10 Steps to Change the World
A couple weeks ago we had a council that I absolutely loved! We actually watched a video from a graduating class in Texas. The speaker in this video is of a Navy Seal General who spoke of 10 ways we can change the world. He talked alot about overcoming his hard training, sleepless nights, and paying attention to the details of life. It really made me reflect on my own life, such as the fire academy, school, my chronic illness, ostomy, mission, and just normal life.
The speaker gave the graduates 10 steps to change the world:
1. Make your bed
2. Find someone to help you paddle
3. Measure a person by the size of their heart not their flippers
4. Get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward
5. Don't be afraid of the circus
6. Slide down the obstacle headfirst
7. Don't back down from sharks
8. You must be your very best in your darkest moments
9. Start singing when you up in your neck in mud
10. Don't EVER ring the bell
These 10 Steps were obviously about his Navy Seal training and as missionaries we were supposed to apply them to missionary work but I feel like there is so much more than just that. I know that we can apply them into everyday life with the help of the Savior. While all 10 Steps are awesome, I'd only like to touch on my favorites that impacted me the most.
1. Make your Bed
If you know me you know I hate making my bed (which is a rule) even as a missionary. I struggle so hard with it because I hate getting into a made bed at night. So usually I don't do it, that is until the speaker talked about doing the simple and small things in life. He said if you can't do the small things than how can you ever accomplish the bigger things. Doing the smallest things makes the biggest difference. I began to think about this statement with the gospel. Am I doing the small stuff to strengthen my testimony of Christ?
As you do the small things and trust God, you can find love, joy, peace, and happiness regardless of your circumstances.
To me the smaller things consist of reading your scriptures, praying, and going to church. During the fire academy I wasn't doing these things but to me that didn't seem to matter because they are just the small things...right? Wrong. That's wrong because the small things lead to the big things. Just like flying an airplane or driving a car if you go in the smallest of an inch off the path, you'll eventually be completely lost. Except just like with making your bed, tomorrow is a new day. We all make mistakes and through Christ and repentance we can try again and get back on course. No one is ever too far lost, and you can now bet, everyday my bed is made.
2. Get over being a sugar cookie
Now you might be asking me, "Now Sister Pickett, what does that even mean?" Well, let me tell you. The speaker talked about how during training in the mornings everyone would get dressed perfectly and go line up on the beach. The instructer would then go and inspect everyones wardrobe. If the instructor found even the smallest imperfection, he would make you run into the ocean, fully clothed, roll around in sand and walk around like that for the rest of the day. For the rest of the day you looked like... a sugar cookie.
To me this analogy meant serveral things. Never be afraid to take crisitsm because honestly you will never make everyone in this world happy. Which has kinda been a hard thing for me, especially being on a mission because I definitely tend to be a "fixer." Except I learned that for one reason or another, you can't make everyone happy. Plus critisism helps you grow and become better.
Being a sugar cookie also means to get over yourself and not care about what other people think of you. Sometimes you do walk around covered in sand looking like a fool but who cares?
At points in our life we all walk around wet, cold, exhausted, and sandy but we must always keep going, just as the Savior did. In a world becoming ever more confused, worrying about money, fame, and popularity, we need to speak more of Christ. Never be afraid to stand up for your beliefs and to stand up for Christ. Never be afraid to be a sugar cookie.
3. Slide down the obstacle you are facing head first
This one means... full send. Don't be timid, and face your obstacle head on and head first. This reminds me of this picture my dad sent me awhile back.
I love how it talkes about how bison face the storms head on because they know that is the fastest and easiest way out of it. Face your storms head on! Sometimes you just got to take it and embrace the suck. The great thing about this one though is that we never have to face it alone. Jesus Christ suffered and died for us so we never have to go through these kinds of things by ourselves.
I know alot of times we are just like Peter when he begins to walk on the water toward Christ. Everything is going great until we get distracted by the storms surrounding us. The trick? Keep your focus on Jesus Christ, forget the storm. Jesus Christ already calmed the seas once and he will do it a hundred more times. The only thing you you have to do it keep your focus on and always goes head on to the Savior.
4. Don't back down from the sharks
The speaker talked about how alot of times during training they would have to swim long distances in the sea, at night, in shark infested waters. The instructors would always tell them if they saw a shark, never back down and stand your ground. This reminds me alot of missionary work, everyday we face bashers who try to get in our head and shake our faith. Everyday we have to stand our ground and remember the spiritual experiences we have had. As Christians and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we constantly get called a cult, we have people slam the doors on us, and we always get horrible, out of this world questions. We just do our best with God's help and never back down from the bully. We have seen Christ move mountains in our lives everyday and we want to share that message with the world. Whether your wearing a black badge, you're spiritual, or just living your best life, never back down from the bullies in everyday life or the adversary who is constantly yelling at us. There will always be a dark force but with Jesus Christ we will always rise above it.
We always need to stand with Christ even when we are standing alone.
"The apostle Paul warned that those who are diligently following the Lord "shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12) That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motive you to become more exemplary in your daily lives."
-Russell M. Nelson
What are you going to do with it?
5. You must be your very best in your darkest moments.
This one to me speaks alot of integrity. Being honest and true even when no one is watching. I know from experience from myself and others that your true character comes out in the dark and especially when no one is looking. I promise you that someone always is watching.
Elder Jack N. Gerard taught,
"The Savior reminds us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” President Russell M. Nelson counseled: “[Overcoming the world] means overcoming the temptation to care more about the things of this world than the things of God. It means trusting the doctrine of Christ more than the philosophies of men.” Likewise, we must resist the temptation to walk “in [our] own way, and after the image of [our] own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world.”
How do we respond when we get those temptations from the world? Do we give in or stay strong? Just like the story from Daniel and the lions den we must stay true to God and never give in. Except, since we are all human and make mistakes, when we do give in, because of Jesus Christ, we can change and be better.
6. Don't EVER ring the bell
The speaker at the conclusion of the talk spoke about how in boot camp there was a bell in the middle of the camp. To stop waking up at 5 in the morning, getting yelled at daily, swimming with sharks, doing hundreds of push-ups everyday and to stop the physical pain, all you have to do it ring the bell. All you have to do is give in and ring that bell then it's all over. Pretty easy right? Looks pretty appealing doesn't it? During the fire academy we had alot of hard painful days, except one of the things that got me through them was something my dad said. He said, "Lily it all has to come to an end, the day will end, they can't keep you there forever." That may seem random to you but to me that meant everything. Just like in the scriptures it says, "And it came to pass" and it always did. I know that in this life it may seem like the trials never cease, the pain never ends, and the days seems long but God is with you. Jesus Christ has felt it all, he knows exactly what you are going through. No matter what you are going through, lean on the Savior.
"Hope is never lost. If those miracles do not come soon or fully or seemingly at all, remember the Savior’s own anguished example: if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead."
-Jeffrey R. Holland
Never give up, never give in, and never ring the bell.
What step stuck out to you the most?
How has God gotten you through your hard times?
Love,
Sister Pickett
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Want to know who changed my world?
🎭 New Orleans ✨️
Even since we went there a couple years ago, I just fell in love with it. I fell love with the culture, the music, and the food. I have been able to go to many places in the world but New Orleans has to be one of my favorites.
Here are the top 3 reasons for my love:
1. Will from Criminal Minds
2. Marti Gras:
It is my absolute dream to go to Marti Gras in New Orleans! Last week we got alittle taste of it!! There was a Marti Gras festival here in Nevada City and against all advice, we went!! We walked around and talked to people in their weird and wild costumes, got some Mardi Gras beads, and ran into an inactive family who goes to our church! It was so so fun and totally made me giddy to be alive. The only thing that it was missing was...
3. Beignets.
I was debating even putting this recipe on my blog because it is near impossible to recreate. While my family and I were in New Orleans we tried one because my mom researched food there (obviously) and the internet said that was a must try!! So, we went to the French Quarter and bought one at a bakery..and then went back again... and then went back the next morning!
Beignets are buttery pillows of delicious fried dough with rolled in powdered sugar. One of the greatest things I have ever eaten and something that lives rent free in my head. Beignets have to be a MUST on everyone's food tour bucket list! A fresh Beignet from the French Quarter will change your life. I have tried to recreate them several times at home and none of them have even come close. Maybe you'll have better luck!! Check out this recipe and give it a try!!
For full recipe! https://www.facebook.com/61568982430970/posts/pfbid0333oKgVjXZUgVWfQhbKEWgTzhQDDNTcLP5mHcZDTSfEh1j7tbjpq8M5RDnhLo1xj8l/
Have you ever been to New Orleans?
What's on your food tour bucket list??
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