Thank you...For listening

I have had some special experiences this week.

Earlier this week I texted my friend that I met at college last year. I was just asking how she was doing and saying we should catch up. Turns out that she wanted to talk to me about something going on in her life and was hesitant to text me. So she was super grateful that I listened to my prompting. The next day we talked for four hours. I wasn't able to get any work done but I was able to help someone (even if it was just a little). She was very grateful. It's still so fulfilling to me. It truly brings me much happiness when I help others.

* * * *

Today I went to the library to do some homework and they were advertising a technology open house. I felt like I should do it, and since I didn't want to do my homework (surprised?) I decided to go on the tour, get my hubby a free t-shirt, and find all the cool free stuff that the Herald B. Lee Library offers. (And let me tell you, it's awesome!). One of the stops was the family history section as I was approaching the door to enter there was an old man leaving. This is pretty normal considering a lot of old people come to work on the family history when they retire. This old man was looking down at the floor. I wanted to say hi to him (I have a thing for old men, I don't really know what it is.. I just really like a particular type of old men. I always have). So I did and said "hello". 

I walked a little slower to make sure that he would look up at me so he would know that I wanted to say hi to HIM. He took a moment but eventually slowly looked up since I was waiting for him. Then he said hi back and kept walking. After that I continued walking, feeling really good that I did something right. I felt like I was supposed to say hi to him (not just because I like old people). It was great.  

But then I heard him say, in the most humble and sweet tone, "Thank you for saying hi to me... and having me look up." 

I was deeply touched.

I don't know what that man is going through, but I felt like my little gesture really had an impact. I felt like I showed him love when he needed it. I turned around and said "you're welcome" with a nice smile, but he didn't turn around to say his comment. It sounded like it took a lot in him to reply those few words. Then I added, "have a nice day."  

I really feel like I have a special gift. Like most people, when I am not worried about school stressed about different things that happen in life,  I act a little different but I love when this part of me is able to be expressed. I feel like I can be an instrument in Heavenly Fathers hand  more. I can notice these tender moments more. I hope once I graduate, I will be able to develop this part of me more so that I can bless and uplift others and have them feel the LOVE of Christ more. 

I'm so grateful that my mother has always taught me, "people matter more." Because it's true, the purpose in life is to bring people to Christ. And what not a better way than to share Christ's love?

"May we show our love and appreciation for the Savior’s atoning sacrifice through our simple, compassionate acts of service...It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors through acts of kindness and service—the way that the Savior would love and serve all of us if He were among us today....The love the Savior described is an active love. It is not manifested through large and heroic deeds but rather through simple acts of kindness and service"

--Elder Ballard; FINDING JOY THROUGH LOVING SERVICE

“In all that you do, in all that you learn, in all you try to accomplish in life, please remember that we are all sons and daughters of God. We have to help each other.” 

—Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:36–40).

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you. … By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35).

Prioritizing Family

"Christ teaches that we are happiest when we maturely prioritize the needs of others throughout our lives, particularly the needs of our spouse and family members.-- in a process of “losing” their lives, will paradoxically find happiness and growth."

I don't know where I found this quote. But I love it so I thought I would share it. 

72-Hour Kit Essentials

  











This year for Christmas we decided to get stuff for a 72-Hour Kit. I talked about doing his before here. We only got the essentials. We figured we could buy more stuff once we have a bigger family. This will at least get us through a natural disaster or other emergency. There is more stuff than just in the pictures because we utilized some things we already had around the house like toiletry items and a whistle. 

We went to Smith and Edwards up in Ogden. Camille told us this would be the cheapest place to get everything-- as well as most convenient, it's all in one stop. We went when we were already up in Kaysville so it wasn't that far of a drive. When we pulled up, Sam didn't realize it was a Cowboy/Country place. He was being hilarious! I wish I would have taken a picture of his facial expressions!! "We just entered cowboy-ville" "Sorry Missy I didn't drive my truck or wear my cowboy hat." --None of which we own, which made it even funnier. 

One purchase that I was proud of was the radio/flashlight that is a hand crank and solar powered that is also equipped with a USB so you can charge your cell phone or other similar devise:) 

Future is as Bright as Your Faith

I, like most of my peers, are in the stage of great uncertainty. A few weeks ago when I was seeking some peace I really loved this Quote by Elder Nelson from his talk Face the Future with Faith.

“Your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord … and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.

“Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord.” {Section 98 of the Doctrine and Covenants}

The Lord chose His strongest words to reassure us! Seal! Testament! Sworn! Decreed! Immutable covenant! Brothers and sisters, believe Him! God will heed your sincere and heartfelt prayers, and your faith will be strengthened.

How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth. 

The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. 

As you walk in the Lord’s path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in His goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people.

Our beloved President Thomas S. Monson has given us his prophetic witness. He said: “I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments.”

President Monson continued: 

“My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.”

Prepare Every Needful Thing

“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (D&C 88:119).

For some reason, I have felt very impressed to obey this particular council lately, especially the past couple months. Quotes, advise, random things that would help me prepare every needful thing and establish a house of God, has popped from the pages, things people would say would stand out to me or stick with me until I wrote it down on my goal sheet. 

To get my little family in order and to prepare every needful thing . . .  keeps penetrating in my mind and my heart. I don't know why, besides the fact that I know it is a good thing and it's something that I want. But what I know for sure is that my loving Heavenly Father has a plan for me. :)