The Great Kaplan

Last night James and I went on a date to see THE GREAT KAPLAN--a comedic magician. It was there that I realized that I am sometimes that person in the crowd who laughs super loud at everything. No doubt the others in the audience were sometimes laughing at me. I couldn't help it; it was my kind of humor. One stunt involves him balancing a bowling ball on a plunger on his face! Part way through he says, "Hey, I can see my reflection!" in reference to the bowling ball balancing on his forehead. The Great Kaplan then pulls out a comb and starts coming his mustache. Not only did I think that was hilarious, but then he puts the comb back in his pocket and says, "I honestly thought that would be funnier than that." Hahahha, I loved it.

This week I study a little bit out of 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. I was really stressed with school, planning the reception, getting announcements out, and feelings of inadequacy. James and I were talking; I expressed my concern for these last months of 2009. "I don't know how I can get it all done: homework, projects, wedding plans, ect." James referred me to the 4th chapter of 2 Nephi and reminded me that I do not have to take the burdens all upon myself. The atonement of Jesus Christ is for all our sorrows, pains, and even stress. I thought about James' council and went home to read that chapter. Nephi is feeling inadequate because of his sins and says, "O wretched man that I am! Yea my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul greiveth because of my iniquities." I have felt that way often in my life, whether I admit it or not to myself. I have felt, "God shouldn't help me because I do not deserve his help." I want to be like Nephi who says, "Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted," and trust the Lord because I know he loves me.
I love the last two verses:

"O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my tryst in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mne everlasting God. Amen."

Everything he says is true. We are cursed when we put our faith in man. Not a curse that is cast by a witch. It's a curse we bring upon ourselves because when we forget God and put all of our hope in ourselves we can not win. We can not overcome Satan with out God's help, without Christ's atonement. The gospel is a plan of happiness for all mankind. I am comforted knowing God's plan for me!