Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

I could also title this Faith, Family, and Friends...It's been a month of crazy busyness but also some moments of quiet contemplation and pondering.

So I am going to start from September-Yesterday. I absolutely loved the General Relief Society Broadcast. I loved that there were messages just for me. A few of them I will share...I was struggling with my feelings from being released as the RS Secretary in my ward. Sis. Beck said in her talk, you may be released from the auxiliary, but you are not released from Relief Society. That was just for ME! It is true...no matter what, I will always be a member of the largest world-wide women's organization. Then there was Sis. Allred's talk about the Temple. It touched me, inspired me, to go more often, and be more dedicated in my worship at the Temple. It's 8 minutes away-with traffic. What is my excuse???

The following weekend I flew up to Salt Lake for General Conference. I had tickets for Sat. Afternoon and Sun. Morning. I stayed at my grandparents in North Ogden. It was so great to see them and be with them, and listen to portions of Conference with them! Grandma is so "back to basics" soup from scratch, canning and drying fruits and veggies, practical advice, etc. Grandpa has a quick wit, great smile, and plants a beautiful garden (which I was able to take home some yummy veggies. This garden also has HUGE Pumpkins. I mean huge!!! Back to conference...Again, messages specifically for me. Worries and doubts I had, specifically addressed. I know we have prophets on the earth today that receive revelation from our Heavenly Father, and the messages they gave, were the messages that Heavenly Father has for us. And let's not forget the music...especially the Primary Children's Choir. They know! I wonder if I know and my conviction is as strong as theirs. I could feel it, their testimonies, their spirits, it brought tears to my eyes. Especially when they sang I Am a Child of God. It penetrated so deep, and yet its something I have sang all my life, it probably became trite. NO LONGER! It's true. We are children of God.

While I was in Utah I had lunch at Cafe Rio with my friend Cami (kinda funny huh...chuckle chuckle). She was so sweet to drive up with her sister in the rain and meet me in Salt Lake. Saturday night I visited with my Grandpa who is in an assisted living facility due to Alzheimer's. He knew who I was, but was kind of confused as to my profession, and which of his children I belong to. So good to see him. I also got to see my aunt and uncle and some of their children, and grandchildren. So fun!!! They are so cute and loving.

Sunday morning, more rain, but it was beautiful! After the morning session of conference the rain cleared and the sky was blue and the sun was out and you could see the snow capped mountains--absolutely breathtaking. Sunday afternoon, more time with grandparents, aunts and uncles. It was wonderful to sit down and talk and start watching conference together. Then I drove down to Provo and had dinner with Bekah and her roomies and some friends! Thanks Bekah, I had such a great time. I am so grateful for our friendship, and everything we share. Right before I got on the plane to head home, there was a beautiful sunset...the snow on the mts. looked pink and the trees were beautiful, you could see all of the different colors of autumn. Once in the plane and we ascended to whatever thousand feet...you could see the blue sky with all of the colors of the rainbow and then there was this bright star (actually I think it was a planet) and then one by one the stars all started appearing...I love this world that was created for us to live in. All things testify of their Creator, even Jesus Christ. Think about it...

Came back from Conference and had a cold. No fun!!! Especially since Tuesday we had a concert and Thursday I sang in another concert (almost lost my voice half way through the day). This was after I had a dream the night before that I got to the concert and apologized to the director that I couldn't sing because I lost my voice and I was so sad. So I was very worried. But my voice hung in there and I was able to sing...thanks to prayers said and prayers answered.

Also during that week, it marked the one year anniversary of my friend Tim being killed in a car accident. I miss him...his smile, his jokes, his spiritual nature. I am grateful for the memories I do have of him that include all of the previously mentioned and more. How is it, even knowing what I know, that death still hurts. Still leaves a sting, an emptiness. I can't even imagine what his family feels. Every day, every hour...Every now and then, I get to visit with them and I catch a glimpse...

Today-Now I am on fall break! It started off with a great fireside given by Greg Olsen (the LDS Artist) and President Craig. It made me reflect on my role in the "arts" and teaching the "arts". Since that is my profession. Lots of thought provoking questions and quotes. Then on Monday, after some routine chores and laundry, I drove to Flagstaff to hang out with Britney and Nephi and their cute daughter Skye. We watched TV, and a movie (Made of Honor), ate yummy food, went shopping. Just enjoyed the cooler weather, change of scenery,and more friendships. Came back on Wednesday, went to the classroom (yes on my break I went into my classroom) but only for two hours. I accomplished so much! Then I went to Institute. We were in Luke, and it was an amazing, spirit-filled evening. I learned sooo much. I know those of you reading this are wondering exactly what, but I think some things are too sacred to share, and like Mary, I am going to keep these things and ponder them in my heart. Yesterday I had lunch with a friend, so good to catch up with friends!!!! Then I took my friend's children to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua-definitely a kid flick. But I still enjoyed watching it and being with those kiddos-helps me get my "mommy" fix-ya know??! Today I went to the Temple. It was amazing. I had some time to sit and read the scriptures. I went feeling fear about the future and the economy and everything that is happening. I was reading in Helaman when I came to these verses in Chapter 12, "1 And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.
2 Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity." I know that Heavenly Father gives us what we need when we need it. I needed especially verse 1. I need to TRUST him more. Be more faithful and obedient. Then, I know, it will all work out for my good, the way the Lord intended, in His plan for me.

So here's to tomorrow...Saturday, the day before Sunday. With an increased desire to be obedient, to have meaningful prayer with Him, to TRUST Him. To earnestly prepare for the opportunity to worship Him on the Sabbath. To learn more about Him and how he speaks to me through the Holy Ghost. And I get to see Tricia, who I haven't seen since the Friday before break! Yes I am sooooo excited!