"You can do it now!"

"our destiny is not determined by the number of times we stumble but by the number of times we rise up, dust ourselves off, and move forward. ...

Of all the principles taught by prophets over the centuries, one that has been emphasized over and over again is the hopeful and heartwarming message that mankind can repent, change course, and get back on the true path of discipleship. That does not mean that we should be comfortable with our weaknesses, mistakes, or sins. But there is an important difference between the sorrow for sin that leads to repentance and the sorrow that leads to despair. ...

Godly sorrow leads to conversion and a change of heart. It causes us to hate sin and love goodness. It encourages us to stand up and walk in the light of Christ’s love. True repentance is about transformation, not torture or torment. Yes, heartfelt regret and true remorse for disobedience are often painful and very important steps in the sacred process of repentance. But when guilt leads to self-loathing or prevents us from rising up again, it is impeding rather than promoting our repentance. ...

There is a better way. Let us rise up and become men [and women] of God. ...

Falling is what we mortals do. But as long as we are willing to rise up again and continue on the path toward the spiritual goals God has given us, we can learn something from failure and become better and happier as a result. ...

We acknowledge that your path will at times be difficult. But I give you this promise in the name of the Lord: rise up and follow in the footsteps of our Redeemer and Savior, and one day you will look back and be filled with eternal gratitude that you chose to trust the Atonement and its power to lift you up and give you strength.

My dear friends, ... no matter how many times you have slipped or fallen, rise up! Your destiny is a glorious one! Stand tall and walk in the light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! You are stronger than you realize. You are more capable than you can imagine. You can do it now! Of this I testify in the sacred name of our Master and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, amen. "

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

"You can do it now!" Oct. 2013 (emphasis added)

I am really good at feeling sad and sorry for myself, and i'm really good at letting my guilt take over my emotions, instead of celebrating the fact that i have changed! and i am trying my best to be good and stay clean, even though it is really hard for me. 

I believe in redemption.

God hears the prayers of our hearts, even when we don't have the strength to voice them.

and He answers them, in His timing.

thank you Samantha Anderson for sharing this talk on Facebook today because it is literally exactly what i needed to get me back up on my feet, and it was was a direct and quick answer to an unspoken prayer.

I can do it now!

(If you'd like to read/watch/listen to the whole talk, you can! click HERE)