June 3, 2012

Church today was lovely. It is amazing how the Spirit can direct a meeting. Our ward is actually incredibly unified and it makes living there a true joy. We all mourn together, but most of all we rejoice together, which is a better comfort for times of trouble, for we know we have people surrounding us who care and are our friends.

Sacrament meeting, our beloved 2nd counselor was released. In the student wards, the bishop and first counselor are from surrounding stakes (ours are from a stake in Lehi), and then the 2nd counselor is from one of the married student wards. Anyway, it was a joy to watch our ward's reaction to both the leaving member and the new counselor.

We discussed over and over again that we are right where we need to be, to keep going, to endure in faith, and my prayer in my heart for fast Sunday was truly answered. Lately, I've been making a ton of changes by degrees. I haven't had major break-throughs, per se, just little reminders, little helps, little insights, but I have loved every minute.

Sunday School we talked about the differences between God's way, and the devil's counterfeits, that look similar but are so fundamentally different.

Relief Society we discussed unity and individual worth. They were great lessons and I remembered and gained a lot.



Be bold and steadfast. We're not sliding around by chance. There is a divine meaning and purpose behind the direction and context of our lives. Treasure the Priesthood and hold on to your roles, to truly be unified, and to progress, we accept the different "positions" that men and women, leadership, the functions of society, and the different perspectives we each share, to gain the truth and stability to move forward.

He knows what you need and helps you find it. Reach out in faith for a miracle. It may not come as you expect, maybe it will, but open your minds and your heart enough to move forward.

Release the hurt and pain, become something better through the divine power of the Atonement.

Focus on goals, it is the differences that make life work, different roles give meaning and depth, and help us find joy. We each have a different part to play, we each need to feel valued and appreciated, and keep ithe worth and eternal perspective in balance. (**remember, that though we have a eternal perspective, we don't need to stress about the future, it will work out as we move forward in faith today, in dealing with each moment as it comes**)

You are in His hands and are being molded into who you truly are, the true, best version of you, that is already inside you, just surrounded in distractions or imperfections. You're on track.

Keep the commandments. Don't think of them as forcing/taking away who you are, remember that they are the markers, the 'items on the checklist' to find true happiness. A thought I just had: it's a recipe, no, you don't have to use those ingredients, but it won't come out the way you want if you use onion instead of honey.

Pain is definitely real. It hurts, and is a part of life. Don't negate its teachings, but know that if you keep moving forward in faith, no matter what problem you are facing, you'll come out stronger and closer to Christ. See, the reason you need faith is because it is going to seem impossible. It is going to seem like its never been done, and there is no way that you can find happiness. This is why you need faith in that Infinitely Powerful, Wise, and most of all Loving God, who is your Father and your Friend. Don't lose hope, you are on track. Your prayers are heard, and your answers are on their way. You are so loved.