But I Can Carry You

“I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you.”

I’m not a huge Lord of the Rings fan (a cardinal sin, as a card-carrying geek, I know) but this line popped into my mind when praying about about my daughter last month, as the school year ended. We could tell she was having a hard time leaving preschool for kindergarten. She may not have been able to articulate her feelings, but my wife and I could tell she was acting out due to anxiety. I’m not sure how this line from Samwise Gamgee applies to me and her exactly… I know I can’t take the big feelings from her, but I wished I knew how to help carry her through this.

Since the school year is over and she started adjusting to summer break, it seems like she's doing much better. Still it's hard being a parent and seeing my kids struggle. It needs to happen and it's part of the experience of mortality, but that doesn't change the fact that it's hard. As she grows up, she'll learn to manage her anxious feelings. But still I can't get the thought out of head about carrying her load.

And that impression left me thinking about how Heavenly Father views us. Being all-powerful, it seems reasonable that God could take away the anxiety and challenges we encounter. But as much as I'd like my anxiety lifted away forever, I know that's not how the Plan of Salvation works. If Heavenly Father jumped in whenever I had a problem, I wouldn't learn anything. It's like if I could have kept my daughter in preschool, so that she wouldn't have to face the heartache of leaving her friends and her teacher. However, she's growing up and she needs to learn and grow more.

Bringing it back to my relationship with God... It's a struggle with my mental health and my anxiety, because I'd love for a respite in which my anxiety is taken away even for a time... but that's not how life works... 

“I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you.”

Heavenly Father can't take the pain away. Heartbreak, anxiety, and struggles are what help us grow and develop as children of God. Though He can't take it away, He can carry me. That's why He sent Jesus Christ to perform the Atonement. I'm still figuring out what it means for a loving God to "carry" me, because on a day-to-day basis it still feels like I'm carrying it alone. But as I look back, I can see the footprints in the sand, seeing where I felt alone, and remembering that He has carried me through experiences I thought would rip me apart from the inside.

So while I don't understand how He carries me, I can keep moving forward and keep trying... especially on the days I don't want to try.

5 Fantasy Book Recommendations

 

A few years ago, I went to a graduation for my spouse’s master’s degree and one of the speakers talked about how after graduation many graduates stop reading. This was one of the motivations for me to get started in reading. I was not much of a reader prior to this experience. Anyways, I have read a lot of books and I have more books to read in the future. For those of you that are starting to read or should read here are five book recommendations that every fantasy reader should read. I will not include Young Adult series in this post because that can be their own post.

Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Of course, the first recommendation for fantasy reads should be the one that inspired the genre, Lord of the Rings. It is a timeless tale of Frodo Baggins and his companions as they embark on a perilous quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. Set in the richly detailed world of Middle-earth, the story explores themes of friendship, heroism, and the struggle against tyranny. With its intricate mythology, diverse cultures, and stirring battles between good and evil.

The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (and later Brandon Sanderson)

This epic journey of Rand al'Thor and his companions as they navigate a world on the brink of destruction. Set in a meticulously crafted universe where the Wheel weaves the pattern of time, the series chronicles the battle between forces of light and shadow, weaving together intricate plots, diverse cultures, and a rich tapestry of magic. Spanning fifteen volumes, it delves into themes of destiny, power, and the cyclical nature of history, offering a gripping saga of prophecy, adventure, and the struggle for survival.

The Cosmere by Brandon Sanderson

The Cosmere is a grand interconnected universe encompassing multiple series and standalone novels, each set on different worlds but sharing a common cosmology and magical system. Spanning genres from epic fantasy to science fiction, the Cosmere explores themes of power, redemption, mental health, and the nature of divinity. Through intricate worldbuilding and compelling characters, Sanderson weaves a narrative tapestry that invites readers to explore the depths of his vast and imaginative creation. See my previous post on my opinion on what order to read them in.

Cradle by Will Wight

A series where individuals strive to ascend to higher levels of power through martial arts and cultivation. In a realm governed by sacred arts and mysterious forces, the protagonist, Lindon, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Filled with exhilarating combat, intricate worldbuilding, and dynamic characters, Wight's series offers a captivating blend of action, intrigue, and exploration of the human spirit's boundless potential. If you are a fan of the anime One Piece then you will like this series.

Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

a mesmerizing tale that follows the enigmatic Kvothe as he recounts his journey from a gifted young musician to a legendary figure shrouded in myth and mystery. Set in the richly imagined world of Temerant, the narrative weaves together elements of magic, music, and adventure, exploring themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of knowledge. With its lyrical prose and intricate storytelling, Rothfuss crafts a captivating narrative that immerses readers in a world of wonder and danger.

Plots Part 3/3: A Perfect Plot

 

This is the final post about plots. In the first post we explored what the creators of South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, describe what makes a good plot: 

“take the beats of the outline and if the words ‘and then . . .’ belong between those beats . . . you got you something pretty boring. What should happen between every beat that you’ve written down is either the world therefore or but.” 

Then we explored two movies, Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker and The Super Mario Bros. Movie and how they follow the wrong beats using ‘and then’. The second blog post went into how to make Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker a better movie by changing the beats to therefore. In this final post we will explore a movie franchise that follows proper beats: Lord of the Rings.

The Lord of the Rings: Average of 93% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes

The story begins with the introduction of the One Ring, forged by Sauron to dominate all other rings of power and control Middle-earth. It falls into the possession of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who then passes it to his nephew, Frodo Baggins, and is therefore tasked to destroy it to prevent Sauron's return to power.

Frodo sets out from the Shire accompanied by his loyal friends: Samwise Gamgee, Merry, and Pippen. Along their perilous journey, they encounter various allies including Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and others such as Boromir, Faramir, but not everyone stays an ally. 

Their quest takes them through the Mines of Moria, the Elven realm of Lothlórien, and the city of Minas Tirith. They face numerous challenges, battles, and moral dilemmas along the way.

Meanwhile, Sauron marshals his forces to reclaim the Ring, which he believes will grant him ultimate power. He sends his armies of orcs, trolls, and other creatures to hunt down Frodo and his companions.

Ultimately, Frodo and Sam reach Mount Doom with the intention of destroying it. However, Frodo succumbs to the Ring's temptation and claims it for himself. Gollum, an ally turned foe who is obsessed with the Ring, attacks Frodo and bites off his finger, seizing the Ring for himself. But in his moment of triumph, Gollum loses his footing and falls into the fiery chasm of Mount Doom, destroying himself and the Ring in the process.

With the destruction of the Ring, Sauron is vanquished, and his armies are defeated. Middle-earth is saved from darkness, but not without great sacrifice. The hobbits return home to the Shire.

I love these movies and I feel that this should be the epitome and standard on how movie plots should be made. What movies do believe follow therefore or but beats? What do you like most about Lord of the Rings?

Friday Creature Feature - Smaug

 

Greetings, fellow fantasy enthusiasts, and welcome to another edition of our Friday Creature Feature! Today, we embark on a journey through the enchanting realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth to illuminate one of literature's most iconic and formidable creatures – Smaug the Magnificent.

Artist: David Dermaret

Background

Smaug, a malevolent and cunning dragon, stands as a central figure in J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, "The Hobbit." Nestled within the Lonely Mountain (Erebor), this ancient and powerful creature is irresistibly drawn to the dwarves' amassed riches, including the coveted Arkenstone. To reclaim their treasure, the dwarves enlist the aid of a seemingly harmless Hobbit, cleverly chosen to outwit the mighty dragon. Tolkien masterfully weaves Smaug into the narrative, creating a formidable antagonist that captivates the imagination of readers.

Physical Appearance

Described as a fearsome and awe-inspiring dragon, Smaug is adorned in scales of deep red and gold, reflecting the immense wealth hoarded within the Lonely Mountain. His eyes, capable of discerning the slightest movement, gleam with malevolent intelligence. Despite not being the largest dragon, Smaug's wings can blot out the sun, and his claws can crush stone, embodying the might and majesty of dragons in fantasy lore.

Personality

Smaug's captivating personality matches his imposing physical presence. Cunning and eloquent, he revels in psychological warfare, taunting Bilbo Baggins with riddles and displaying a keen awareness of his own magnificence. His arrogance and greed are matched only by his wrath, making him a complex and formidable adversary for our heroes. Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal in Peter Jackson's adaptation beautifully captured Smaug's essence from the books.
 

Artist: Christopher Burdett

Cultural Impact

I've often pondered whether Smaug's influence extends to the very fabric of Dungeons & Dragons. Without J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, would we now be embarking on campaigns of "Dungeons and Dinosaurs"? What are your thoughts on this intriguing connection between literature and tabletop role-playing games?

Artist: misterwayne1991

Notable Quotes

"I am fire, I am death!"

"Well, thief! I smell you, I hear your breath, I feel your air. Where are you?"

 

Conclusion

Smaug the Magnificent stands as a testament to J.R.R. Tolkien's ability to craft timeless and unforgettable creatures. His influence on fantasy literature and popular culture is immeasurable, making him a fitting subject for our Friday Creature Feature.

5 Books That Are Better Than Your Average Self-Help Book

 

Artist: Unknown

Self-help books are nice. They do a good job teaching us how we can improve as individuals. I usually will read one self-help book a year and try implementing that in my daily life for the whole year trying to make it my habit. Last year I read Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven, and I made my bed every morning that year. I still try to do it this year. I missed a few days, but it has been a nice habit to have, and it does make me feel more accomplished when I do it. This year, so far, I have read 3 self-help books because of a book club with my in-laws. I have read Essentialism by Greg McKeown, Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, et al, and How Full is your Bucket by Donald O. Clifton. I realized that the formula for each self-help book is essentially the same: 1. Be vulnerable 2. Improve yourself, and 3. Follow this guide to become a better person. Following all their commitments to improve yourself becomes increasingly impossible for each self-help book you read. After some frustration about not being perfect I realized that there are books out there that have helped me more than self-help books.

In this post I will go over 5 books that I believe have encouraged me to become a better person.

Lord of the Rings

Of course, the greatest fantasy book ever will be on this list. There is a reason that this book has been cherished over the decades. Besides the great story, almost every character is a similitude of the Savior that we can emulate in some way or another. Do we associate ourself with Gandalf who must actively avoid touching the ring (sin) because he knows he will be corrupted if he does, or do we feel like Frodo who has a burden he feels that he must carry alone, or Sam willing to be the best support you can be, or even Aragon who helps others to succeed?

There are so many great relatable characters in the book and most of them are good characters that emulate the Savior. Don’t worry we all have a little Gollum in us, but we can succeed where he failed.

The Boys in the Boat

I might be a little biased here because I am from Washington, but if you have never read this book, it is really motivating. It’s a true story about eight-oared rowing crew from University of Washington competed and won in rowing during the summer Olympic in 1936. The story focuses on a nine-man crew and how different each of them are, and how they became synchronized to win first place.

I liked this book because it talks about the crew’s personal stories. We read how each of them come from different backgrounds but ended up having one purpose: winning first place. When one of the members got sick during the Olympics the boys kept him on the team because they would be better synced with each other. It's a good message that we need to stand up for and support each other. 

Way of Kings

Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite living authors. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and when he writes his stories he includes gospel messages in them---like in Way of Kings. Near the end of the book Dalinar Kholin, King Gavilar's brother, wants to buy Sadeas bridgemen (slaves that carry bridges during the war with no armor to protect them. They usually have a short life span). He trades his sword (Shardblade) that is “worth fortunes. Cities, palaces, kingdoms” for the “worthless” men (according to Saedes).  Kaladin being one of the bridgemen has the following conversation with Dalinar:

Kaladin shook off his numbness. He scrambled after the highprince [Dalinar], grabbing his armored arm. “Wait. You—That—What just happened?”
Dalinar turned to him. Then, the highprince laid a hand on Kaladin’s shoulder, the gauntlet gleaming blue, mismatched with the rest of his slate-grey armor. “I don’t know what has been done to you. I can only guess what your life has been like. But know this. You will not be bridgemen in my camp, nor will you be slaves.”
“But…”
“What is a man’s life worth?” Dalinar asked softly.
“The slavemasters say one is worth about two emerald broams,” Kaladin said, frowning.
“And what do you say?”
“A life is priceless,” he said immediately, quoting his father.
Dalinar smiled, wrinkle lines extending from the corners of his eyes. “Coincidentally, that is the exact value of a Shardblade. So today, you and your men sacrificed to buy me twenty-six hundred priceless lives. And all I had to repay you with was a single priceless sword. I call that a bargain.”
“You really think it was a good trade, don’t you?” Kaladin said, amazed.
Dalinar smiled in a way that seemed strikingly paternal.

In Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 we are told: Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. We are all priceless to God. We have worth.

 

Artist: TotemofHorror

The Screwtape Letters

The Screwtape Letters, written by C.S. Lewis, is a compilation of letters written from a senior devil, Screwtape, to his nephew Wormwood with advice about in tempting his "patient," the average man.  When they are talking about God, they refer Him as the enemy. They mention how selfish gain and power are seen as the only good and how they can’t comprehend God’s love.

This book is a reverse psychology on how we should be. Instead of being selfish and gaining power for unrighteous purposes we need to be loving and serve those around us. I definitely feel like a better person when I try to be selfless than selfish and reading this book makes me want to be on God's side.

The Bible and The Book of Mormon

As someone that has grown up as a Christian and still lives it today; I have never found a set of books that have been more impactful in my life. From reading the scriptures I have gained faith that Jesus Christ did come and still lives today. He is the embodiment of what we should be and, as I study the scriptures, I get inspiration from God on what I need to improve on. Sometimes I am successful while other times I am not, but when I am, I feel like I am able to do more than what I expect from myself.

I feel like the scriptures are handbooks on how we can be the best versions of ourselves. No other self-help book can do what the scriptures can. They might tell you how to succeed in some respects, but the scriptures will show you how to be perfect in the things that matter most.