“Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism.” ~(then Bishop) Richard C. Edgley, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, November 2010…  (‘Faith–The Choice is Yours’)

Any worthwhile pursuit comes at a price.  Said another way, ‘If there were no price, how worthwhile would it be? Would we stay with it?’ The the gospel plan teaches us a beautiful principle… ‘line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little’ (see 2 Nephi 28:30 and Isaiah 28:10).  We are not judged by the end of the journey as we begin it, or even should we be well along in our journey. We still make mistakes. That’s what takes us to our knees… to draw close to Him again and feel the peace only He can give. An obvious theme throughout scripture shows God willing to forgive when people sought change to follow Him.  He is the same God today as he was then and will readily forgive any honest, humble seeker.  kdm