle with and what I struggle with are completely different. My strengths and your strengths are completely different. Thus, making it illogical to set a bar of "good enough" that is the exact same. We have different bars, different categories, different strengths and weaknesses, and our God has provided us a way that is personal to each of us individually.

A Savior,

He is the gift.
He is the way the light the truth

As we turn to the Savior and rely on him to give us strength, to help us change and become, we are good enough. And better than good enough.
Because with him we are continually improving. Toward becoming a Christlike person, a true Christian, a follower of him that is perfect. That is our goal.

Will we ever reach perfection here?

Oh heavens no.
Look at me?
I'm a mess!
But I'm trying

I feel we are all in a relatively similar conundrum,
Can I get an amen?

"We labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." 2 Nephi 25:23

Do what you can,
Control what you can,
Try your best,
Give your best effort.

God knows that you are trying. He knows that you're giving it your all. He knows when you feel like you simply aren't good enough. And he's provided a way for us, when we feel like we just can't do anymore, can't press on, aren't good enough, to be lifted up by the grace of Christ and carried on.

We are here to try
Not to fail
Sometimes we slip up
Or get discouraged

But Ya know what they say..
Fall seven times
Stand up eight

Don't fall and stay fallen
Not when you have The Lord on your side!

Some of my favorite empowering scriptures are in Peter. One in particular says,

"The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that 

perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and 

honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, 

ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 1 Peter 1:7-8

The trial of your faith is more precious than gold
Imagine that?

Fall seven times
Stand up eight

Try, and try again.

He's there to pick you back up
He is the gift of God to all those who love and believe in his name
Turn to HIM

"...for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall."

2 Peter 1:10

You're good enough.
Fall seven times, stand up eight.

(Love You More!)
S. Stucki
(December 8, 2014)
P.S. Who's down to read a blog post from Daddy Stook? 
Can I get a head count? ;)

My Safety, My Comfort, My Peace & My Friend

I know you want some selfies.

That architecture tho.

Cobbler in a jar... Cute huh?

We found a tree in the closet :)

Family & Friends,

Congratulations to Megan and Ryan.  Olivia sent me the low down. (In pictures.) That's really exciting and I'm super happy for them. Even though I've never met Ryan. They look perfect for each other. FYI: I'm still so down to inherit hand me downs from Megan when I get home even though I'm twenty. Especially cause I'll be so out of the new trends. So feel free to hook me up :) ehhh ehh?

It's freezing, like 30 degrees and such.

Also I noticed Grandpas comment about sending me Oreos if I'm starving.... Why hesitate? 
I'm always starving for Oreos. And rolos. And Reese's. Except I really need to jump on this whole six months to sexy band wagon and start losing weight. The struggle.

We have a Zone Activity today with President Riggs so that should be a fun time. We won some sort of challenge a while back. Transfers are this week, on the twentieth. I don't think I or Sister Todd will be transferred, but you never know.

We set up our two foot tall Christmas tree so that's the best housekeeping news I have for you all. That and I've officially begun wearing my abominable snow man coat. Super cute. Also glad I will never use it again after this winter. ( in STG. :) it's claustrophobic.

Anyhow.

This is so last minute.

I try to put some quality time throughout the week in deciding and deciphering my thought process for each post. But this is just so last minute. One of those on the whim things where you plan on something for an extended period of time and then it hits you with…

You've got it all wrong.

So I'm starting over, on a whim.

I feel like somebody needs to read something other than what I had originally intended to post this time around. So I hope that whatever idea I propose today will touch an individual who was seeking for a little something more today.

I met a new friend this week.

As I was going about my usual routines I felt compelled to reach out to a specific person. And I happened to get to know a unique individual. How fun. And it was over Skype. (Wahoo) as we were talking we began discussing Christianity. The WHY of Christianity. Which really got me thinking, because the majority of the people we are teaching currently already have a background religion.  They seem to be well versed in the New Testament and stories of Christ.

As we were talking we were simply reviewing the Why of Christianity. I've thought about it a lot. I've thought about all the things I could discuss with this individual, or other individuals, who may wonder the same question. The Why of Christianity. Why we need a Savior. Why we follow him. I thought I would make it all into a post… Here... last minute... on a whim.

Because I have come to the conclusion I'm profoundly better at expressing my feelings, thoughts, intentions, ideas and my heart out in written word. Rather than exploiting it all at million mile speeds during a thirty minute discussion.

It's an organization malfunction I have in my head.
Is there a cure for that?

A Christian is a believer of Jesus Christ and his teachings.

Who was Jesus Christ?

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ the son of God...

...If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine

arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him

will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me...

....and the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled." -3 Nephi 9

For years
And years
And years

Prophecies foretold a Savior would come to earth. To teach, to guide, and to save us all.

And he did come. Jesus Christ came to earth, he was born of Mary, in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. Jesus was perfect, he never sinned. In fact he was the ONLY perfect person to ever live. He came here to show us the way, the example, to be a light unto all of us. He's our big brother, the ULTIMATE big brother. The one who not only sets an example for you, but holds you when you cry. Who loves you so much, he died for you.

When Jesus Christ was ministering to the people, not everyone believed what he taught. He taught about faith, having faith in God, having faith in him and his sacrifice. He taught how faith precedes miracles. Our faith is strengthened when it is tested. How we must act on faith. He taught repentance. How there is a need for each of us to change, how we can change, how we can become better and learn and grow as we strive to repent and change. He taught us to be baptized. To follow him. To make covenants, or promises with God, to try our best to be good. He taught about the Holy Spirit, how it is a gift, a comforter, a director, and a source of all truth. He asked us to seek out and listen to the spirit. He taught us to press on, to endure to the end. To keep going even when times get rough. He taught us to serve one another, love one another, to forgive, to be humble, to be virtuous, to find joy. He taught us lots of things, all good things.

He performed miracles. He raised people from the dead, multiplied fish and bread. He healed the sick, caused the blind to see. Jesus Christ worked by miracles according to others faith.

Still, some didn't believe him.

He suffered for the sins of the entire world, all who live now, and who ever lived. He felt every pain, heartache, concern, sadness, sorrow and grief. Every disappointment, let down, stubbed toe even. Everything. So that he could succor us his people. He bled from every pore. He did it all. And then he was betrayed, and crucified.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, he only could perform such a task at hand.

He was beaten and scourged and hung on a wooden cross upon a hillside. A brutal death, he endured. He allowed his spirit to leave. His body hung there lifeless and the people carried it to a tomb, almost like a cave where they laid his body in linen to rest.

However, Jesus Christ prophesied before he died that he would return. In his body, resurrected. Not as someone new... like a reincarnation. But his lifeless body and his spirit would be whole again. His spirit didn't just drift away into a dark unknown abyss of nothingness. Rather, it's taught in Peter that when his spirit and body separated he appeared to others who had passed on, to their spirits, to teach them his gospel as well.

"He went and preached unto the spirits in prison..." -1 Peter 3:19

And then three days later he appeared.

"Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures..

...he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to

the scriptures:

..And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

..After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once."

-1 Corinthians 15:5

I think the greatest part of this story is this truth right here.

<insert resurrected Christ picture here>







That he lives.

He was born. He loved. He preached. He ministered. He walked the earth. He raised the dead. He forgave the sinner. He established his church. He set an example. He was perfect. He suffered our pains. He died on the cross.

But he didn't just "live"







HE LIVES.





now.
Present tense.
I think it is appropriate to reword my first question of


"Who WAS Jesus Christ?"
To



"Who IS Jesus Christ?"

He is our Savior, our Redeemer.
The one who can forgive us, strengthen us, enable us.
The one who we can follow and never be led astray.
Someone we can confidently put our faith and trust in.
Someone we can always turn to for help.
And he'll always be there.

Because he lives and forever will live.

Because of him we can live again.
Guiltless, shameless,
Happy

Free.

Through Christ we can be saved From pain, hurt, sorrow, sadness, guilt, shame, our sins 
and mistakes. From heartache, bad days, let downs, disappointments, awful news, 
a longing for home.

Through Christ we can live again
In peace, joy and happiness.
Guiltless, faultless,
No more anxiety and stress
Full of love and hope and comfort and complete joy
With those we love. With God.

Through Christ
We can change

And only through Christ are these made possible.

Why wouldn't we rely on Christ for the wonderful blessings he has provided for us?
He set the perfect example, why should we not follow it?

"Who is he that will harm you if ye be followers

 of that which is good?" 

1 Peter 3:13

With Christ we can be, fearless.
Death has no sting
The grave has no victory
He overcame it all.
God has given us victory over all, as we follow Jesus Christ.


It is by his grace that we become great.
As Paul says...


"By the grace of God I am what I am.."
1 Corinthians 15



And isn't this too true?
Who would we be, who could we become, without the grace of Christ our Savior?

Where would you be without him?
Who can you become with him?

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

John 13:17

Who is Jesus Christ?

To me, Jesus Christ is my Redeemer, my Savior, my Friend. My example, my direction, my comfort. My peace, hope and solace. My brother, teacher, instructor and guide. My goal, my joy, my understanding.

I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a part of Christ’s church. To learn of him and teach of him everyday. Even more so I'm grateful that I have a Savior. That he's there, and always will be. No matter how uncertain my future is, whether now or fifty years down the road, the one stable certainty I can rely on is my Savior. He won't change.

I'm grateful he died for me. I'm grateful that I can learn and grow and try and fail and turn to him to try again and succeed, because with Christ we win every time. You can't fail when your on the Lords errand. You can't lose. You won't lose.

I'm grateful that because of him I can find joy and peace. Even though I'm a stress case and get frazzled and irritated I can turn to him for reassurance guidance and love.

Honestly, I don't know how my life would be if I didn't have a knowledge of my Savior. And not only that but a sure foundation that he lives and loves me.






What is a Christian to me?
A Christian is a believer of Jesus Christ and his teachings.
A doer of Christ’s teachings.
An example of Christ’s teachings.
A follower of Christ’s teachings.





Who is Jesus Christ to you?
What is a Christian to you?


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Until next week

Love You!


S.Stucki
Sent from my iPad