Bread vs Stones

You must watch the video first so you have context of where this post is coming from. 

When I saw this video I thought about the times in my life when I've felt that I received stones instead of bread. It seems to me that those times come when those around you are receiving the bread you so desperately seek and you're told to wait... it's not your time yet. Or you're given a different type of bread altogether than you wanted. Especially when your desire for that particular bread is a genuinely righteous desire. 

An example in my life: being a wife and mother... or lack thereof. It's hard when it seems like everyone around you is getting married and having kids to not get impatient and jealous.

However I do firmly believe that God does have a plan for my life. He's in charge and He knows exactly what He's doing. And I'm constantly trying to remind myself that God's timetable extends into eternity. Therefore just because something doesn't happen now or in this life does NOT mean it won't ever happen. God keeps His promises. I know this. I've been promised I will be sealed to righteous man and take my place as a mother in a family. I don't know when this will happen, but I know it will happen. And when it does- I'm sure it's going to be so much better and so much harder than I ever could imagine. I can't wait!! 

P.S. You know how she talks about the "Plan A" and then "Plan K", etc. at the beginning of the video? That's totally me! If my life had gone according to my plan (created sometime in high school, or before) I'd have:

• gone to the University of Utah
• graduated in elementary education and become a kindergarten teacher
• met Prince Charming summer before my senior year of college
• gotten married to Prince Charming summer after graduating from college (I want to date at least a year before getting married... that hasn't changed over the years)
• been a teacher for a year and then gotten pregnant
• become a stay-at-home mom once I had my baby (I still hope to be a stay-at-home mom whenever/however I have kids)

Instead I:

• went to Westminster College
• majored in Psychology with dreams of becoming a therapist
• and am now serving a Service Mission instead of marriage and diapers ;)

And although it's a different life than I imagined, I know without a doubt I'm where I'm supposed to be; doing what I need to be doing. And it's turning out to be a great life so far. I got asked once in an elevator up at Snowbird if I was happy. I answered without hesitation, Yes! And I can still answer that same question with firm resolve- YES!! Life is hard, but it is good. 

The thing that kills me is- I'm only 22! I can't wait to see how unexpectedly different life continues to turn out in the coming years. Glad to know that Heavenly Father is actively involved and directing my life. I might not always understand His will and timing, but I know it's perfect. And I know He loves me. Therefore I can trust in His will and timing.

Temple Square

So there was a devotional held for all Church Service Missionaries that I attended on Sunday. It was held in the Tabernacle building downtown. It was a great devotional in which I left feeling uplifted and inspired. After the devotional I asked my mom (who came with me- thanks again Mom!) if it would be alright if we stopped by and saw the Christus. So that's exactly what we did...

Here's a picture of part of the mural that wraps around behind the Christus.
I thought it was so pretty.

He truly is the Savior and Redeemer of the World.
I could feel His love for me while I was there.

A Perfect Body

“A perfect body is not required to achieve a divine destiny. In fact, some of the sweetest spirits are housed in frail frames. Great spiritual strength is often developed by those with physical challenges precisely because they are challenged. Such individuals are entitled to all the blessings that God has in store for His faithful and obedient children.

“Eventually the time will come when each ‘spirit and … body shall be reunited again in … perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame’ (Alma 11:43). Then, thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can become perfected in Him.”

—Russell M. Nelson

Makai Kimber Johnston

"An adopted child isn’t an unloved child; rather, one that was loved so much by someone who was willing to sacrifice her greatest accomplishment so that child could have more than just her love.  Someone who is willing to break her own heart to mend others; someone who watches others tears of joy through her tears of sorrow.

By adopting a child and helping them reach their potential, they help us reach ours.  An adopted child is not an unwanted child; to the contrary.  They are a child who was searched for, prayed for, cried for, begged for; received by arms that ached, making empty hearts full." -Unknown

Makai Kimber Johnston.
So far, my favorite picture of her.

For those who may not know, my sister, Laura, and her husband adopted their daughter, Makai, a little over a year and a half ago. They had their 2 boys, Jaden & Camren, without any troubles. Then they tried for 5 years to get pregnant again with no success. Finally they were blessed to adopt this sweet girl who (I believe) was always meant to be in our family anyways. :)

You can read her story from my sister's blog here, here, here, and here. Seeing that the last time she posted, Makai was only a few months old and now she's 19 months old... I'd say it's time she updated. ;) Love ya Laura!

**So I had this post saved in drafts forever. I was planning on publishing the post on her birthday, March 1st. However, I accidentally prematurely pushed "publish" tonight. I know that even if I push "revert to draft" and then "publish" later, the post will be put here in this time/place and no one will see it. So I guess I'll just publish it now. Enjoy the randomness and cuteness of this little girl who's managed to wrap us all around her little finger.**

Oquirrh Mountain Temple + Some LDS Quotes

Made it to another temple on my "Temple Tour"! This time it was to the Oquirrh Mt. Temple (Hence the title of this post...) with my mom. It was beautiful and fun to remember back to the last time I'd been through this temple, which was the open house. It was just as beautiful as I remembered! I love going to the temple, especially with my mom. 

And to give this post a little more substance- here's some posts I found on Facebook that I love. Enjoy!

-Sister Ann M. Dibb

Butterfield Canyon

I really REALLY wanted to take a drive up the mountains to see the fall leaves. So Tuesday morning, my parents and I woke up early (so we would be done before my service mission at noon) and headed out to... you guessed it- Butterfield Canyon. It was exactly what I was looking for and a fantastic way to start out the day! I am in continual awe of how gorgeous this earth truly is. God sure knows what He's doing doesn't He?! 

We saw deer EVERYWHERE along the sides of the road. We also saw some wild turkey- however there's no photo evidence. You'll just have to take my word for it. (They really are ugly birds...) 

My personal favorite.

Love/Hate Relationship with Halloween

Love:

       -The tradition of Trick-or-Treating…as a kid

       -Decorating the house with my Mom
         -“Sounds of Halloween” tape (including: Ghostbusters,  Thriller, 
                 The Monster Mash, & Purple People Eater)

       -Carving Pumpkins

       -Carmel Apples

       -Holiday Traditions (My Aunt’s Costume Party)

       -Cute kid’s costumes

       -Ghostbuster’s –the movie

       -Beautiful fall weather

       -CANDY!!
         -Knowing Thannksgiving and CHRISTMAS are just around the corner

Hate:

       -Slutty costumes girls wear
        -Answering the door for Trick-or-Treaters… as an adult 
              (forget about a relaxing evening at home!)
      -The “Scary” aspect of Halloween (Haunted Houses, Movies, etc.)
              I HATE anything remotely scary!! I don’t get an adrenaline rush or 
              find  it fun… I have a heart attack instead.
      -SPIDERS everywhere!!! Hello- I’m an arachnophobic here!!