Saturday, 29 November 2014

11:10 - No comments

Go To Sleep

My latest English assignment was a research paper. I was given a social issue, and I was to determine the best solution. My topic was sleep deprivation. I learned a lot during this assignment, and it has given me more motivation to "Go To Sleep". I hope you enjoy

Go To Sleep

The time is 3:00am, and the average teenager is in bed. She is finding it hard to settle the thoughts in her head. She is thinking about the outcome of her favorite television show, while she anticipates a response to her last text message to her best friend. Just as she is finally about to drift off to sleep, her phone goes off. She answers the phone, talks for a few minutes and hangs up. Even though the conversation was brief, the damage has been done. She is unable to get to sleep for the third time this week. There are many factors that cause someone to struggle finding rest. Media overload, depression, stress, aging and brain development all contribute to how well a person sleeps at night. But why is sleep deprivation such a large problem? Sleep deprived individuals are at a higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Sleep deprivation is also a safety risk for a community. The ability to think clearly is diminished, which leads to bad decisions and impaired driving. What is to be done? The solution is up to each individual who struggles with sleep. Bedtime routines need to be modified so that individuals can prepare for restful sleep. Once individuals take control of bedtime, health and community safety will improve.

How does sleep deprivation impact a person’s health? Jolanta Orzel-Gryglewska, who works at the University of Gdańsk in Poland, wrote a paper titled “Consequences of Sleep Deprivation”. She states “sleeplessness also relates to the changes in the immune response” (p.1). When a person is sleep deprived, the immune system responds slower to illnesses in the body. With the immune system slower to respond it is easier to become sick. Other health risks are obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Orzel-Grylewska also stated, “Among the sleep deprived individuals, the risk of gaining weight by 5 kg increased by 35% and the risk of obesity by 27% in comparison with the individuals having optimum sleep time” (Consequences of Sleep Deprivation, p.6). There are other ways sleep deprivation can be a health risk to individuals. Sleep deprivation in teens “often results in risk-taking behavior” (Sleepy Teens, Melanoma, the Thrill of a Thriller, and More, video, 2012). The section of the brain that is in responsible for executive decisions (the prefrontal cortex), is already underdeveloped in teenagers. Combine an undeveloped prefrontal cortex and sleep deprivation, and the results tend to lead to bad judgement and dangerous decisions. This increases the risk of fatal accidents. Sleep deprivation is hazardous to one’s health.

Sleep deprivation is not only a health hazard, but also a community problem. Brain efficiency is affected with lack of sleep. “Cognitive performance deteriorates during extended wakefulness and circadian phase misalignment” (Effects of Partial and Acute Total Sleep Deprivation on Performance across Cognitive Domains, Individuals and Circadian Phase, Lo, June C; Groeger, John A; Santhi, Nayantara; Arbon, Emma L; Lazar, Alpar S; Hasan, Sibah; Schantz, Malcolm von; Archer, Simon N; Dijk, Derk-Jan, p.1). The brain slows down, and response time decreases. Imagine a sleep deprived individual behind the wheel of a car, bus, and truck or operating heavy machinery. With response times slower, the risk of fatal accidents increases. One might think that driving while sleep deprived is no big deal. But in “Consequences of Sleep Deprivation”, Orzel-Gryglewska observes that “the impairment of performance which is caused by 20-25 hours of sleeplessness is comparable to that after ethanol intoxication at the level of 0.10% blood alcohol concentration” (p.1). Being sleep deprived is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Sleepy workers can lead to tragedies like the Union Carbide chemical plant incident in Bhopal, India, the nuclear tragedies at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, and the Exxon Valdez oil tanker being grounded (NCSDR, 1994; Moss and Sills, 1981; United States Senate Committee on Energy and National Resources, 1986; USNRC, 1987; Dinges et al., 1989). All those tragedies were linked to sleep deprivation in the workers, which lead to costly clean up and environmental decay. Sleep deprivation is a community health and environmental issue that needs to be resolved.

What is the solution to the sleep deprivation epidemic? While this issue is a community concern, the solution is to be faced by individuals. Doctors can prescribed sleeping aides as a way to help rectify this issue. Yet, sleep aides are not effective without making changes to a person’s nightly routine. Others have used the method of resynchronizing a person’s sleep pattern, especially for those working in shifts. This is done by adjusting sleeping patterns during off work times so the brain can associate certain activities with bed time. A person becomes tired after repeated practice of a regular bedtime routine. By itself, these ideas are less effective unless it is implemented together.

The best solution to this problem is to not only change a person’s sleep pattern, but to also remove sleep distractions from a sleep area. To be ready for sleep, a person must have the right amount of daylight exposure. In “Clinical Manual for Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders” the authors discuss how light at the right time can help bring sleep back to a person. “Light is a major synchronizer of circadian rhythms, and it has become apparent that, as in most other organisms, circadian rhythms in humans can be reset by appropriately timed exposure to bright light” (Reite, Weissberg, Ruddy. p.35 2008). Having light in the day, and darkness at night is key to proper sleep. By turning off the television or other media devices early enough the brain will begin to associate the lack of light to bed time. After the bright light stimulants are removed, a person can begin the bed time routine, “this may include quiet, pleasant activities such as reading a story, as well as activities required to prepare for bed, such as changing into pyjamas and brushing teeth” (Neuroscience Research Progress : Sleep Deprivation : Causes, Effects and Treatment, Fulke, Vaughan, 2009 p. 35). A person must also use softer light while preparing for bed. By turning off most lights in a room except for a lamb or candle will help a body begin to feel ready to rest. By implementing these changes to a person’s day, sleep will be within reach, and benefit a community as a whole.

Take a look again at the teenager mentioned earlier. Once again it is 3:00am. There is a teenager sleeping soundly in her bed. The lights and her phone are turned off. For the past few days, she has been developing a strict bed time routine. She has her homework done by 8:00pm, and has turned off the television by 9:00pm. Then she begins her nightly routine. She goes for a walk around the block to stretch her leg muscles after being in the sitting position all day. She has brushed and flossed her teeth, and washed her face and put on her comfortable pajamas. On a stressful day, she has a warm bath to relax her nerves. It’s still early, so she takes out her favorite novel. After she is done reading, she turns off her phone and the lights in her room. She begins breathing deeply and slowly, and soon is off to sleep. Her health has begun to improve, and she has more energy in the day. While sleep deprivations causes numerous health issues and tragedies, proper sleep can improve the health of an individual and the safety of a community. It’s time to go to sleep.

Reference

Lo, J. C., Groeger, J. A., Santhi, N., Arbon, E. L., Lazar, A. S., Hasan, S., . . . Dijk, D. (2012).

Effects of partial and acute total sleep deprivation on performance across cognitive

domains, individuals and circadian phase. PLoS One, 7(9)

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0045987

Orzel-Gryglewska, J. (2010). CONSEQUENCES OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION. International

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 23(1), 95-114. Retrieved

from http://search.proquest.com/docview/218398743?accountid=9817

Sleepy teens, melanoma, the thrill of a thriller, and more: Tonic (series 2) [Video file]. (2012).

In Films On Demand. Retrieved November 13, 2014, from

http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=6510&xtid=49576

Fulke, P., & Vaughan, S. (2009). Neuroscience Research Progress : Sleep Deprivation : Causes,

Effects and Treatment. Hauppauge, NY, USA: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.. Retrieved

from http://www.ebrary.com

Reite, M., Weissberg, M., & Ruddy, J. R. (2008). Clinical Manual for Evaluation and Treatment

of Sleep Disorders. Arlington, VA, USA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Retrieved

from http://www.ebrary.com

Moss TH, Sills DL, 1981. The Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident: Lessons and Implications .

New York: New York Academy of Sciences.

United States Senate Committee on Energy and National Resources. 1986. The Chernobyl

Accident. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office.

USNRC (United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission). 1987. Report on the Accident at the

Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station. NU-REG 1250. Washington, DC: Government

Printing Office.

Dinges DF, Graeber RC, Carskadon MA, Czeisler CA, Dement WC. 1989. Attending to

inattention. Science 245(4916):342.



10:14 - No comments

Ruth

During the time of Ruth and Naomi, the land of Judah was peaceful compared to the Northern lands that were constantly at war with the Canaanites, Ammonites and Midianites. Yet, they people in Judah had to constantly battle the climate in the area. There were many famines that plagued the land, which is why Elimelech, Naomi and her two sons left Judah and came to Moab. There Naomi’s two sons married two Moabite women: Orpah, and Ruth.

Ruth faced many trials. After ten years of being married to Naomi’s son, he passed away and she was left a widow. Her father in-law died, as well as her brother in-law. In a short time she lost many members of her family. After the death of her husband, Ruth’s mother in law Naomi was preparing to leave too. Ruth who was left without her husband was about to lose her mother in law aswell. Her sister in-law also left. Ruth was able to convince Naomi to take Ruth with her, but as to do so, Ruth had to leave her own land and family.

I have felt the pain of losing someone to an untimely death. One friend of mine died while serving his mission in Guatemala, and another friend died in a tragic motorcycle accident. My husband was with our friend who died in the motorcycle accident. I felt pained not only because of the loss of my friend, but also for my husband who witnessed the accident. While the pain we felt was strong and real, we were able to heal because of the gospel light in our lives

I think Ruth was motivated to go with Naomi because of the light of the gospel that was with Naomi. Ruth needed comfort and she recognized the light of the gospel in Naomi. In spite of that light it would have been hard for Ruth to leave her land and family behind. Ruth’s testimony of the truth must have given her strength the face an unknown land, and people.

Once Ruth was in Judah with Naomi, Ruth began gleaning, or rather gathering left over stalks of grain. Ruth did this to help provide food for both herself and Naomi. Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi was impressed by Ruth’s hard work and devotion to Naomi.

Even though Ruth face tragedy and trials, Ruth face them with work and devotion. She did not give into despair and grief, but instead moved forward with her life and took care of Naomi. In my own trials, I can follow the example of Ruth. When tragedy hits life, I can face them with hope, work and devotion, and begin to move forward with my life.

Being devoted to the Lord requires sacrifice. One of the biggest sacrifices I had to make was to sacrifice certain selfish desires. I am required to sacrifice what I desire to do, so that I can serve others the way the Lord wants me too. There are times when I sacrifice well, and others times when I need to work at it more. When I give up personal media time to serve a friend in need, the feeling I get was given me joy. Having joy was been the blessing of my sacrifice.

I feel that Boaz was so kind to Ruth, because he recognized her devotion to Naomi, and the Lord. How could a righteous man not respect such love and devotion?

Thursday, 20 November 2014

08:49 - No comments

Who Will You Serve?

Do you have a hard time believing the Holy Bible because there appears to be an obvious contradiction with science? The Bible is full of strange occurrences that appear to contradict science. One example of a “strange occurrence is when Israel was in the process of claiming the Land of Canaan for their inheritance. They were fighting the Amorites. During one of the battles, the Sun and the Moon stood still “in the valley of Ajalon.” (Joshua 10:12). How is that scientifically possible? Did the Sun stand still? The Book of Mormon has shed some light on the issue. Helaman 12:13-17 states “Yea, and if he say unto the earth-Move- it is moved.” It was the earth that stood still, not the Sun. Regardless of what heavenly body stood still, how can a planet or a star defy science? It is because the Lord made it so. For others who struggle to see past faith, this concept may be hard for them to grasp. The truth is the truth no matter if a person believes it or not. The Lord has the ability and the power to disrupt heavenly bodies. He does so when His purposes require it. I believe this to be true with every fiber in my being. I may not understand how the science of it all works, I do have faith that one day I will see how science, and God are irrevocably intertwined. I look forward to that day.

While Israel was claiming their “Land of Promise”, they had many ups and downs. In Joshua 7-22, their many triumphs and shortcomings are listed. After their victory in Jericho, Achan took the “spoils of Jericho”, meaning he took possession of an idol that went against the law of God. That mistake lead to the defeat in Ai (failure). After the situation was rectified, Israel had victory of Ai. After the victory, Joshua built and altar in Mount Ebal, thus showing his gratitude towards the Lord for their victory (success). Through deceit the Gideonites became allies with Israel, even though the Lord commanded no alliances with the Canaanites. This alliance leads to the slavery of the Gibeonites (failure). Israel defeats the Amorites, and the Lord makes the Sun and the Moon “stand still” (Joshua 10:12) (success). By Joshua 11, Israel has claimed their Land of Promise. (success). While Israel made many mistakes, they had many triumphs as well. And after many years of wondering in the wilderness, Israel can finally have rest.

Just before Joshua passed, he gave an address to Israel. The theme of this address was agency. He listed all the ways the Lord had lead Israel, and the many ways Israel was blessed. Then he charged them to “choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15), thus making clear that Israel had the choice. They could choose to serve Baal, and live wickedly. The consequence would be misery and destruction, but the choice is theirs. Or they could choose righteousness and obedience. The consequence would be prosperity and happiness. It’s beautiful to me how even in the Old Testament, agency is in the forefront of the messages there. Each of us has the choice to choose to serve the Lord, or something else. The choice is ours. But “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15)

Wednesday, 12 November 2014

18:28 - No comments

False Gods and Temple Marriage

This week in the Old Testament, I studied in Deuteronomy. There were many laws that needed to be reinforced to Israel as they began to establish the Promised Land. They needed to avoid the worship of false gods, and commit to marry only those in the covenant.

In Deuteronomy, Israel was ready to enter into the land of promise. Now it was time for them to live in the world and prove their obedience. The Lord commanded them to follow his “statutes and judgements” (Deuteronomy 4:1). Statues and judgements are referring to Gods’ law, or more specifically, the Ten Commandments. The Israelites are promised prosperity in the land if they keep the commandments of the Lord. They will also have “wisdom and understanding” (Deuteronomy 4:6). The word of the Lord is what brings people to conversion. That coupled with confirmation from the Holy Ghost. Without Gods’ law, no man will have the ability to become converted. The Lord also wanted Israel to know the commandments so that they could teach their children. A parent’s responsibility is to teach their children the laws of God, and to follow them. If a parent neglects that responsibility, then the sins of that child will also fall onto the parent.

While the Israelites were preparing to enter into the Promised Land, the Lord commanded His people to love him. The Lord commanded the Israelites to “love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). They were also commanded to teach their children the commandments of God. They were to “bind [the commandments] for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be a as frontlets between thine eyes” (Deuteronomy 6:8). They were also commanded to write the law “upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates” Deuteronomy 6:9). The Israelites were commanded to keep the commandments close to them, so that they will always know them, especially the greatest commandment to “love the Lord thy God.” Later in history, the Jews established a custom called “phylacteries and mezuzah”. The phylacteries custom included writing down the scriptural passage of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 onto small pieced of parchment. The parchment was folded up and placed into a one and a half inch square leather box. These boxes were then secured over the forehead, or on the left bicep. This custom proved their devotion to the Lord with full heart and mind. Another parchment was inscribed in the same manner and placed into a tiny cylindrical box. This box was placed to the door frame of their homes. As a person would enter or exit their home, they would touch or kiss the box. This custom was called mezuzah. Both customs were to show their devotion to the Lord and his commandments.

During this time, the Israelites were also reminded to worship only the Lord, and not the gods of the Canaanites. They were commanded to “overthrow their altars and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and [they] shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place” (Deuteronomy 12:3). The Israelites were a young and impressionable nation. While this made them easy to teach the will of the Lord, they were also easily swayed away from the true gospel. The Lord required them to remove all temptation to worship false gods, so that they could remain faithful to Him. It is through Heavenly Fathers plan that true happiness comes. That is why the Lord felt strongly about idol worship. Today idol worship doesn’t look like a golden calf that we bow down too. Today, idolatry exists whenever the things of the world are put before the things of the Lord. If a person chooses to play a game, or watch a show instead of taking the time to study the scriptures, that is idolatry. Anything that is used as a replacement of worship can be considered idol worship. A person can avoid these pitfall by putting the Lord before all that we do. When scripture study, temple worship and Sunday worship is put before entertainment, that person has enriched his or her life. By putting the Lord first a person proves the devotion felt towards the Lord.

The Israelites were so impressionable that the Lord restricted marriage outside of the covenant. If the Israelites were allowed to marry those of a different faith, they would be more easily swayed to believe. By marrying those who believe the same, helped the Israelites remain true to their covenants with the Lord. Families are central to the plan of our Heavenly Father. Once the Israelites began marrying others outside of the covenant that was when idol worship began again. They were influenced by their spouses to worship other gods and idols.

One of the most important benefits of marrying in the covenant is families being sealed together for time and eternity. I married my husband in the Cardston, Alberta temple in October 2002. Being together twelve years has had its ups and down. Knowing that our relationship was set up to last forever, has helped me hold on it when times got hard. Having an eternal family has given me comfort during hard times, especially when I was fighting cancer. I took comfort in know that even if I died, I would be with my family again.

I got married in the temple because I wanted to not only be sealed with my family forever, but to also reach the highest degree of glory in Heaven. By marrying in the covenant, I qualify myself and my family for exultation: to live forever with God, and with eternal increase. I will be able to continue to have children. Satan wants us to forget this truth, because he knows the joy we will feel in that place. Misery wants company, and Satan is the father of misery.

Saturday, 8 November 2014

22:54 - No comments

A Buddhist Among Mormons

This week in English, I submitted an essay that discussed my "other". Meaning, someone who believes differently than me. I learned a lot putting together a profile of someone who I thought to be very different from me. What I discovered was astounding. My "other" is not so different than me. I would like to share my profile of Rebecca Lewis-Russell. I hope you enjoy my essay.

A Buddhist Among Mormons

I never thought I would meet a woman like Rebecca Lewis-Russell when I first moved to Cardston, Alberta Canada. My family and I moved here to get out of the big city, and to become immersed by other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). I first met Rebecca at a local play group called “Stay and Play”. She was dressed in a white tank top, and for a community filled with LDS members, that statement screamed non-member. While our children played, we talked. She informed me that auditions were coming up for the musical “Tom Sawyer”. I was new into town, and Rebecca found a way to make me feel included. I could sense early into our friendship the compassion she has for others. I learned later that Rebecca is not a Christian, but a follower of the Buddhist belief system. I had met a fascinating person, and I knew that I had to get to know her.

I am not the only one who felt included by Rebecca. A friend of mine by the name Kym Peavoy, shared a time when she first met Rebecca. Kym stated, “Shortly after we moved in, Rebecca offered a running class. She gave my sister and me a fantastic deal so we took the class together.” Rebecca is the kind of person who tries to support others in their pursuit towards better health. This past June, I competed in my first triathlon. Rebecca gave me training tips, and even offered to help me train. Rebecca also offered to loan her bike to another friend of mine before her first triathlon. Rebecca barely knew her, yet gave her what was needed to accomplish her fitness goals. Rebecca’s compassion for others is obvious in her selfless acts of kindness.

Over the years, I have had many impressions about Rebecca. My first impression of her was that she is very vivacious. I got to know her better while we participated in the musical “Tom Sawyer”. I remember watching her perform, and noticing her phenomenal stage presence. Rebecca worked hard at the role she was given, and her hard work spread to others in the cast. I observed at least two mothers speak to Rebecca about concerns they had for their daughters in the play. Rebecca always showed compassion to them. It made me do better in my own interactions with others.

While her compassion is a trait that many Christians strive to have, Rebecca is not a Christian, but is Buddhist. She doesn’t tear down any organized religion, but instead takes the opportunity to look inward. I asked Rebecca what attracted her to the Buddhist faith. She said that looking inward was appealing to her, because she feels she is not naturally a carefree, “let it go” kind of person. Believing in Karma has helped her let go of the hurt that others have caused her, by either careless words or actions. Looking inward has helped her feel more compassion towards others.

Rebecca was first introduced to Buddhism in her twenties, while living in India with the displaced Tibetans. She had briefly met His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and was immediately impressed by the warmth he projected. While they talked, he gave her his full attention. Years later, Rebecca had the opportunity to work security for His Holiness, while he visited Canada. She was sick with a severe cough. While she was hacking away, a monk came out of the hotel room with a bowl of fruit. The monks gave the bowl to Rebecca, under the direction of the Dalai Lama, stating that the fruit was for “the one with the cough”. The Dalai Lama’s compassion to her, gave Rebecca a lasting impression that has affected how she reacts to others in their time of need.

Her compassion is so strong, that she believes in standing up for those who need a voice. She is a gay rights supporter, and believes in anyone’s right to live the way they want to, unless they cause harm to others. Rebecca will say what needs to be said, even if other are offended. This past Halloween, Rebecca wrote on Facebook a post that was intended for others to think twice about the kind of costume a person should wear. She wrote, “homelessness is a very serious issue globally ... I hate to sound sanctimonious but if your kid wants to dress as a hobo on Halloween maybe this is something you might consider and use it as a tool to teach your child compassion because compassion and social issues can never be taught too early.” Her post got me to think twice about what I would allow my children to dress up as. Rebecca had the courage to say what needed to be said, even if others disagreed.

Rebecca lives her life with compassion towards others. She tries to teach her children, and the children in our community to have “unconditional compassion.” I have seen her give a smile and a hug to numerous children in town. She knows her children’s friends, and is always willing to help those who need it. I think many of us could learn from the example of compassion from a Buddhist who lives among Mormons.

Thursday, 6 November 2014

10:09 - No comments

People Can Change

In my current English class, I was required to do a podcast describing something I believe. I had to look deep to discover a focused core belief that I have. Here is the link to my podcast, and the essay is posted below. I hope you like it.
  
People Can Change

Like many people in the world, there are things about myself that I want to change. I would like to be funnier, prettier and better at math. It took a lot of effort to make changes in myself. Through these modification, I have discovered one truth: change is possible. I have seen others in my life change in various ways. There were three common factors that I saw in them that made it possible to achieve their goals. They made sacrifices, had the support of a loved one, and had a deep personal desire to change. Whether the adjustments are big or small, I believe that people can change.

There is no way a person can change without making sacrifices. For many years, I have desired to become healthier. After fighting off stage one ovarian cancer, I learned that I needed to modify my diet. To achieve my health goals I had to make sacrifices. I had to reject the unhealthy food that I loved to eat. It took a lot of work to recondition my mind to crave for things that were good for me. Many times sacrifices are hard, because we desire to hold onto the things that make us unhappy. I asked myself why that is, and I discovered that there is comfort in consistency. We delude ourselves into thinking that our bad choices makes us happy, instead it does the opposite. Many times we will need to keep trying, especially if habits do not change after the first attempt. It is hard to avoid discouragement when we fail to change right away, but I learned that I only fail if I stop trying.

Sacrifice is only one step in making lasting change. A person must have the support of a loved one, who believes he or she can change. In my own pursuit to become healthier, I had success as a result of the support of my friends and family. After I was first diagnosed with cancer, I knew that I needed to adjust how I ate. As I struggled to find healthy recipes, my family supported me in my efforts. Even after they were forced to eat disgusting food as I tried various new recipes. Without that support, the changes I made would not have lasted. They knew I had the ability to change, and therefore so did I.

Desire plays the most important role in our journey towards change. No matter how much we want a loved one to overcome a challenge, they will not change unless they want too. Trying to modify a person is like trying to open a door by banging your head on it. The door will remain closed and only cause you pain. When I was younger, I didn’t care about how I ate. I lived off of hamburgers and fries. My health was declining, and people were concerned. It wasn’t until cancer threatened to take my life that I decided to change. Once I yearned to be healthy, I was able to succeed.

Like many people in the world, I have desired to change things about myself. The modifications I wanted to make were not easy, yet I was able to make these alterations because of sacrifice, support and desire. Without that formula, change is nearly impossible. Whether the adjustments are big or small, I believe that people can change.

Wednesday, 5 November 2014

09:43 - No comments

The Brazen Serpant

This week I studied to book of Numbers in the Old Testament. Numbers recorded the wanderings in the wilderness by the people of Israel. They faced many trials, suffered because of murmuring and disobedience, repented and were blessed, while they wondered in the wilderness for nearly 40 years. In Numbers 21, I learned about the brazen serpent, which is commonly seen as a medical symbol today.

The people of Israel once again murmured against the Lord and his chosen prophet. To help Israel turn to the Lord again, he cursed them with "fiery serpents" (Numbers 21:6). Those who were bitten died. Once Israel began to repent, the Lord commanded Moses to place a serpent made of brass upon a pole and raise it up before the people. If a person looked upon the serpent on the pole when bitten, they would be cured from the poison. Many were saved from this simple act of looking, while others refused to look and perished.

The brazen serpent is a symbol of Jesus Christ. When he lived upon the earth, he was raised upon a cross and died to redeem mankind. To be saved from death Israel needed to look upon the brazen serpent. To be saved from sin and death, we must look to Jesus Christ.

A person can "look to" Jesus Christ for healing by turning to the priesthood for blessings. I know that through the priesthood, a person can be healed from physical sickness and injury. I have seen myself become healed through blessings, but I have also seen healing denied. We must look to Him in faith and know that if we are not healed, it is for a purpose that we may not understand yet.

We can also be healed of mortal turmoil and suffering by looking to Jesus Christ. A person can look to Jesus Christ by trying to become like him, and by studying his life. I have had pain and suffering in my life. I "looked" to Jesus Christ by focusing on serving others. I have found solace and peace by trying to live like Him. This act is simple, but takes a lot of effort. During times of depression and pain, the simple act of serving others seems ineffective. But I have seem in my own life, how losing myself in the service of others helped me lose the pain too. I must make clear that when it comes to serious matters such a depression or other mental difficulties, merely serving others may not be enough. I believe strongly that to turn to Jesus Christ for healing also means accepting the medical help that is available in our day. By accepting the advice of an inspired doctor with an eye focused on the Lord, I believe that all mental turmoil can be overcome.

During a specific trying time in my life, I felt the oppressive suffering that I know others have faced too. During that time, I turned to the advice of good friends, family, and a caring bishop who knew how to help me. My bishop at the time taught me to lose myself in serving others. He advised me to focus on helping others instead of the pain I was feeling. The changes in myself did not happen right away, but slowly I began to notice that peace was coming to me more often. I began to forgive myself for my mistakes, and develop a deeper desire to follow Jesus Christ. While the road was long, I have seen myself healed by "looking to" Jesus Christ. 

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