A Day From My Eyes.

It's 7:00am,

                 Anthony's alarm goes off and we both stretch as we try to climb through the fog off sleep that covers us in a thick blanket. He turns over, turns the alarm off, and with his adorable sleepy face, tells me he loves me and sweetly kisses my drowsy lips. We lay there for a second and I lay my head on his chest so I can listen to his heartbeat and quiet breathing....he's dozed off again, but I let him sleep for just a little bit longer. Soon the day will start. Soon we'll have to leave our safe haven, go about our responsibilities, and face the giant jar of mystery candies that is our world.

 Soon we wake up and slide out from underneath the warmth and comfort of our covers. Our house carries the whisper of cool morning air as the sun outstretches its rays through the trees shadowing our windows, reaching to reclaim what the night took from it. I walk out of our room and feel the cool hardwood beneath my feet...I shiver and wiggle my toes. I look at the beautiful home that we've started to create together and stand there for a moment so I can breath it in with the peace that comes with a new day.

 As I walk to the kitchen and I see Anthony setting the table for breakfast. He hasn't seen me so I stand there for a second and watch him sleepily, wondering how I got so lucky.

His beautiful green eyes and his golden heart light up the whole room and for a second I wonder if he is the sun. Suddenly he looks up and smiles his perfect crooked smile at me and I have to catch my breath. He caught me. We sit down at the table we refinished together and burned our wedding date into and bless our breakfast. He has to leave for school soon and I'm dreading it as it inches closer and closer. We eat our cereal, ask how the other slept, and talk about what we have to do for the day...He finishes his cereal before mine and gently caresses my spoon-free hand. I wonder how it's possible for someone to be so cute with a spoon full of Cinnamon Crunch in his mouth. We get up, rinse our dishes and hug each other for a moment. We know we'll have to leave the comfort of each other soon and try to shove the thought away.

I pull back and look at the cute little freckles on his face through his thick black-rimmed glasses and  dark brown hair that curls slightly at the ends. My stomach falls as he grabs his backpack and starts to put his day of learning into its wide awaiting zipper. He zips it shut and we look at each other for a moment before he takes my hand and pulls me in for one last hug. I smile up at him and tell him how much I love him as he gently kisses my forehead and tells me "I love you more."

Hand in hand, we walk towards the door and before I know it we're fitting in one last kiss, hoping the day goes by quickly, and he's gone.

I shut the door and let out a sigh, knowing that our house just won't be the same until he walks into it again. I walk across the floor back to our table to pray for him. I pray that he will be kept safe and will return home safely. I pray for his dreams, his hopes, his goals, and his happiness because that is all I want for him. As long as that is true for him, that is all I need...I am happy. I look at the clock and know I have a little more time before I need to start my so I crawl back into bed for one last bit of shut eye and notice how lonely our bed is without him in it...I miss him already.

It only feels like a second has passed when I wake up again and plan out what I need to do before my night shift at 5:00pm. I keep myself busy, I try not to think about the long hours at work ahead of me and before I know it I'm putting on my Costa Vida Uniform, and throwing my hair into a high messy bun with curls shooting out every which way. I look at my face in the mirror and notice the light splatter of freckles that dust my nose and the outsides of my lips (I swear there are more there than there was yesterday) and wonder where I'm supposed to go in life, what my purpose is, and how I can reach my full potential. I think about how fast time will go before I'm looking at curly hair shooting out every which way and the splatter of freckles on my children's faces instead of my own. I smile as I'm reminded of how badly I dream of being a mother, and I leave the hopeful face in the mirror.

Work goes by fast from going, going, going non-stop. After 4 hours of cleaning the lobby, checking people at the register, and helping to prepare food as fast as I possibly can while still being functional and friendly, I leave for my much needed fifteen minute break. As soon as I'm in line to get my Mango Chicken Salad with a wheat tortilla and a Diet Coke. I notice how hungry I am as pull out my royal blue-cased phone. Seconds later I'm wrapped up in the rich tone of Anthony's sweet familiar voice. I suddenly have more energy than before and know I can face the next 2 hours with a smile on my face. I enjoy hearing how his day went as I try and finish my food as fast as I can....15 minutes really isn't that much time when you have two important things to focus on at once such as good food and your hot husbands voice that you've missed all day.

I force myself to tell Anthony's loving voice goodbye as I get back to work. The line which was out the door before is slowing down and an hour later the night time clean up starts. I work surly but steadily in closing down the lobby. My feet ache as I sweep and mob the hard floors in my black, anti-slip, rocks would be more comfortable restaurant shoes that feel like they will never be broken into no matter how much I wear them. I finish and wipe away the little beads of sweat on my forehead, hand in my apron, take off my hat, and put my name tag in my purse. I put on my jacket as I stare at the now barren and dark Mexican Grill that was so busy and teaming with life, excitement, and the smell of homemade tortillas only one hour before. It's 11:00pm as I walk through the October chill to my car. I call my sweet husband and tell him I'm on my way home to him.

The 29 steps up to our apartment door seem like they will never end. As soon as I turn the doorknob Anthony wraps me up into the safety of his arms as we both let out a sigh of relief knowing that our day of obligations isn't separating us anymore.
 Anthony has a little bit of homework left to do but we walk to our deep green couch and take a minute to relax. I pull off my shoes and Anthony pulls my legs over so he can rub my sore feet. I giggle at the fact that he lit a candle for me to come home to and that he doesn't just rub my feet because their sore, but because he actually enjoys it. We talk, laugh together, and goof off effortlessly.

We talk about how our days went, the funny things that happened to us, and the things that we learned and Before we know it, relax time is over and Anthony leaves to finish his homework.

I feel exhausted but accomplished and happy from my hard days work and I am beyond elated  to finally be home with Anthony even if he has to do homework. Being in a room with him while he studies is better than being anywhere without him...as long as we're in the same part of the house I can't complain. I walk into our cozy room as fast as I can. I change into my sweatpants and watch an episode of my favorite t.v. show to pass the time until I can finally crawl back into bed and fall asleep with the man of my dreams. I change and make myself comfortable on the couch. Before my show is over, Anthony walks over, trying to rub the sleepiness from his face but it doesn't work...he's about ready to drop and it is absolutely adorable. I smile at him and we walk hand in hand down the hallway to our bedroom. After shutting the door behind us, we kneel down together and say our prayers, and as fast as the day started, we are back right where we began...ready to let the haze of our heavy eyelids and our long days overcome us in a deep, much needed sleep. Anthony falls asleep before I do like most nights. I'm in awe of how peaceful and content he looks and I want to keep the image in my mind forever...I want to stay in the beautiful moment that comes with starting and ending your day with your soul mate, your strength, your laughter, your biggest fan, and your best friend. it isn't long until I'm drifting off to the sound of his breath hitting his pillow and the gentle feeling of his fingertips against mine.

My new life as a Wifey!

Exactly one week ago, Anthony and I got married! I can honestly say it was one of the happiest days of my life! The wedding and reception went without a glitch or setback, and the transition into married life has been absolutely wonderful.

For our honeymoon Anthony and I drove to Salt Lake City, stayed in the Anniversary Inn, explored Salt Lake, and went to the fair. We had a blast in temple square and visiting different shops, but we both decided that it didn't matter where we were, if we were together it was going to be the best honeymoon ever. It was amazing to be able to get away with my husband and best friend for a couple of days to just be together, grow closer, and learn more about each other than we ever have before.

 The funny thing is, we thought we loved each other before. We thought that our love was already so strong and unshakable, but now its like we can't even describe it. There is a bond, a love, and a friendship between us that has never been there before. There is a deep need for the others well-being and happiness, and a need to be together even if its washing the dishes or making the bed. Something I've  noticed is that being able to be with Anthony all the time has made daily tasks, chores, responsibilities, and obligations fun, more enjoyable, and easier.

I always knew I would enjoy married life and that I would be happy, but nothing could ever prepare me for the happiness I would feel to be able to wake up next to Anthony every morning, eat breakfast together, say prayers together, and make a home together. When we were finally at home and finished with all of the wedding craziness our routine was pretty low key and I focused mostly on unpacking and organizing the house while Anthony was at work. When he got home we would eat dinner and spend quality time together.

Yesterday, our routines changed as Anthony started school and I tried to find a job. I am so happy that he loves his classes, that work is going well, and that his days have gone by with ease. I am so happy that we are getting into the swing of things and starting our life together, but it is really hard to not miss him while he's at work and school. I know, I know, other than that we are with each other all the time so it shouldn't be that hard right? Well, that's not the case. Things are different now. We are eternally bound and we can feel it. It is a bond that can only be felt. I might be having a really good day but as soon as Anthony walks through the door my day is even brighter and I can't wait to be wrapped up in his strong arms as I rush to the door to hug him.

Something that I didn't think I would really enjoy doing is cooking! I absolutely love it and its all thanks to the three cookbooks and tons of recipes I got for wedding presents. Last night my allergies were really acting up so I took some allergy meds and went to lay in bed while Anthony did his homework...I took one of the cookbooks with me and ended up falling asleep with it in my hands. Anthony thought that was pretty cute when he walked into the room a little later...what can I say, its really growing on me! Tonight I'm making oven baked potatoes, corn on the cob, grilled chicken and banana bread for dessert! (Anthony's favorite)

If I could explain how happy I am to finally be married and sealed for eternity to Anthony, this blog would never end! We have only been married for a week and we have loved every second of it! We know that things won't always be easy and sometimes there will be mountains to climb but as long as we're together we can accomplish and overcome anything life has to throw at us!

Well, my amazing and dashingly handsome husband is going to be home in 30 minutes...time to use my newly acquired love of cooking to finish dinner!

Wedding planning, boxes, and burlap!

Wow, today was crazy! I got to experience what it feels like to pack up my entire room and move it into my future house. And not just my future house, but my future house that I will be living in with my future husband this Saturday. While unpacking I found out a number of things-

1. Anthony looks REALLY good in the apartment...I can't believe it's going to be ours so soon!
2. I have TOO many clothes. My aunt counted 20 pairs of jeans, at least that many sweatshirts, even more shirts and that doesn't even amount to my running clothes, (its a good thing we have a big closet).
3. I love our new apartment so much that I'm not going to be able to stand it being messy, which means I'm going to be a little bit of a clean freak.
4. I have an obsession with our floors and windows, they are so beautiful!
5. I can't wait to break out our new kitchen aid and cookbook so I can bake me and my hubby some deliciousness!
6. This is so unlike me but I CANNOT wait to decorate! Its like all of a sudden I have all of these creative juices flowing!

Yeah I know, exciting stuff right!? I still can't believe this is happening. The wedding is coming together and it is going to be absolutely beautiful! The theme is vintage elegance and it couldn't be more perfect for Anthony and I. Some of the projects we're working on are absolutely gorgeous...that's all I'm going to say, You'll have to wait and see... But here's a hint! >>>>>>>>>

Even though everything has been crazy and I've been running 100mph, I've had a surprisingly good amount of time to think. I feel like I've waited my whole life for this chapter in my life to start. Like I knew I wouldn't be able to fully become me or fulfill my purpose until I could be a wife and mother in the future. I know that women in general are supposed to be wives and mothers, but I honestly feel like that is my purpose. To be the best wife and mother I can possibly be. I feel like my life is finally starting and I'm headed to where I'm meant to be with the man I love more than anything by my side.

"It's the oldest story in the world. One day you're seventeen and planning for someday, and then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today, and that someday is yesterday and this is your life." -Nathan Scott

The Adventure that awaites us!

                                                                  Hey everybody!

 
Its been a while! Life has been so wonderful and crazy and so much has changed. About 2 months ago Anthony returned from his mission in England! I still can't believe he's home, its been even better than I could've ever dreamed it to be. My life changed forever as soon as I opened my front door to him standing in front of me. I had no idea he was there and he had been patiently waiting in my hallway for me to return home from school. When I saw him I caught my breath and didn't even think about it as I grabbed him and held onto him has tight as I could. I have never felt so much relief and happiness before that moment. To stand there with him face to face after 2 years was indescribable and all we could do was look at each other and smile. My hand hasn't left his since that day.

 During the first three weeks of him being home we were inseparable. We had never been closer and got closer with each day that passed. We have always been each others best friend and it only got stronger with each second we had together. We were able to pick up right where we left off and it was even better than before. Our love was able to grow into something we didn't even think existed while he was on his mission and to be able to finally experience it together was amazing.

On July 11th after work, Anthony called me and asked if we could do something after he got off of work. I was excited to see him and got ready as fast as I could. A couple minutes later he picked me up and we were off! During the drive to wherever we were going, (he wouldn't tell me where) he was oddly quiet and I wondered what was going on. 15 minutes later we pulled into the Idaho Falls Temple parking lot. It was beautiful and raining and I was so happy to spend some time with him. With an umbrella in hand we began our romantic stroll around the temple grounds. We soon walked into a beautiful garden area with gorgeous flowers and a gazebo and he was still as quiet as can be. As we talked he pulled me in to dance (we dance EVERYWHERE) and a huge smile broke across his face...now I was REALLY paranoid. What was going on? A couple moments after I kept asking what he was smiling about, he faced me towards the temple and told me to close my eyes. My heart raced as I heard him shuffle like he was picking something up off the ground....so many thoughts ran through my mind-

"He couldn't really be proposing could he?"

"Maybe its nothing...maybe he's surprising me with a flower?"

"I need to calm down. I'm overthinking this. There's no way he's proposing after only three weeks."

 

Finally he told me to open my eyes and I didn't even know how to react when I saw him on one knee!!! He asked me to marry him and after 3 minutes of freaking out and then realizing I hadn't answered him I said yes!!! Since then we have never been happier! We are getting married next Saturday September 7th! Although wedding planning is stressful, I can't wait to finally start my eternity with Anthony after spending two years apart.

What is amazing to me is that from now on I won't be blogging about my life...I'll be blogging about Anthony and I's life together!!

Now this wouldn't be complete if I didn't end it with engagement pictures! Thanks for reading...Our adventure has only just begun.

 

 

My Second Semester of College!!!

It has been a while since I last posted, my life has just been so crazy since I started my second semester at BYU-Idaho!!! With each day that passes I am smothered with homework, studying, and things that are required of me to accomplish. Yes, its stressful but I have enjoyed every minute of it. Through all of the hustle and bustle of getting things done I have felt peace and happiness in knowing that I am learning so much. I have learned more about myself and my savior more on this campus than I have in my entire life.

Every day is the same but so different. I wake up at 6 in the morning, say my prayers, get ready, eat breakfast and make the 15 minute drive from home up to the college. I wake up exhausted but am comforted each morning with the knowledge that today will be a good day and I will get through it with a smile on my face no matter what comes my way or how much homework I have to get done. I have also been singing a little bit on the side so its been so much fun to have that experience and to be able to share my love for music with the people that I love. Oh and I almost forgot! Something else amazing happened over these past couple of weeks..(Drum roll please).......I TURNED 20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My birthday was perfect. I got the most beautiful letter from Anthony that had me tearing up the whole time reading it and my mom made me her homemade peach cobbler with homemade cheesy potato soup and corn bread which happens to me three of my most favorite things that she cooks(She should own her own restaurant)

My favorite aspect of Campus here is that the spirit is always so strong and you learn something new every day!
One of my classes has been focusing on "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" workbook and I have loved every second of it. I've learned that most of the time when I'm stressed is because I'm worried about things that are not in my circle of influence. We have a circle of influence and concern. Now you might not care about this, I just thought it was way cool!!

I've learned that each time we do something proactive like thinking before we react or choosing to not let things out of our control, control us and our feelings that our circle of influence gets bigger and over time our circle of concern dwindles. Our circle of influence is everything that we have influence over such as our choices, our attitude, how we react, how we decide to feel, how we choose to treat others...everything that includes our action and agency. It dawned on me that I have been in my circle of concern too much by being worried about things I can't do anything about or by letting things out of my control effect me negatively. By doing this my circle of influence has shrunk and my circle of concern has gotten bigger.

When I realized this I began to notice each day the small things I was doing that were reactive instead of proactive like how I talked about having so much homework or saying "I HAVE to workout" instead of "I CHOOSE to workout." See how much positive the second one sounds?? Any ways that little piece of knowledge that I gained from that class has helped me tremendously...it has literally helped me change the world around me and how I feel about the world. I have made it a goal that no matter what I would react in a positive way and I would CHOOSE to be happy despite the things going on around me. When I realized that was all up to me I knew that not only could I do it but that it was my responsibility to myself to do it so that I could be happier and become closer to Christ. This experience has also made me pay more attention in all of my classes because you never know what you will learn or what the teacher will say that day that might just help in the shaping of who you are.

Amongst everything exciting that I have going on there is something else that I have literally had to try so hard to not distract me....ANTHONY GETS HOME IN 5 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? It honestly feels like just yesterday when I was blogging about him leaving and being excited for this journey to start, but in reality it is just beginning and the love of my life is coming home! Just thinking about it makes me want to cry and jump for joy because I am so excited to have him in my arms again. Today I got an email from him and we are both very excited to Skype on mothers day and have decided to give most of the time to his family and make it so we talk very last. Right now the family is more important and we will see each other so soon that how much time we get to Skype doesn't matter. But I honestly cannot wait to hear that sweet voice of his...It calms me in a way that is really hard to explain. Its like he talks and every bit of weight and worry is lifted off my shoulders. I am just so excited! Everything is happening so fast and I am extremely  busy but even though everything is so hectic I AM SO HAPPY and I feel SO BLESSED to be where I am today. I wouldn't trade it for the world even though I have so much homework and never get enough sleep. Each moment is so beautiful and I cherish every stressful, happy, busy, exciting, special minute of it.

Boston Has My Heart.

Today the tragedy of the two bombs going off during the Boston Marathon broke my heart. It's hard for me to even think about it without tearing up. Although I wasn't there, my heart goes out to all of the runners and bystanders that were watching the marathon that were injured or had their lives taken. This kind of thing makes me wonder what this world is coming to and the scary fact that no matter how prepared we are, we never know what's going to happen...everything can change in a split second. Something that hurts me deeply is the lower injuries that were a result of the explosion. Many runners and bystanders lost their legs and or their feet. As a runner myself this hurts my heart to the core. These runners were about to cross the finish line in triumph when all of a sudden their lives changed forever...many won't be able to run again.

 I don't know who could know this and not want to do something about it. I wish I could be there to help and do something besides having to sit here hoping everyone is okay. I feel like it is my responsibility to do something to honor the runners in that marathon because we share the same love and we are all family. From now on I'm not just running, I'm running for Boston and everyone injured. I'm running for those runners who had to experience this horror. I'm running for those that might not be able to run again. So for anyone who has friends or loved ones in Boston who were part of this heartbreaking devastation, THIS IS FOR YOU. To any of the runners who might be reading this or won't be able to, I AM RUNNING FOR YOU. If you can't run anymore and the only thing that I can do is be your legs then that is exactly what I will do. I will be your legs. My whole heart and my prayers are with you. Stay Strong, you are not alone.

You have fought the good fight,
You have finished the race,
You have kept the faith.

Beneath The Surface...

 It is 3:00 in the morning and I should be sleeping but I can't get this off my mind.



Right now I'm itching...I'm literally turning inside out because I want to run so bad and it isn't just that. I feel like I've been holding myself back from my potential. I know that I could be working so much harder. I know that I could be running so much faster and longer than I am now...I know it. And right now I feel like every muscle in my body yearns for it...aches for it. I want to push myself harder than I ever have before, I want to go past my breaking point. I want to reach my goal and become as strong as I can. I want to tap into whatever it is that is inside me telling me I have so much more in me than I am letting myself believe. I want to stop whatever it is that is making me scared of reaching my potential and stopping me from being the best I can be. I don't know what it is but what I know is that from this moment at 3:13a.m. it doesn't have power over me anymore. From this moment I'm not holding myself back anymore. I'm not going to worry about failure because failure is the farthest thing from my mind...determination is the second closest and right in front of that is a will and dedication that no one wants to mess with.
Tomorrow I move home and a week from Sunday I start my second semester at BYU-Idaho. I'm flipping the switch....this is it, this is my time, and I'm going to do this. I don't just have to do this...I NEED to do this, I WANT to do this with every fiber in my being and I have no idea why it took me this long to figure it out...Nothing is stopping me from this, not even myself. I'm facing this short break and new semester with a fresh start and a whole new attitude...I am going to accomplish what I set my mind to and I will not fail. I'm making myself strong, I'm making myself confident, I'm making myself proud, I'm making myself fierce, I'm making myself courageous, I'm making myself UNSTOPPABLE.

The Answer To My Prayers!!

All that I can say is this weekend changed my life and my view on this world. I went to Salt Lake City with a big group of friends with the hope of getting into a session of Conference. I didn't really think much of it except that it was a short break from homework and a chance for me to get away for a little bit. We all got ready to go not expecting what was coming our way...at least, I didn't expect what was coming MY way. After getting ready to go we left my apartment at around 5:30m on Friday. During the four hour drive I enjoyed the scenery and the company of crazy friends.

We arrived in Salt Lake City at around 10:00 and even though we were exhausted we stayed up until 2:00am. After 3&1/2 hours of sleep we got up at 5:30 so we could leave the house by 6:45 and get in the standby line with the hope of making it in to conference. Luckily being early birds paid off and we were almost at the beginning of the line! Patiently, we waited.

 

 Finally we got into the old Conference Center and waited some more. After I had fallen asleep on Maddie's shoulder  out of exhaustion we were called up to get our tickets! We made it in! Being sleepy was the last thing on all of our minds as we smiled ear to ear knowing that we were going to Conference! We literally skipped to the conference center in pure excitement and actually got pretty good seats! Once we were inside we sat there grinning and anxious for it to start.

 

 

During conference I listened while taking note on a little church handout because I forgot something to take notes in! Who does that?  Even though we were so ecstatic to be there, a couple of us,

including myself  dosed off a couple of times. Nevertheless the spirit was so strong and the talks we extremely powerful!! Afterwards we went back to the parking garage Which was free for Conference! and saw that one of our cars had been broken into. One of the windows was busted out and unfortunately my roommates wallet and laptop were stolen. What was amazing was that before we left she felt like it would be a good idea to put her drivers license and her debit card in her pocket instead of her wallet. what a blessing! After some tears, a police report, and a group hug, we all headed back to where we were staying for some much needed food and naps.

Sunday was the day where everything changed for me. I was in the car listening to the First talk of the Morning Session of Conference. Because of the garbage bag that was covering the windowless window we had to turn the radio up really loud but we didn't mind. As soon as President Dieter F. Uchtdorf was called to the stand I couldn't contain my excitement. It wasn't until his voice rang out loud and clear that I knew I needed to listen to every word. He began telling the story of a girl who he called "Jane" that had grown up in a really abusive situation. When she was 18 she found the church and was able to climb out of the darkness that had consumed her soul and her heart.She was doing amazing until a couple years later when it all of a sudden came back to haunt her. "Profound sadness and anger threatened to destroy the wonderful light she had found In the gospel."

 

My heart stopped. This is what happened to me a couple of weeks ago...this is what I've been praying to overcome...this talk is for me.

 

President Uchtdorf continued with his story. "She knew that if she allowed the darkness to consume her, her tormentor would have a final victory. After pondering therapy and medication Jane learned that healing comes when we move away from the darkness and walk towards the hope of a brighter light. She accepted and understood that darkness exists but not to dwell there because light also existed. She chose to dwell in the light. She resisted the darkness and held fast to the hope that with God's help she could be healed." He continued with saying "She chose to radiate the light and devote her life to helping others know their worth. This decision enabled her to leave the past behind and to step into a glorious bright future. She became a defender of the weak, the victimized, and the discouraged. She builds, strengthens, and inspires everyone around her. With the application of faith, hope, and charity she not only transformed her life but forever blessed the lives of many, many others."

 

I felt so full in that moment...I felt understood, I felt hope.

 

I was so happy that I fought back tears while sitting in the passenger seat of the car. My prayers and pleads to heavenly father for help had been answered. Just when I thought I couldn't receive any more answers than I already had, he then listed the 3 steps of stepping out of the past...out of the darkness.

 

1. START WHERE YOU ARE- We don't have to be perfect to obtain the blessings from our Heavenly Father. The heavens begin to part, and the blessings of heaven begin to distill upon us with the very first steps we take towards the light. The light will come.
2. TURN YOUR HEART TOWARDS THE LORD- Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling, acknowledge your short comings, pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with him in Christ's name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened that you may hear his voice, ask that your eyes may be opened that you may see his light.
3. WALK IN THE LIGHT- Heavenly Father desires that you will rise up and become the person that you were designed to be. Follow in the footsteps of Christ.

He ended his talk with this-  "The darkness will surely fade because it cannot exist in the presence of light. Gods light is real, it is available to all, it gives life to all things, it has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound, it can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the midst of despair it can illuminate the path before us and can lead us from the darkest night into the promise of a new dawn. This is the spirit of Jesus Christ which giveth light unto every man that cometh into the world."

 

 

Honestly, there are no words to explain how I felt that day while riding in the car with the noisy garbage bag flapping in the wind while it covered the broken window. Through the noise, the message rang out clear and I knew that Heavenly Father had just given me my much needed answer, he had just guided me to where I needed to go and told me how I could get there. I went to conference unprepared with no written down questions ready to go or anything, but Heavenly Father knew that I needed him so he came. He came when I was in the best position to listen and hear his voice. I am so thankful for that and that I have a loving Heavenly Father that hears and answers prayers. I feel so blessed to have prophets and apostles who Christ speaks through with the things that we need to hear and do to grow, endure, and become closer to him.

 

Sunday was a turning point for me in my life. I was given the knowledge to leave my past behind and to never return to it again. I was given the hope of knowing that I can use what happened to me years ago to help others and be a light to those that might need me through Christ and his light. What happened to me didn't take away my light but gave me the opportunity to make it shine brighter. Yes, I was lost in darkness years ago and it came back to threaten my light and yes I felt like I was being engulfed in the darkness but through Christ I was able to find my way again. Through one of his prophets I heard his voice speaking to me telling me to come to him and step into the light.

God is real and he lights every dark space and corner in our lives if we just let him in, run into his arms and let his light shine bright within us.

 

One things for sure...My light is never leaving me again, nor will I ever let something dim it our threaten to blow it out. Through Christ I have been made strong and it is through Christ that I will let my light so shine before the world. It is through him that I will use my hardships to help others and lift them up. NEVER doubt yourself, NEVER lose hope, NEVER stop enduring, NEVER give up on yourself, NEVER let your light dim or falter. Stand strong with the knowledge that you are sons and daughters of God and he will NEVER fail you or leave you in  darkness.