....it creeps in

Discouragement.  I've heard it said it's the devil's number one tool used to destroy us.  I believe it!  Have you ever noticed that things are going along fine, and then suddenly you start worrying and doubting.  Wondering if you are good enough to be loved?  Smart enough to succeed?  Or brave enough to overcome the very real challenges we each face?

Just the other night I experienced the beginning subtleties of discouragement when I posted this meme I created on Facebook.  Discouragement silently crept in and took a seat next to me.  It whispered thoughts to me like, "See, what you did isn't good enough.  Only 2 people out of the masses clicked 'like.'"  "Look how good everyone else's memes are.  Their art is crisp, clean and trendy art. Your art is too busy, boring, and just plain out of style."

I went to bed feeling like I really have no potential to become someone who has the artistic ability to fit in anywhere.  I felt upset and weakened. Yes, I felt a bit defeated.  These are not feelings I enjoy.  Who does?! They leave us feeling sick to our stomachs.  These feelings leave thinking we are useless and we ought to give up.

God does not discourage us.  He may redirect us, if we are going on the wrong path, but he will never tell us

we are useless failures. These thoughts and feelings that stem from discouragement are lies of the devil! Don't believe them for a minute!  And if you do..... as I did.... let them last only a minute in the grand scheme of things.

What can you do to fight against discouragement?

• Pray for his help to understand your worth  
• Pray for his comfort, and do things that will uplift your spirits  
• Even when you don't feel much like lifting them 
• Visit someone who is sick or lonely, take cookies to brighten someone else's day 
• sent a not of appreciation to someone who did something kind for you 
• read your scriptures 
• play beautiful, inspiring music 
• hug a child and read them a story  
• Shut off the television or video games-- take a walk in nature  
• Sing a song, or dance the hokey pokey
• If you play an instrument--go and play it!  

Whatever thing you do, make sure it is something that doesn't keep you feeling self absorbed and mulling over your real or imaged concerns and problems.

I listened to conference talks, good music, studied my scriptures, and prayed.  There were many factors to why I felt better when I woke, but the main thing is that I had to focus with gratitude on the fact that Heavenly Father, has blessed me, and will continue to bless me---as I do my part.

All I need to worry about is making sure I do the things that would please Heavenly Father, and have the actions of my life be "^awritten not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in ^btables of stone, but in ^cfleshy tables of the ^dheart." (2 Corinthians 3:3)




My prayer is that you may find the joy there is to be had within whatever circumstances you may find yourself.  Heavenly Father wants us to feel joy and gratitude.

Sincerely, Christine

P.S.  For more severe, long term cases or discouragement, depression, and/or despair I would urge you to not hesitate to seek counsel from a professional counselor, or LDS bishop.  There is help and hope for you.