Is Beautiful

The following quote from Elder Richard G. Scott's talk "Finding Joy in Life", I know is rather long, but I couldn't bring myself to cut out some. I hope it conveys some of what I am feeling and pondering about. I linked the full talk at the bottom of the quote. 

"Tears of gratitude formed for this wondrous world in which we live, for the extraordinary beauty our Heavenly Father so freely shares with all who are willing to see. Truly, life is beautiful.

Do you take time to discover each day how beautiful your life can be? How long has it been since you watched the sun set? The departing rays kissing the clouds, trees, hills, and lowlands good night, sometimes tranquilly, sometimes with exuberant bursts of color and form. What of the wonder of a cloudless night when the Lord unveils the marvels of His heavens—the twinkling stars, the moonlight rays—to ignite our imagination with His greatness and glory? How captivating to watch a seed planted in fertile soil germinate, gather strength, and send forth a tiny, seemingly insignificant sprout. Patiently it begins to grow and develop its own character led by the genetic code the Lord has provided to guide its development. With care it surely will become what it is destined to be: a lily, crowned with grace and beauty; a fragrant spearmint plant; a peach; an avocado; or a beautiful blossom with unique delicacy, hue, and fragrance. When last did you observe a tiny rosebud form? Each day it develops new and impressive character, more promise of beauty until it becomes a majestic rose. You are one of the noblest of God’s creations. His intent is that your life be gloriously beautiful regardless of your circumstances. As you are grateful and obedient, you can become all that God intends you to be.

Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself. I do not minimize how hard some of these events are. They can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining center of everything you do. The Lord inspired Lehi to declare the fundamental truth, “Men are, that they might have joy.” ¹That is a conditional statement: “they might have joy.” It is not conditional for the Lord. His intent is that each of us finds joy. It will not be conditional for you as you obey the commandments, have faith in the Master, and do the things that are necessary to have joy here on earth.

Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy. Pondering their doctrine will let you enjoy the beauties of this earth and enrich your relationships with others. It will lead you to the comforting, strengthening experiences that flow from prayer to Father in Heaven and the answers He gives in return." -Elder Richard G. Scott, April 1996 

The creations of this Earth are beautiful and amazing! The Lord truly loves us and blesses us constantly and continually as we discover more of Him and the beauty that is this mortal life. I know real life is eternal life. It is living the gospel of Jesus Christ and partaking of it's fullness each day. 

Rejuvenated and Energized

I really am enjoying teaching seminary right now! After only a few days with the kids in my class I love them and get excited to share with them and hear what they understand and love about the scriptures. I am learning many things about this experience and so glad that I have this opportunity. It was enjoyable talking with them about General Conference today they were very excited to share and kids who don't talk much in class did today! I enjoy General Conference weekend! Last night I realized how rejuvenated, energized and a added measure of peace I feel from the messages from conference and what the Holy Ghost personalized for me. The Lord loves us and is in the very detail of our lives. Our concerns are His concerns. Our joys are His joys. O how wonderful it is to learn and know the gospel of Jesus Christ and partake and live in it's goodness! And to know that the heavens are open!             Masaya Ang Aking Puso:)

Mark's Visit

On Monday Mark arrived in Provo. He called me a couple of weeks ago to tell me he would be stopping by Provo on his way to Arizona for Spring Break. I was both excited and nervous to see Mark. Mark you will recall is one of the good friends I made while working in the AK. It had been a year and half since I had last seen Mark and until February it had been a year since we had any contact. It was fun having him here. We went to Cafe Rio for lunch, he went to campus with me (I couldn't miss Japanese.), we also went to DI, and than went for a walk around the neighborhood. He also came with to my ward's family home evening activity and later went to dinner. He left Tuesday morning for Arizona. He had a few questions about it and about the church in general. I am grateful for the opportunities I had while he was here to answer some questions and tell him more about what I believe and know. I am so grateful to know the truth! I am grateful to know God has a plan for me and that He has an active role in my life. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a part of my life- it is my life! Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)

Ang Pinakamaganda Ay Darating Pa

"Look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

I am excited and looking forward to this new year! A new year brings new adventures, challenges, and blessings. I know the best is yet to come- ang pinakamaganda ay darating pa! I have hope. I have a handful of things I am thinking about. And a handful of things that I will be doing to make this year one of the best. This year I am hoping and working on many things- an increase in understanding and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, good intestinal health, finishing up my bachelor's degree, an internship, and, expanding my floral skills. These are just a handful. Here is to a year of adventures, challenges, blessings, and becoming more of the woman God wants me to be.

Savoring The Sweetness

Today I was reading more of Elder Neal A. Maxwell's talk titled "Patience". I recommend studying it along with President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk titled "Continue in Patience. " I have been studying, reading, and learning more about patience over the last several months in a new way. Elder Maxwell said, "I remember as a child going eagerly to the corner store for what we then called the "all-day sucker". It would not have lasted all day under the best of usage, but it could last quite awhile. The trick was to resist the temptation to bite into it, to learn to savor rather than to crunch and chew." He goes on to say, "in life, however, even patiently stretching out sweetness is sometimes not enough; in certain situations, enjoyment must actually be deferred. A patient willingness to defer dividends is a hallmark of individual maturity." Throughout his talk he discusses the "process of time", in the timetable of the Lord. I like this analogy of the "all-day sucker" and savoring the sweetness of the experience I am having and what I am waiting for- this is a season I need to savor. I am choosing to continue to trust the Lord and His timing for I know He has my best interest at heart. He is never early or late- His timing is perfect. Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)