Woven

I've just spent over an hour chatting on Facebook to a dear, dear friend. The conversation has made me think about the idea that we are so intertwined. It reminds me of Elder Maynes words last weekend when he said something to the effect of "We are woven into stories that affect other people's lives, so we need to the Holy Ghost to guide us.". We can have a profound effect on those around us, sometimes without even realizing it.

I'm humbled to be reminded of that. I'm grateful for any part I can play in lifting someone up. I just try to live my life as best I can according to what I know is true.

I'm reminded again of one of my favorite quotes:

God is so, so good. I'm grateful to know he is aware of me and those I know. It helps me know he is aware of all of us. Like Nephi, I don't know the meaning of all things, but I do know that God loveth his children (1 Nephi 11:17)

HAPPY EASTER! 

Follow the example of our Savior and go out an do some good (weave your thread)! That is my plan.

Mind. Blown.

I feel like I've been learning a lot lately. I think maybe my heart is just in the right place. I can feel change ahead. Not only do I need it, I know it's there on the horizon. So, I've been turning to the Lord a LOT (a lot, a lot) to figure things out. I've learned to recognize these feelings, and it's best to figure things out. :)

Mind Blowing #1
In the last month I have definitely been taught (for the millionth time) a very important lesson:
The Lord Knows Each of Us and what we need.
There is nothing I am more sure of at this very moment in my life. It's a lesson I'm taught over and over again...I'm a little hard-headed sometimes...either that or I just let life drift me away from that truth sometimes.

It's too personal to detail on a public blog that anyone can stumble across, but I had an experience recently where I simultaneously felt chastised and comforted. I know for myself that my life is going EXACTLY as He planned. He has been and always will bless me. I need to stop assuming that he's delaying some blessings. He IS blessing me. He loves me. More than I can understand. And, He will fulfill all of the blessings he has promised.

Mind Blowing #2
I was recently an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I think this happens more than we know, but I'm grateful that this person let me know. It's humbling to be reminded that thoughts are often from a much greater source than my own "good ideas". 

Mind Blowing #3
Although I'd gladly give it up for a family, I am grateful to be able to attend some amazing conferences because I am single. It's a unique opportunity that I try to take advantage of at this stage in my life (especially since I know that the Lord wants me right here right now - see #1). 

This weekend I attended the Silicon Valley LDS Education Conference. I met some cool people, and I received many answers to my prayers. I learned so many amazing things. I wanted to document just a few here.

• Have "more faith than fear". We'll still have fear at times, we just need to rely on faith and have more of it than fear. - Elder Richard J. Maynes, Presidency of the 70
• We are woven into stories that affect other people's lives, so we need to the Holy Ghost to guide us. - Elder Maynes
• Remember, Remember that God loves broken things (dreams, hopes, righteous desires) - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

• Just hang on through the broken things because God can fix all things
• Broken clouds -> broken ground -> broken grain -> broken bread -> nourishes man
• Remember as long as you live that the 1st principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is FAITH - Elder Holland
• The Children of God are required, by covenant, to sacrifice - Elder Holland
• Don't flee your chance to make your sacrifice
• You get the sacrifice back; that's the meaning of resurrection/restoration
• You're stronger than you thought; you have seeds of divinity within you - Elder Holland
• Maybe the more you suffer, God loves you more than at any other time in your life - Elder Holland
• If we truly love God, why not bend to his loving care?
• Go to the Lord early & often; don't give your priorities mixed up; make certain things non-negotiable
• We must find joy in the journey no matter the potholes along the way
• You may be small, but that's a STRENGTH in the eyes of the Lord (like David & Goliath)
• Be World Class in all that you do
• Real forgiveness involves a deep understanding that there is evil in the world
• Sacrifice is what we give up, consecration is what we give (D&C 64:23)
• The Lord always answers our prayers, just not always in the way we think
• 2 Nephi 27:21 - The Lord can do his own work, it's our privilege to participate
• If you're intent on making something happen, you have to be a DOER
• Don't dwell on failures & spiral down. "fail quickly" - pick self up & carry on
• Don't wait for perfect. If you like it, go for it.

I promise that is just a few of the thoughts that touched me. :)

And I just wanted to share this video. This was one of the amazing speakers at the conference. He showed this video as part of his portion. I thought it was really fun, so I wanted to share. Happy Sunday!