Faith, Family, Facts and Fruits

Hello again!

For those of you who don't know, I've been blessed with the calling to teach the fourth Sunday of Relief Society. Better known as "Teachings of our times". It's generally pretty hard to extract a lesson from a ten minute conference talk, but I usually make it work.

Tomorrow I am teaching Relief Society, and my lesson is "Faith, Family, Facts and Fruits" by M. Russell Ballard. (If you would like to read my lesson, please click on the title of this post and it will redirect you to it.) Before I begin to tell you about my lesson, I need to tell you about my weekend.

I had a great Birthday (I'm 22!) on Wednesday, and took the last three days of the week off from work, so I had a pretty great week overall. My birthday was great, we had dinner at my parents, and had a lot of fun. I got lucky, because Jared had Wednesday and Thursday off of work too, so we had a lot of time to just play and be together. I will NEVER complain when we both have some time to just spend together. Dinner at my parents was a lot of fun, and the whole family was there. Thursday night, we went out to dinner with Grandma and Tyler, as well as Tyler's friend Haley and we had a ton of fun. There is never a lack of family with us, we are so greatful to have them, that we can't spend enough time with them. On Friday, Jared had to work which was a drag, but gave me some time to just be lazy and lay around. It was so nice! I've had a wonderful week, and am already looking forward to next weekend when I have a few more days off. :)

So tonight, as I settle in to study my lesson, I realized a few truly great things about my life. Not only my life, but how the church has impacted it. The talk discusses a few basic truths about our church that we should have on hand at a moments notice to share with people who are curious for the facts. Some of the truths that President Ballard suggests, really hit home to me. President Ballard says,

"• And there is also much focus on extended family, genealogy, and personal family history, providing young and old with a stronger sense of roots, identity, and belonging. The highest and most sacred ordinances of our faith relate to our families, both living and dead, and some of these ordinances take place in our temples. "

I love how he says that the focus provides young and old with a sense of roots, identity and belonging. There have been on very few occasions that I felt like I didn't belong. Most of which were a tendency to be frightened of a new situation or place... but very few times in my life have I felt like I don't belong. I am so incredibly greatful to the church for that. I have always had a great sense of self, and security. I've always known who I am and what my plan on this earth is. I am generally not insecure with myself, or confused as to which is the right path for me. And I really attribute that to this gosple.

Recently, our beloved Prophet President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away. I was extremely upset by his passing, without really understanding why it upset me so much. For as long as I can remember, President Hinckley has been watching out for ME. When he spoke, he spoke to ME. When he told me that I was wrong, he was telling ME. When he asked me to do something, or not to do something, he was talking to ME. It never even crossed my mind that he was talking to 11 million other people too. I just always knew that what he said was meant for me. There was a sense of security in his words, and I always felt his heart in his message. I never knew that someone I had never even met before could mean so much to me. Enough to make me change my ways, or alter my course in life. But he could, and did, teach me in the ways of the Lord. My life is stable and strong because of Heavenly Father's divine plan to have a prophet on the earth. How sad a world it would be if there were no one here to lead us and direct us to the everlasting tree of life. Oh how sad and full the great and spacious building would be. Thank goodness we have been blessed and enriched with God's love.

My point is, that Heavenly Father (with the help of many others, including my parents) has taught me who I am, and what I believe in. My life would never be the same without the security of the gosple. I could never thank him enough.

I also really enjoyed the part where President Ballard says,

"We should also remember that sometimes the best way to answer people’s interest can be by how we live, how we radiate the joy of the gospel in our lives, how we treat others, and how sincerely we follow the teachings of Christ. "

My heart swells with the intense truth of this statement. Countless times have I been exposed to someone who has learned a truth about our gosple by my actions, and the actions of other members around them. Andie was baptized because of the actions of the members she knew. And it's true, someone can not live off of the testimony and actions of another person, but it is a great way to begin a testimony of their own! How marvelous a work, that we don't even have to use our words to share our love of the Savior! How could we not be excited to do what is right if we know that our actions can dramatically effect somoeone elses life?! How blessed are we!

The saints who crossed the plains did it to avoid persecution. And yet today, in history classes across America, students are learning about the Mormons and how they crossed the plains. The example that they set all of those years ago, about defending their faith, has surpassed all time and persecution. If only they knew! And what about the first generation members who have 20 plus generations following in their footsteps? What if they knew? All it takes, is one simple action to change an entire planet. All we have to do is stand up and make a stand, a quiet, simple stand. The choice to be an example is almost harder than the example we set. Thank goodness for Heavenly Father's plan!

Someday I hope to be able to look back on my life and be happy with the things I have done. I'm so incredibly greatful for this gosple, and the light it brings to my life. I'm so greatful for my relationship with Heavenly Father, and for his guiding hand in my life. I can't express how much I love this gosple for what it brings to me on a daily basis. I am greatful for Jared and his unwavering faith in our eternal plan, and for the example he provides me to do what is right. I am especially thankful for my personal experiences, and the person that they are molding me to be. I will never be perfect, but I sure can try.

Please, read the lesson that I have attached. See what kind of personal meaning it will bring to you. I know the lesson is really about missionary work, but for some reason it meant something else to me. I hope you can find your personal mission in this life and that Heavenly Father guides you to the path of happiness.

Thank you all for all that you do in my life, and for the examples you set and the joy you bring me. I will be eternally greatful. Have a great Sunday!

Mrs. Understood

First of all, please don't send me emails or postings about how wrong you think I am about politics. I'm not putting this post up as a debate, or argument, I am just expressing my feelings about it. I understand that we may have different oppinions, and that's okay! :)

According to my daily Yahoo.com viewing, Senator Mitt Romney has now dropped out of the Presidential race.

Romney suspends presidential campaign -

I can't really, wholeheartedly, say that I was ever really a fan of Mitt Romney's but I was disappointed to hear that he was leaving the race. There were a few things that he and I didn't have in common, and a few that we did, but the uneasiness that came with the thought of an LDS President was offsetting to me.

I know that in my personal experience, people tend to take what I say about the church to heart, and apply it to the whole church in general. That is why we are so careful about our actions. For instance, I work with a girl who I get along with really well. One day, in conversation I mentioned that I didn't drink. No conversation about the church came up, we just continued to talk about whatever it was that we were discussing. A few days later, she was telling me about how a friend and she were talking and (due to the presidential candidates) the Mormons came up in conversation. She told her friend that Mormons don't drink. She told me later, that she knew that because I didn't drink. My point is, that millions of people all over this country, and the world, believe our examples.

Because of this phenomenon, that we believe as 'actions speak louder than words', my fear of an LDS President is unmistakeable. Wouldn't it be terrible if an entire country was led to believe that the LDS church was Pro-Choice? That's the exact opposite of what we believe. We believe that everyone has their free agency, but we do not, however, believe in abortion. I know, it's a touchy subject and I could have selected another, but that's what you get in a blog where I type from whim.

Now, I'm a little saddned at his suspension of candidacy. I guess that even though I wasn't totally thrilled with the idea of an LDS President, I liked the concept that someone from our faith was willing to step up an be a leader. That's unmistakable strength, and extremely exciting to see.

I recently thought that I knew which cnadidate I would vote for in the election. But just recently, I've heard a few things that have made me waiver in my decision. I was definitly a Huckabee fan, and am saddened that more people didn't like him. I think he would be a fabulous President. In any situation, I guess I need to do some more research on each candidate and decide who I really feel is capable of running this country right. I think in a few years, I'll run for President. Then again, on second thought, maybe not. I don't have tough enough skin to withstand then spotlight.

Hey, if any of you would consider running, I'll consider voting for you.

In my last fleeting comments, I would just like to say how important I fell it is to vote. If you aren't registered, you should be. Oh, and if you don't vote, don't complain to me or anyone else. If you don't choose, you lose! So, be a productive member of society and tell us what you think by making your voice heard at the polls.

And no, I'm not a member of any political party, and was not paid to tell you to vote. :)

Inspirations!

I was kind of inspired today on my drive home from work. The fog was really thick, which made the trees look really nice. I was inspired by them so I thought I would capture them and share them with all of you. I hope you find them enjoyable too!






This last one is one of my favorites. The way it tweeks around is so interesting. Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed the pictures!

President Gordon B. Hinckley

I have yet to post about our beloved Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley because I just can't seem to accept the fact that he's gone.

It's been almost a week, and yet, I still somehow think that someone will come out and say it's all a big joke and that President HInckley is alive, okay, and happy. I know that's not going to happen, but the thought of it keeps me from melting into a pile of tears whenever I think about it.

He was a good man. The best man. Not only A Prophet, but MY Prophet. He was the man who led and guided me through some of the hardest years of my life. Not to mention the absolutely amazing ones as well. For some reason, I never felt like any of the things he asked us to do or not to do felt like limitations. Had anyone else asked me, I would have felt trapped and rebellious. Not with this man.

I've been reading on everyone elses blogs what they felt about President Hinckley, and I totally agree. "You rock, President Hinckley!" I won't lie to you. I wasn't even the slightest bit happy when I heard that he had passed away. Everyone else seems to be so happy that he's with his wife and in such a lovely place, but I was just NOT happy. I cried my eyes out. I cried and cried until my eyelids were swollen so badly that I couldn't cry anymore. I never met him personally, but he certainly was loved. He could have been my grandpa for the way I cried. I didn't just cry that evening either, I cried the next day at work, and nearly everyday this week on my way home from work. At first I felt like Heavenly Father had taken him from me, and was angry. After a lot of thought, I realized that Heavenly Father isn't as mean as he seems and that he knows that we are in need of a fresh outlook and new leadership.

President Hinckley did what he was sent here to do.

Who knows, maybe his one and only task was to help raise me into the woman I am today. I doubt it was, but I sure do believe that Heavenly Father knew that I could handle it if President Hinckley left to go home.

How do I feel about the next upcoming presidency? I think it will be a wonderful change in pace. I think that this world needs all of the strong men that it can get as it comes to a close. Not to mention that Heavenly Father has divinely selected these men for this dispensation. Hooray for them who are able to do as the Lord asks, and help fulfill his promise. I pray for each of them, and bless them with my love, devotion, and support.

To President Hinckley I say, you won't be needing that cane anymore. I love you. Boy, do I love you. You will never be forgotten in my mind or heart, and you will continue to live through me and my example. I am saddened that I was never able to meet you here on earth. But you had better believe that I will find you in heaven, and thank you with all of the gratitude in my heart. You will be missed, but you will never be forgotten. And to Heavenly Father, I say, thank you for the time you gave us with him. Thank you for the undying love and compassion you show each of us on a daily basis, and thank you for the magnificent people that you place on this earth to lead and guide us. To you I will be forever indebted.

Before I go, I just want to comment on the actions of the youth in many states across the country, regarding President Hinckley's passing. If there was ever any question as to whether or not President Hinckley has touched the hearts of the youth and young adults of this church, they put an end to it. Please visit: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/thousands-of-youth-wear-sunday-best-to-honor-leader to read more. I'm so proud of their actions.

All my love,
Megan

Bothersome-ness!

Okay, so today I made a list of all of the things that were REALLY bothering me. You know, the things you think about on a daily basis, but you don't realize bother you so much. (Can you tell it was just ONE OF THOSE DAYS?) ;)

My list today, was especially annoying. 2/01 - Friday

1. There is this really pretty road that I take to work. It's really windey and curvey and when you get almost to the end, there is a stretch where there are big light poles nearly 30 ft. apart from eachother on both sides of the road. On Monday, I saw them and thought, "That's a pretty meat sight to look at, with the sun coming up in the center of the road!"

Today, I thought they looked like headstones for all of the abandoned cars that had slipped off of the roads and into the ditch. Now I don't appreciate them as much as I once did.

2. We were supposed to get like 7-11 inches of snow last night. I prayed, and prayed, and prayed some more that we would get a lot of it so that I could have a three day weekend. When I awoke this morning, there was only one inch on the ground! So unfair! It totally didn't help my attitude.

3. This bothers me every single time I wear these dumb pants! I now feel like I need to excercise. Not because I feel unhealthy, or because I don't think I look good, but because I HATE the way my courduroy pants sound when my thighs rub together.

4. I left my bottle of water at home today, and they only have these little half bottles of water here at work.

5. When my boss is out of the office and she leaves written instructions that only make sense to her.

6. Why do new cell phones only come with half a charge? Hello, I want to play with my new phone not plug it in and watch it charge.

Sorry everyone, I had one of those ultra-sensitive days and these were the things that made me even more crazy. I thought you might want to know them too. I'm done for now, I promise the next post will be more... promising.