Answers

God has an interesting way of of answering our prayers. I know that patience plays a big part of it and I know that things turn out if we are following the path of righteousness.


Example


I went to bed one night distressed about my circumstances and how things weren't turning out the way I wanted them to. I woke up the next morning to feel a cool breeze and so I looked out the window and  saw a rainbow in the sky. There is no way for me to describe how I KNEW that God loved me in that moment and that I KNEW that he existed and wanted me to be happy. I couldn't deny the evidence. The feeling that He knew that putting those colors in the sky would make me remember all those things was so clear to me.


And Patience


I was reminded of those feelings that I had when I already got an answer to my prayers. Does that even make sense? I was waiting for an answer that I already got. I just needed to recognize it and move forward. 


For a lack of better words, I know that Heavenly Father has got our back. He is there for us and we need to go forward with faith and optimism-even when it seems like we can't find an answer.

Ranch Dressing

My sister and I got to help out at a ranch this week doing the food for a bunch boys around 12-15 years old.   Sorry nothing really about salad or food, but I definitely felt my life 'spice up' a little these past few days. I feel like a good salad dressing can make a big difference to an otherwise boring pile of lettuce.

So what exactly happened to put a kick into my otherwise monotonous life? Well, while we had the opportunity to go on horseback rides and explore a little bit, it was nice to get away for a little bit. We got to hang around a great group of boys up in the mountains and hear about how they chopped wood and helped out a lady or went to go buy food. However, I must say that it wasn't the only thing I enjoyed... I loved the comments those boys made.

Number 1
A returned missionary from Brasil was going to tell the boys a bed-time story. Our room was off to the side and we could hear through the door. Before the story got started, the boys chatted and one randomly called out, "So do you call your self half Mexican because you served in Brazil?". Another boy shortly answered the question by saying, "Uh... no, it would be half Spanish!". We had a good laugh over that one.

Number 2
Yet again, as the boys were settling down the counselor gave the boys 30 seconds to be quiet. One started counting down from 30 in a loud voice... somehow when he got to 20 he stopped and said, "uhhh...". Someone else picked up for him when he couldn't remember what came after.

I had a few good laughs at the things they said and I must say that I was really impressed by those boys. They were there to learn more about service and living in the outdoors. We were always thanked for our work and we never had to do the dishes! Thanks to a couple of wonderful counselors too!

I'm so glad places like that exist. A place where you can feel free and get away. Even though I didn't participate fully in all the activities, I feel like I was a part of it and I definitely got to see how good people that do simple things can make a big difference. A little 'dressing' can go a long ways... especially if it's Ranch.

Without Going to Pieces

My roommate randomly showed this article to me. I liked the message that it shared... so I'm sharing it with you! It comes from an Ensign article entitled "Breaking Up without Going to Pieces: When Dating Doesn't End in Marriage" M. GAWAIN WELLS. I thought it was an interesting topic to address and when pondering about why all this is necessary in life, I found gospel principles at the root.

He begins-

"The Lord has given us some important guidelines for relationships—and they apply to all relationships, including dating. We’re counseled to treat all people charitably and kindly, to forgive, and to love not only God and others but also ourselves."

I just had to think, "Wow!". Of course it makes sense. Just because a relationship doesn't work out, even when it is hurtful, all are children of God and we have to keep the commandments. He goes on-

"While you may learn valuable lessons from failed relationships, it’s not necessary to impute further meaning to the break-up. That is, I don’t believe the Lord intends you to be hurt again and again for the sake of “learning experiences.” I believe that He wants you to know the joy that comes from understanding, trusting, and loving someone in an honest, giving relationship. Hopefully, you can learn what is valuable from the experience without punishing yourself or seeing the experience as punishment."

That may be hard to see sometimes but I believe that it's true. I think that it's hard to not beat yourself up. Asking yourself why you weren't good enough or what you did wrong... but it's all part of the process. Would you actually WANT to be married to a person who didn't care all that much? Of course not. But it doesn't make it that much easier. What makes it so great is finding your best friend and being able to talk forever about nothing and everything. It's about having those good experiences too.

I loved his perspective on the whole subject and the reminder that the gospel applies to everything- and that includes dating.

My New Friend

I made a new friend at work. It always amazes me at how the more we get to know people, the more we can understand and love them. I asked this wonderful woman how she met her husband and was favored with this reply.


She met her husband at church but he was going away to school so he encouraged her to apply for her visa. She had already tried many times but went at his insisting and heard the words, "Welcome the the United States of America!". She was thrilled.


She told me about how in her culture, people just hug and go out just to be friendly. They aren't necessarily romantically interested, just nice and friendly.


One day, however, someone came by and gave her a big hug and then they went out to dinner... and the boy who had wanted her to come saw it. He got a little stirred up about it and maybe a little jealous. It must have made him realize what he wanted so he then asked her to marry him. To which she said yes.


She laughed about how she really had no interest in the other boy. She wasn't worried about it.


I reflected on this and realized that sometimes we don't really appreciate what we've got or have in our grasp until that very thing almost gets taken away. 


That guys was lucky and I sure hope I don't let something good get away from me before I realize just how good it is!

A Beautiful Life

I have a really good friend who once wrote to me about having a beautiful life. She made the comment that she thought that I would have one.

Sometimes I don't know where that life is. I want to find it so bad but some times it seems out of reach.

I've realized that I can't sit around waiting for it to happen. I have to make it happen. I have to create my beautiful life. What makes it beautiful is knowing what was ugly. What makes it sweet will come from having known the bitter. It's hard going through those moments. Hard and hurtful and everything imaginable... but necessary to create that beautiful life.

To me that seems a life filled with the Spirit and knowing that the path taken is the path acceptable to the Lord. It doesn't mean we have everything we could ever want. Not the best car or a house or money or a job. It comes from what we are making ourselves into. I truly believe that.

I know that my beautiful life will result in what I have become and one day all the trappings will melt away. All the awards I have won and the degrees or certificates won't mean a thing if I haven't become that beautiful person with a beautiful life.

And We're Back!

It's about time for a new post! Sometimes I wait until I feel really inspired to write about something... this is not one of those times. I just feel like talking about what's going on in my life.

I moved up to Provo! I forgot how things were up here though. I got quite a shock as I went to FHE in my first single's ward back from the mission. The guy who said the opening prayer asked that many people would be asked out on dates... crickets... a few giggles... I just felt awkward as I shut my eyes tighter and tried to pretend I wasn't there. Oh, BYU!

On the other hand, I was so lucky to move into an apartment with some wonderful girls! I have loved every second that I've had with them! I sure did get blessed on this one!

I won't lie. I miss my friends. The ones in Cedar, others in Logan, and a lot sprinkled around the world spreading the good news of the gospel. It's hard feeling like I am starting from scratch... but what does that really mean anyway? You might not have a complete strawberry cream cake but at least you have the basics to start out with like having eggs and flour. I have nice people around, good roommates and little by little you make that into a delicious confection. A double chocolate fudge isn't the same things but it sure is tasty!


My motto has been forward with faith these last few weeks. I want to keep heading in the right direction. It'll all turn out just right.