*names are changed
So lately I've been feeling that my blog is getting pretty dry. My blog is morphing into that too happy, repetitive, nauseating Mormon blog that gets ignored instead of pursued. So I'm going to try and make it more real. Many of my experiences will still be about how the gospel blesses my life, but some posts will be mere rantings, others will be about awesome and sad experiences that have nothing to do with the church and some posts will be simple and little clips of my emotions. So here is one of those awesome experiences that doesn't really have anything to do with the Gospel but does involve serving others and trying to be Christ like.
But first some back ground info. I have this gift where I can get people to tell me anything. I don't know how to explain it other than that. What I do is ask people questions. I ask out of sheer curiosity because I am honestly interested. I take this information and ponder it and learn from it. If I talk about the information at all, I keep the persons name and information anonymous and only converse with my friends who are my confidants.
But sometimes I don't even have to ask questions. I have had people just tell me very personal private things after just a few honest questions; even if I don't know them that well. I've asked many different people, "Why do you tell me these things.?" In one way or another they all say that they feel they can trust me and they feel that I won't judge them based on what they are sharing. The reason I think this is a gift is because I don't really have to work at it. The questions naturally come, the curiosity is just there, and I never feel like I have to force people to talk to me. It seems like one question will just set them off. But this gift has been of benefit to me. I've been able to help a lot of people with it.
So with this back ground info, here's the story. *Brittany is one of my best friends. She repeatedly told me how it was hard for her to open up to people but for some reason she could open up to me. So now whenever she has a problem she talks to me about it. Well she was dating *Jason. I didn't know Jason that well and didn't understand him because he is very quiet. Well for various reasons Jason waited wayyyy too long to tell Brittany that he liked her. As consequence, she didn't like him anymore. So she felt bad and called me asking what to do. I told her to be completely honest with her emotions, her self (yes those are two separate things in the world of women), and with him. Even if that meant telling him the truth and ending the relationship.
Minutes later, Jason chatted with me online. Once again, the whole person-who-I-don't-know-very-well situations occurs and he completely opens up to me. He told me how he could tell there was a problem and wanted to know how to fix it. This was a learning moment for me. I realized that I knew information from both parties that both parties didn't know about each other. That is an extremely powerful position to be in. I knew I couldn't betray either of their trusts and I didn't want to completely fix the problem for them because that wouldn't be healthy for their relationship. So being as careful with my words as I could I told Brittany and Jason the same thing: Be honest, communicate and just get rid of the problem instead of stewing about it.
After all was said and done, Jason wrote me a thank you message via online chatting. What made this experience special was receiving the thank you note. I also learned a ton. The quote "with great power comes great responsibility" really came into focus. I knew that if I screwed up at all, there would be big ugly drama and I would be right in the middle of it. I learned more about Brittany and Jason. I had misjudged Jason in so many ways and was grateful to have the record set straight. My friendship with Brittany strengthened and I learned more about her as well. This experience also reinforced how valuable and necessary friendship is in this world. If your friends are struggling, be there for them, be honest with them, help them know of the Lord's love for them, never sacrifice your standards, and always be a confidant. It's hard but the rewards are sweet.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Memories of a lifetime
So today is Memorial Day. For those outside the U.S., or who just don't know what Memorial Day is, it is a day to remember family and friends who have passed away. It is also a day to remember and express gratitude for the brave men and women who have given their lives to defend and protect the freedoms that we enjoy in America.
In the church, we believe that families can be together forever. A husband and wife can be married and sealed in the temple. What this means is that if a husband and wife are sealed in the temple, and keep the promises and covenants they make in the temple, they will still be married and will be with their family and children forever. This blessing is part of the Plan of Salvation that a loving Heavenly Father has for us, his children. My parents were married and sealed. So my siblings and I are sealed to them and we will be a family forever in the next life. When I was a child, I set the goal to be married and sealed in the temple to my husband so that I can be with my husband and children forever.
So today, while surfing a social networking site, I saw many pictures and graphics celebrating memorial day. But one picture in particular caught my attention. A friend of mine is a wonderful lady who, through her business, makes a positive difference in the lives of thousands. She lost her daughter to a rare disease when the daughter was still a baby. She had posted a picture of her and her family gathered around her daughter's grave. But instead of looking unhappy and mournful, they all had smiles on their faces. Most importantly there was a sense of peace that seemed to emanate in their faces. They are members of the church. As I saw this picture, I imagined how much peace, happiness and comfort this lady and her family must feel with the knowledge that they will see their beloved girl again. Their whole family looked happy and filled with joy and love. True, they had lost their baby girl, but it was evident that the hope and knowledge they have was helping them face the grief with joy and strength.
I have applied this same knowledge that this family possesses, to my own life. Recently my Great Grandmother passed away. I had grown up visiting her often. While it was hard to see her leave this mortal experience, my family and I rejoiced. We knew we would see her again. We knew she was going to a better place away from the sickness and discomfort her aging body was experiencing. The happiest thought was that she was being reunited with my Great Grandfather and their still-born son.
The doctrines that families can be together forever, we will see our loved ones again, and we can live our lives with this knowledge... this is one way the Gospel blesses my life. As a missionary, I can't wait to teach these doctrines to those who have lost loved ones. The sting of death can truly be swallowed up in the joy of the Gospel.
In the church, we believe that families can be together forever. A husband and wife can be married and sealed in the temple. What this means is that if a husband and wife are sealed in the temple, and keep the promises and covenants they make in the temple, they will still be married and will be with their family and children forever. This blessing is part of the Plan of Salvation that a loving Heavenly Father has for us, his children. My parents were married and sealed. So my siblings and I are sealed to them and we will be a family forever in the next life. When I was a child, I set the goal to be married and sealed in the temple to my husband so that I can be with my husband and children forever.
So today, while surfing a social networking site, I saw many pictures and graphics celebrating memorial day. But one picture in particular caught my attention. A friend of mine is a wonderful lady who, through her business, makes a positive difference in the lives of thousands. She lost her daughter to a rare disease when the daughter was still a baby. She had posted a picture of her and her family gathered around her daughter's grave. But instead of looking unhappy and mournful, they all had smiles on their faces. Most importantly there was a sense of peace that seemed to emanate in their faces. They are members of the church. As I saw this picture, I imagined how much peace, happiness and comfort this lady and her family must feel with the knowledge that they will see their beloved girl again. Their whole family looked happy and filled with joy and love. True, they had lost their baby girl, but it was evident that the hope and knowledge they have was helping them face the grief with joy and strength.
I have applied this same knowledge that this family possesses, to my own life. Recently my Great Grandmother passed away. I had grown up visiting her often. While it was hard to see her leave this mortal experience, my family and I rejoiced. We knew we would see her again. We knew she was going to a better place away from the sickness and discomfort her aging body was experiencing. The happiest thought was that she was being reunited with my Great Grandfather and their still-born son.
The doctrines that families can be together forever, we will see our loved ones again, and we can live our lives with this knowledge... this is one way the Gospel blesses my life. As a missionary, I can't wait to teach these doctrines to those who have lost loved ones. The sting of death can truly be swallowed up in the joy of the Gospel.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Family mission
Wow it feels like forever since I have written. Honestly this week has been awesome. Lots of dancing, more Krav Maga, Zumba, Institute, hanging out with friends, tons of yard work, and being with the family. Last night I had the marvelous opportunity to attend a symphony performance of Dvorak and Brahms. I got to meet the conductor and the violin soloist. I attended the event with my grandparents and it was wonderful to spend time with them. I'm making more friends at country dancing which feels so wonderful and makes me more enthusiastic to go. Some good news is that the antibiotics I was taking worked and my medical mission papers are going in. Now all I have to do is wait for my passport and finish the online papers and then my papers will go in.
So I haven't written for a while because I just didn't know what to write about. Every day I've thought about what happened that day and wondered if there was an experience that would be appropriate for this blog. But I feel like this experience is perfect right now.
This week I had the marvelous opportunity to go to my grandparents house and help them fill out their mission papers. After a marvelous light and healthy dinner, I sat with my grandma and grandpa at the computer and slowly filled out every page. They struggle with computer tasks so they have asked me to help them.
What I didn't anticipate was how much this would be a blessing in my life and theirs. As I've asked them questions, I've gotten to know them better and have developed a greater sense of gratitude for the marvelous lives they have lived and continue to live. I've learned more about their pasts and what events have made them who they are today.
Helping them with their mission papers is also helping me stay enthusiastic and stay on track towards going on a mission. I've learned more about how to fill out my own papers and what standards I need to maintain in my life. What's so cool is that I will probably be out in the mission field at the same time as my grandparents. Now it's very unlikely that I won't be in the same mission as them. The church usually keeps family members and missionaries in relationships out of the same mission for a number of reasons. Sometimes family members are called to the same mission but that is more rare. But for me, knowing that I'll be in the mission field along with my grandparents fills my heart with happiness.
The Gospel blesses my daily life because it is bringing my family and I closer together and we are pushing towards the same goal. I'm grateful for this blessing and opportunity in my life.
So I haven't written for a while because I just didn't know what to write about. Every day I've thought about what happened that day and wondered if there was an experience that would be appropriate for this blog. But I feel like this experience is perfect right now.
This week I had the marvelous opportunity to go to my grandparents house and help them fill out their mission papers. After a marvelous light and healthy dinner, I sat with my grandma and grandpa at the computer and slowly filled out every page. They struggle with computer tasks so they have asked me to help them.
What I didn't anticipate was how much this would be a blessing in my life and theirs. As I've asked them questions, I've gotten to know them better and have developed a greater sense of gratitude for the marvelous lives they have lived and continue to live. I've learned more about their pasts and what events have made them who they are today.
Helping them with their mission papers is also helping me stay enthusiastic and stay on track towards going on a mission. I've learned more about how to fill out my own papers and what standards I need to maintain in my life. What's so cool is that I will probably be out in the mission field at the same time as my grandparents. Now it's very unlikely that I won't be in the same mission as them. The church usually keeps family members and missionaries in relationships out of the same mission for a number of reasons. Sometimes family members are called to the same mission but that is more rare. But for me, knowing that I'll be in the mission field along with my grandparents fills my heart with happiness.
The Gospel blesses my daily life because it is bringing my family and I closer together and we are pushing towards the same goal. I'm grateful for this blessing and opportunity in my life.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Fellow Soldiers
(*Names are changed). *Mike and I met in math class in high school. I was going through a period of depression and pain because my boyfriend (at the time) had moved just a few months before. I was lonely, heartbroken and desperate for guy friends who would build me up during the times when my confidence was low. Mike initially had a crush on me and I craved attention and an ego stroke. While we were attracted to each other, we eventually talked it out and agreed that we would rather be friends than get into a relationship. But we still kiss each other on the cheek every time we see each other and go get ice cream whenever we hang out. He brought me roses and chocolate for my birthday and I gave him a dating survival kit in the form of candy and a ruby red lipstick kiss on the cheek for his.
In math, Mike and I sat at a table with a couple other friends and we soon became one marvelous group. I'm still close to these friends today and treasure the wonderful memories we have of laughing and talking during math. At one point we decided to give each other food nick names. I became "Sprinkle Muffin" and Mike became "Devil Food Cake." We still address each other with these names today. As Mike and I grew up, finished high school and went to college we still talked. He helped me through drama, school, and the trials of every day life. I would buoy up his confidence and help him navigate the new college life. We both attended schools that were a few hours from our home town so we would call each other to pass the time when we were driving home from college.
So now Mike is leaving on a mission. I had the opportunity to attend his farewell. I had the wonderful privilege to listen to his profound testimony. He bore one of the most powerful witnesses of the Prophet, Christ and the Gospel. He discussed how the Prophets and Apostles are called of God and given the priesthood keys to act as instruments in the hands of God. He talked about how personal revelation is available to all of us.
We communicate with God through prayer. God communicates to us through personal revelation. Personal revelation can come in the form of dreams, visions, impressions, thoughts, feelings, events and people. This picture of Christ shows him knocking on a door without a handle. There is a light in the window signifying that someone is home. This picture represents Christ in our lives. We have the handle. All we have to do is open the door and let him in our lives. It is difficult and requires sacrifice, but it is possible. I am learning that now in my life as I prepare to serve my own mission.
Mike shared experiences that have helped him come closer to Christ. He testified that he knew that he is going to his specific mission for a reason. He doesn't know what that reason is yet, but he knew that the people there were being prepared to hear the Gospel of Christ.
As I sat there listening to this testimony, I felt a peace sweep through my body. I felt a renewed confirmation for my testimony. The Gospel blesses my daily life, because it provides the same opportunity for me and all of my friends. I have many friends who have already left or are leaving soon for their missions. While I will miss them, I am so grateful for their examples in my life. It is encouraging to know that many of my friends are working towards the same goals as I am. I am grateful that through the Gospel of Christ, we can become perfect and work to share the joy of the Gospel with others.
In math, Mike and I sat at a table with a couple other friends and we soon became one marvelous group. I'm still close to these friends today and treasure the wonderful memories we have of laughing and talking during math. At one point we decided to give each other food nick names. I became "Sprinkle Muffin" and Mike became "Devil Food Cake." We still address each other with these names today. As Mike and I grew up, finished high school and went to college we still talked. He helped me through drama, school, and the trials of every day life. I would buoy up his confidence and help him navigate the new college life. We both attended schools that were a few hours from our home town so we would call each other to pass the time when we were driving home from college.
So now Mike is leaving on a mission. I had the opportunity to attend his farewell. I had the wonderful privilege to listen to his profound testimony. He bore one of the most powerful witnesses of the Prophet, Christ and the Gospel. He discussed how the Prophets and Apostles are called of God and given the priesthood keys to act as instruments in the hands of God. He talked about how personal revelation is available to all of us.
We communicate with God through prayer. God communicates to us through personal revelation. Personal revelation can come in the form of dreams, visions, impressions, thoughts, feelings, events and people. This picture of Christ shows him knocking on a door without a handle. There is a light in the window signifying that someone is home. This picture represents Christ in our lives. We have the handle. All we have to do is open the door and let him in our lives. It is difficult and requires sacrifice, but it is possible. I am learning that now in my life as I prepare to serve my own mission.
As I sat there listening to this testimony, I felt a peace sweep through my body. I felt a renewed confirmation for my testimony. The Gospel blesses my daily life, because it provides the same opportunity for me and all of my friends. I have many friends who have already left or are leaving soon for their missions. While I will miss them, I am so grateful for their examples in my life. It is encouraging to know that many of my friends are working towards the same goals as I am. I am grateful that through the Gospel of Christ, we can become perfect and work to share the joy of the Gospel with others.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Trusting in God's Plan
I'm learning more and more now that the Gospel blesses my daily life because the Lord has a plan for us. Earlier this week, I was extremely frustrated that I wasn't getting on my mission as fast as I'd like to. I had tons of worries, concerns, frustrations and things weighing on my mind. I just wanted all the road blocks to get out of the way and to enter the MTC (Missionary Training Center) as soon as possible. But after realizing I would have to wait another three weeks for my passport and starting medication, I've learned that these delays are here for a reason. The Lord knows better than I do, when I'll be ready to serve a mission and when I need to leave. It is hard sometimes to trust in a plan that I do not know. But what I do know, and am repeatedly learning, is that when we put our trust in God's plan and his timing, we will receive an infinite amount of blessings.
During this waiting period, I have enrolled in Krav Maga. Krav Maga is Israeli Hand Combat fighting. I'm learning this self defense in preparation for my mission and also to get in shape. I'm exercising every day whether its Krav, Zumba, Country swing dancing, West Coast swing dancing, barefoot running, biking or the occasional Yoga. I'm attending Mission Prep at Institute which gives me an opportunity to renew my enthusiasm for my mission and meet new friends. I hoping I'll have a calling soon in my family ward. I'm also trying to attend the temple at least twice a week. Scripture reading, studying Preach My Gospel and reading other Gospel related books are strengthening my testimony. I have time to sleep, read, organize, write in my journal, be with my family and friends and do the things I love. I'm learning more about my strengths and weaknesses and what I will need to work on in order to be an effective missionary. Even though I'm not employed right now, I feel confident that this is what I am supposed to be doing during this period of my life.
It's been hard to see these blessings instead of the fears and anxieties of my life right now. But trusting that the Lord has a plan and seeing the blessings that have come from following it, has made this whole journey a lot easier.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Almost There!
The Gospel blesses my daily life because our Heavenly Father as infinite amount of patience with us. As I'm preparing for my mission, I've started to notice the weaknesses, shortcomings and areas that I need to work on in my life. I'm not trying to brag or sound like a know-it-all. There is a saying that the more we know, the more we realize how much we don't know. And that saying is manifesting itself in my life. I feel like I'm gaining more perspective.
We are told in the scriptures to be perfect even as our Father in Heaven is perfect. That is a challenging life-long process. And to be honest, there are times when I feel very inadequate at it. But I am so grateful for a loving patient Heavenly Father. I'm learning from our Savior's example to be patient with the process of submitting my papers. I'm learning to be more patient with others. Patience truly is a virtue.
These life lessons I'm learning are coming from preparing for a mission and through the example of Jesus Christ. They are profound lessons that will take a lifetime or more for me to fully comprehend them, but I've started down this path... and I cannot go back.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Wisdom Teeth
Well it happened. I finally got my wisdom teeth out. Here's the story and then here's why it is relative to my blog.
When I got there the doctor gave me an IV with the anesthesia. I remember it felt like melted butter was slowly coursing through my body and I immediately started to relax. It was one of the most wonderful feelings. I remember thinking that I wished I could have it every night before I went to bed. At one point I started to laugh as I got really loopy. The nurse asked me if I wanted any music. I remember saying, "yeah I want some soft piano music". And then my memory cuts off. I was told that as I really started going under I was talking, moaning and singing before I finally asleep. According to the Doctor, the surgery went really well with no complications.
The next thing I remember is waking up and not being able to talk right because I couldn't feel my jaw, chin or tongue... they had numbed me up good; and stuffed my mouth full of gauze. I was incredibly thirsty and starving because I hadn't eaten or drank anything all day. I couldn't stand up for a while. At one point I started seeing doubles of the nurse... that was an interesting experience. I had a conversation with my mom and the nurse. I thought I was completely coherent. The video proves otherwise. Eventually I was able to stand up and walk to the car. Nothing is more weird than knowing how to walk straight but not being able to because your body has no balance yet.
I got home, drank some water and broth, watched The Voice for two hours, drank a smoothie and then I ended up eating like a hog for the rest of the day because I was so hungry. One of my wonderful friends came over and we spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing as she told me about her wonderful life. I actually felt so good that night that I drove my car home from a mechanic shop.
The good news is that there is no swelling, bruising or nausea. I refuse to take Loratab. Now I understand that Loratab is a pain pill and it is meant to help. But it can also brings side effects like no other. I prefer to keep foreign hard chemicals out of my blood stream thank you very much. Ibuprofen is a pain pill to and believe me, Ibuprofen and I have become best buddies. I'm still a little achy but I can eat solid foods. I can tell I have a little of the anesthesia in me because I still feel like I just came off the teacups at Disney Land... just a little though.
So how does this relate to the Gospel blessing my daily life? Well before this surgery I did a lot of praying. Vocally and mentally I prayed for courage, strength, health and the ability to relax. I also received a blessing from my Father that every thing would be OK and the surgery would go smoothly. With prayers and a blessing I felt at peace all week. I didn't have any fear about it except right before they put the IV in me. I felt assured that the Doctor would be able to perform his duties and my body would respond to the surgery in a healthy way.
Another thing I want to add is I am a huge believer of the power of the mind and self fulfilling prophecy. What we think about or how we perceive a situation is how it will manifest itself. I spent a lot of time mentally preparing myself for the surgery by telling myself that I was going to go under quickly, come out quickly, and that it wasn't going to be a traumatic ordeal. For clarification, no I'm not one of those energy gurus... I just believe in the power of positive thinking. To tie all of this back together, prayer and faith in our Heavenly Father's protection definitely helps with positive thinking.
I am so grateful that everything went so smoothly. The Lord truly does protect us when we need him and he does answer our prayers.
I am very happy because this is one step closer for me to go on a mission. I just need to finish my doctors appointments and my papers and then my call will come. I can't wait!!!
(loopy videos coming soon.)
When I got there the doctor gave me an IV with the anesthesia. I remember it felt like melted butter was slowly coursing through my body and I immediately started to relax. It was one of the most wonderful feelings. I remember thinking that I wished I could have it every night before I went to bed. At one point I started to laugh as I got really loopy. The nurse asked me if I wanted any music. I remember saying, "yeah I want some soft piano music". And then my memory cuts off. I was told that as I really started going under I was talking, moaning and singing before I finally asleep. According to the Doctor, the surgery went really well with no complications.
The next thing I remember is waking up and not being able to talk right because I couldn't feel my jaw, chin or tongue... they had numbed me up good; and stuffed my mouth full of gauze. I was incredibly thirsty and starving because I hadn't eaten or drank anything all day. I couldn't stand up for a while. At one point I started seeing doubles of the nurse... that was an interesting experience. I had a conversation with my mom and the nurse. I thought I was completely coherent. The video proves otherwise. Eventually I was able to stand up and walk to the car. Nothing is more weird than knowing how to walk straight but not being able to because your body has no balance yet.
I got home, drank some water and broth, watched The Voice for two hours, drank a smoothie and then I ended up eating like a hog for the rest of the day because I was so hungry. One of my wonderful friends came over and we spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing as she told me about her wonderful life. I actually felt so good that night that I drove my car home from a mechanic shop.
The good news is that there is no swelling, bruising or nausea. I refuse to take Loratab. Now I understand that Loratab is a pain pill and it is meant to help. But it can also brings side effects like no other. I prefer to keep foreign hard chemicals out of my blood stream thank you very much. Ibuprofen is a pain pill to and believe me, Ibuprofen and I have become best buddies. I'm still a little achy but I can eat solid foods. I can tell I have a little of the anesthesia in me because I still feel like I just came off the teacups at Disney Land... just a little though.
So how does this relate to the Gospel blessing my daily life? Well before this surgery I did a lot of praying. Vocally and mentally I prayed for courage, strength, health and the ability to relax. I also received a blessing from my Father that every thing would be OK and the surgery would go smoothly. With prayers and a blessing I felt at peace all week. I didn't have any fear about it except right before they put the IV in me. I felt assured that the Doctor would be able to perform his duties and my body would respond to the surgery in a healthy way.
Another thing I want to add is I am a huge believer of the power of the mind and self fulfilling prophecy. What we think about or how we perceive a situation is how it will manifest itself. I spent a lot of time mentally preparing myself for the surgery by telling myself that I was going to go under quickly, come out quickly, and that it wasn't going to be a traumatic ordeal. For clarification, no I'm not one of those energy gurus... I just believe in the power of positive thinking. To tie all of this back together, prayer and faith in our Heavenly Father's protection definitely helps with positive thinking.
I am so grateful that everything went so smoothly. The Lord truly does protect us when we need him and he does answer our prayers.
I am very happy because this is one step closer for me to go on a mission. I just need to finish my doctors appointments and my papers and then my call will come. I can't wait!!!
(loopy videos coming soon.)
Thursday, May 9, 2013
The Blessings of the Temple
Today I had the great privilege of attending the temple. Once again I was able to partake of the sacred ordinances of baptisms and confirmations for the dead. Being in the house of the Lord was such a marvelous experience. I needed to go because I've been getting anxious about going on a mission. The reality is starting to set in. I get my wisdom teeth out tomorrow and then my papers go in. It only takes about a week to two weeks for the calls to come. Then once it's here I'll be able to either get a job or just keep preparing and working and then leave. So with this upcoming change comes anxiety and fears. Also, I've started to have a lot of doubts about myself and my ability to serve as a missionary. I've learned that once a person decides to be a missionary, that is when the adversary (or Satan, Lucifer, the Devil) tries his hardest to get that person to change their minds. The temptation to just stay home, work and date every guy I see, has been very strong. I've started to struggle with my self confidence and my self image. I've started to feel inadequate, like I don't know enough, that I won't be able to show others how wonderful the Gospel of Christ is.
So with all of these doubts, fears, anxieties and struggles I knew that I needed to go to the temple and give my spirit and mind a rest and spiritual nourishment; for that is what the Gospel is... it is spiritual nourishment. While in the temple I was able to find the answers I needed. I read in Doctrine and Covenants. Sections 4-14 and other sections mainly focus on missionary work. As I read the words and felt the Spirit, many of my fears and anxieties were answered and put to rest. I still have preparation ahead of me. But I am so incredibly grateful that the temple is there.
For those who are not worthy to go to the temple, or have never been, I say become worthy. The Atonement is real and through the Atonement the blessings of the temple can be obtained. It can be difficult to understand why the temple is so important and brings so many blessings because we never talk about the actual ordinances in great detail; because they are so sacred. But I testify that the temple can bring peace, happiness, answers, and help us recenter our lives around Christ. Even just walking the temple grounds or touring a visitors center can bring the spirit of the temple into our lives.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
My mormon.org profile
This post isn't about an experience. Rather, I am linking this post to my profile on mormon.org. Mormon.org is one of the websites the church has built to help educate the world about what we believe and who the Mormons are. I made this profile a few months ago and I hope it can answer any questions or concerns.
Also, thank you again so much for reading my blog. Whoever you are, it brings me happiness to be able to write and know that someone, somewhere is reading it.
Here is the link to my profile.
it<a href="http://mormon.org/me/B11H/"> <img src="//edge.mormoncdn.org/bc/assets/img/profile/share/temple-i-believe-bw.jpg" alt="I'm a Mormon."> </a>.
Also, thank you again so much for reading my blog. Whoever you are, it brings me happiness to be able to write and know that someone, somewhere is reading it.
Here is the link to my profile.
it<a href="http://mormon.org/me/B11H/"> <img src="//edge.mormoncdn.org/bc/assets/img/profile/share/temple-i-believe-bw.jpg" alt="I'm a Mormon."> </a>.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Simply Grateful
Wow. What a crazy adventure life has been these last few days. Here's a little update about life and then I'll share the blessings from the gospel that have come into my daily life right now.
Well to start off I apologize for not recently updating my blog. Finals week took over my life. I talked about finals in my last post but I am happy to report that I don't have bursitis. I probably did injure my knee but my mom and I are both convinced that my body was using my knee as a stress release point. I'm not a Doctor so I'm just going off basic health hunches here. But suffice to say that the pain is gone. Overall, the finals themselves went really well. I was able to finish all of my projects and tests, get my apartment clean and move out of it in about 48 hours.
The first way the Gospel blesses my life is through the guidance of the Holy Ghost and the principle of putting our trust in the Lord. I had invited three of my roommates to come live with me. The other two had signed up to be in our apartment because they had wanted their own rooms. We had our frustrations; six girls in a basement apartment is a whole lotta estrogen. But I grew to love these girls and I learned so much from them. I know they will be successful in whatever they pursue and I will never forget the wonderful times we enjoyed together.
After moving out of my apartment, my mom and I went to Bryce Canyon National Park. What a marvelous experience it was to hike in this world of canyon and rock. The Gospel blesses my daily life with the doctrine that we are God's children. As I was with my beautiful mother, staring out into the open blue cloudless sky, taking pictures of red rock, caves, caverns, chipmunks and asking countless strangers to take a picture of my mom and I, I felt so grateful that Heavenly Father made this beautiful earth for us. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a counselor to the Prophet of the church Thomas S. Monson, said a quote that went along the lines of "Compared to God we are nothing. But to God we are everything." I thought of this quote and this principle. Though it is a paradox, it is true. Compared to God we are nothing. But our Heavenly Father loves us so much that to him, we are everything. He created this earth for us to learn, grow and become who we are meant to be.
Sunday I had the opportunity to teach Relief Society one last time in my student ward. As I taught, asked questions and listened to these beautiful women, I felt grateful for Relief Society. The Gospel blesses my daily life with Relief Society and the safe haven it can be for women. I was Relief Society President in my student ward. It was a big job but I learned a lot.
After saying goodbye to my friends, bishop, the bishops counselors and my stake president my mom and I hopped in the car and drove home. Sunday night consisted of dinner at my Grandparents house and was a wonderful opportunity for me to reconnect with my family. But Monday morning was a wonderful treasured experience.
I am getting my wisdom teeth out this Friday and was terrified of the procedure. I also had some other things weighing on my mind. I asked my father to give me a Priesthood blessing. Now for those reading this who may have questions about the priesthood, please contact the missionaries, visit lds.org or mormon.org. But what I do know is that the Priesthood is the power of God on Earth today. My Father is a worthy holder of the Priesthood so he gave me what is called a Father's Blessing. Because it was a personal blessing I won't write about all of the details but suffice to say that this blessing helped calm my fears and gave me peace for these next upcoming weeks. The Gospel blesses my daily life with the Priesthood. I am so grateful that my Father is a worthy Priesthood holder.
So now life is me moving back into my parents house, reconnecting with friends at home and going country dancing tonight with some SUU swing club friends. Life truly is what we make it. I am so grateful for the Gospel and how I can use it to fill my life with wonderful events, things and people.
Well to start off I apologize for not recently updating my blog. Finals week took over my life. I talked about finals in my last post but I am happy to report that I don't have bursitis. I probably did injure my knee but my mom and I are both convinced that my body was using my knee as a stress release point. I'm not a Doctor so I'm just going off basic health hunches here. But suffice to say that the pain is gone. Overall, the finals themselves went really well. I was able to finish all of my projects and tests, get my apartment clean and move out of it in about 48 hours.
The first way the Gospel blesses my life is through the guidance of the Holy Ghost and the principle of putting our trust in the Lord. I had invited three of my roommates to come live with me. The other two had signed up to be in our apartment because they had wanted their own rooms. We had our frustrations; six girls in a basement apartment is a whole lotta estrogen. But I grew to love these girls and I learned so much from them. I know they will be successful in whatever they pursue and I will never forget the wonderful times we enjoyed together.
After moving out of my apartment, my mom and I went to Bryce Canyon National Park. What a marvelous experience it was to hike in this world of canyon and rock. The Gospel blesses my daily life with the doctrine that we are God's children. As I was with my beautiful mother, staring out into the open blue cloudless sky, taking pictures of red rock, caves, caverns, chipmunks and asking countless strangers to take a picture of my mom and I, I felt so grateful that Heavenly Father made this beautiful earth for us. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a counselor to the Prophet of the church Thomas S. Monson, said a quote that went along the lines of "Compared to God we are nothing. But to God we are everything." I thought of this quote and this principle. Though it is a paradox, it is true. Compared to God we are nothing. But our Heavenly Father loves us so much that to him, we are everything. He created this earth for us to learn, grow and become who we are meant to be.
Sunday I had the opportunity to teach Relief Society one last time in my student ward. As I taught, asked questions and listened to these beautiful women, I felt grateful for Relief Society. The Gospel blesses my daily life with Relief Society and the safe haven it can be for women. I was Relief Society President in my student ward. It was a big job but I learned a lot.
After saying goodbye to my friends, bishop, the bishops counselors and my stake president my mom and I hopped in the car and drove home. Sunday night consisted of dinner at my Grandparents house and was a wonderful opportunity for me to reconnect with my family. But Monday morning was a wonderful treasured experience.
I am getting my wisdom teeth out this Friday and was terrified of the procedure. I also had some other things weighing on my mind. I asked my father to give me a Priesthood blessing. Now for those reading this who may have questions about the priesthood, please contact the missionaries, visit lds.org or mormon.org. But what I do know is that the Priesthood is the power of God on Earth today. My Father is a worthy holder of the Priesthood so he gave me what is called a Father's Blessing. Because it was a personal blessing I won't write about all of the details but suffice to say that this blessing helped calm my fears and gave me peace for these next upcoming weeks. The Gospel blesses my daily life with the Priesthood. I am so grateful that my Father is a worthy Priesthood holder.
So now life is me moving back into my parents house, reconnecting with friends at home and going country dancing tonight with some SUU swing club friends. Life truly is what we make it. I am so grateful for the Gospel and how I can use it to fill my life with wonderful events, things and people.
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