And the Frost Took Up the Eyes

It's been a bit dreary here in Hawaii. In addition, my summer break is coming to an end. I have from tomorrow until next April to finish up my degree and continue my life in another place, at another school, and with a different set of people. I have had a great summer break and have been able to hang out with the most amazing people! I have learned so much from them and can only hope that our friendships will continue through this upcoming school year. I jumped off a rock yesterday - pretty radical on my part yet exhilarating - I'll probably be jumping off of more things more often. I had a great day at church today - I went to two meetings (my own and Rachel's) and I love that even though I listened to the same lessons, I had completely different thoughts, feelings, and impressions. Two things really struck me today as I was listening in the meetings. The first was the idea of God being in everything around me and how I am able to appreciate his presence in my everyday life. I believe that He is everywhere and in everything and, most importantly, that I can choose to see Him. Sometimes I get so consumed by the trivialities of my life and burdened by my trials that I choose not to see Him and decide to look for the bad, the ugly, and the unfortunate. Yet when I decide to move past my problems and outside of myself then I suddenly see Him again and feel guilty for overlooking Him. The Gospel Doctrine teacher then asked us how we know that there is a God and I really thought about my answer to this question. Of course, I know there is a God from reading the Book of Mormon and other scripture, attending church, and building a testimony of His love for me but how do I know. I know that there is a God because of the people around me. I believe that God answers our prayers and frequently uses the people in our lives to do so. Whether it be a new friend, a best friend, or just a kind smile from a stranger, I know that there are angels in my life. I can feel the love that God has for me through the people He has so purposefully put in my life.

The second idea that struck me today was the recognition of the freedom that comes from obedience. I know that a lot of times the rules the Church has for its members appear to be restrictive, but I know that they make me freer than the rules I would have set for myself if I did not have these inspired guidelines. I have seen how obedience has blessed me and given me so many opportunities to progress in my life. I also know that by obeying God I hand my life and trust over to the being who knows and can see all. I know that He can see much further than I can and I believe that as I do what is requested of me that I will be blessed with the ability to make the best decisions for me according to my own desires and those that God has for me as well. This Gospel never ceases to teach me something new and I believe in it with all my heart because I can feel the truth of it within my heart. I thought that I knew happiness before but even that small sliver of what I thought was joy is nothing compared to the delight that I feel in my heart each day I grow closer to Christ and God. While I was in church today I was filled with such a spirit that I needed to write it down so that I could refer back to it when my days are particularly tough and I need to remember that pure happiness can be achieved on this earth in this life. I wrote, "Remember how happy you are now. Never forget that your heart is so full of joy, hope, and the spirit that you feel like your heart is buzzing - it's electrifying! You feel o.k. You know that things will be alright as you stay close to your Heavenly Father. Remember that pure happiness can be achieved in this life and that it can happen to you. I want to be worthy of happiness and joy."

I love this Gospel and my life. I know that I am loved by those here with me and I aspire to show them the same love and compassion they offer me every single day. 

Calgary - Bon Iver

Michicant - Bon Iver

Perth - Bon Iver