Preparation

I've never noticed before how well-prepared the people of King Benjamin's day were. They had worked to get rid of all contention in the land, and everyone had love towards their fellow men. That takes a lot of work and help from God! They were diligent in keeping the law of Moses, as they brought animals to sacrifice, in order to keep the law of Moses and to show gratitude. They wanted to hear the word of God from their king and prophet, and were willing to gather (and with pretty short notice) in order to do so, and they brought their whole families as well. I'm just really impressed by the goodness and diligence and preparation of these people. It's my opinion that they couldn't have had the marvelous discourse, experience, and change of heart that takes place in Mosiah 2-5 if they hadn't prepared themselves first through their charity, obedience, diligence, and gratitude.

What amazing experiences are we missing out on by not preparing ourselves? How awesome will our future be if we do choose to prepare as they did?

Goosenest

Today was packed. Much cleaning, running, talking, eating, and being with family the whole time. My dad and I went running on one of the local high school tracks, and then dropped me off on Goosenest to run home from there, as part of my half-marathon training. I didn't run the whole time. I'm definitely not used to hills, or running in the cold. But it was a beautiful day. I hope that I can be ready for the race by May!

Life is pretty good. I absolutely love the fact that my dad and I are getting along so well. Some prayers take years to be answered, but they are answered. =)

Edible Beauty

Best thing that's happened to me all day...

Strawberries, whipped cream, raspberry honey butter, and cinnamon honey butter, on frybread. =D

$3 outside the TSC

Happy Valentines Day

Today has been surprisingly and unintentionally themed. In Family History, we learned about marriage records. =) And today as I studied the New Testament, I came across the topic of marriage and learned more. And then, while reading the Book of Mormon, I came across this verse about the Lamanites:
"Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children..." (Jacob 3:7).

Very cute. Happy Valentines Day from God. =)

This is the first Valentines Day after my mission that I've been single. And I'm having a fantastic day - I'm filled with peace. Which is a rather pleasant surprise!

Lift Up Your Heads, Feast Upon His Love

This morning I read Jacob 3:2, in the Book of Mormon.

"O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, your minds are firm, forever."

And I just wanted to talk a little more about the last few days.

God has been reminding me of past experiences, and has been softening my heart towards myself. He inspired my bishop to remind me that I may have helped people and not have known it, or that things I do now will help people later. Then God reminded me of the woman from Colorado who read my Elder Holland book on the plane. What if that became a small turning point in her life? I thought of a conversation that I had with my friend Riley this summer, that seemed to be somewhat of a turning point in his life, raising his sights and helping him to expect more from the future. And yesterday, God sent me Elder Fielding to let me know that I helped him find people to teach, and that Damien, the young boy I taught the gospel to in 2008, is obedient and diligent in his priesthood duties, willing to do whatever he is asked to do.

God let me know that He is proud of me for walking alone, but that I won't always have to. He let me see a glimpse of how much love I will feel in the future.

He also helped me be brave and honest. And He helped me reach out in confidence and friendship to others.

He nourished my soul. Helped me be excited. Helped me to love. Helped me to hope. And He let me know that He loves me.

I feel fantastic. I don't know how long this spiritual high will last, but let me tell you, I'm going to cherish every second.

You know what I just realized? I have been praying for a couple years now for faith, hope and charity. To be happy, loving, and brave. And yesterday was one amazing example of the Lord answering that prayer. =) And so, I can testify that He answers prayers. In His own time and way, He has answered this prayer. And I hope (and believe) He will continue.

Heaven's Light

How do I put into words the experiences of today, and of the week that just happened?

One of the feelings that I had today is summarized at the 3:00 mark on this video. From 3:00-3:15.
http://youtu.be/GdtF-zw9HG0
I feel like a curse has been lifted. And everything is right.

And I've felt more love in the last few days than I've felt in years.

I will probably not be telling this story in detail on here. But let it be known that I feel more free than I can remember feeling. I feel more love than I can remember feeling. I feel more like me than I can remember feeling. And I am looking forward to the future. I feel safe in God's care. I know He's watching over me, and He has more happiness in mind for me than I ever imagined.

Traditions

I was reading in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 15, verses 1-3.

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

BAM! I love that answer. =)

It reminded me of one of my previous posts, entitled "Inheritance." It's one of my favorites. Take a look.

http://aliandria.blogspot.com/2011/04/inheritance.html

Hope you like it! Let me know your thoughts.