Chapter 19: Personal Choice

"It's not so much about doing what's right, but about choosing to do what's right. And remember, that's a process."-Anonymous What a week this last week was. It was so interesting, and perhaps maybe even a good turning point for me. These words especially kind of helped me to bring everything I've been feeling this week all together. Being here on Earth gives us a lot of opposition and opportunity. We all learn the difference between right and wrong, and we all also have the divine blessing of moral agency: the freedom to choose for ourselves. We are so weak and fallible as humans though, and boy we choose to do wrong often, mostly through ignorance or complacency but sometimes even by willful rebellion. I know I've experienced this, and in the process of growth and discipleship of following Jesus Christ, sometimes it can be overwhelming to observe the incredible trench between who we are and who we know we need to be. It's a hard thing to reconcile, but let's break down the quote. "It's not so much about doing what's right..." In life, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know that we are going to constantly fall short and sin. We aren't going to do what's right all the time, and therefore simply doing what's right isn't the focus of mortality. If life was all about just doing what is right, we would have no hope. "...but about choosing to do what is right. And remember, that's a process." The focus is rather becoming the type of person who is striving to choose to do what is right. Mindful action. Deliberate effort. Real intent—this is where real change comes, and it is a process! It is the path of discipleship and it leads us through refinement to come out not only as better people but to eventually fulfill the designs of God in helping us become as He and Jesus Christ are! This process is only possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is the one who has made it possible for us to choose for ourselves; oh what a blessing that is! Not only that, but he is the one who has suffered all that is possible to be suffered, in order to succor all who would choose to be succored. Choosing to do what is right comes with an acknowledgement of Christ's centrality in our lives and our hope of ever improving. Choose Christ this week. Life is good. God is wise. Don't give up. Elder Childers

Pulpit Rock hike along the Appalachian Trail! Super fun

Mod Pizza: epic

Exchanges which led to picture time at the lake! My tie is like totally pulled down haha, kinda funny!

District council with the zone leadership!