Wrong Roads

"When making decisions, God expects us to pray, trust, 

and be believing and then not give up, panic, or "jump ship" 

when something doesn't seem to be going right."

This week, we had a similar experience. 

Driving home from work on Tuesday, our car broke down.
Unfortunately, Stephen had to drive his boss to the airport
so he couldn't pick me up.
It took me 3 hours to get home when it should have only taken 20 minutes.

As it turns out, we need a new transmission. 

Yay.

As terrible as the situation feels right now, 

perhaps the Lord made it possible for us to go down a bad road quickly 

in order for us to get into a better situation faster.

We have a lot of trips planned for this summer,

 and it would have been horrible to break down 

hundreds of miles away from home.

And,
because Stephen took his boss to the airport,
we now have his car to use until our repairs are done. 

It's funny how the Lord works sometimes.  

Mountains to Climb

This school year has been one of the most difficult times in my entire life. 

While this time has made me question myself, 

a few things I now know more certainly than ever.

1. Trials make us stronger.

2.  The Lord has perfect timing.  

3.  I am married to the most wonderful man in the entire world.

4.  The temple can bring you more peace than any other place on Earth.

5.  Daily personal prayer and scripture study are a key to happiness.

My trial is not over by any means.  Right now the only benefit I've received is several answers to the classic interview question, "Have you ever failed at anything?"  I do know that eventually I will overcome this trial, and I will be stronger for doing so. 

The Lord knew what lay ahead of me this year.  He placed Stephen in my life so I would have someone to lean on through these tough times.  My marriage has not encumbered my trial, it has lightened the inevitable.  I am so grateful for the Lord's timing in giving me Stephen.  I am more grateful to Stephen for being the best support, study buddy, friend, inspiration and example I could ever dream of.  He is my rock, and I would not have made it through this year without him.

Stephen and I made a goal to attend the temple weekly.  I can truthfully say that since we have been married, we have missed less weeks than I have fingers on my right hand.  Even when we didn't think there was time in the world, we went.  Those precious hours in the temple were a source of peace and strength to me. 

Most nights, when all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep for the few hours I had left, I got on my knees and said my prayers instead.  We would read scriptures and talk about what could be learned from our readings.  To be honest, there were not many days where I saw a direct correlation between what I read or prayed for and the answers I received.  But this I do know, the spirit has been with me each and every day.  And if there is one thing I have succeeded in this year, it is reading my scriptures and saying my prayers daily, for the first time in my life.

Trials are hard. 

I pray everyday that I will see the purpose in mine 

and be able to overcome it.  

I am grateful that the Lord has blessed me

with my family, 

Stephen, 

and this incredible gospel.

They have brought me closer

to my Heavenly Father, 

who loves me with all his heart

and is preparing me to be the best I can be. 

"The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace."

- Exodus 14:14

Fathers

My dad is one of the most incredible men I know.

My protector,

My hero, 

My strength, 

My example, 

My friend, 

My father. 

Words cannot express my gratitude for him, 

for the constant love and support he has given me. 

For every show, swim meet, and primary talk he attended. 

For every word of encouragement

and every hug. 

For trusting me, 

and trusting himself to give me away. 

For letting us dance to the song that makes him cry, 

and singing the whole song through. 

I am the luckiest girl alive. 

Happy Birthday Daddy :)

And in lieu of fathers, 

here is one of my favorite Mormon Messages

Power of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of Christmas

Do you remember when you were younger, Christmas and your birthday were the two greatest days of the year.  You could hardly sleep because you were thinking about the presents, delicious food, and fun that was going to come the next morning.  When the sun rose, you would jump out of bed and run into your parents room begging them to get up so you could open presents.  It was the most joyous, wonderful, marvelous time of year.  As you grow older, birthdays become less and less exciting and they often sneak up on you.  Christmas stays exciting, but becomes more and more important.  We more fully understand the true meaning of Christmas and significance of the birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ.  We recognize the importance of that sacred day when the Savior was born.

This Christmas has been a little different for me.  One of my pet-peeves has always been attitude changes during the holidays.  I LOVE the spirit of Christmas, but I don't like how that spirit dissipates when the season is over.  I wish the world were benevolent, loving, and joyful all year long - not just during December.  This year, as the holidays approached, I found myself frustrated with church lessons on the Spirit of Christmas and Thanksgiving.  I would scowl inside when comments were made that began, "especially this time of year..."  I was almost rebelling about feeling the spirit any differently during the holiday season.  If I didn't already have the spirit with me all year long, then why should I be privileged to have it now.  Instead of being grateful for the spirit that I had, indeed, been carrying with me all year long, I had been driving the spirit away.  I didn't realize until now, why this Christmas didn't feel like Christmas.

There is a reason the world seems brighter during the holidays.  We are brought back full circle to the purpose of life, and why we are here.  We are reminded of the Savior, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life for us so that we may live again.  We are reminded of his mercy, his love and kindness, and of our responsibility to treat others with that same kindness.  We are reminded of the humble circumstances through which he came, and are grateful for the conveniences and luxuries of our lives today.  Unfortunately, the world doesn't always remember the true spirit of Christmas. After the presents are opened and the parties end, many people go right back to their individual lives.  I wish the spirit of Christmas would last all year long.  But instead of feeling bitter about the world's lackadaisical attitude, I should be doing my part to keep the spirit of Christmas alive.  I should be reminding myself constantly of the blessings I have been so generously given.  I should be sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping others to feel the spirit, just as I do.  I am truly grateful for the Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is my Lord, my redeemer, my brother.  He has provided me a way to return to our father in heaven.  He loves me with all his heart.  The Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Christ.  And it is my hope that I never again let the spirit of Christ(mas) dwindle within me, "...especially at this time of year."

Mormon Messages { Have I Done Any Good in the World Today? }

The focus of our FHE tonight : )

Mormon Messages { Our True Identity }

I love President Uchdorf's comments.

They are so true, but often so easy to forget. 

I constantly have to remind myself of these words.

Who I am and why I am here. 

I have read my PB more in the past month than all of last year.

Though I often get discouraged about things, 

I know He has a plan for me.  

I know that He loves me unconditionally.

If I do my absolute best, 

He will not let me fail.

Our God is an INCREDIBLE being.

He has infinite love for us individually.

He knows us better than we even know ourselves.

We must trust in his plan, 

go and do with faith,

and stand right back up when we fall. 

He will be there with us every step of the way.

He wants us to come home. 

He wants to embrace us, 

to say well done.

Don't forget where you came from, 

why you are here, 

and what you have a chance to return to.

Remember you are greatest when you walk with God.

Mormon Messages { What Matters Most }

Mormon Messages { Continue in Patience }

We watched this in my LDS Marriage and Family class today.

Mormon Messages { Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time }