How I was Raised

As I grew up, my parents had fairly high expectations of me. I was the youngest of three and my older siblings set a standard that my parents wanted me to follow. I remember watching my sibling grow up. I saw their failures and their successful moments. I saw how they reacted and how they changed.
They are my heroes.
They have helped me shape who I am and continue to help me understand the person I want to become still.

There was one standard that I remember watching my sister keep sacred to her.

It was respectful and appropriate language.

I remember her telling my mom an experience of her first year in high school where there were people cussing and talking about Mormons in a negative way. She stood up for what she believed in and I remember being in awe of her. How she could have so much courage, it was amazing.
Didn't she care what people thought of her?
Wasn't she scared that they would make fun of her?
I think that answer is yes for both questions, but standing up for her beliefs and standards was MORE important.


I had friend who cussed a lot in 5th grade. I wanted to be just like my sister, but I was really scared that this person would hate me and judge me for being different than everyone else. I thought I would lose a friend. (a 10 year old worries about those sort of things a lot!)

One day, she said a bad word and I just went for it.

Me- "Allison, would you mind not saying those kinds of words around me?"
Allison- "Huh?"
Me- "The bad words.... Can you not say them around me?"
Allison- "Oh, sure! I didn't know they bothered you?"
Me- "Uh, ya, they do. Thanks."

UTTER RELIEF!

Now not everyone reacted that way when I asked them, but Allison was my friend and she respected me and didn't use those words around me ever again. If ever she slipped and did, she would immediately apologize and move on.

I was taught at an early age that foul language is degrading and harmful to our spirits. We should always use clean and wholesome language that uplifts and edifies.

When we choose to stand up for our standards and our beliefs, we are showing that we value the opinion of the Lord more than the opinion of men.

I want to be like Hyrum Smith when the Lord told him, " Blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right."

I love the Lord.
I love his commandments and I WANT to obey them because I LOVE the Lord.

Been a while... Welcome back!

It's been a while my friends, but I am back and ready for a new adventure of life and happiness.

I have been through A LOT this summer.
There have been things that have tested the limits of my ability to forgive and forget.
I have learned that everyone deserves to be loved and cared for, no matter what they have done or what they believe. Everyone deserves to be forgiven and loved.
And that is my goal for the year. To show people that no matter their circumstance, no matter how far they feel they have fallen off the edge, they are still here, still deserving of every ounce of love and compassion that is out there.



Everyone has been through things that have changed their perspective, life, and hearts.I have been through the hardest test of life and still struggle with it DAILY. It never leaves me. But I chose to push through it and let the warm sun radiate my spirit because I can't let the gray clouds of doubt and fear seep in.
If they do, I am afraid that I will go back to who I was.
So, I will be happy. I will chose joy and smiles over sorrows and pity.
I will help others be happy and want to choose joy over their sorrows. I don't want anyone to feel the pain and sorrow that comes from mistakes and a PAST.

Thanks to a special friend of mine, this is what my answer has been to many of my questions.

Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen. (Alma 26:37)

In Sister Byers words, "it doesn't matter where we are physically, spiritually, or emotionally- no place is too far to not feel his love."

In Jeffrey R Holland's words, "the thought I heard many years ago that surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it."

I want to be more like the Savior and be merciful and show compassion because everyone deserves that. Because that is what I deserve.

I love my God. I love my faith. I love the mercy that comes from a Savior who knows EXACTLY what I am going through, each and every day.

Testimony

"You will have all kinds of trials to pass through. And it is quite necessary for you to be tried as it was for Abraham and other men of God; and God will feel after you, and He will take hold of you and wrench your very heart strings, and if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God." - President John Taylor

I have had many experiences this week that have pulled on my heartstrings.

It felt as though the Lord was telling me that I needed to struggle, I needed to go through hard things so I could, in a way, prove to him of my worthiness to achieve the Kingdom of God. 

He knew I could do it. He knew that I had the strength and the capability to overcome my obstacles.

But He also knew that I couldn't do it alone. 

He knew that I HAD to turn to Him and seek His power and grace. I know that I am going through hard things because He wants me to return and live with Him again.

He provided a way for me so that the pain and sorrow from my tender heartstrings wouldn't hurt as bad. He strengthened my back so that I was able to bear all that was placed on me. 

I will continue to be tried and tested. I will meet people who will make me doubt my worth and my potential. I will be confused and afraid.

But I can overcome. Through the power of the Atonement, I can do all things. 

I love this gospel more that life itself. I know my Father in Heaven loves me enough to place trials in my way to test my faith and my dependence on Him. I know I will hurt, but I also know that the happiness and joy will overcome it.

Day 21

Today I am grateful for the advice my mom gave to me today about the power of peace.

When we can find peace within ourselves, knowing that we are doing all that we can do, it is amazing the miracles that can come from it.

President Heber J. Grant described the Savior’s peace this way: “His peace will ease our suffering, bind up our broken hearts, blot out our hates, engender in our breasts a love of fellow men that will suffuse our souls with calm and happiness.”

When I choose to let go of all the pain that is weighing on my mind and my heart, I can then feel of the peace that has always been there for me.


I have learned that our Heavenly Father only wants to bless us. He only wants to help us in this journey called life.He leads us in the direction that He feels is best. (which most of the time is the best path for me) But He also takes into consideration the desires of our hearts. And He will give us those things based on our personal righteousness and obedience.


We all long for peace. Peace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life’s devastating trials and tragedies. The Lord’s answer to the Prophet Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail brings solace to the heart:

“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.”

Day 17

Today I am grateful for the testimonies of others.

In Relief Society today, we were talking about how each of us has seen God's love for us in our day to day lives. There were many different ways, whether it be the beautiful nature or our families or how He has helped us overcome our weaknesses. Then one girl said that she could see the evidence of God's love for her by all of the experiences the other girls shared. To be able to see how God has blessed the lives of others only increases the ability to see God's love in our own life.

You just have to have the right perspective.

Some people might feel as if God doesn't love them and He loves everyone else.

But that is not true.



God loves everyone.
Everyone deserves love.
I can honestly testify of God's love. He is always there for us and He cares about who we are and the type of people we become.

I believe it to be true with all of my heart.

SPIRIT

Ok I have been a serious slacker with blogging.....
probably will stay that way until midterms are over.....

On Tuesday, I was asked to speak in church the upcoming Sunday. I was so excited because I love giving talks, I just don't like writing them. I will admit that most of my talks throughout my youth were written by my mother, with a few contributions here and there. When I got to college, I was so scared to give a talk because I knew I wanted to write one all by myself, but I wanted my mom to look over it and help me. I needed her to help me because I wasn't confident with my own testimony and ability.

So tomorrow I give my talk, and I can say to you that it was written by me and only me.
I feel proud to say that.

I am nervous because I want people to listen to me and the time and effort I put into the talk.
But if I trust in the Spirit, I know that those who need to hear the things I have prepared will truly listen.

It is amazing how the Spirit works. Those who are ready and prepared to receive revelation and inspiration WILL receive it.

My mission taught me the importance of being worthy of the Spirit at ALL TIMES. Why?
You never know when there is someone that you need to talk to, or service that needs to be provided to someone in need, or a warning that you need to pay attention to. When you are worthy of the Spirit, you know that you will receive the revelation to act and to help. When you don't, then you miss out on opportunities and blessings that could help you grow closer to our Heavenly Father.

I always want to be worthy of the Spirit. He comforts, protects, and strengthens me and those around me.

I know that the Spirit is a part of the Godhead. A being with united purpose with our Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ.

I didn't actually need the batteries...

So I had an amazing experience today.
The sort of experience you read about in books or hear a general authority tell.
and I can call it my experience.

So here is how it starts.



My statistics class requires an iclicker for all the in class quizzes and such. I already had one, but I had to register it again online. When I got home, I saw that it was out of batteries. "Flip!" Now I had to remember to buy some Double A batteries after my D&C class the next day (which is quite difficult.... so many things to remember....).

So I go to class and when I leave, I make sure I leave through the other exit so I can head towards the Bookstore. I am just walking, minding my own business while trying to navigate the overpacked hallway, when I hear someone say "Emily?" I turn to see my friend who I haven't seen in a year. It feels weird to say that, but really I think it has been a year since I have seen her face to face.....

Anyway, we step off to the side to avoid the massive migration of people. We hug, we laugh, and we just talk. It was so wonderful. She started asking me a lot about Nauvoo. It made me so happy to talk about it. None of my roommates ask me about it so I never really get to talk about it and in a way, relive the experiences I had.

While I was describing to her all the things I did, I recalled a moment when I was watching the Stage Missionaries perform and I thought of my friend. I remember thinking that it would so cool if she came and did this the next summer. So I told her of my memory. When I said it, she was very excited and happy and she wanted to know more. So we meandered over to the bookstore continuing catching up and stuff.

We stood in line to buy the batteries..... let me just comment on the RIDICULOUS pricing BYU has. 5 dollars for a package of 4 batteries. Wow, just wow! Anyway..... After I bought them, we found some seats and sat down and just talked. We talked about missionaries, old roommates, friends, boys, majors, future plans, etc. Ya know, everything girls talk about. :)

Well, when we talked about future plans, she mentioned her consideration of performing in Disney World or Sea World, but she hadn't really decided. I told her the url address to find the audition information for Nauvoo and said that auditions are due sometime in November.... I kept telling her that her future was up to her. And I shared with her something that I learned while in Nauvoo.

The Lord takes into consideration our desires, what we want for our future. If those desires are righteous and in accordance with His plan for us, then He will make a way for us to achieve it. He doesn't throw out what we want. I told her that if she wanted to perform in Walt Disney World more than anything else, and the Lord thought it was okay, then she is going to be performing there.

I have no doubts that she will make the decision that is best for her, even if it isn't Nauvoo. But my side of the experience was amazing.

After we said goodbye, I called my mom for the day and told her of this experience. While I was telling her what happened, I got the chills, and I was outside in the heat. It was the "Whoa" chills sensation. You probably have no idea what that is, but it felt so good. I stopped and told my mom that I had the chills just by telling her the story.

When I made it home, I opened my batteries and tried to put them in only to find out that it required Triple A batteries, which I already had.

The Lord works in mysterious ways. No doubt about it.

Whatever decision she makes, it will be the one that God wants her to take. He will provide a way for her and I am confident she will do great, wherever she goes. And I can be grateful for the experience that I had that testified to me that God is grateful for my service to Him in Nauvoo and He knows that my testimony of my experience is strong.

A week.

So it has been a week.
A week since I left Nauvoo
A week since I entered Idaho
A week since I was released
A week since came back to reality.

Wow.

My mom asked me today what I missed most about Nauvoo. Was it the place? the people? the costume?(heavens no) the music?

Everything. Everything about Nauvoo. The whole ambiance. (except the costume.... most definitely not the costume!)

Lately I have been trying to keep up with some of my friends in Nauvoo, but I have to remember that they have families too! They are in homes that they have grown up in, with friends that have known almost their entire life. I just moved to a new home in good ole' Idaho. I don't know anyone. I am at least 5 hours away from anyone I know. It's hard.
But enough with the pitying.....

Being home, I have been able to spend so much time with my mom and dad. helping them move into their new home and exploring the farm country that surrounds us.
(seriously, we were stuck behind this big vehicle today- on a main road!)

Is this for real?







I have loved the experiences I have had.
In a week I will be back in Provo headed to school.
I can't wait to get back to business and work my butt off getting those rockin' grades!

Here's where most of my motivation is coming from.

Optimism in ALL things.

Here is just a peak at the summer I had.

 aw... look at these silly elders :)

 ummmm. ya. that's a sunset- brilliant huh?

 the woman who changed my life

 those super fun packed lunches from the Myers

 Meeting the actor who played Joseph Smith in the Nauvoo Pageant

 shaking Dallin H. Oaks' hand 4 times

 this place. so beautiful

 super fun teamsters

 bike rides through old Nauvoo

 my Mission President and his wife!

 spinning- but not the costume- bleh

 random dental hygiene parties

 wagon- everyday

 working with these talented stage performers

 flowers as big as my head!

look at that view! never gets old

These experiences.... will last forever. How can you not look at them and just fall in love?

I left my heart in Old Nauvoo!

I'm HOME

Well folks,
this is me! Emily Jex back from the beautiful city of Nauvoo!

It's amazing how different I can be in just 3 1/2 months.

I know so much more!

What else can I say except this:
I know that God lives. He loves us and is so mindful of us. His hand is in our lives and it's there for a reason. I know we cannot succeed in this life without Him and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Savior, our Redeemer, our Friend, our Brother, and our Advocate did the most unselfish thing. As one of my friends quoted "He lowered himself to the lowest point of human existence so we could be exalted to the highest state of immortality." He knows us so well because He knows EXACTLY what we have gone through.

I won't say it has been easy being back. I miss Nauvoo and all the busy-ness of the days. But one missionary shared that in order to understand Nauvoo and the saints who lived there, you need to leave it. Leave it all behind. I have just an idea of what the Saints left when they crossed the Mississippi. But they didn't do it alone.  I have gained a testimony of angels and their strong power. Elder Jeffery R. Holland said, "...in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near..." I know that angels are here right now, bearing us up in our day to day trials and afflictions. Not one trial goes overlooked or unknown to our Heavenly Father.

I know that not only were the pioneers protected by angels but they were led by a living prophet, Joseph Smith. He, being only 14 years old, prayed for an answer and received something much greater. The Father and His Son visited Joseph. Two Heavenly beings talked with a young boy and led him in the ways of righteousness.  Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. He restored the true and everlasting gospel and because of him I have the privilege of being a part of this true church. He sacrificed so much for this gospel. I will always remember what he suffered so we could have the fullness of the gospel in our lives today. Because of him, we have the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. It's pages only reaffirm the truth of the gospel. By reading its pages we can feel closer to our Savior and feel His love for us.

I had the experience of a lifetime. I wouldn't have had it any other way. The city beautiful is a part of my heart and soul. "Press on, Press on, ye saints of God" ("Though Deeping Trials") I know that this church is true. I wear it on my sleeve and live it conspicuously. I love my Heavenly Father and I love my Savior. I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that this church is the true and everlasting gospel brought forth in these latter days to help us return and live with our Father in Heaven again.
I invite those who do not know for themselves to read the Book of Mormon and ponder the challenge that Moroni leaves us the Moroni 10:3-5. Pray. Ask God if these things are true.
I bear my witness to you,
in the sacred name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.

Adios Amigos

My Farewell given in church today:


Early in his ministry, the Savior called his disciples to go forth and preach His word.  These were largely fishermen with little money.  They must have worried how they would provide for themselves and their families as they left to preach.  Calming their fears Jesus said, "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses…for the workman is worthy of his meat."

The Savior, nearing the end of His life, could again sense the fear growing in His disciples.  He reminded them, "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?  And they said, nothing."
We live in times of great uncertainty when the necessities of life seem harder to come by and where the burden of providing for our families seems heavier than in days past.  Although the road may be rough, when we walk with Him we need not worry for in Christ we lack nothing.

These words are printed beneath a painting of Christ and His disciples by artist Liz Lemon Swindle.  When I first saw it I was reminded of Elder Neil L. Andersen's message from this past conference:

"Can you imagine the scene of the eleven Apostles on the mountain near Galilee when the risen Lord came to them and said: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”? …Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

He then asked the question:  “All nations”? “All the world”? “Every creature”?

Then Elder Andersen answered his own question and quoted D&C 58:64  

 “The voice of warning shall be unto all people.” “For, verily, the sound must go forth … into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.”

Many of you will remember the words of President Monson from October 2012 General Conference
"As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21".

I was in my dorm kitchen watching the Saturday morning session of conference on a lap top with a few of my roommates when the change was announced.  For me, there has always been a desire to serve a mission and knowing that I would soon be turning 19   I started to seriously give place in my mind and heart to know how and when.

A few weeks later I was sitting in my band class when my director had a visitor come in to our room to speak with us about a musical opportunity in Nauvoo and anyone interested could send in a DVD of their audition.

As the days passed I couldn't get shake the feeling that I should send in a submission but with work and classes I couldn't find the time.   Days before it was due I scrambled to put something together and mailed it in with no expectation that it would even be considered.  An email came a week later notifying me that I was a finalist and that I would need to attend a live audition in Salt Lake City.

On January 5th I arrived early to the Joseph Smith Memorial building and made my way to the 10th floor.  As I was warming up my instrument I bent over to pull up my sagging tights and my nail ripped a hole in the right leg.  My first thought, "This must be bad luck".  Then someone came over to tell me that it was my turn.  My heart was pounding as I entered the room to see 4 Elderly brethren sitting down.  I happily introduced myself, smiled and used a little humor to help me feel less nervous and hoped they weren't looking at the hole in my tights.

After the auditions all the finalists were invited to stay for a special lunch and program.  At the very end the performing missionaries from previous years bore their testimonies and shared their experiences in Nauvoo.  It was at that moment when I felt the spirit witness to me and I knew that I wanted this opportunity…more than anything I've ever wanted before.

Two days later I received the call inviting me to serve with 16 other musicians as a Young Performing Missionary in Nauvoo.

“For, verily, the sound must go forth … into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.”

Alma understood this when he declared in Alma 29

O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth…

And then in D&C 29:4

…verily, I say unto you that ye are chosen out of the world to declare my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of a trump.

The first great sound of truth was declared by the Prophet Joseph:

“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
“… When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

This truth is celebrated again and again every time we sing the words…Oh How Lovely was the Morning

…and it is felt again and again in the hearts of those who visit the city of Nauvoo.

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit without a body of flesh and bones.        He is often referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter. He works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

As a personage of spirit, the Holy Ghost can be in only one place at a time, but His influence can be everywhere at the same time.

President Joseph Fielding Smith taught, “Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fiber and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten.”

Music has been called the universal language. It crosses boundaries of language and culture and communicates depths of feeling words rarely can.  It can invite the spirit of revelation and reflection.

In October 1974 President Kimball asked: “What is the greatest blessing that can come to man? The answer was given to John and Peter Whitmer:     … ‘And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father.’ (D&C 15:6.)”

President Kimball went on to say “If one labors all his days and brings save it be one soul! … One soul! How precious!  “Oh, that God would give us that kind of love for souls!”

Kendra  joined the church when she was 15.  She lived in Washington, the 6th of 7 girls.  Her father left their family when she was 7 years old and he has not seen them or talked to them since.  When in High School Kendra dated a young man who just happened to be a member of the church.  He introduced her to the missionaries and even after they stopped dating they remained friends and she continued taking the missionary discussions.   At first her mother would not let her get her baptized, thinking it was just a phase that her daughter was going through and she would eventually get over it.  Kendra continued seeing the missionaries and then approached her mother once again, asking if she could get baptized.  This time her mother consented.
Kendra is now 19.  She was my roommate at BYU this past year.  She once told me that no one else in her family has any interest in learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ but she did remember a time when she happened to overhear her mother talking with a few other ladies and telling them, "I know my daughter is a good girl and is making good choices…SHE IS GOING TO BYU!"

One of the things Kendra loves about the gospel is the warm and welcoming spirit of the members.  What a blessing it was for me to know and love her and be strengthened by her growing testimony.  How grateful I am for the missionaries who were instrumental in bringing her to a knowledge of the truth and helping her to feel the love of the Savior.

Traditionally, this time I have to speak to you today is called my "mission farewell" but it truly is a farewell…as we are moving in a few weeks.

I was 12 when we moved into this ward.  Sister Mathison was my first Young Women's president.
As I look out and see the familiar faces of those who greatly influenced me over these last seven years…and for whom I am most grateful

I now stand before you and testify that Jesus Christ lives.  This is His church upon the earth today and He continues to lead and direct it through a living prophet, President Monson.

Every day I feel the love and mercy of my Savior and I know that He forgives and makes it possible for us to hope and look forward to living again in His presence.

The Savior's love is real and it is available to everyone.  I especially feel this when I study and ponder the scriptures.   The Book of Mormon is the inspired word of God.  I know without any doubt that Joseph Smith translated this holy record by divine power and it is through him that the Lord restored His gospel again to the earth.

I have experienced the power of the Holy Ghost.  It is through the gift and influence of the Holy Ghost that I was guided and lead  to receive this special call to serve as a Young Performing Missionary in Nauvoo.
This special mission call presented me with the opportunity to enter the House of the Lord.  What a glorious experience to go into the Temple with my parents and my brother and sister near my side.  Each week in Nauvoo we will have the occasion to return to the Temple every Wednesday.

The Lord's plan is a plan of happiness.  It is a plan that provides laws and ordinances, that when followed and obeyed keep us on a course of progression that allows us to become more and more like Him and to experience great joy in this life.

I also know that in this life we will experience hard things.  Because the Savior also experienced hard things He is the perfect source to turn to for comfort and peace and the help to keep going.

One of the hardest things may be to share the message of the gospel with friends or neighbors.

You might remember this little story from an October 2000 conference talk:

Consider that you are invited to a friend’s house for breakfast. On the table you see a large pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice from which your host fills his glass. But he offers you none. Finally, you ask, “Could I have a glass of orange juice?”
He replies, “Oh, I am sorry. I was afraid you might not like orange juice, and I didn’t want to offend you by offering you something you didn’t desire.”

Maybe it's not quite exactly the same, but we have something even sweeter to share and we must accept the responsibility that is ours to share it.

I love my Savior.  He is my nearest and dearest friend.  It is my greatest privilege to serve Him and lend my musical talents to His work and the spreading of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help make ready the world for His great return as our Lord and King.

Who, What, When, Where, Why

I like it when I have the answers to everything, especially math problems!
But I am not supposed to have them all.

My dad is still out of work. Almost 6 months now and after many, many interviews, there is nada.
They tell him that he is one of the higher ranking candidates, but yet, he doesn't get it.
Why?

He has been interviewing for jobs from Washington to California to Ohio to Delaware and Maryland. But none have chosen this amazing man,
So, Where?

Every company has an idea of the type of person they want to hire, and most of the time, my dad has met those expectations.
Who do they want?

6 months.....
When is something going to happen?

What is the best thing for him and our family?

                                                                                                                                                                   

Ok, now, forget I said any of that.

It's not about the who, the what, the when, the why, or even the How.
It's about trusting in the Lord.
Staying humble so His spirit can provide inspiration and peace to our minds.

This isn't the first time my dad has lost his job. I wouldn't say we are used to it, but it is no new situation for us.

On Sunday, we had a little Hall meeting with all the girls in my building. Unfortunately, not a lot of girls came, so they missed out on some really great insights.

We watched Elder Holland's Mormon Message "Good things to Come".

We talked afterwards about how we need to stay patient at all times and humble so the Lord can always bless us.

I had this thought about a story I read and my mom always told it to me. In the story, it refers to God as being the 4th watch God.

Well what does that mean?

Well they would describe it as such. On a boat, they men would take turns staying awake and letting the others sleep.  These would be divided into what was called as "Watch's". They lasted about 3-4 hours. Well, on the boat, there was a terrible storm, and the men were so worried. They thought the Lord would come and save them right away, but alas, He did not. Each watch passed as slow as it could have possibly gone and right at the moment, when almost all hope was gone, in the 4th watch, the Lord came and rescued them.

My God is a 4th watch God. He will come. My family may still be stuck on the 1st watch, but there will always be a 4th watch, which means, He will ALWAYS come.

It is hard. It is painful to see how hard it is.
But it will pass.

Some of my FAVORITE places

Oqurrih Mountain Utah

Denver Colorado

Sacramento California

Los Angeles California

Manti Utah

Nauvoo Illinois

Oakland California

These are temples.  Homes to God. A place of worship and sacredness. 

I can't wait to go inside one day.

I think I've said this before....

I truly believe my mom is inspired every day to think about something and share it with me, on her blog, with her friends, etc... She searches for ways to increase her knowledge of spiritual things.  She finds quotes and talks that uplift and help guide the mind to think more about Christ and less about oneself.

She blogged a couple weeks ago with this quote and for some reason it hit me so hard.

"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which . . . you would be strongly tempted to worship. . . . There are no ordinary people." C.S. Lewis

We know that we are spiritual brothers and sisters.  We know that God created us in His own image and gave us unique and special gifts that help us become the people we are meant to be.  We know that we will become gods and goddesses.  But when you look at someone, do you think, wow, they are going to be a great ruler in this next life?

I know I haven't.  I look more on the style they have or the color of their eyes.  Sometimes I like what I see, but sometimes, I have criticisms.

Reading this quote, I want to go and tell everyone I see just how amazing they are.  They deserve to know how brilliant they are and can become.

I want to be told that. I want someone to come up to me and tell me that I am going to be an amazing goddess.

Every one is different, but everyone has something to offer.