Monday, August 10, 2015

Six Years Down & Eternity to Go

A day of white, family, friends, the hot-blinding sun, flowers, pictures, smiles, laughs, tears of joy, hugs, good food (that we didn't really get to eat), the car wash, Adam getting put on probation from his job and most importantly, a covenant with The Lord. This describes our wedding day of six years ago. 

Now, after six years, we have lived in three states (Utah, Idaho and Indiana), lived in six different homes (three apartments, one duplex, two homes. One being my in-laws). Had three dogs, two mice, four gold fish, one demon cat and now one hedgehog. Not all of them were keepers but we had them for a short time. I've been pregnant twice and we've had two wonderful, handsome boys. Adam has had ten jobs, I've had five. We've been back to school just to drop out again. I've started cosmetology school but had to quit. 

While these are all just numbers, they all come with a story. Stories that Adam and I have made together. I feel so blessed to have taken such an adventure with my best friend. We have grown to love, understand and respect each other even more then before. We have had the laughed our hardest laughs and cried the most sorrowful tears. We have learned new skills together and gained new hobbies. 

Adam, I hope and pray that you know I love more and more all the time. You tell me that I am an example of patience and love. Know that you are an example to me, too. I love to listen to you teach on Sunday. It is a wonderful blessing to hear you bear witness of truth. Your testimony is beautiful and strong. Your willingness to teach others of the gospel, including coworkers is astonishing. Your courage to to defend our beliefs in a loving way is awe inspiring. I am so proud to be your wife. I am so happy to be the one that stood out to you. The one you fell in love with, even when you weren't expecting it. I know our boys will grow up to be courageous and pleasing in The Lord's eye and you are a big part of that truth. I love you, Adam. More then you may know or understand. Here's to eternity.     




Friday, August 7, 2015

90 Days

Recently, I finished reading The Book of Mormon. I did read it in 90 days. Which seemed daunting at first, but really is very doable. 

So, I mostly want to talk about my experience. But before I get into that, I must be honest. This was my first time reading The Book of Mormon all the way through. By myself. While I had read it several times growing up with my family. I had never succeeded in finishing on my own. Before I started, I would have been ashamed to admit this fact. But now, I'm only focusing on the good I have done. And that is, that I read it from beginning to end, on my own time. My own thought. My own initiation. 

Now, you may wonder 'Why?' Why did I decide to do this task. Well, at first, it was because of a lesson taught in relief society on The Book of Mormon. She had extra challenge cards from a previous lesson. Sitting there, I thought, 'I should do it'. So I picked up one of those cards on the way out and committed to myself and The Lord that I would complete this challenge. 

The more I thought about it through the day, I decided that I needed this. Not only would it be the right thing to do, but it would be beneficial to my soul. It would strengthen my testimony. And it did. 

My experience was special, because it was my own. Through out my reading I learned new things. I gained a new, higher level of respect for the prophets. Especially Abinadi. I don't know why, but reading his testimony that he bore to King Noah was the most powerful experience I had this time. His unwavering faith and testimony of our Lord touched my heart and bore witness to my spirit. 

While I may not have had a warm feeling overcome my soul and heart at the end, I did receive a sense of peace. When I finished reading that last verse, I could hardly believe that I had finished. At the age of 25 and growing up in the church, I had finally read The Book of Mormon all the way through. 

I began reading because I knew I should. I finished reading because I knew I had to, that I needed to finish. And because of it, I had spiritual experiences. My testimony is stronger. I have a sense of knowing for myself, that the words written in this sacred book are true. 

My testimony, my faith are some of most precious gifts in this life. Ones that I, like Abinadi, would die defending. I know others may not agree with this doctrine, but I will Never deny Jesus Christ. For that sin is not worth living for if it means living with the greatest regret I could imagine. 

I know my redemer lives. 
I know The Book of Mormon to be true. 
I know that President Monson is a true and living prophet. 
I know that Joseph Smith translated The Book of Mormon through the power and gifts of the Holy Ghost. 
I know my Savior loves me. 
I know that Jesus Christ will come again. 

With these words I leave you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.